Intentional Living: MINIMALISM vs. ESSENTIALISM Explained 

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I don’t worry about any labels. I have a hugely simplified home, I have reduced digital clutter, toxic relationships and have a streamlined financial life. I have time to focus on my health, family and friends, traveling and being generous to others. No labels, except I am happy and content.

Seriously? In a world with so many important issues to sort out, they are worried about what they think minimalism should be?! 😕 Thank you for your time and effort to make these videos 🤗 We shouldn't have to explain ourselves to strangers. If it's not beautiful or useful, get rid of it. Simple as that ❤

Essentialist or minimalist… ? who cares! You are just the perfect contribution to my life every time you post a video. 🌷 Have a wonderful week, Benita!

People are ridiculous to think we are one thing and one thing only. That’s why I don’t like saying “I am” but say “I practice” instead. We are so much more than a label.❤️

That’s exactly how I try to live, intentionally with fewer belongings. Well said Benita.

I think everyone has their own journey when they take a minimalism path. I've made leaps and bounds on my journey and still looking forward to more . I'm with you Benita you said it beautifully "What matters is that you're happy with your life, your home and the people around you"❤

I don't know why labels are so important to some people. We watch you because we appreciate your simple and intentional approach to life and living. It is very hard to edit and organize stuff and your videos give us a road map on how to do this. It is one thing to simply show your environment one video after another and quite another to give us (the viewer) tips and tricks on how to get there if that's what we seek. You share the latter with us beautifully and I applaud you for that.

Benita brushing her cat’s face with the tooth brush is the most adorable thing ❤ awesome video as always 😊 your videos put me at ease everytime. Take care!

I lived as a minimalist for decades and it was wonderful. I live now in my atelier and have many art supplies all around me and my life is all about creativity. I want to live where I work instead of having a studio and now I am essentialist. I choose very well and the focus on energy and while there are objects around me now, it inspires me and has order which puts my mind at ease. Thank you for this share. Wonderful.

Some believe that minimalism means getting rid of virtually everything! Not true. I love how you have arranged your new home and it looks comfy and spacious without clutter but with the things you need,use and love!

I call my life curated. And it ebbs and flows with where I am at in my life. Love your vlogs!

These topics are great for discussion, but… “♥️What matters is that you’re happy with your life, your home and the people around you.” That part, yeah😉👍🏾

Even the scenes outside of your home makes me feel calm, cool and grateful.

Living intentionally, living with less, enjoying the things and experiences that matter. That makes sense to me. The label isn't important. Thank you for your videos -- they are wonderful!

Dear Benita, I have seen the type comments that you mention receiving. I think these people are ridiculous with their insistence on following what THEY think is THE very definition of minimalism. They are very rigid in their thinking. I always think that these people are the type to follow every popular trend, whether in lifestyle, food, wardrobe, even the type vehicle they might drive. I’m too old to be bothered by these kinds of people now. I started out liking what I was seeing as minimalism…..the loose concept of it, because my excess stuff was causing stress in my life. But I quickly became disenchanted with the “moralists”. As things have worked out, I have dropped any strict description of what I was working toward in my own life. I have simplified my life in many ways and it suits me….maybe not anyone else at all. And that’s ok. I would listen to you every week because I like people in general and you are very likable to me. What I like about other people are our differences. When I first found you I liked you allowing us into your journey. Then when I learned that you are in Stockholm, I was thrilled. My ex husband was in the US military and we moved around a good bit. Sweden was and remains my favorite assignment. I have said ever since then that Stockholm is the only city in the world I would voluntarily live in. Please keep allowing us to follow your journey only to the extent that it works for you. Hej da.

I am glad you addressed this issue. We have too many debates on minimalists, maximalists, frugalists, essentialists and what not😂 . I feel its not wise to label anything as life and human nature is more complex than simple labels. I just came back from Stockholm this summer and I loved ferry hopping and the slower pace of life.

Well said , no one has to explain their choices. especially when your choices have given you a happy , contented and intentional life , who needs more than that

I am no into labels or trying to live up to someone else’s definitions. I just live life my way. I enjoy your videos. 🌸

Wow! I really enjoyed this video. I especially enjoyed the bit near the end where you talk about the 95% of your life that we don't see where your not "looking out windows" and "slowly walking through your apartment." Made me chuckle. Helps put things in better perspective. Right before that I was commenting to myself how much I enjoy the way you film things and the angles you choose. Is that something you learned or just acquired?

