10 Things I learned Through My “Minimalist” Journey

It seems like Minimalism is a current trend. What is this minimalism thing anyway? For me, its more of a lifestyle reconstruction rather than a materialistic order. It’s a way of simplifying your life choices which can include many and anything depending on the individual. It’s an endless reflection on your life occurrences, mistakes and goals. In the beginning of this journey, I thought to live a minimalist life meant to buy less and control your budget to the core. Although, I think this type of lifestyle is customized to fit the individual, I realized that it is not just a black and white cut out answer. With that said, I would like to share what I have learned through this journey;

1. De-clutter- I truly though to achieve simplicity is to use a pair of shoes to the point where not even scotch tape can safe it anymore. On the contrary, is to get rid of everything (donating, trashing or gifting) that has and will not be used anymore. It is also letting go of very old things that can not be recycled such as my pair of converse. It doesn’t mean I am not allowed to to buy anything either, by decluttering my home and closet, I allow space for new things which leads me to number;
2. Quality vs Quantity- I used to buy things and still do sometimes that are aesthetically appealing but sometimes the quality is not that great. Or I buy something which I need immediately but end up buying the cheaper version instead. I am realizing now that being a minimalist doesn’t necessarily mean that I spend less on material things. It can also mean buying something that will last me a life time which I will have to invest the money knowing that later will compensate.
3. Quantity- This is not just an American problem, Egyptian love to buy oversized things too. Now, instead of buying kilos of vegetables all at once to later throw most of it in the trash. I buy just a small quantity which I know will last me a week. Not only do I keep my fruits and veggies fresh, I don’t have to throw it away either. Making LISTS is also crucial at achieving a simplistic life. Writing a list of things that I need to buy not only keeps me centered, focused but it allows me budget better and saves me time.
4. Time- On my journey to achieve this life style, I have done ridiculous things such as not buying a can opener because I think I will not used that often. However, every time I need to open a can, I have to use a sharp knife and a hammer which not only is a pain in my behind but wastes a lot of time that I do not have. Which makes me think, is time not precious enough, it doesn’t have worth? Heck ya! Time is more precious and valuable than money in my book. That is why, I am on a hunt to buy things that have multipurpose and will safe me time, like a can opener that I have yet to buy.
5. Routine- This is so so and I stress so crucial in life! My kids need it for their own sanity and it helps them to have a little bit of control and security in their lives. This also keeps me on track of the endless things I need to do. Since it allows me to save time, I can use it reflect on my short and long term goals.
6. Will power-One of my weaknesses is, giving up when things get hard or I think I am not able to achieve it. This flaw never allowed me to know my capabilities and capacities. I know this will be one of the hardest things to change in my life but I am determined to fight this inner demon of mine by focusing on one thing at a time, rather than 10 millions things all at once.
7. Health- A healthy life leads to a healthy mind. Buying less junk food and investing the time to make homemade snacks have really changed my state of mind. My diet it is no where from perfect but there are things that I have been eliminating that had made a huge difference in my mood and concentration span. I am buying less junk and more veggies and vegetables. Part of my breakfast routine is to always make fresh juice with chia seeds and blend it all in. Hibiscus juice has also entered in my daily healthy habits. I buy the dry flower leaves and boil it in water. Let it sit to cool and place in on jar in the refrigerator. I have found that hibiscus juice has cleaned my urinary track and controlled my sugar level. Also, it important to eliminate things that cause stress, friend’s that are not worth your time and even a job that is not worth the money due to high chronic level of stress (as long as there is a back up plan).
8. Patients- Letting life be! Not everything has to be planned, controlled and manipulated. There are and there will always be things in life that are unexpected, unpleasant and goals might need to put on hold but it doesn’t mean failure and does not have to lead to unhappiness.
9. Self- I think I can speak to all the mothers when I say we often don’t make time for ourselves. But if I don’t work in my worth, what will I have to offer to others? Having time for self reflection will have a good effect on how I am as a mother, friend, wife ect. In this culture it is very hard for most woman to take their time for themselves but it is something I will defiantly squeeze in more for my self growth.
10. Peace- For some people peace means quiet and tranquility. As for me peace is to accept the challenges and obstacles that life throws at me and being able to be at peace with these occurrences. It means not running away from life’s challenges and difficulties but rather tackle it with grace and optimism.

Moreover “minimalism” is an endless journey and ever evolving. Life, goals, dreams, they all change consequently leading towards a different meaning of minimalism. But most importantly being a minimalist is down to the individual, it doesn’t have just one meaning, you as the person definite it.