Gray. I went the monochromatic route kind of minimalism years ago. It's not me. Too much gray makes me depress. Not mood lifting at all and certainly not sparking joy.
@Poppy YES haha I know exactly what you mean. A bit of gray here and there can be beautiful, but it needs a bit of color too. :) I love to combine light grays with the green from plants.
@@SimpleHappyZen I ended up with gray everything! Curtains, shower curtain, towels, linens, blankets, armchairs, tablecloths, clothes... NO. I have a simple life, but I'll never be hardcore minimalist. I love tchotchkes 🤷🏽♀️
Along with most of the ones you said I do not follow the kindle tip. I prefer to have physical books & I cannot get into reading on an electronic device or listening to audiobooks!
This is why I love your channel, you dont push your tips and habits onto us and tell us "do this, don't do this" I feel no pressure when watching your videos its comforting. Thanks Vera for being you ❤
I have found myself getting rid of items for this very reason in my decluttering journey this year. It has allowed me to feel free and at peace in all areas of my home.
I, too, am finding that this question works best for me. I can live comfortably with neutrality shaded with positivity, but I don't want anything that makes me feel less than comfortable.
I agree! But I also struggle not to let persuit of perfection distract me. As for this bowl that I really like, but has got some damages. Still functional, but it kind of bothers me. But on the other hand I like to live frugal and sustainable so I don't feel comfortable to just get rid of it either. My solution is to wish for a new for my birthday! Then I can replace it with a bit better consious.
Hi Vera! I think what you're saying is that those systems - Kon Marie, Project 333, etc., - may be really helpful for people who want a way to start simplifying and don't know where to start, but once we're in "maintenance mode, " we have our own standards and systems. Structure can become stricture if we don't know where the line is. I agree!
As for the core items... a tip that does work for me is choosing a more aesthetically pleasing version of my necessities so I can enjoy their design AND utility.
Yes! I love taking time to research replacements and finding something well made by a local craftsperson rather than just grabbing something off a supermarket shelf or Amazon.
I have so many things around the house and stored on the property that I feel overwhelmed. I am using different methods for different types of things and / or areas. What ever will keep me going. If get overwhelmed or stuck while working on a particular task or area, especially if it's large, I give myself permission to take a break and come back to it later. Meanwhile I'll do something that is a small quick "win" to help me some momentum going and keep my spirits up. I also go to areas that I have completed, so far just the laundry room, and just enjoy the peace of the completed space and remind myself all this effort is worth the results.
I fell for the neutral colors when I first started with my wardrobe minimalism but when I finally bought a pink sweater it sparked joy every time I put it on;)
i also love photos and photo albums! i felt like i was the only minimalist who didn't keep everything digitized lol. its refreshing to see you do the same ☺
I did initially think the same about the "spark joy" concept but I remember reading Marie Kondo suggesting you think about the items that you are used to and how comforting it is to be able to rely on them even if they are not glamourous / new. It has made me appreciate my older things and how great it is to have chosen items that stand the test of time in terms of either durability / style. I feel like the phrase doesn't translate perfectly - "spark joy" sounds like some kind of celebration or explosion but a quiet appreciation is probably more appropriate.
Really enjoyed hearing your perspective. I agree that you have to find yourself within the minimalism philosophy and it’s OK to minimise the aspects of minimalism that don’t work for you.
It’s nice to hear another minimalist say they won’t get rid of their TV! We spend a lot of time outdoors and being productive but we also enjoy watching movies, sports, and video games... and I like watching/listening to RU-vid videos on our tv while I clean. 😊
Love what you are saying about things not sparking joy. With all the waste and environmental crisis and I think it's such an important message, rather than getting trapped on the hedonic treadmill.
Great video! I always try to use reason, since emotions can change and flip flop several times a day LOL. Instead of asking myself if something Sparks Joy, I have started asking myself if the thing is honoring to my priorities or to myself in general.
I only do label free to help with my ADHD and OCD, it helps me not get distracted so easy. But I do own 2+ of almost everything because for me one is none and two is one😂
I like your ”one is none, two is one”! I always have extras of household cleaners, toilet paper, etc. I'm minimal, but being prepared does make things easier.
Going deep into minimalist aesthetics sometimes is the total opposite of minimalism essence and so many people spend a lot of money just to look like a minimalist.
Minimalism should be at a personal level. Everyone is different. What one person might find useful , another person might not. Minimalism should be applied to our lives so that we feel comfortable with it . Loved your video as always ! 👌 I started to declutter my belongings for a very personal reason ....and then I am very careful what I bring into my home .
