What I’ve Learned After 2 Years As A Minimalist

Two years of minimalism has brought with it more lessons that I could have imagined. I’ve not only learned a ton in regards to the collection of physical items, I’ve also started to focus on other aspects of minimalism that may be a bit unexpected. Here are the lessons I’ve learned after two years as a minimalist:

Lessons After Two Years of Minimalism1.You Don’t Miss The Stuff

While I was decluttering, I second guessed 20% of the things I got rid of. I knew they were things that I didn’t love but didn’t need; I still thought that maybe someday I would miss them. Two years in, I haven’t missed anything yet, and I actually can’t even remember most of the things that I got rid of.

2. You’ll Start to Question Your Habits

Though I hardly buy clothes anymore, of course there still comes a time when I need to replace something in my wardrobe. Before minimalism, I would have simply headed to my nearest Target or shopping mall and got what I needed from the most convenient big box store. Now, I think more about the items that I buy. I strongly believe that every dollar I spend is a vote for what I believe in, and I don’t spend many dollars, so I want to make them count. I now try to buy my clothes second hand if possible, and if that isn’t possible, I opt for sustainable and fair trade clothing.

3. You’ll Start To Spend Your Time Differently

What I've Learned After Two Years of MinimalismPre-minimalism, I spent quite a bit of time at my local Target and shopping mall. After adopting the minimalist lifestyle, I gained all of that time back. At first I started to use my time doing things like hiking and reading books from the library. Then I decided to quit my job to travel the world. Minimalism allowed me the space to truly think about what I wanted out of my life, and the resources to create that ideal life.

4. Quality over Quantity Will Filter Into Other Areas of Your Life

Though I had more free time after becoming minimalist, I also decided that it was time to take back control of my schedule. I became much more intentional with the way I spent time. I no longer attended events just because I was invited to them. I spent more time with friends who truly lifted me up and inspired me, and much less time with friends who just wanted someone to go to happy hour with. I didn’t feel guilty anymore if I decided to read a good book instead of going to an event.

5. You May Become Even Richer

Once I decided to start traveling, I created a little website to keep track of my adventures. I spent my time writing and working on my photography, which has turned into a beautiful scrapbook, and even a small income over the last year. I have started to earn money from doing things I love, which I would have never thought possible before.

I’ve learned so much as a minimalist; these five lessons brought even more value to minimalism in my life. Minimalism has changed the way I live, and I could not be happier with the results.

Your Turn!

  • Do you consider yourself a minimalist?
  • What has minimalism taught you?

 

 

 

 

8 Comments
  1. I really want to convert my shed (which is really a tiny house) and start living this way. I could rent my house out and really begin enjoying this life I was meant to live. People keep discouraging me as the material side of things always feed over. I would love insight in to how to begin this journey. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

  2. LeeAnn – don’t listen to people! They are only speaking from what they want not what you want. Listen to your own beat and follow it!!

    • LeeAnn, take some time for yourself, away from “people”. Learn to listen to your heart, and your gut,and your body. When these “people” give you their advise what goes off in your heart and gut? A feeling of joy, encouragement? Or doubt and second guessing? Do you feel your shoulders lifting and your back going straight, or are you rounding and curving. Even the people who encourage you do not have the final answer you do,but you owe it to yourself to take time to listen, if you pray then pray and listen if you meditate then do so.

  3. I think everyone who is a minimalist will agree with this list. I wish more people would consider this as a lifestyle!

  4. Re: #2
    Irony: Being poor to begin with, this is the only way I’ve ever bought my clothes for the last 55 years…GoodWill, etc.
    That being said: Keep up the good blog. 😀

  5. The one thing I’ve never been good without is good clothes, kind of funny because I’m a guy though 2 months ago I decided to keep only 20 shirts out of 60 I had and I might get rid of 10 more. I only have a pair of jeans, 4 pair of shoes that I use daily. Couple jackets and few pants for work. If my job was different, I’d have far less.

    I’ve never thought of myself as a minimalist but my ex told me today that I’ve akways been one so it was a surprised because until lately I habe started feeling like it and I love it.

    It’s not for everyone and it is not an easy step but if you put your mind to it, it’s possible.

  6. Two months ago, I decided I wanted to be mortgage free. I sold my home two months ago and am living tiny. Through the pare down process I learned that stuffing cupboards and closets with things that I never looked at or used was an awful way to exist. I had three yard sales, donated 5 SUV loads of stuff. I had two weeks to vacate the home after the sale! It was extreme but very satisfying. I felt I had accomplished something meaningful. After moving into my 240sq ft home, I realized I could eliminate even more. I was thrilled rather than saddened at parting with so much density.
    LeeAnn..It starts with a decision to meet a goal. Just do it. People cannot not envision what you have in mind. I met with the same resistance. It’s just a lack of knowledge that makes people question what you want to do. Go for it!
    P.S. I left the city and moved my tiny house to the coast. I’m in heaven right now!

  7. To me it depends on the specific person and their very specific goals. I personally believe in extreme temporary minimalism as a means to reset life and tear down all the crap that doesn’t work – then be in a position to rebuild a better life on a solid foundation. A life designed with intent and that is right sized for the person building it.

    There is no such thing as a single right way, path or course in life to get to your best life. There are many choices – each with benefits and liabilities.

    To me at least, its all about finding the best choice you can find for you – then do that.

    By the way – converting a storage shed is cool. I have 3 and though I don’t live in them I do spend most of my waking hours in one. I use one as my shop/studio which is where I am now as I write this, another is used as a guest house and the third is my wife’s office – studio where she is at the moment working happily on something of her own choosing I’m sure.

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