Minimalism Does Not Solve All of Life's Problems (it just helps reduce them)

I read a lot about minimalism and decluttering and alternatives to the common consumer lifestyle that so many pursue. And I don’t want to make personal lifestyle adjustments because of someone else’s opinion, even a seasoned minimalists opinion. I prefer the facts. The true beauty of minimalism is that we can form it to fit what is right for us. One size and one color does not fit all.

My personal view is that decluttering is a the process and minimalism is the lifestyle.

As a midlife minimalist, I still like things. It’s just that I like my things more when I have less of them. I can honestly say that I know where everything I own is. My signed Bill Freehan ball, check. My great grandfathers billy club, check… Name them and I can tell you exactly where they are. There is freedom in that.

I remember countless times in my life looking for things, feeling the weight in my stomach and the stress in my head because I couldn’t find a thing. Its been a long time though.

The toughest thing for me about having this blog is that I don’t like to tell people how to live. So I try not to. But the message is too important not to share. It is easy to get caught in the undertow of life, but we can break free and live the life that we choose.

Minimalism can make that journey smoother.

Imagine driving across town for an event. You’re anticipating a great evening, but the roads are bad, potholes, detours, clutter. Traffic slows, time is wasted, anxiety creeps in. Everywhere you turn, roadblocks, potholes and traffic, stress. That is clutter. A decluttered life is similar to that same journey but on a smooth road with no obstruction.

Get in the car and drive that road. You’ll get there faster with a clear mind and a joyful spirit.

Increase the peace.