Thanks Vera, this video was real validation for me regarding the "Rules" some other Minimalist advocate. In my journey I purged and got rid of irreplaceable things that I can never replace. So I went through a kind of remorse and withdrawal from the whole minimalist process. It actually caused stress. So now I listen then assess is this idea really going to work and is appropriate for me and my journey. There are no experts in this journey.
I have duplicate sets of sheets. Our family has lots of allergies, so we wash them often. Would be a huge hassle to only have one set for each bed. Same with bath towels, etc. Love your perspective!😍🙏💕🌸
This is such a fantastic video !!! You are so right with everything!! It’s not about lots of rules etc and only having 1 plate! It’s about simplicity and whatever that means for you as an individual.
Very thoughtful, Vera. And I love your “non-rules”! You articulated many of the issues I have with minimalists. I prefer simple. Simple living. Thank you.
Had to come back and comment, because I keep returning to what you said here about minimizing vs simplifying. It's so true. It's all about finding that fine balance: Having enough to make your everyday life simple and enjoyable, but not too much so that you're overwhelmed and restricted because you need to take care of your life/stuff/work/hobbies/etc. It's not easy to find this balance and it's different for everyone. Some people get anxious about stuff very easily. For them, extreme mimimalism can truly feel more simple. My idea of simplicity seems to be closer to yours. 😊 Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
some minimalists say don't buy a product you don't need it that moment even if it's on sale. but i buy few more of them if i'm %100 sure that i'm going to use it. it feels safe to have one at hand after one is done.
Love this video. Reminds me of “being a leader not a follower “. What works for each individual. So, many minimalist repeat the same over snd over. Great video!
I am still new - maybe 1 year in this minimalism journey and I have to say your tips and advice are my favorite. And I look forward to watching your videos!
You had some very good comments. I have found from watching minimalism videos by a number of people that there is no one minimalism standard. "Minimalism" means something different to each person and, as you stated here, we need to do what works for us and not try to be someone else.
I’m new to your channel but have been exploring simple living for 7 years now, and I loved this video. You have mentioned every issue I have with the common minimalism advice. I don’t want to have to focus so much on my possessions that I have to do dishes or laundry more often, or worry about whether something fits in my colour scheme. I just want my home and life to run smoothly and easily, which is what I have achieved. Following these “rules” added complexity to my life, which is the opposite of what I want!
I agree with your take on labels. My version of minimalism is for the environment. The best zero waste product is what you already own. That means I reuse containers, and if they contain a label, so be it. Some labels can be removed, some cannot. I would rather choose zero waste items over a purchased product.
I love your videos and it's great to hear that you have developed your own version of minimalism which suits your lifestyle. None of us should feel bad about owning a TV 📺 or colourful mugs 🌈. Marie Kondo addresses the need for items which don't "Spark Joy", eg, a hammer 🔨. She acknowledges that some items are useful and, therefore, belong in your home. William Morris's quote is timeless: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful".😊🌈🔨🌺📺
The sparking joy thing was very frustrating to me, because like you, I don't want to get rid of all my old stuff or the things I use just because they don't spark joy. I try to think about the planet and try to shop consciously, use my stuff until they are broken or they don't work anymore, so I agree with you on this one. The duplicate thing doesn't work for me, because I have 3 kids and we do need 3 or 4 pair of scissors at home and many things we need 3 of them, so I would say, minimalism should make our lifes easier and not stressful, thanks for this video Vera, it gave me a lot of peace, take care my friend
I totally agree with you. I am new in minimalism, so I was very confused about so many methods and advices but after watching this video I am pretty clear about what I should follow. Thank you so much sister.😊
Lots of great info. We have been digitizing old photos. And while it is nice to have albums, I encourage people to also make/keep digital copies. We have noticed that many older negatives and prints have begun to deteriorate with age. Love your videos, please carry on in your calming and beautiful way. 🌷
Thanks so much Sally! That's a good point, in the end all the photos will also be kept digitally (since that's how we took them haha). Have a wonderful day!
Great video! I don't follow some of the rules too, especially number 5 for the same reasons. I also enjoy looking at photos in albums. I tried project 333 for summer and it helped me a lot with my wardrobe, but it's not something that would work for me in a long run. Duplicates, also have a few of them, because they make my life easier. Number 10 really suprised me.
Great video!! I want to wash clothes once a week, dishes daily, declutter clothes I haven't worn in a yr, and have color in my life!! Thanks & Blessings ~Sidney
Such a liberating video! I really agree to the pragmatic rather than dogmatic approach. For me living intentional is the key, where some of the ground principles of minimalism surley can apply but it is not the objective.
