In the past couple of years, I’ve noticed an interesting trend happening in my life and I thought it was worth spending sharing with my readers. Basically, it’s this, the less I consume and collect items the more uncomfortable people seem to be. Leading me to ask the following question, “Why does my minimalism make you uncomfortable?”
Consumption is Overrated
I used to spend hours each week focused on consuming items. Either I was shopping, eating, or occasionally hanging out with friends and family. As I worked harder and harder on lowering my yearly budget so that I could take “the Leap!” I found that not only my habits changed but so did my mentality about consumption.
I stopped shopping for a year and I was amazed to discover that I was shopping out of boredom and that it was a mindless habit that I was completely unaware that I had…until I stopped shopping.
I focused on spending time with people, the pure bliss of sharing a cup of coffee and just having a conversation about…stuff. Conversations about: the world, politics, music, food, and hipsters. And as I focused on capturing those flickering moments of connection I found myself not only cutting my consumption habit, I just wanted to get rid of the stuff in that was weighing me down. Negative thoughts, negative people, old memories best left and dissected in my diaries, and actual stuff.
I began getting rid of clothes that I wasn’t wearing and keeping “just in case.” I donated the romance novels that I loved (and still do) that always end the same…they get together! I looked at each drawer and got rid of everything that just I just didn’t need or was ever planning to use.
And, with each layer that I removed, I found the Michelle that used to be so light and free. But, had been buried under the layers of life experiences and disappointments that happen because you’re living life. As I removed the layers I’ve begun to reconnect with the energy that it takes to go after your dreams-personal, financial, or other.
I’ve also discovered that as I’ve worked to get rid of stuff that it has been uncomfortable for other people to observe. Because my actions have accidentally triggered thoughts in other people about their process and what they are holding on to.
Debt Freedom
It’s the same with debt-freedom. As you work harder to kick debt to the curb other people will question you and doubt you..as they question and doubt themselves. I’ve spent a lot of time working on myself and wondering why has my financial journey taken me so long?
It just has.
My minimalism isn’t about denying myself, quite honestly, it’s the complete opposite. My minimalism is all about making space in my life for the moments and things that truly matter. And, if my minimalism makes you uncomfortable…I’m not sorry.
My minimalism has given me more time to be with you and isn’t that worth pursuing? Because I’m no longer shopping as an activity I now have time to do activities with you. Because my space is clutter free, I’m able to think a lot more clearly. Because I am consuming less I have more to pay off my debt.
If those results make you uncomfortable…then, I might have to let you go to.
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This is interesting point of view decluttering spaces having shopping ban help to realize how we manage our moneyfor example I spend mre when I am bored and without nothing to do but since I have a budget I tend to ask severalquestions to myself and take time but I must to be I’m not always a good girl I’m a constant work inprogress:D
I totally spend more when I’m bored LOL! I try to be good…but, I don’t always succeed LOL! I just keep trying.
My favorite part of your comment is the following “…when people use their beliefs as if their way is the only right way. Like those annoying self-righteous vegans.” I find that people forget that everyone has their own “path.” And just because I’m happy with less, doesn’t mean that you have to be happy with less too. Yes, I am passionate about less is more but I don’t want to be self-righteous and annoying to the people in my life. So, I keep my mouth shut and just practice what I preach and be true to my values and move on.