My Struggle with Minimalism

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism defined by The Minimalist is someone who desires to live with fewer material possessions. They define it as a way to find freedom!  

What does Minimalism mean to me?

Removing the burden of being stuck on things and focus on the people or goals that matter to me. While realistically I will probably never have 100 or less items (I know but that is a step further than I can fathom). I do have goals!

• ​Keep a physical book collection of less than 50 books
• Keep work wardrobe under 100 items
• Keep a seasonal wardrobe of 30 - 40 items 

Work Wardrobe Collection

Complete Wardrobe

• Dresses                  14
• Shirts                     35
• Pants                      28
• Jackets/ Sweaters   14 

           Total                        91 items

Winter Wardrobe

• Dresses                    4
• Shirts                     15
• Pants                      20
• Jackets/ Sweaters   14 

           Total                        53 items

* Often I pull in sweaters from my non-work wardrobe during the winter

The Struggle

1. Not buying new items and/or if I do replacing the new item by removing an old one. If you buy something new, then remove something old or worn out from your wardrobe.
   
2. Not getting wrapped up in things. Placing less value on things that are replaceable and valuing those that are not like relationships and people.
3. Not completing the life changing magic of tidying up by Marie Kondo. This book is amazing based on the first 25% that I have read. If you think that you are placing to much value on things or would like to remove or reduce your clutter, then this is a great first step. 
4. When to tell myself no. THIS IS THE HARDEST THING! The only one who can control our actions are yourself and practicing self control can sometimes be challenging. One way to keep myself is check is by budgeting out my finances each month by using the Budgeting Tool that I created. For instance, I have been on the hunt for a black leather (pleather) jacket. The moment I walked into Forever 21 I found a Sweater Jacket and a Jacket that I had to have but no leather jacket. I could've said no but instead I said yes and am evaluating whether I need to make room or remove an old item from my non-work wardrobe.
   

    5.    The guilt of failure. The biggest struggle is realizing that failure is relative and should be measured as such. The biggest thing for me is understanding that while I have been struggling I have also been making progress.

Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently!

The Goal

1. Buy Less. Less things to worry about usually means less stress. So the goal is to buy less items unless I NEED them.
2. Want Less. This is the problem lol. I want everything but realistically I can't afford it nor do I have space for all my wants.
3. Value the things I have. I have so much to be grateful for and that should be my focus.

​I hope that you all enjoyed and that you remember to live your life the best way that you can and not for others.