Dear Benita! The last sentence you spoke out is so true and I had that on my mind all the time watching your video! It doesn’t matter what one is following, the most important point is to be happy!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!🤗😌cheers from Iris from southwest Germany!☺️🤩🤗

My goodness, those that have to label, or contradict your way of living Benita, clearly need something else IN their lives… I love your videos, your home and the space you have around you, I feel I can breath in deeply when watching your lifestyle xxx

Liebe Benita, für mich bist du ganz klar ein Minimalist. 😊🌼

Thank you for your videos and advices, whatever team in "ism" you belong to, you bring daily grace, calm, and spirit. Take good care of yourself.

Well said and well presented. You are perfect just as you are, rock on! Hugs to Bonus 🐈‍⬛ who is perfect just as he is too!

I call myself a MEnimalist because I don’t indiscriminately apply all the concepts of a minimalism to myself. I do pick and choose ideas that make my life happy and authentic. I don’t believe that number of possessions or labels define a person.

I love the pretty bouquet of wild flowers, the museum shots..and of course, your sweet cat. Your videos are so pleasing to watch Benita. What I like are visually clean and beautiful spaces, so i guess essentially, I am a minimalist too.

I read a quote in a museum today : “If you can label something, you can negate it”, so maybe the fewer labels, the better :)

❤Thank you. The move of videos to once every other week has me turning on the alert for the first time. I don’t want to miss your thoughtful 9:01 updates. Quality not quantity. Thank you.

I love your minimalist aesthetic! I’m definitely more of a maximalist but keep things like furniture lines minimalist. I don’t like fussy but I like lots of plants, books, artwork. Seems there are degrees of everything. ❤️ I also appreciate your gorgeous videos of you gliding across the room! 😆

As always, Benita, when you touch upon the comments you get, I admire your perspective. When I hear what other people of these two movements or phiolosophies point out to you, how "you are not this" or "you have too much of that" it makes me wonder that it's ironic that, considering the basics you pointed out in this video, they find space and time in themselves to not only disagree but also to type it down. As if it's essential to them to let you know of what they think of you or at the mininimum they need to let everyone else know how pure or right they are. I'm grateful for your relentless repetition of how you don't care what they think of you and taking their comments as a starting point to your piece of content. Thank you.

I like the way your apartment looks like and that you do not have clutter Benita. You inspire me at least to look that direction. You are very inspirational.

I agree with you Benita Essentialism sounds very grand.I am still reducing what I have in my home, having less clutter does bring me peace.

Great video!! Life is a journey and being a minimalist is about that. It is not a destination. I have been working on having less and enjoying my life more. Less clutter brings peace of mind. Thanks again for continuing to be a source of inspiration for me.

Hi Benita, I would definitely classify your aesthetic as minimalist, you don’t have many possessions. Some people define minimalism as having no furniture, one outfit, etc. I think that is extreme.

I don't class myself as a minimalist but having minimalist intentions has made my life and mind less cluttered and more focussed. Your videos have helped me achieve this. You don't have to have a label. Just keep doing what you're doing x

I’ve been reading about this subject. In western culture, we’ve been taught that labels, definitions, particular verbal descriptions, categories, and comparisons between things are important. We even go out in the forest and start mentally labeling the species of trees and plants and birds we find. When we come upon something we have never seen before, we try to describe it, decide what it might be similar to, and vow to go home and look it up so we can give it a proper name. It’s even better if we find the Latin name. We can properly place it in our mental categories. Contrast this with the culture of Zen, for example, which focuses almost entirely on the emotions that any event or object conveys to us. Who wants to describe in words the exquisite experience of peace, of melancholy, of beauty? Words miss the point. A formal tea ceremony is just measuring tea, boiling water and drinking tea, yet these words are nothing like the experience. We might do well to stop putting names on everything and just search for the fulfillment of our emotions. It seems unproductive to quibble about whether you are a minimalist or an essentialist. Silly labels. This obsession with definitions and labels is unbalanced. I’m trying to quit this mindset but it is hard. Our culture has indoctrinated us pretty strongly.

I'm probably about 75% essentialist and 25% minimalist. I have things around me that make me happy but still much more than I absolutely need. I am finally paring those things down and giving to people I know can use and appreciate them. I find your videos inspiring and calming and I thank you for posting them.

