What does it mean to be minimalist? That’s a good question. I’d guess that many people who consider themselves minimalists would not consider me a minimalist. That’s okay. I know what being minimalist means to me.
Photo by Dan Erickson
I live in 1200 square-foot, 3-bedroom house. There’s stuff in every room. I have a two-car garage with an attached studio. I have a car and a small truck. There’s more than three sets of clothes and two pairs of shoes in my closet. I have debt. How can I call myself a minimalist?
Being Minimalist Is A Mindset
I used to feel like a phony when I called myself a minimalist. I’m over that. I used to struggle with the term minimalism as a lifestyle choice. I’m over that, too. Being minimalist is not a one-size-fits-all movement.
Being minimalist is knowing what you need. It’s knowing when you have enough. Being minimalist means that you refrain from buying things just because you want things. It’s being willing to let go of those things that are no longer useful to you. Being minimalist is personal to each person who believes in living simply.
Being Minimalist Is An Art As Much As A Lifestyle
I’m a musician. I still own more musical instruments than you might expect a minimalist to own. But that doesn’t really matter. I make use of each of those musical instruments.
I’m an artist. I take my own photographs, create slideshows, write books and songs, and do interior design. When I practice my art, I have an eye and ear for minimalism.
Being minimalist is more than living with less stuff. Being minimalist is seeing the world from a minimalist point of view. It’s using language that gets straight to the point. It’s playing music without showing off. Being minimalist is a choice to keep things simple. Being minimalist is perspective.
Photo by Dan Erickson
Don’t let anybody tell you exactly what it means to be minimalist. They don’t make the rules. There are no definitive rules. Don’t let yourself feel judged by those who snub their noses at you because you live in house that’s “too big,” or own “too many things.”
They don’t make the rules for your brand of minimalism. You do. There are certainly some core values that come with being minimalist. But you don’t have to be forced into a small box.
A Short Education On Minimalism
If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of being minimalist, I invite you to check out this slideshow:
Being Minimalist: a short education from Dan Erickson
Perhaps, minimalism can be a lifestyle, but it’s not a perfect lifestyle. There’s no one right way to practice minimalism. Find your version of minimalism and be proud to be minimalist.
