Why minimalism?

What is the point to minimalism? Quite simply, if you have felt overwhelmed by stuff in your life, or relationships, or social media, or, or, or...then you may need to minimize. What and how you go about it is as simple or as drastic as you choose to go.

Why think about it at Christmastime? Now is the perfect time! We are so stuff focused normally, but December seems to be racheted up by about 500% or so. Yesterday, we were getting out our Christmas decorations and one of the things I was reminded of is my need to minimize my nutcracker collection. Why do I need so many nutcrackers? Why did I get so many nutcrackers? I promise you, I didn’t wake up one day and say, “I think I’ll get a bunch of nutcrackers”. My grandparents had a couple, I thought they were cool, so I bought myself a couple when I got out on my own and since I don’t tell people what I want for Christmas (because I don’t want stuff), they got me nutcrackers. So that’s my project to do tonight! But how many ornaments do you hang on a tree? Lights? Decorations? Is it needed?

And really, that’s the question. Is it needed? The Minimalists talk about their question “Does it add value”. My question is, “Is it beneficial”? Junk drawers, all of the kitchen gadgets, books that take up space, clothes in your closet.....is it beneficial? Over time, we’ll explore these specific concepts in detail, but I want to start with the thought of it being beneficial. Food is beneficial. It’s necessary. But when we overindulge, we gain weight, need new clothes, so on and so forth. When we’re eating what is beneficial and good for our bodies, we feel good, are healthy and in balance. What about relationships? We can probably think about relationships that aren’t the most beneficial to us. Then why are we still involved in them? Or social media? Can it be beneficial? Of course! But how much? All of these questions can only be answered by you.

As you’re getting out the Christmas decorations or going through your house, ask yourself, “Is this beneficial”? If it is, great. If it isn’t, then maybe you start a box of things to donate or sell. You’ll be amazed at how freeing it is even starting with just a few things. And you’ll start to get a handle on the clutter in your house and your life!