Agree that you are "minimalist" in lifestyle and design style. And it fits your calm personality. I am definitely not minimal but I strive to make the most out of a small 1 bedroom condo. A small space means a small carbon footprint, lower taxes and lower costs. No garage means that all the things that other people keep in a garage, I need to store those things in the trunk of my car, including a pair of lawn chairs for outdoor concerts. (Because of arthritis, I am unable to sit on the ground or floor.) I wonder about "essentialism". When I list things that are essential to my life they are: Sleep and personal hygiene (including candle-light Epsom salt baths) Food (up to 12 for sit-down dinner, healthy cooking, winter pantry storage space) Clothing (storage, laundry, sewing) Personal finances (bills, investments, correspondence) Music (listening, practicing several, playing instruments with friends) Friends and Family (food and entertainment) Art (Acrylics, watercolor, collections) My challenge is to put as much as possible away while creating a "path of least resistance" to the equipment I want to use most often. For example, instruments sitting out will get practiced most and stay closer to tuned. Bills that stay out until they are paid are more likely to get paid sooner. A stocked refrigerator increases openness to last minute entertaining. Art supplies seem to work well stored as kits in a drawer or a tote. The supplies can be quickly stored but sometimes a project must remain out to dry. My aesthetic won't work for everyone as it can feel overwhelming for some. My "decor " is light neutral with dark wood for contrast. That background is the setting for artworks, music, cooking aromas or essential oils, friends and a colorful clothing style. Because my style is in constant danger of overwhelm, I feel inspired by your channel for your ideas on minimizing visual noise and doing more with less. I declutter almost every day and at 65 I am trying to balance living my life to the fullest with leaving an uncomplicated legacy for my family when I am gone (as in Swedish Death Cleaning).

I call myself an essentialist. Its a natural evolution step from minimalist. I started minimalism 8 yrs ago, it will lead to essentialism. Its natural. Yes, it proceeds from the minimal point. Essentialism is its end game. It has to, because the practice of reduction of items becomes a mindset that the mind then deeply understands is an action to just what is important. Minimalism is just practice, essentialism is the true course.

Everyone sees minimalist differently. I call myself a minimalist because I only have what I use. If I no longer use it , or it doesn’t have a permanent home then I donate it. I’ve been a minimalist for 6 years and it is an ongoing journey. My home is now visitor ready all the time.

You are brilliant. I love your humour! 😁 Thank you for brightening my day with another fab video!

Beautiful video loved it & I agree we don’t need to be labeled! We aren’t a package 📦 love how you spoil 🐈‍⬛ This gave me so much joy to watch Thanks ❤

'It doesn't really matter does it.' Too true Benita.

I couldn’t agree more with you Benita, it doesn’t matter which one as long as you are happy with the way you live and you are a good person to others that matter to you. These people trying to tell you what you are are ridiculous.

Great video, as always. I agree that spending too much time worrying about how to label oneself is a waste of that time. Being happy with who you are, regardless of the label, is the most important thing. Both Minimalism and Essentialism are nor absolutes but continuums. Where you fit on the continuum probably varies at different stages of your life. I am heading to a more Minimal lifestyle as I age. I am trying to set things up so that things will be easier when I am less physically able.

Gliding in slow mo through your beautiful apartment (no matter if it’s in this new one or your old one) is one of my favorite parts in your videos!!! 😂 I definitely have always considered you as a minimalist but don’t worry about what others say since it doesn’t matter anyway - Your lifestyle has been such an inspiration to me and will always continue to be ❤

Kinda disappointed to hear you don't glide in slo-mo around your apartment 24/7....#lifegoals 😉 🤣 I'm all for the practical and effective approach, without sweating the Big Stuff! I also think the intentionality focus is a most useful part of both approaches. Whatever it gets labelled, the wider discussion of the consequences of overconsumption, and alternative ideas of living seem important during another 🌡️🔥 Northern Hemisphere summer 🌼

Everyone has a different interpretation what minimalism for him/her means. It is not about the numbers, but the way how you feel happy and content in your home. People can be so annoying. When you have 6 spoons when you live alone then you have too much spoons. 🙄 You are clearly happy in and content with your home. That mean you did a great job for yourself. Don't let other people tell you that it is not good enough. Irma from the Netherlands

Each minimalist is one in their own right. Some have less and some use more but can still be a minimalist. Don't acknowledge those that cannot be happy for you.

No one should conform to a label created by society. I believe it is about traveling a life journey that makes you feel calm and appreciative of what you have. You have a beautiful life!

