This video was really challenging to make from a content point of view! There was so much that we had to leave out - like our personal reflections and anecdotes - to avoid making the video too long-winded and unwatchable. We've been thinking about creating an audio show, where we would be able to talk about a topic without the limitations that come with video-making. So, we've started a new goal on our Patreon: when we gather a crowd of 50, we'll create the first episode of the audio show! If it's something that you'd be interested in, join the crowd here: www.patreon.com/thoughtworthyco
😂 I'm sure a lot of people think the same :-) It's a proces - show them. Inspire them. Let them see how minimalism and simplifying change your life to the better...and let your ease and happiness shine and guide them. Greetings from Camilla in Denmark
Minimalism is being abused to judging people, thank you for pointing out clearly that it doesn't matter what lifestyle you choose, your happiness in life is still the first priority
I have been decluttering for 3 years and I'm still not finished :D I've recently figured it's a life long process. Thank you so much for great insights!
I instantly began to get emotional when you said “ Don’t be a minimalist, don’t be an essentialist, just be happy. I didn’t realize how much it was affecting me to be continually trying to fit into a certain mold.
It boils down to being mindful of the things which you really need and of course those that fit your personality, lifestyle and work. Minimalism doesn't have to be less colorful or a one-color scheme. It depends on one's preference. However, having a color scheme allows one to easily pair all the clothings s/he has. Also, is somehow pleasing to the eyes.
As a minimalist, I agree with your sentiment that identifying yourself as a minimalist is a trap. There's a lot of minimalists that I simply can't relate with (Vegans, zero waste, only buys from ethical vendors, wears only t-shirts and sneakers, live in tiny homes, lives in sparsely furnished McMansions, etc.), so I can see how it's easy to be judgmental. Since I'm primarily an aesthetic minimalist, a better objective for me is to have an "elegant and light footprint". This way, I'm more content and can celebrate my achievements rather than be discontent and look for the next minimalist thing to buy or the next thing to declutter.
True. Moreover, there is no standard minimalism- some got barely any items or no items at all in their houses like extreme minimalism. Others got ecclectic stuff displayed in their homes such as the boho minimalism. I think of minimalism as colors of the rainbow that each of them got different hues and shades and terms.
"It can almost seem like we're just being indecisive shoppers, but it's not, it's being mindful." >>> THIS. I wish people would understand this more. I usually create a wishlist of things that I want to buy to make sure an item is something I truly need or will add value, and not something I want to buy on an impulse or because of a megasale. Even then, when I do go shopping for it, it always takes more then 3 shop-hopping before I find the "right" item, or sometimes never. Because if it's not right, why bring it home. People who shop with me call me indecisive and troublesome, so I have learned to enjoy shopping alone 🤷♀️
X X I am exactly the same. I just don’t want to get something that I have to get reed of in a short time. Shop owners must think I am crazy coming few times, looking at the item and still not buying 😂
@@anashappydays Sometimes I will carry the item around the store for a while, while thinking about it. Often I return it to the shelf. I have seldom been sorry for not buying something, but very often sorry when I have purchased it!
I’m not lazy but this is what I tell people all the time! I’m a minimalist because it’s less to move, less to clean, and less to care about! It’s very freeing.
Feel much better once I watch your vlogs, I am a hoarder who is in the midst of a massive transition, I'm challenging attachment and decluttering every day. I feel very overwhelmed I have resorted to your vlogs when I feel stuck, so thank you both for sharing 😊🌿🌍🌹
For me, not having a bedroom forced me to rethink what I needed - obviously a Futon was the ideal item that could be stored away every day. I also found I had some much clutter in my bedroom - with no bedroom - all that stuff was given away
I just went through another round of major decluttering! Hard to be a teen and having to explain this lifestyle and mindset to family members though. Thanks for this video!!
I have 2 thoughts after viewing this video: 1) I would be afraid to be feeling "history-less", without connection to the past, mine or older relatives, if I were to live in an apartment seemingly devoid of anything that I didn't explicitly chose to acquire in the last, say, 1-10 years. I realise, of course, that you don't film every inch of your life, or apartment, but the life you portray in your videos (videos I love, btw!) seems to be floating in a timeless present, for good or for bad. I feel, even more so when I get older, that I need roots and connections to where I came from, sometimes in the form of physical artefacts. 2) You say that you put a lot of thought into what you bring in to your life, and that you want to be able to see yourself appreciate the things for years to come. For me, that mindset brings a lot fo stress and anxiety, and makes me scared of taking a chance and trying new things. A lot of the time, impulse buys in form of clothes, tools, kitchen utensils, musical equipment, or what have you, have opened up new perspectives and paths in my life that I didn't think of earlier. This has of course resulted in a lot of unused stuff, but the important thing here is to regularly cut ties and get rid of things, rather than not to buy them in the first place. And to buy used/second hand of course, to minimize impact on the environment and wallet.
These are totally valid and interesting perspectives :) Just goes to show there's no right or wrong way to go about it, as long as happiness comes first! Best wishes! 🙌💕
Why? frugality ✔️ environmental reasons ✔️ as well as to minimise their anxiety ✔️ These are all good reasons I need to constantly monitor purchases and gifts that come in to my life. Thank you for the reminder!
