I’ve chosen to reward myself for my hard work this winter.
- I’ve completed 6 months full time work, something I never thought I could do so soon after leaving my PhD.
- I’ve completed a 3 month introductory course in counselling.
- It’s been 9 months since I left my PhD, and the decision alone was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
- I’ve started two blogs
- I’m learning and growing every day.
After much deliberation (about two months) and finally choosing my reward at the weekend, an entry level DSLR camera , I’ve come to realise that minimalism isn’t really about the stuff in the end. It’s not about owning the least amount of possessions. It’s not a competition over who can have the best, and most simple decor, or the amount of white walls in our homes. It’s not about decluttering either. Getting rid of the excess is just a means to an end.
The end, and simultaneously, the beginning, is learning what is important. Freeing up space allows us to discover what else there is besides stuff. It’s the beginning of a new life full of discovery.
The beginning will be different for everyone.
I’ve discovered a passion for writing, rekindled my creative endeavours, and have dipped my toe into the world of photography. I am learning what is important to me.
This blog is important to me, and because I am a visual person, the look of my blog is important too. Hence, developing the ability to take better photos is important to me.
My new camera is pretty awesome, but it’s not the plastic casing and the technology per se that I lust after. I could amass a great collection of lenses, a tripod and all the kit in the world (given the money), but there’s no point in owning all of those if they just sit on a shelf, untouched.
The camera is just a tool to get me closer to something I love doing. It’s not the camera, but learning how to use it that will add value to my life, and will challenge me to be creative with a new medium.
How about you? What is truly important to you? Feel free to share in the comments.
Time.
ReplyDeleteFor us it's all about time. I used to be a hoarder, a keeper of memories. I thought that stuff was important and that keeping the stuff kept the memories, the relationships and my place in the world. Of course it wasn't important and it didn't do that, it just held me back.
Having the huge amounts of stuff was so restrictive, from the time taken maintaining the hoard, to the time wasted looking for everyday items, to the social events we missed because I couldn't get an outfit together or find my keys, to the stress on my relationship with my husband because the past wouldn't allow us to function. Once I started to get rid of the stuff yes we had space but there were extra hours in the day to do whatever we wanted because we could just get up and go and weren't bound by the rituals and other problems brought about by the stuff.
What I do now isn't really important, it's more about the fact that there are fewer blocks to however I want to spend my day.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading.
Time is so important, and congratulations for conquering your hoard! I find it hard sometimes to break the attachment to my belongings.
It sounds like you've found freedom from the stuff, and are more able to use your time for what's important to you. It sounds like you found space/time in your schedule to do the things you wanted, and that's brilliant.
Decluttering allows me space to breathe, so I can better focus on things too. So many benefits!
Hey Linda,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're seeing things very clearly and that you have a great perspective of your life and situation. I'm pleased to see this and that you were able to reward yourself with the purchase of a new camera (a means to be creative and proud).
I think it's easy for someone less experienced to glance at the word 'minimalist' and to assume that it means abandoning many modern conveniences and almost going back in time one-hundred years (there is another term for that which I can't think of right now). I liken it to having a lot on your mind or allowing yourself too many thoughts to consider at once.
You appear to have come a long way in the short time that I've been following your progress. Each week, your posts seem to bring new-found inspiration. :-)
Hey Olly, thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteThank you, often times it feels like I have no clue what I'm doing, but at least I'm trying to figure it out.
It was hard to justify the reward, but worth it to recognise the achievements.
I think minimalism can be misunderstood. I used to think it was just white walls and clinical living spaces; but it can just as much be a very cosy home with just the essentials in it. It's a tool to peel away the layers and find what's inside; our true direction and passions for life. I think it joins up nicely with meditation too!
Thanks Olly for your kind words :)