“Fill the void with acceptance, not stuff.”
Inside Minimalism, Vol. 1
Based on our exclusive subscription series, Inside Minimalism Vol.1 is a collection of 50 short and relatable essays on simple living by a small team of writers from different backgrounds, but who all share a deep appreciation for minimalism as a way of life. Enjoy a curated collection of beautiful writing with a single one-off purchase and support independent creators.
Tranquility or Trinkets?
Words by Andrew Rocha
We often attribute our problems to a lack of money.
If I had more money, I could get the new car.
If I got the new car, I’d be respected by my friends.
If I was respected by my friends, I’d be happier.
If we connect the dots and think a new car will lead us to happiness, it’s easy to assume money is the root of our problems. It’s easy to scroll online and imagine scenarios we could fix with money. But when all our extra dollars are spent on extra trinkets, we’re sacrificing our long-term contentment for short term pleasure.
We try to get ahead of this problem by working more hours, only to fall into the corporate rat race. Or rather, as I like to call it, the track to trinkets.
Money can solve our money problems, but most of the answers we seek can be found without additional income. When we understand that happiness comes from within, we stop relying on trinkets to fill the void. After all, what matters to you?
Peace or possessions? Joy or junk? Tranquility or trinkets?
Everything has a price. The more time we spend on acquiring, cleaning, maintaining, and repairing trinkets, the less time we spend on our tranquility and well-being.
Which path will you pursue?
Create Space for Stillness
Words by Kelly Foss
Thanks to the clarity that comes with living simply, each morning when I wake up, I feel a great sense of purpose. I’ve pared my life down to the essentials and designed a lifestyle around my goals and the people and experiences that matter most to me.
But, while all has been purposeful, up until a few weeks ago I would also wake up feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I’d describe it as a feeling of “behindness”—feeling behind on my long-term ambitions and all the tasks on my plate.
While I had found happiness in spending my time on the most important things, I had also become unsuccessful at doing them the right way.
I was intentionally dedicating my time to my day job, my side hustles, my friends, my family, my physical health, and my mental development, but it all became too much.
I was leaving little space for rest and reflection. My mind and body were yearning for a sense of calm; the space to slow down and live in the present moment.
I was so zoned in on the excitement that comes with the opportunity to remove the excess from my life—and fill my time with all of the people, things, and experiences that bring me joy—that I began to spread myself too thin.
Fortunately, as a part of living simply, my mental clearness also manifested itself as a mental reminder to reserve space for stillness.
I believe that this lifestyle challenged me to reflect on my obsession with being productive. I’ve uncovered that my anxiousness was a symptom of always trying to maximize my time.
Upon reflection, I’ve since re-prioritized the most important things in my life to create space each day to rest my mind and body. I’ve also made time to “do nothing”—a practice that had previously been difficult for me.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve already begun to take walks without my phone and spend time laying on my couch listening to beautiful instrumental music—two activities I’d formerly only do while multitasking.
I am now making the conscious choice to check in with myself on a daily basis. As part of maintaining my minimalist lifestyle, I am now prioritizing daily mindful practices for rest and recovery.
I’ve learned that living simply not only provides me with the space to live with intention but also encourages me to reflect and hold myself accountable for how I use my time.
Now, when I wake up each morning, I am creating the space to live more in the present moment, to slow down and be still.
I no longer feel behind.
A Little More of Less
A few other articles we think you might enjoy…
→ 3 More Things I Won’t Make Time For Anymore by Courtney Carver
→ Why Didn’t Minimizing Make Me Feel Good? by The Minimalists
→ Ten Tips for a Minimalist Wardrobe by Bridie Leah
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