My Minimalist Life
It's been a crazy 10 days due to work and social life, but I am back to writing...
I began my journey into minimalism in 2017, when I was still married to the ex. I remember somehow stumbling into the topic of minimalism, and then finding the blogs of The Minimalists, Joshua Becker, and Leo Babauta. I read their blog posts voraciously. Later on, I discovered Courtney Carver, and Fumio Sasaki, whose book Goodbye Things is one that I read at least once per year.
I began decluttering my things, and then the ex’s things. I realise now that decluttering was something I really enjoyed doing, that gave me a semblance of control in a marriage that was totally out of control. It gave me peace, and it somehow made him happy, too.
When I moved out of the ex’s house in late-2018, I made two trips in my little white Viva to transport my stuff to my parents’ home. Knowing that I could do that without much hassle really made me feel happy and proud of myself, in the midst of all the chaos and pain.
I decluttered further, and when I moved out of my parents’ home again to a room I was renting, I could fit everything into my car (meaning, only one trip necessary). I practically lived out of my suitcase for one year, because I knew I would not be staying there for very long.
Fast forward to 2021: I was a first-time homeowner, and I was moving into my own apartment! The pandemic and the subsequent MCO (movement control order) set by the government did not faze me. Once again it took me just one trip in my car to move everything. Then I began buying my first furniture and decorating my home, starting afresh in a city I had never really visited and definitely never lived in.
Today, 2023 marks my sixth year of being a minimalist. I have gotten rid of the superfluous, and even removed myself from toxic relationships. I am very thankful that I came across minimalism because it has helped me in many, many ways.
What are the benefits of minimalism for me?
Capacity & Space
I have the capacity to focus on the things that are most valuable to me, such as my mental and emotional health, my relationships with family and friends, my hobbies, and my ministry. This is because I do not have inessential things cluttering up my home, my life, and my vision.
Related to point (a): I have the ability to spend quality time with my loved ones, without feeling the need to rush my meals/conversations with them. This is something I really value.
My apartment is not big, but it gives off the impression that there is a lot of space, precisely because I do not have much furniture. I appreciate all the space that I have!
Related to point (b): My home is easy to clean because I do not have unnecessary furniture that would otherwise make it difficult. Most things are off the ground (such as my TV and my Internet modem, both of which are fixed onto the wall), and if they are situated on the ground, they are pretty easy to move around. Even my couch and bed are not difficult to relocate for cleaning purposes.
Finances. I am not a wealthy person, but because I am minimalist, I do not need wealth to live a happy, comfortable, peaceful life. I earn enough to be able to pay off my bills every month, save for my retirement days, and enjoy my time with my all my loved ones. I may not be able to take jet-setting trips as often as I used to, but I am contented and thankful. I do not need to buy unnecessary things to fill up my heart.
Freedom. I am free! Free from being in the comparison game, because I have reduced my social media usage. Free from the expectations of other people. Free to do what I want to do, when I want to do it. Of course, I have two jobs (one full-time job, the other a side gig), but somehow I still have time to spend with my loved ones, and indulge in my hobbies.
To say that I am grateful would be quite an understatement. I don’t think I could ever go back to being a non-minimalist. My life is all the richer now because I have decided not to prioritise material things.
