The quest to be a true minimalist will never end. The reason? Minimalism is very subjective. Try to think about it. How does the most minimalist person live? I’d say he would probably be naked with no house and car. Okay, that’s totally extreme. That guy will die within three days – either out of heat, cold or humiliation.
Let’s portray him better with clothes and footwear. Give him a pillow and a blanket to sleep. If he has a place to stay in, how does he eat? Does he have a microwave, a stove in his kitchen, or just a fridge? You see, even crafting this person is an impossible task.
Personal Reflections on Minimalism
Lately, I’ve been asking myself a lot whether I’m still a minimalist because I have many journals at the moment. The COVID-19 lockdown made me write a lot. They are mostly depressing thoughts, so the words are meant only for my journals. I’ve finished three notebooks just for daily personal journaling since the Movement Control Order started. As of now, I’ve ordered a few others to be ready once the current notebook I’m writing in runs out of pages.
The Guilt of Possession
To be honest, I feel bad and somewhat guilty. It feels like I can already take off the title from myself. It makes me relate to people who are already on their journey to simplify their lives, practising minimalism in certain aspects, but feeling ashamed to call themselves minimalists yet. There’s nothing wrong with that. But if not being a minimalist hinders you from proactively simplifying your life, I’m here to save and validate you. Here’s your badge (read, a trying minimalist), and welcome to the club.
My question is: If you don’t see yourself as a minimalist, does it make it even harder for you to practice minimalism? You know, if you’re waiting to get the title to start, let me tell you that nobody will ever give it. And if you never really start, obviously, a simple life is not going to happen to you. Moreover, for those who are minimalists at heart, the title is not even necessary.
A Lifelong Journey
The other reason you cannot be a true minimalist is that it’s a lifelong journey. You will never reach a point where you settle. As an evolving person, your needs will change. Your situation will change, so your possessions will change too. So, stop overthinking about it. Know your priority, get rid of the unimportant, clean your space and declutter every now and then. Think carefully before you bring anything home.
Don’t worry about trying to be a minimalist; just be honest with yourself about the things you need in order to live optimally, and practise minimalism. Stay minimal. Stay optimal.
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