Reducing is Really Rad.

The Minimalist movement (and just simplifying my life in general) has been something of interest to me for the past couple of years now.  I have found myself quite drawn to the {Slow Your Home} blog after listening to the roll out of Brooke's accompanying (and amazing) podcast on the "slow living" way of life.  Ironically, I feel like even the Minimalist movement has become inundated with digital clutter (endless resources, listicles, things you MUST do to achieve so-called enlightenment).  Brooke approaches Minimalism with a common sense voice that cuts through the noise.

After reading through her blog and other websites I have pinned to my Pinterest boards, I'm realizing that I already incorporate a lot of  minimalist living approaches into my everyday life.  To name just a few:  An everything box designed to be a catch all for random items before they are ultimately sorted (think bills, mail to be dealt with, things to return to their owners, gifts to be wrapped)...  Asking myself key questions before making a new  purchase...  Paring down to just 4 sets of sheets and towels...  Understanding that the first R is the most important because the third R isn't always all that its made out to be...

Anybody who knows me in real life would chuckle at my voracious appetite for articles on the topic of decluttering.  My desk at work is known for always being neat and tidy.  I really don't own a lot.  I make lists.  Add to this the fact that I have always lived in small apartments in one of the most expensive cities in the world  and you could say my actual environment has made "keeping minimal" fairly natural.

While it is true that my physical life is lacking clutter in comparison to many other people, the same cannot always be said for my mental life.  Like many of us, I frequently feel bogged down by unwelcome obligations and people who may not always bring out the best in me.  I find it hard to put down that tablet or smart phone and truly disconnect.  I am now learning more and more about what it means to be intentional in my life.  I already notice how my relationships and overall feeling of control are improving simply by being mindful with my thoughts, decisions and interactions.

One thing is for sure:  Minimalism is what you make of it.  Some people choose to view Minimalism as nothing more than a prolonged spring cleaning.  I see Minimalism as a sort of spirituality for the secular.  Minimalism is a way to live your life.  By keeping things simple, you can focus on what really matters.  Also, you get to buy some cute containers along the way...  what's not to love?  :D