Love this video Benita, I always find you very calming and relaxing to watch. Some people like to judge or label a person instead of accepting we are all different, all that matters is that we treat each other with love and respect and are happy with ourselves. Looking forward to your next video.

I don't see myself as a minimalist because I just have too much stuff for my liking. But I have been sorting out rigorously for 2-3 years now and then. I only keep what gives me pleasure or is used. I'm currently clearing out a little more because I'm planning a move and the fewer packages I have, the better. In everyday life, it is simply important to me that everything has its place and that it is tidy.

8:10 😊 your sincerity is gorgeous. thanks for keeping it real benita ❤ enjoy

Hello Benita, I'm so glad that thanks to your inspiration I've become an essentialist and my life is so peaceful and fulfilled with things that matter. Have a nice week.

beautiful as always and your last comments were so perfect and human. these lovely videos are a curated snapshot, not your entire being. I don't know why social media with all the wonderful qualities has also engendered extreme negative and critical commentary on another's life. as you and other posters said, labels don't matter. what you put out in the world is so beautiful and we are grateful to you for sharing your perspective, eye, honesty and grace.

Great video! It’s not about the labels, its about simplifying life for me. Thanks for sharing.

I'm a recovering maximalist. I watch shows on minmalism to help keep me in check. Thanks for creating your content on youtube

Ok…whatever!! Can you hear my eye roll?? Why do you need a label? And why oh why are people such experts on others choices? Jeez.. you videos are gorgeous, aspirational and interesting. Your lifestyle suits you and shows an effortlessness that is beyond! Pick a title… call yourself a giraffe for all I care… I just love this channel and you showing us a peek into how you live so beautifully and the charm of another country. This is my dream apartment! And your “less is more” attitude is what makes my insides smile. Do you.., and others can just RELAX AND ENJOY THE VIDEOS! Hallelujah and amen.

I've been so busy lately and finally had time to watch your video, they are always a treat and bring about a sense of calm - for me, anyway🥰 Thanks for inspiring me to focus on the things that matter!

Benita, I always admire Your honesty, Your own philosophy and taste and not putting yourself in a box. Thank you for Your inspiring videos!

thank you for this - I think I am still working towards a minimalist life - in spite of having 90% less stuff than anyone I know, it still feels heavy.

I do love your videos Benita they are so calming and I always get loads of ideas and inspiration from them. Your apartment has really taken shape and looking so lovely and calming. Thank you :)

First time commenting here, I want to say that your videos encourage me when I lose motivation to clear out stuff. So thank you very much.

I always enjoy your videos, Benita. They are relaxing and inspiring and have motivated me to get rid of the clutter and live intentionally. Thank you!!

After a stressful day,Your videos always ground and calm me. Thanks again

People should mind their own business. You have helped me get rid of stuff and im truly grateful. Please keep doing these videos, you are making a difference. xxxxxx

I am not in any way, shape or form a minimalist, but I absolutely love your aesthetic, and the content that you share with us. I glean all kinds of good ideas from you, and feel like you put out really intelligent content. I always look forward to your videos. And glimpses of dapper Mr. Bonus. 🐈‍⬛ PS-I am so going to try the face toothbrush rubbing with my cats. ❤

What you put out in your videos is encouraging and doesn't need a label. Thank you for sharing. Someone else I follow calls it minimalism my way. Whatever it is it is positive and good.

😆I can’t believe people get so hung up labeling someone. 😆😆😆

I'm a minimalist in certain areas of my life. I do like to redo my decor so I keep some items until I get sick of them. I definitely think you are a minimalist but like others said...don't worry about labels. Another fabulous video. I love your little kitty cat. So beautiful! Marie❤

People are so boring, Jesus. They stick to labels as if it was of any importance, guess what it's not. For me you don't own a lot of stuff and also I don't care 'cause I love how clean, tidy and essential your house looks, and that's enough for me to watch your videos. Following trends and obsessing over the number of objects ones owns is a sign of mental illness the way I see it, and I tend not to follow people like that here or in my everyday life. Keep up doing what you enjoy and don't worry about what others think.

I don´t care what you are. You make beautiful, harmonious (is that a word) videos that makes me wanna declutter too, but it takes time letting go.... We are all different and you have right mindset of being a minimalist. But I would say you are both since you tend to affect your viewers. God job as always, this was a beautiful video. You really know how to edit your videos!

