Lifestyle, Minimalism

10 Things I Do Now That I’m A Minimalist

mindbeautysimplicity

Ever since I decided to practice minimalism & live a more intentional & simple life, I’ve noticed so any wonderful changes. My perspective on life is quite different now that I don’t revolve it around consumerism & “Keeping up with the Joneses”. Although it may seem abnormal to go against the grain & live happier with less, I strongly believe EVERYONE would benefit by just simply adding one of these changes into their lives. Here are 10 Things I Do Now That I’m a Minimalist

1. I Look For New Experiences

When I stopped wanting for the next trendy piece or expensive item, I realized adding these things into my life left me feeling empty. Or, they would bring me joy for a short period of time but I would quickly want the next best thing. Instead, I look for new experiences to enrich my life & help me grow. And when I talk about experiences, I don’t just mean extravagant vacations overseas. I also mean local adventures like hidden hiking trails, new restaurants & activities. Simply trying a new drink on the Starbucks menu counts as a new experience. I’m more inclined to spend money on these forms of happiness than material items that just sit in my home because it’s another story to tell. It’s an added memory that makes us who we are or want to be.

2. I Actually Use Up Products I Buy

I try to adopt the rule of using what I have before I purchase a new one. It’s not to say, I don’t have a few backup products in the hall closet; but most duplicates are essential to daily living. I no longer experiment too often & I stick with what works. You know the phrase, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” That’s the mindset I try to keep when advertisements try to entice me with something new & trendy.

3. I No Longer Try To Keep Up With The Joneses

Comparison & competing with people is honestly so exhausting. You can never really keep up. And why are we so wired to prove things to people? We need to feel more content with the lives we create for ourselves. In a world where social media snatches joy from right under your feet, we can’t allow ourselves to see highlight reels as the only depiction of success. Wouldn’t it be more refreshing if people showed all sides to the story? And if you still find yourself comparing yourself to other’s feeds, maybe you need to consider getting rid of the platforms that aren’t serving you well. For instance, I deleted my Instagram & haven’t looked back since.

You Might Also Like: Social Media Detoxes Are Good For the Soul

4. I Enjoy The Little Things

I used to feel like my life had to be so extravagant. I had to spend tons of money, visit the most fancy locations for what? To show people I can? To make myself feel more whole? This year has taught me happiness can be found in such simple ways. I embrace that type of life now. I’ve become a real homebody. I don’t go searching for things to fill a void any longer. I’ve become a stronger person this way. And like I said about experiences, sometimes the more simple moments are the most precious.

5. I Have Better Relationships With People

I was someone who focused on my own happiness harder than others. Not in a spiteful way either. More like an oblivious way where I would stay in my own safe bubble. Now that I’m more aware, I ask people how they are doing more often. I listen to their stories instead of quickly telling them mine. I listen harder instead of being a burden. And sometimes keeping things to yourself is ok. There’s a difference between vulnerability & word vomit. Those who practice a minimalist lifestyle, tend to focus on decluttering material items. But the decluttering process can be useful for all aspects in your life. When you choose your friends wisely, the ones that remain can be the best ones for you.

6. I Know Who My Real Friends Are

I love the friendships that are there for your highs & your lows. The type of friends who love coming over your house, sit on the floor with a glass of wine & talk about life. Each stage holds different phases of friendships. They change & you evolve as well. Rarely does anything ever stay the same. Find the tribe of individuals that encourage you & show off your best self. Let go of everything else.

7. I Show More Confidence

When I was a teenager, I would get myself so upset if my outfit wasn’t perfect. I was too much of a try hard & honestly the outfits weren’t that great. I worried about not being pretty enough, not having the latest trends or whether people would notice of my boots were knockoffs. Now that I’m older my fashion sense has improved so much. The only reason for this is my sense of confidence has improved. I don’t own the most unique clothing pieces. But I know what works for me & I rock it.

You Might Also Like: How I Boosted My Confidence During a Pandemic Year

8. I Save Money

The amount of pointless purchases I’ve made in my life is astronomical. I try to be more intentional with my purchases. And no, the joggers from Target were probably not on my NEED list, but during quarantine, they were an essential. When I do decide to treat myself, I appreciate it more. Before, I would spend so often that I stopped being grateful. “Oh that $50 Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlight Palette? Trash! And like that palette, it just sat in my drawer untouched. I try to maintain the mindset of purchasing items that are purposeful, fit in my capsule wardrobe or would truly benefit me evolve as a person.

You Might Also Like: How To Save Money The Intentional Way

9. I Have Gratitude

That house you live in. The nice bedding you sleep on. The pets you own. Never take those things for granted. I used to have the mindset of always wanting the next best thing. Although I do own less, I’ve learned to really appreciate what I have. I still love owning nice things. I just don’t let them define who I am or my happiness. I try to keep things into perspective & prioritize the people, animals & experiences I have in my life above all else.

