(Since I posted my CRUSH IT review Wednesday, I am combining my minimalist and organization article today. ENJOY!!!)
I know, I know. You can’t live without that collection of every season of The Simpsons, Grey’s Anatomy, and Mythbusters. Today, I won’t stop you from owning these series (but I will ask why such an eclectic collection?). What I am going to do is get you to see that minimalism can be implemented while you still hold on to a few of your unminimalistic habits (Yo…Webster’s…new word: unminimalistic…FYI).
A few weeks back now, Karen Hill of Dreamin’ the Life wrote a guest post for LifeExcursion on applying minimalist aspects while holding on to some of what she loved despite it’s minor clutter (check out her story here: Attempting Minimalism). What I loved about Karen’s tale was that she was able to implement the great aspects of minimalism, yet knew her boundaries. She had to hold on to something to keep her sanity. That is exactly what I think everyone should do.
Being a true minimalist, a la Leo Babauta, takes ultimate patience and simplicity. I will never be as patient as the ultimate minimalists in the world. But, I can try and implement as many minimalist aspects to my life. I have done a decent job of that and hopefully, I have been able to urge you down the right path of simplicity. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the most complex collection of whatever you love. Minimalism should allow you to have that collection. By implementing minimalism in aspects of your life that don’t matter that much, but are cluttered, you are able to appreciate that which you love. For me, books are something I have not been willing to implement minimalism. To have the book collection I do, I have minimalized my finances, time, daily activities, mindset, and stuff in general.
I think the key is focusing on what is important. If you can narrow down what you love and then minimalize everything else, you will be able to appreciate the balance.Meet me in the middle when it comes to minimalism and I think we can live a much simpler and peaceful life.
LifeEx Action Steps:
- Try simplifying the unnecessary in your life. Those will be easy starter steps towards minimalizing other life aspects.
- Talk with your housemates. Whether family or just roommates, get them involved and ask for help simplifying your life.
Have a good one….
Dave Damron
LifeExcursion
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Hi Dave,
I’m thinking of limiting myself to owning 100 books and 100 DVDs. I think that if I want to buy anymore on top of that, then I’ll have to get rid of another one.
.-= Gordie Rogers´s last blog ..Is There Anything That’s Unforgivable? Part 1. =-.
I just steal everything from the internet
. HAHA. I’m actually an avid movie/DVD collector. I think in a minimalist world, I’d just set it all up to available via streaming.
.-= Srinivas Rao´s last blog ..How to become a connector and leverage the hell out of your network =-.
I’ve taken the digital route. I get to own all my books, and carry them with me on my iPhone (someday I may consider shelling out for a Kindle, but my eyes are still good and my phone is nice and inconspicuous on the bus). I’ve never been a big TV watcher, so DVDs were ridiculously easy to get rid of: “Have I watched any of these in the last year?” “Um….no.” “Can I watch most of these online if I really really really get the urge?” “Uh….probably.” And out they go.
That’s not for everyone, and I certainly have my hang ups. I miss my hot air popcorn popper more than anything. I might have to shell out $5 for a new one.
I do think moderation is a nice approach to minimalism. I’m not about attaching sentimental value to inanimate objects, but gosh darn it, some random things just make my life that much better.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..epic fail or epic win? =-.
Kristin your comments are always original, awesome, and welcome.
I am the same way about TV. Other than football, I probably watch 3 hours of tv a week. Even that I download.
I think, in your last sentence, you hit it on the head qas to the point I was trying to make. I have STUFF that is just STUFF, but it has some sentimental value so I keep it around. Thankfully, I have it limited, but some stuff is cool to keep. All you hardcore minimalists can hate me.
Dave
LifeExcursion
As you know Dave I wrote a post about this old habit of mine too. I went from buying almost every blockbuster on DVD as they came out to switching to only buying seasons. To be honest I do not know which one was worse. One cluttered the entertainment stand, and the other de-cluttered my wallet. LOL Nowadays I just watch anything and everything I can online. Hulu and surfthechannel.com are awesome for allowing me to still watch my shows anytime I want without cluttering my house or spending too much money. You could say I killed two birds with one stone.
.-= Brad´s last blog ..Children And Money: Are You Helping Your Children Learn The Basics? =-.