New to minimalism? If you desire to know more about the beginning of this lifestyle and its benefits, I am thrilled to share from my own experience how I fell deeply in love with it. There have been 3 principal moments that had an influence on my minimalistic life, here we go.
Moment 1
It all began with a backpacking trip in 2016. I had to choose what I would take with me for a 3-month journey and be prepared for all kinds of weather. I had to be conscious that it would be a weight on my back and I had to fit it all in a 30lt Osprey backpack that my sister kindly gave me as a gift for making this amazing journey alone.
I read a lot of blogs with tips on what to pack. I researched the weather in the different cities I was planning to visit, and based on that I chose each item according to the use I would give it. You can find the list of what I packed in my post: 4 essentials for a 3-month trip in Europe.
The most relevant findings that made me experience the benefits of minimalism were:
1. I discovered how I didn't need anything else.
2. I didn't buy anything because I knew I did not have space in my backpack.
3. I felt light and free. I easily moved to different places using any kind of transportation.
Moment 2
There was a second moment in my transformation to minimalism that I recall. I was living with my mom and I was passing through a difficult time internally... some call it the 30-year crisis. I was struggling but I intended to do something about it. I searched for good habits that boost happiness. And there was one thing I noticed always made me feel joyful. Probably a lot of people will disagree, but to me, this habit has an immediate positive effect.
Cleaning and ordering my space and getting rid of unnecessary things, AKA Decluttering.
It still gives me a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, and freedom. I started practicing it continuously due to the positive effect it had on me. And now it comes natural, I even feel the constant need to do it. And this does not apply only to your home, this also applies to your office space. Decluttering your office brings multiple benefits such as a higher level of focus and efficiency, brings positive energy, and stimulates creativity.
Moment 3
The third moment was an opportunity from my previous job. I remember my ex-boss’s pitch, "So, in this job, you will be traveling to a different call center location every 13 weeks and work on projects to improve the operation’s performance. Are you willing to leave your hometown and embrace this lifestyle?".
Me: "When can I start?" It was the perfect job, I needed a change, I had nothing to lose.
I didn't know about minimalism at that time but unconsciously I wanted to travel in the simplest way possible to avoid stress. I traveled with one carry-on bag for 3 years. And naturally, it became a lifestyle that I still have a lot to learn from.
But this time, the minimalism life lesson was not only about materials or possessions. The fact that I was away from my hometown for so long and constantly moving also resulted in decluttering some of my relationships. I kept those healthy friendships that really add value to my life, those people that I admire, and that I enjoy having around. And yes, I can count my true friends on one hand.
I choose less to improve my well-being. Minimalism can be practiced in many aspects such as materials, spaces, and relationships. But there is so much more to discover together, join me in this journey.
Do you find minimalism and practicing decluttering beneficial for you? Have you ever thought about minimalism as self-care before? I would love to read your comments below!
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