I’ve slowly tried to get rid of stuff I don’t use and being more mindful about purchasing items. It’s been a long, on-going process and I have to remind myself it’ll never be “perfect.” Enjoyed the video! Thanks!
Thanks, this is insightful. I also take much time to purchase something. It takes a month at minimum but as you said, you have to be mindful of what you are letting into your home and life. If I don't feel excited / I realize that I don't really need it after that long, I don't buy it anymore.
Less is more and it is peaceful to have less, also the contentment is the start of peace, Im practicing simple and happy life glad to find lots of people here like me
Hi, you were so on point. It's a good tip of being happy & comfortable on your own way of minimalism or essentialism. Being a minimalist, doesn't mean an individual do not like or support consumerism. As I have seen and know some individuals whom are rich financially yet they are STILL NOT HAPPY, which money wasn't a problem for them...Being Happy are key.
This was super insightful! One of the most thoughtful messages put forward! No judgements, believe in your own journey (in minimalism/decluttering) and be happy where you are at. Thank you! I am so glad to have stumbled upon this video! Simply loved it!
@Rafael Manacho Not so easy to just change a person. I I tried it for years when I was previously married. People must want to change within themselves. So best to stay single, get divorced or separate. Finding someone who is a minimalist like ourselves is not so easy. Maybe advertising on social media or may help. But then one needs to be very careful about who one meets. Best of luck with finding a minimalist partner.
I said that too. I changed and lived with my progress. It took five years but he’s there. Once we stop equating our worth by possessions it happens. Hang in there!!
i've been struggling with depression and anxiety, and have accumulated a lot of stuff in the process to use as "distractions". your video was a nice reminder to not be guilty about putting my happiness first :)
I used to love to make lists. Because I am poor, I am unable to purchase everything I think I need. Fast forward a year, examining my list. Found out, I didn't need most of the things on the list after all!
I have decided that every 8 months if l don’t use an item it has to bring joy to someone else.I love decluttering and being free from too much baggage.Love your advice.
Just started on my decluttering journey and found your video so inspiring and useful! It is so tough because I am a hoarder but watching "minimalist" videos like your really motivates me!
Great video! Simplicity of lifestyle has made a huge difference for us. We stopped spending on things we didn't need and focused on paying down debt instead. We practice the 1 in/1 out rule to prevent accumulation. We live in a small space (600 sq ft) so there is no space for mindless things. We have not only freed up space, but time as well!
I was watching this video and then my mother came and we watched it together. She said this video really changed her life and it touched my heart. My whole 3 generation family even my deceased grandfather are so grateful. Am proud to say cool post wow thanks for sharing
Very well said. I see minimalism as a tool, not a goal. It's quite funny, in a ridiculous way, when people appoint themselves to 'police' other people's minimalism. I can see some use in guidelines for those who are discovering the idea of minimalism for the first time and need to discard a whole series of unconscious assumptions about what 'success' means which are cultural norms in the West, fed on big advertising. I'm glad you can rise above silly comments and continue to produce great content.
I discovered your channel a while ago and I must say I felt instantly as we were one "tribe". Thank you for giving voice/ face to this beautiful expression of living and of life. All the best from Hungary/Taiwan
You are very correct. This trend of minimalist will 100% leads to problem and easy to complaint and become an unhappy person just by trying very hard to change family member into one. As if its a sin and 100% very wrong if the other family member is not the SAME as them. Minimalist - will easily become the main REASON/ Stress why a person is lack of joy. It can become 'sick' in the mind.
Minimalism and essentialism provides a guide. When you say “be happy”, people don’t generally have the ability to zone into what that means specifically to shift their lives.
I also subscribe to the ideas of minimalism. One of the things I struggle with is gifts. People like giving gifts. How do I stop people from giving things I don't need
That's definitely an area that can get a bit awkward. We think the situation changes depending on the relationship you have with the giver of the gifts. We don't have a short answer to the question, maybe it's something that we can talk about in a video in the future. Hopefully other viewers can chime in with their tips!
I think to stop people giving you gifts, the most important thing is to let them know that you're trying to live more minimally, or bring fewer things into your life, or whatever your reasoning is. Be honest with them. That doesn't mean that people can't give you gifts, but the kind of gift might just be different e.g. a coupon for a class you want to do, or a meal at your favourite restaurant, or a night out (or a night in), homebaked cookies - whatever you want! I think the key is to make it less about not wanting stuff, and more about wanting experiences. After all, the best gift we have is time with our favourite people.
Also add in this point of my view and its true .... Minimalist = ● Self condemnation/ guilty feeling.... ● also condem other people easily. And this is deadly in day to day life + kill the relationship.
Hey! Hmm, not really. We've been working from home since before the pandemic, so our lifestyle has remained somewhat unchanged. There are always things to be done :)
I use less electricity have less fancy decoration have plants for greenery use public transport no heating system no air conditioning , no smartphone , no tv instead I read books , work , improve my skills , spend time outside so that I don't get bored do exercise in a local park eat healthy and follow japanese and traditional Indian diet and eat something good 2 times a month I don't use expensive clothes just a a good quality t-shirt shirt jeans will do the job I save a lot of money like that and plan to go on a vacation to some remote place