Great vid as always. I don't like labels for ourselves. We are what we are and we are content/happy with that. Enjoy the life you have made.

Love your video as always. My response to label critics: Me: The International Minimalists Board has issued a ruling that I'm categorized as a minimalist. Them: There's no international board that determines who fits each category. Me: (slow blink)

Once again a lovely video. Thank you for the work you put into them!

I could watch you brush Bonus all day. That was the most delightfully relaxing thing I’ve seen all day ❤❤❤

Absolutely ,being happy and living our own lives how we wish to is what matters . Your videos tick my box every time !! My parents labelled me Zoe 😊and I’m pretty proud of that ! How we choose to live our lives is our prerogative ! And I choose minimalism 🥳! Benita you ROCK 🥳

Glad to see the regular appearance of a glass of white wine in this video. Both minimal (aesthetically), and essential ✔️

I love how people love to dictate to you what you "are", based on small snippets you share with them! 🙄 Ever since I first heard about minimalism I've been interested in it due to the financial and environmental benefits, not to mention it makes cleaning easier. With my disabilities I really struggle to care for myself and the spaces around me, so taking of that pressure is really beneficial! I'm also interested in the minimalist/essentialist mindset and approach to living, but often don't think to mention that because until I actually clean out my stuff, that's not my priority (I'll work on that side of things when my head and space around me is clear of all the clutter). Anyway I went on reddit the other day to ask about some minimalism questions, and was told that I'm not a minimalist and won't be, because I'm not taking the "right" approach. 🙄 One of the reasons I've struggled with becoming minimalist earlier was because people were dictating to me what I was (and therefore what I was "allowed" to be) and shutting me down before I even had a chance to start and explore these wonderful ideas! As a victim of abuse I struggle to feel like I have the right to think and feel what I do, let alone voice my opinions. I wish people would open their minds and realise that there are endless thoughts and interpretations around these ideas, and just because someone doesn't fall directly into your interpretation, doesn't mean they aren't embracing or in fact participating in the concept you're actively trying to remove them from! Everyone does things at their own pace and in the ways that are right for them!

great explanation and yes, what really matters is how you feel. Your videos are wonderful Benita.

I love your conclusion 🙂 It is all about being the actor of a life that makes you happy 🥰

Lovely video and your explanation. I live the same way as you and have since divorced. I live with what I need and love and the rest can go and be donated. Even though living clothing and other household items and furniture minimal. I did 2 years ago start to purchase prints for my walls, that is the only excess in my place and some days I find overwhelming, as used to only a couple. Again your cat is adorable having his face brushed with the toothbrush. So sweet to see.

Thanks for the explanation of differences between minimalism and essentials. Nice to see Bonus enjoying the attention and brushing by you. ❤❤❤

Isn't it amazing that you are not allowed to call yourself what you want on your own channel? Especially in light that there are no exact specifics with these categories. But, for what it's worth, I would consider you a minimalist as well. :-) Tack för att du delar med dig.

Well, “essentially”, you made me smile! Love your outlook and witty personality😊

Well said Benita..!!!❤ Love every single video you post!❤❤❤❤❤ People need to be educated & inform, before they open their mouths!

I love this type of living Simple no junk clean organized with just the stuff u need ❤

You are just lovely! Thanks for the video.

whatever minimalism or essentialism...... I love your ideas and inspirations!! You are one of my favorites on You Tube

Jeg er enig med dig: Det vigtigste må være, at man er glad for det liv, man lever. Tak for de skønne billeder fra Millesgården og fra Mats Gustafson-udstillingen. Jeg var der for nogle uger siden 🤩

❤the way you brushed your cat’s face!! So sweet!! Lovely channel 👏🥰

I always enjoy your content and seeing your home decor as well!

Great video Benita. You are definitely a minimalist!! That's why I watch your videos 😃

No matter what you are, simply, I love all your videos!

Loved this video. Well done! ❤

Love you Benita ❤

I enjoyed your discussion of the two and thinking about the differences. Thanks for the thought provoking video. Now, back to gliding in slo-mo through my apartment 😅

You have inspired me to declutter. There are some things that I just cannot part with, however. For example, a pair of red suede gloves. I've never worn them and probably never will, but to me they are beautiful and I love to see them in the glove drawer. They are like a hidden gem that I see only occasionally.

Ignore the criticism, you’re videos are inspirational. Love your new kitchen Benita. Hi from New Zealand 💐😊