I have pondered so many of these concepts you mentioned and came to the same conclusions. Not everything I own Sparks joy but it works and it's good enough. I think sometimes we are spoiled. Being eco-minded I don't like to run the dishwasher until it's full, so I have a few more dishes than a lot of minimalists...and I don't want to wash dishes by hand all throughout the day in order to only own two dishes for my husband and myself. I guess Simplicity is more important to me than Minimalism. I love the concept of enough, and I love the concept of good enough.
Really excellent video. It goes to show how minimalist is very personal for everyone. When I started minimalism, I decluttered 5 items daily, then 3 items daily. This worked for me because it was gradual and I felt I was getting somewhere.
Hi Vera, totally agree with all these things. Sometimes I feel people can restrict themselves too much with minimalism and simplifying. We are all different and all have our own way of what works best for us. Thank you for another great video xx 💕
I like the way you talk and it sounds relaxing. I feel like we're just talking to each other and you're like such a very close friend of me. That's why I love your channel.
I don't follow one "minimalism style". Like you, I pick and choose what works for us and so far that has gone well. We have what we need, I declutter regularly what has not been used in a long time and renew items when it is quite necessary to do so.
Hi Vera. My hubby and I have painted or upcycled our furniture multiple times. It's easy to change your surroundings just by changing handles, painting it, or using wood effect sticky covering for a complete change. Same with clothing. Change buttons etc...x
I liked what you said about duplicates. Every minimalist I've ever watched has asked why you would need more than one spatula. I bake a lot and have 5 spatulas. If I am doing a big, complicated bake, I sometimes need all 5. I sure don't want to stop and wash one every time I change tasks. Having duplicates makes my life simpler. 😊
I'm avoiding the popular tips that (in my view) actually increase consumerist thinking and attachment to possesssions, just as you describe in your first three points in this video: I couldn't agree more about the sparking joy thing in particular. And yes, the places you mention where getting over-minimal actually makes more work.
Vera, I really love how authentic you are in these videos!! The way I see this is that you're just trying to live a simpler life; some minimalism methods help with that goal, and some don't. Really glad to see that you're being yourself, instead of "some perfect minimalists" :)
Thanks for your honesty and great examples from your life and living a minimalist way for a longer time. It was good to hear you mention that at different seasons you have adopted some of this but currently they don't fit with your simplified life.
I love how logical your content is, Vera. ❤️ Also I feel with one's own version of minimalism one can accomplish so much more - just gotta a bit logical and open minded. For instance - 1. Buying groceries/daily use items in bulk may be cheaper. One can store them away and save money. By doing this, you still are a minimalist and not a hoarder. As a practice, the money one saves, no matter how small, can be given to the charities/ needy and just think you bought it at the maximum retail price. A little way of generating good in the society. ✨ 2. Having a little extra dishes and then dishwashing them rather than handwashing saves water. 3. Washing a decent load of clothes in washing machine rather than 2-3 clothes or half a load is more energy efficient (pro tip - use Eco Setting if you can) Random musings. Thanks, Vera. ❤️
I agree with you Vera. I would be buying new stuff all the time to spark joy. And also, I have definitely had the same problem with the "one in one out". I try to justify buying something and wracking my brain to think of what I can get rid of LOL! LOVE THIS VIDEO ♥️
Thank you for the one about the duplicates! I live in El Salvador, a tropical country where the sun feels like hell sometimes, so I need to have AT LEAST two pairs of sunglasses. I am very sensitive to the sun, I can become very sick or have a huge headache because of it, and if by any chance or accident I loose one pair of sunglasses, I do need the other emergency duplicate immediately!
Thanks for another great video! 👍😊 On your point about duplicates , I remember how in your video about things you only own one of, I realized that I would never want to own only one pen! That would definitely complicate my life, having to retrieve my only pen when I needed one! So, to your point, being flexible and knowing what works for you makes the most sense. I really appreciate your wisdom.❤
Vera, I am with you on labels. I think it is a hassle and I want less complicated. Thank you as always for such good video. Hope you have a wonderful day! ❤️🙏🏻
Awesome video, trying to limit our clothes and dishes just don't work for my family right now. So I just practice not buying until absolutely necessary and I donate what is outgrown.
