Minimalism is not for everyone

“Money may not buy happiness, but I’d rather cry in a Ferrari.”

I’ve heard that line so many times… If you agree with that statement, then minimalism may not be for you. I’d rather cry hugging any of my loved ones, even if all I had was a bicycle, as opposed to crying alone in a Ferrari. When you’re alone and depressed, having a Ferrari means nothing. I believe that’s why so many rich and famous people commit suicide. I am not saying that owning less is the only goal, because that would sound empty and meaningless. Instead, it’s shifting the focus from stuff and putting it onto things that matter to you. In my case, it’s putting the focus on my relationships, and achieving personal freedom.

I am also not saying that things will not make you happy, they might do that to you, and if that’s the case, minimalism may not be for you. I’m saying that in my case, I’ve come to realize that owning stuff for the sake of owning stuff didn’t do it for me. It certainly didn’t make me happy. What made me happy was doing what I love, even when I wasn’t making any money from it. Besides, people don’t even care about your gadgets anyway, they may help you fit in with the pack, but would you want to find out that people only accept you because of superficial trivialities? If your answer is yes, then minimalism may not be for you.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have friends that understand me, what makes me tick, and like me anyway for who I am. I find that it’s extremely gratifying to have friends that make me feel like I can share with them my goals, hopes, and dreams, no matter how far-fetched they might be. And I also enjoy when they tell me their hopes and dreams.

You don’t have to commit to getting rid of 90% of the stuff in your house from the get-go. Instead, commit to declutter one drawer today. Once you do this, make a list of 10 things you are grateful for, make a list on things you enjoy, make a list of 10 small victories you’ve had throughout the day (this is awesome to do at night before going to bed). Talk to a loved one and tell them how much you apprecitate them and why. And lastly, do some digital de-cluttering, go to the bottom of your friend list on facebook and unfriend at least 3 people you haven’t talk to in years. Trust me, I know they’re there, and I know you have more than three.

If after doing all this you feel worse, as opposed to feeling better, then minimalism may not be for you, but it’s worth a shot. If you feel better, however, do it again next weekend.