People sometimes get really put-off by the term minimalist (not me - I'm a born minimalist) thinking we live in a house with one chair and table, so I think essentialism is probably a better term. Essentialists carefully choose how to spend their energy and time.
Wow, I am learning this term for the first time! I never really called myself a minimalist, because I wouldn’t consider my lifestyle bare-bones but I much prefer the term essentialist.
I think the biggest thing that fuels overconsumption is boredom...simply the perceived lack of something better to do with our time and energy. Because it's absolutely true that a great deal of time is spent seeking out what we want to buy, deciding to buy it, and taking care of all of our possessions. I think that getting a real hobby is one of the best ways to break out of compulsive shopping. There's so many online videos that can help get you started with a new hobby and that alone can steer you away from the endless content aimed at getting us to buy random things. But I'd be careful not to fall into the trap of overbuying supplies or materials related to the hobby...because anything can be turned into a reason to shop for more stuff. That said, avoiding buying the latest trends will leave you with more money for a hobby.
Ironically, the more technology/media has made it's way into my life, the more bored I've become. Mindless scrolling just doesn't replace the need for serious physical and mental stimulation that keeps me engaged in life. I shop when I'm bored and being on sm exposes me to ads, so it's a deadly duo. Decision fatigue has become a huge problem for me. I've made a lot of changes to my life in the past year that have me consuming (products and media) less and doing quality, stimulating activities more. I'm trying to get back to my younger years when my stuff had so much less power over me.
When I joined the military all I took with my was my cell phone and wallet. They give you a sea bag (just a big green bag) to store all your uniforms and stuff. When I got out that is all I took home with me. 10 years later I feel like I have all this random junk I don't need. Clothes that I no longer wear. Books I don't read. Old DVDs, 3 tvs, ect. This video reminded me how great it was that I had nothing in the military. This video also motivated me to declutter. Thanks!
Great video. These overconsumptions that are constantly buying things are waisting their time and money. It’s best to value your time such as having hobbies, and spending time with family and friends.
Great video! On the decision fatigue, I try to remember Fumio Sasaki’s The Silent To Do list. It’s where our things talk to us. The unused kitchen appliances wants to know why you don’t use them. The unread books begs to be read. The clothes shame you for leaving them behind. The pile of serums and creams are nagging in your soul to be included. It’s hard haha, it never stops 😂 But I also learned someone who said that things can say nice things to, like the decor that’s feel free and important where they stand alone or the drawers applaud you for being organized etc. To me at least this is something that helps me with intention and thoughts. Sounds silly to someone maybe, but I guess we take what we have to to get us going.
Great video. America is an innately materialistic, consumer-driven society. We are bombarded by advertisements online which is why I use extensions and userscripts to block as many ads as possible. In addition, everything I own in this world fits in my briefcase and carry on. This was a gradual process over years of living and working overseas. It is definitely not for the average person, but for me, personally, this freedom of movement is liberating as well as practical. Thoreau had it right, and I believe many Americans would find a deeper sense of happiness by embracing the simple life.
i've been saying this year and I didn't know it was actually word for both of us would buy that product and that's it now we're consuming so many product and so many throwaway fashion nothing is sustainable. I wouldn't buy a outfit that I couldn't wear more than 17 million but people do because that's the way of the Internet, you know they already saw me in this outfit already!