Once again …. Listening to you is a blessing in my life…. No disrespect to others…. But, I tend to find that many of the “rules” to living mindfully and minimally, make the whole idea impossible, for me, to follow….They cause me stress….. thank you for these tips …. Like you, I pick and choose things from all of the information and create my own journey !!! Thank you for this video as it has validated my way of thinking ….. have a beautiful day
Love your honesty and take on simple living.....I can totally relate and appreciate your points. I don't like how everything has to fit in a box... thank you 💞
The message here is awesome 🤍 I do feel pressured watching some minimalists who do get in the buy purge cycle to keep their home looking in style . I have learned over the years to be selective with my purchases,to really have things that spark joy, but they don’t fit a trend 🤷🏻♀️ I feel like it really promotes consumerism and discontent 😞 also I love the printed book idea for special trips!!! I’m a mom of four and my kids would benefit the most from that ☺️
Like you, I consider which elements of minimalism work best for me and how I will apply them. One minimalist "rule" I don't follow is to have houseplants. I'd rather have no decor at all than to selfishly kill another unsuspecting plant. And I like "real" books, not digital. I have way too many books. I have slowly been purging my collection.
“Spark joy” rule is awesome. If you feel “blah” about something but keep it and you have a lot of things like that in your surroundings then it truly impacts your vibes. It really does. I regularly get rid of these “blah” items and I notice immediate release and joy afterwards especially if I repurpose or donate to someone that actually does feel said joy about the exact same item I was indifferent about.
You really inspire me to start being a minimalist and I'm doing it bit by bit. I've realised how much things I've got which I don't use anymore 😱🤣 so thank you for your guidance and tips. Keep it up. Well done you 🥳😍🤩
I have two sets of sheets for our bed and our son's bed. I don't like feeling pressured to wash and dry the bedding before bedtime. We change our sheets often so only having one set would be a nuisance.
Keep what I like and fits in the place I keep that thing. If it gets to crowded I go thru and get rid of stuff. I don’t take stuff out of packing if I am putting it in a cabinet or drawer
I'm terrible with remembering to comment on videos so I just wanted to send some love. Your videos are so calming and I appreciate the information you provide in all of them. ❤
I agree about the labeling on products. I don’t want to but all new containers and try and fit things certain ways in cabinets etc. I don’t bother with that either.
i've unlabelled myself as a minimalist (altho i still am one) as people questioned everything i did .. so i am "intentional" but without the label LOL .. i did get rid of my t.v., but i have a phone charger in every room coz it's practical for me, i do 1-in-1-out, but i might buy a shirt and get rid of a saucepan, i do transfer open rice, pasta etc. into pretty jars, mainly coz i have had bugs get into half-opened packages that don't re-seal completely and i try to buy in bulk, as i'm also frugal + low waste, so combining everything isn't easy .... ur points are so right, it's very personal, what makes u feel calm and happy, and creates less clutter is all u should aim for ..
Thanks so much for sharing! I actually also store open rice, pasta etc in sealed jars, it keeps unwanted guests at bay :) But if a packaging is sealed properly, I don't care if it has a label
congrats for won the battle with the editing software 😁👏🌈 and I love your simplicity and how you are comfortable and secure about it... very inspiring ✨
@@SimpleHappyZen I can imagine, I would freak out too haha 😅 but it makes me very glad to know that everything turned out great... the video is awesome, you rocked it! 😎🌈✨
I love this video, I´m not from the USA either, and I think that is good to have a fresh look into some minimalism practices that not nessesarily apply to owr cultures.
`I have kept TV also...I like to watch the BBC selling houses, animal programs & very little else! I will not pay the price for cable TV! Such a waste of money to watch so many violent programs, the profanity they now allow on TV! I bought an antenna that attaches to the side of my home (free except for the cost of the antenna). The only bad thing about free TV is...every commercial is about begging for money to support their various causes! It is depressing to watch. I know for a fact that these various commercials will take a retired persons last dime with no conscience at all! I get the internet for $10.00 a month with a special deal provided for retired people with limited income (a blessing). I enjoy your program so much, I am grateful you are willing to share!
I love throwing a throw over a sofa for a completely new look. I agree about the buying and decluttering cycle it's a no for me I like to use what I have and you can find joy making small changes to what you already have simplicity is a must for me I like an easy life I don't follow methods I just love your videos Vera because you are creative and you do your thibg🙌 I love it that you have a mind of your own know exactly what you like and what doesn't work for you and follow your heart you're amazing Vera, 😘
Yes. Sometimes you just have to think out of the box and be creative with what you have. If your color palette have changed, you can always dye and paint your furniture. And hop! They look different but it's the same old stuff. Or just changing a few things (like the placement of some things) can have a big impact and make you feel like you were in a whole new place.
