Four Life Lessons On Minimalism And Travel
The idea of Minimalism is that by living with less visible things, we allow ourselves to live freely and pursue what is most valuable to us.
Minimalism is interpreted in many ways, but I view it as a way of keeping things simple. Less visible things should equal less clutter and a more authentic and purposeful living space.
Minimalism does not have to be about living without and you don't need to go off the grid to experience the benefits of a simple life. The best thing about minimalism is that it is a teacher - it is a constant way to clarify what is important to you.
Here are 4 life-changing lessons I learned on my journey towards embracing minimalism.
Minimalism gave me a the ability to embrace new life experiences and endless travel.
1. DAILY GRATITUDE
Minimalism continually teaches us gratitude because you can appreciate each asset you have. You can decide what you want to keep, donate, sell or dispose of. You have the control to change things within your environment simply by discerning what you do and don't need to be happy.
Travelling taught me that I have no actual need for piles of unworn clothes, varieties of dinner plates or one of each shade of blue in bath towels. Use what you have and have what you use. Starting will look different for each individual, but starting is the most essential part!
2. SELF-CONTROL
Minimalism continually teaches us self control because once you have decided you wish to travel or live minimally, you can't accumulate excess stuff! So, you have a few options here for embracing this new lifestyle.
Don't spend your days endlessly wandering around shopping malls. This is especially so when you travel as it reduces your travel budget and creates more items of material possessions that you will need to manage later. Another thing you may like to do is to unsubscribe from online shopping sites and emails, delete apps for online stores on your smartphone and just remove the temptation for mindless spending.
Make it known to close family and friends that you aim to adopt this lifestyle and graciously explain that you don't require homewares or gifts that you can no longer travel with. Embrace this newfound freedom and share your ideas to encourage a deeper understanding of where you are at.
Discover what you already own and if you find you love something new, donate the one you already have so you don't end up stockpiling. It is amazing how much stuff we buy! Ever moved house? Try moving with the ability to take only what fits into your backpack! You will see very quickly that you can live without a lot of what you have held onto for years. It will be liberating, and you won't regret it.
3. PERSONAL AWARENESS
Minimalism continually teaches us to be aware of the needs of others whilst showing us how to be content with less physical possessions. How? Minimalism creates a positive mindset because you instantly become more aware that you don't need to live your life the way everyone else has conditioned you to live. Anything you hold onto that you remove from your life will release the stress and worry that initially came with it.
When you research the mental health benefits of living as a minimalist, you will find that people all over the world feel content with owning less. You can outgrow and change your ideas on what matters most, and once you start, you can easily adapt to humble and new beginnings. Old habits are replaced with new ones, and you feel you are experiencing life to the full!
Minimalism encourages us to be more aware of our environmental impact, take only what we need, and support sustainable travel concepts.
4. PRIORITISE
And lastly, minimalism teaches us what we want to prioritise, and this is something that starts to happen naturally over time.
You may find yourself feeling motivated to make these changes and to stick with them, or you may work out that it isn't for you.
The one thing that always pushes me to prioritise minimalist living is how it has lifted my mood and energy and changed what makes me happy. It is a mindset and a practice for daily life.
Letting go of the expectations life places on us to have certain things brings us freedom to explore!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I spend my money on products that are good for the environment, and I am more aware of my impact on the earth; I embrace a plant-based lifestyle and aim to always buy local.
Nothing negative has ever come out of living this way, and it motivates me to continually think about how I view the world.
I genuinely believe that with less physical baggage, you are able to simply set your intentions on going wherever life leads you next.
By Cherie Julie
Founder of Travel For Change Collective