I can summarize my view of Christian simplicity with this sentence that I came up with:
“Only buy what you need; only keep what you use.”
That is my original contribution to simple living and minimalism. Is it is an easy to remember rule or simplifying your life.
The Importance
It’s hard to express the importance of minimalizing what you own, of simplifying your life. The importance of slowing down and really living in the moment.
It is amazing to realize just how much clutter affects our mental attitude. It affects our mood, a clarity of mind, and even our level of stress. Decluttering and minimalizing helps to bring back freedom to heart and soul.
I have to confess this did not come naturally. It was through learning about minimalism, several years ago, that I began to apply these principles.
Only Buy What You Need
The first principle is only buy what you need. We live in a society that is characterized by consumerism. That means we’ve been taught the LIE, that to own more is to be more. We identify with the things we own.
In one sense you could say that not only do we own things, but things own us. Our possessions possess us. And that is why we do not feel the freedom, the liberty and the clarity of bind that we should. Or at least one of the reasons we don’t.
Only Keep What You Use
It’s amazing how much clutter actually accumulates over time. Things stay around in our houses that are never used. They are collected for that just in case moment.
Of course, if we’re honest, we know the just in case moment never comes. The stuff just sits around and sits around, until we finally throw it out. Why wait.. if you haven’t used it in the last 3 months, you probably don’t need it.
One of the ways to help free you up to get rid of the clutter, is that if you really needed that thing, you can always buy it again. But chances are you won’t ever buy it again, because you really don’t need it.
Simplifying is a Process
Simplifying is a process, and it is not easy. Take it slowly, and start with the things that’ll have the most impact. For me, it was my wardrobe. I was able to get rid of the things that I hadn’t worn in 3 or 4 months.
For other people it might be the kitchen. Because that’s one of the most used rooms, decluttering that can help free you up. Can help make cooking more enjoyable.
The key is to find which room or area would make the most impact. Start there. The worst place to start is in sentimental items. Do those last. You’ll thank me later.
Don’t Become a Minimalist
One of the problems with becoming a minimalist, is you become attached to a title, and that title becomes an identity, and that identity then rules your life. Then it becomes a matter of. Are you a true minimalist or are you one of those fake minimalist. It becomes a competition, you then are being judged on how minimalist you are. It’s a trap, don’t do it.
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