Living With Less: What Minimalism Taught Me About Happiness

Remember that feeling when you're buried under a mountain of stuff, and each object seems to whisper a demand for your attention? Clothes spilling from closets, gadgets gathering dust in drawers, subscriptions you barely remember signing up for… I used to live like that. Constantly chasing the next purchase, believing thatthisnew thing would finally make me happy. Of course, it never did. The happiness was always fleeting, quickly replaced by the urge to buy something else. Sound familiar? It was exhausting! But then, slowly, I stumbled upon a different path – a journey towards owning less and, surprisingly, experiencingmorejoy.

The Unexpected Joy of Less

My journey started with a closet purge. Inspired by some online videos about capsule wardrobes, I decided to tackle the overflowing mess of clothes I rarely wore. It was surprisingly emotional! Each item felt like a mini-decision, a tiny representation of past choices and aspirations. But as I started letting go, a strange sense of lightness began to creep in. It wasn’t just about clearing physical space; it was about clearing mental space too.

I started asking myself some tough questions: Why was I buying these things? Was it to fill a void? To impress someone? To keep up with a trend? The answers weren’t always pretty, but they were illuminating.

This closet purge was just the beginning. I gradually started applying the same principles to other areas of my life – books, kitchen gadgets, even digital subscriptions. I realized I was clinging to so muchstuffout of habit and fear, not because it truly brought me value or joy.

How does simplifying your day reduce stress?

Think about it: more possessions equal more responsibility. More to clean, more to organize, more to worry about losing or breaking. Simplifying my belongings has directly translated into less stress in my daily life. Now, getting dressed in the morning is a breeze because I genuinely love everything in my closet. Cleaning is faster because there’s less clutter to navigate. And I spend less time searching for things because everything has a designated place. This newfound efficiency frees up mental energy that I can then direct towards more meaningful activities, like spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. The reduced decision fatigue is HUGE!

What are easy ways to live more mindfully?

For me, mindful living is about being present and intentional in each moment, rather than constantly rushing through life on autopilot. One easy way to cultivate mindfulness is through simple acts of decluttering. As you decide what to keep and what to let go of, pay attention to your feelings. What emotions arise when you hold a particular object? Does it bring you joy, or does it trigger feelings of guilt, obligation, or regret? This process can help you become more aware of your relationship with your possessions and, ultimately, more intentional about what you bring into your life.

Another way I practice mindful living is through a daily digital detox. I set aside specific times each day to disconnect from my phone and computer and engage in activities that nourish my soul, like reading, spending time in nature, or meditating. I also am careful about what information I’m consuming! Curating your feed helps keep the external noise to a minimum. This helps me stay grounded and present, rather than getting caught up in the endless stream of information and distractions that can so easily consume our attention. I’ve definitely noticed the mental clarity!

Is minimalism the same as simple living?

While both minimalism and simple living share a common goal of reducing clutter and simplifying life, they approach it from slightly different angles. Minimalism is often seen as a more radical approach, focused primarily on reducing possessions to the bare essentials. It’s about intentionally living with only the things that you truly need and value. Simple living, on the other hand, is a broader philosophy that encompasses a variety of lifestyle choices, such as reducing consumption, living more sustainably, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions.

For me, it’s less about adhering strictly to a label and more about finding a balance that works forme. I embrace the principles of both minimalism and simple living to create a life that is more intentional, meaningful, and fulfilling.

The biggest surprise of all? As I let go ofstuff, I gained so muchmore. More time, more energy, more mental clarity, and, yes, more happiness. I found myself investing in experiences rather than things – traveling to new places, taking up new hobbies, and deepening my relationships with loved ones.

The beauty of this journey is that it's completely personal. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's about finding what works for you, what brings you joy, and what helps you live a more fulfilling life. It’s a process of constant refinement and adjustment. And the benefits are immeasurable.

Why not start small? Maybe tackle that one drawer that's been bugging you, or unsubscribe from a newsletter you never read. Even a tiny step in the direction of less can lead to a world of greater happiness and freedom. It might feel strange at first, but trust me, the lightness is worth it. You might just surprise yourself with how much joy you discover in the process.