You Might Also Like: I Wrote in A Gratitude Journal For An Entire Year

10. I Live A Happier Life

Minimalism wasn’t the end all be all cure to my life but it has made me happier. I thought I knew what happiness was before, but I’m more enlightened. I didn’t realize I used material items to hide from my problems, my emotions & people. In no means am I a perfect person. I am still a work in progress. But I will say practicing this lifestyle has helped open my eyes to the important parts of life.

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-B

Published by mindbeautysimplicity

90 thoughts on “10 Things I Do Now That I’m A Minimalist”

  4. Being somewhat minimalist does really good for your mental health and your life in general, I realized so much after taking a look to myself thinking as humans we don’t need much. The most important factors are having people you love around you, being happy, making memories, be grateful and live! 🌿

    https://beautyofcafe205.blog | Xo Cata

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  9. This is the way to go. I’ve not been able to become a minimalist but I’ve been implementing a few of these things in my life. Lockdown has removed all my needs and desires for “things” and I can appreciate the simple stuff. Great post!

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  11. This was a beautiful post I absolutely loved it!!!!! I mean. Through a lot in 2020 I have lost most of my friends due to I don’t have a bf no longer. They have bfs so now I’m the one Rhys doesn’t fit anymore sadly! It’s okay I have learned that my happiness comes within side me. I’m still special to my family. Thanks for opening my eyes to there is so much more in life!

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  12. I love this positive post! This year really has forced many of us to be more mindful, and to appreciate all that we have and who we have around us. Well done!

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  17. Wow, such an inspiring post. This is the kind of life I’m trying to live. I’ve become much better at cutting down on ‘needless’ spending but I know I can do better. 💜

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  24. I love this! I think I’m starting to get the stage now where I’m valuing experiences over possessions – they often have so much more meaning in them. It’s amazing that minimalism has helped with your confidence too! Thank you so much for sharing x

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  26. Totally loving your “I use the things I buy” highlight! I feel like minimalism definitely helps us narrow down our buying habits to only the things that we use and that are useful in our lives, which ultimately leads to saving money and feeling free of trends. ❤

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    1. exactly! if anything else, the saving money bit is really helpful. i realized before, i would waste so much money on items that would end up at the donation centers months later anyway. those decluttering sessions really placed things into perspective.

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  28. I love this post, sounds like you are living a really fulfilling life. Since moving house, I’m on the journey to living more minimally. I’ve got a lot of clutter to get through before I get to that point, but I’m slowly getting through it all. That’s interesting you were able to shift your mindset re keeping up with the Jones’ – I still struggle a bit with this and I feel like it takes me back to high school thinking, if I don’t have nice stuff etc. Thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeandMe

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    1. it’s hard to stick with the mindset when the whole world is always wanting bigger and better things. it’s learning self control really and being happy with your own life and not comparing yourself to others. i also realized that some people with the biggest homes or rich lifestyles, aren’t actually happy at all. thanks for reading.

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  34. Living an intentional and minimal life really has a lot of benefits. I think the beauty in this lifestyle is that you no longer allow the pressures of society and keeping up appearances dictate your life. You are free to live as you please and let go of expectations, and that truly leaves room for embracing life. Awesome post. Thanks for sharing.

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  37. This is such a positive list. I love this, I’m not much of a minimalist, but I do believe in using up products before buying new ones. I also toss out anything Expiring or has barely anything in it.

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  40. Great post. Definitely my heart live intentionally. I do agree make sure you use up your product. Also, I appreciate that you mentioned be grateful for what you have with trying to live like someone else. This is so important. Enjoyed reading. ☺️

    Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
    Letstakeamoment.com

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  41. Beautifully said! Minimalism encourages you to focus on gratitude, strengthen relationships, and bring things into your life with positive intention. It’s really nice to live with less stuff and focus on experiences!

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  42. Love this post. I’m also trying to practice a more minimalist lifestyle. Though, I must admit I’m still addicted to certain stuff (makeup, skincare, etc.). It’s a struggle trying to use up my products before getting another one. LOL. Anyway, I agree that we shouldn’t keep up with the Joneses. I learned to enjoy the little things and be thankful for the blessings in my life..

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  43. I love this blog post, as it gave me insight into the positives of being a minimalist that I hadn’t considered before. While I am not a minimalist, I like the idea behind a lot of these points, especially looking for new experiences, not comparing yourself to others and enjoying the little things.

    I also follow the idea of, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ even if new products seem enticing, it’s probably just because it’s new.

    Great blog post; thank you for sharing. 😊

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