Let’s talk about minimalism reminders today. These are reminders that can help you when you hit a slump or are unsure about your minimalist journey.
For people practicing a minimalist lifestyle, it can be very easy to get caught in the flurry of owning less. So much so that sometimes, it becomes necessary to take a pause, step back, and give yourself these gentle minimalism reminders to stay on the path.
Minimalism is a lifestyle. It has its ups and downs and moments. If you start this journey with an idea of perfection, then things will most likely not always go according to your plans. Hence, it is necessary to have a realistic approach, lest you face disappointments. That is where these reminders come in. They are for you to keep a level head, even when you feel that things aren’t going your way.
Learning Along The Way!
When I started my minimalism journey a couple of years back, it was mostly out of a necessity than a choice. I had to cut back on my possessions for moving to another country. But even after I was settled in the new country, I kept on following the lifestyle. I discovered that having fewer things to take care of was a liberating experience.
But things tend to accumulate if one is not careful.
We recently moved houses and I was amazed at the number of boxes we ended up with. During that time, I realized the importance of telling myself that this is okay. Minimalism is a habitual thing and I cannot reach perfection anytime.
That’s when I realized the necessity of these minimalism reminders which I am sharing with your today. I hope they help you as much as they have helped me.
Related Read: Check out this great post by my friend Jessalynn about Minimalism for More Time and Energy!
Every Person Has Their Unique Journey
I have said this before also. Minimalism looks different for each one of us. Some pursue it with the idea of owning less. While others do so to have only those things that are needed. For many people, minimalism is the ticket to having more mobility in their lives.
The reasons vary. Yet anyone can need some words of encouragement from time to time to stick to their goals.
That is why the points that we discuss here are so important to remember. Use them as and when you feel necessary in your life.
Minimalism Reminders
Minimalism is not just tied to material possessions. It is a way of life that can be practiced in every sphere. Having a goal in mind helps to make the transition easier. That being said, below are 5 minimalism reminders for when you practice this lifestyle
1. Patience is The Key
One of the biggest virtues of life is knowing how and when to be patient. Minimalism often brings us confusion and doubts. Perseverance allows us to have a clarity that is otherwise not possible in those doubtful moments.
While practicing minimalism, there will be times when you will hit a roadblock and want to give up. Have patience in those moments. Understand that things will not always progress at the same speed. There will be slower days- days when you will have to just wait out and see what comes next. Patience will help you counter any frustrations you feel and find solutions to the real problems.
“Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself.”
Saint Francis de Sales
2. Minimalism is a Conscious Habit
Like most things in our lives, minimalism is also a habit. You will not be able to become a minimalist overnight. Rather, you will have to make it a conscious choice every day. And just like habits, it will become easier with time.
But in the beginning, there will be days when you will feel like giving up. Maybe a discount at your favorite store will entice you. Or letting go of some things will seem very difficult. During those situations, you must remember that it is up to you. If you have a very clear goal in your mind, then making this choice will be possible.
3. You Need To Choose Your Battles Carefully
Quite early in my pursuit of minimalism, I learned that there were certain aspects of my life where less isn’t more. These were areas related to my hobbies. I love reading. The idea of limiting my supply of books just sounds painful. Even though I try to borrow more books from the library now, I am nowhere a minimalist in that area.
Makeup, on the other hand, is an area where I very easily became a minimalist.
So, knowing the areas of your life where you can or cannot be a minimalist is extremely crucial. Being self-disciplined can immensely help you in this regard. It will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
After all, forcing yourself to live with less can make you miserable if you are not aligned with the purpose.
4. Perfection Can Be Overrated
Expecting things to be perfect can often lead to disappointments. And let’s admit it, perfection is mostly unnecessary in this case.
So give up your expectations of having a Pinterest-perfect house all the time. Those look good in pictures only. Have a home and a life that defines you. There could be more mess than you imagined or an extra box of things. That’s absolutely fine. Just do not get yourself anxious over it.
Tailor your life as per your needs and relax a bit on that perfection parameter.
Related Read: In need of some decor inspiration? Check out these 10 Tips To Decorate A Minimalist Home by Mansi!
5. Your Goals Can Change
Constant change is a truth of life. The goals that you start with can change due to a variety of reasons. As you spend more time practicing minimalism, you may find some things that work for you while others that don’t. This can lead to rethinking your idea about a suitable minimalist lifestyle. Hence, a change of the initial goals.
Being flexible to the fact that nothing is set in stone can help you a lot. Learn to go with the flow and carve a befitting lifestyle along the way.
Peace.
Do you have any related experience or story to tell? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Love that! Perfection is overrated!
Thanks!