Welcome to a Wannabe's Minimalist Blog

More Stuff, Less Space

I have often found myself to be overwhelmed with the amount of STUFF my family accumulates over the years. The garage gets cluttered with more totes storing more decorations, more tools, and more toys. It is overwhelming each year trying to pick and choose the items we need to hang on to and the items we need to donate. I am up against the same struggle as the typical American who consumes way more than I need to.

Culture Curious

For our pop culture blogging project, I was genuinely curious about the raising culture of minimalism. This culture is not something that I am a part of currently, but would love to be. Minimalism is a way of living that thrives on the motto, less is more. This way of life encourages you to slow down, buy less, and to simplify. The simplicity it offers as a consumer would reduce overwhelm and chaos in my life and provide safety in my home. In a way, minimalism is counter-culture. As it rejects the influence of consumerism culture (Becker).

A Brief History 

1800-1850 The idea of minimalism is introduced by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. It was more of an idea at that time focusing on solitude and simplicity. Over time this concept has grown to a way of life, decor, and mindfulness (Ryan). 

Values Take Priority

The neat thing I am learning about minimalism is that it is not just about buy and consuming less stuff. It is also about a mindset that is more intentional. A mindset that rejects the messages out there that say we need to have bigger and better things all the time. A mindset that is comfortable in its own skin and less overwhelmed by decision fatigue. Even as I write this list of mindful benefits, I already feel a sense of calm that has the desire to live with more purpose within instead of relying on worldly possessions to fill my life (Www.facebook.com/breakthetwitch).

Could I be a Minimalist?

Minimalism is growing in popularity and many are finding the way of life to create peace and calm within their own lives. As I begin this journey of diving into minimalism, I plan to make some changes along the way. My initial questions are:

•     Is minimalism achievable with kids? (I have 4...ages 10, 12, 15, 17)  
•     How can I get my whole family on board? (Are my kids going to hate me? Will they be bored all the time?)
•     Can I keep family treasures if I become a minimalist? (Baby books and toys)
•     Are my cupboards going to be empty? 

Sources:

Becker, Joshua. “What Is Minimalism?” Becoming Minimalist, 14 Nov. 2019, www.becomingminimalist.com/what-is-minimalism/.

D’ Avella, Matt, director. Less Is Now, 1 Jan. 2021, www.netflix.com. Accessed 1 Jan. 2021.

Ryan. “A Brief History of Minimalism: How the Minimalist Movement Happened.” Minimalism, Minimalist Design, 16 July 2020, minimalism.co/articles/history-of-minimalism.

Www.facebook.com/breakthetwitch, Anthony Ongaro. “What Is Minimalism? A Practical Guide to a Minimalist Lifestyle - Break the Twitch.” Break the Twitch - Love Your Attention, Build Better Habits, 15 July 2021, www.breakthetwitch.com/minimalism/#:~:text=Minimalism%20is%20all%20about%20owning,and%20space%20in%20our%20lives.