Can Minimalism Be All So Simple?
At the end of February I wrote a blog post and said that I was going to adopt the Minimalist philosophy.
Being a minimalist is many things to many people, but essentially it involves removing anything that doesn’t add direct value to you or your life.
For example, my book collection and movie collection. Many of the books and movies on my shelf have not been touched in years. So why bother keeping them?
There has been a ton of other stuff that I have either donated or simply sold. Some of it was painless while other stuff was not so easy.
So I have removed about 95 percent of my stuff that I don’t need. I am extremely happy especially knowing that someone else can possibly benefit from them. I even donated about 10 on personal development and leadership to my LULAC Mentoring Center.
Yet there is still a few that I am still struggling to get rid of. There really seems to be some type of emotional attachment to them. Some of the books remaining helped transform my life.
Which brings me to this conclusion. Minimalism is not easy.
I will say that I feel relieved to have less stuff laying around. It makes the thought of traveling and moving so much more appealing.
Colin Wright at exilelifestyle.com recently posted and article on his blog with pictures of all the 51 things he owns and travels the world with.
51 THINGS!
Given the fact that I gave 2 daughters, 50 things is impossible. But I will continue to minimize my consumption.
So true, Teevee. It seems like picking an old shirt to throw out, or finding something that once held value is like throwing away a part of yourself. You've taught me something today however – that giving it away (rather than throwing it away) can transfer the value it gave to you to someone else. Great post!
Awesome! Thanks for the compliment. You made my day knowing you took something away from this article and my experience.
And this is why I must continue writing and sharing. Thank you again!
Yep, it's sooo relieving to free yourself of all that useless trash –
I have gotten rid of my dvd collecting as well, albeit in a more aggressive way:
I smashed it to bits and pieces and threw it away.
Remember Fight Club: Only if you lose everything, you'll be free to do anything !
My favorite movie! HA! I didn't even consider doing that Mars… but having read your blog for about a week, I would expect nothing less from you! You're a beast! I love it!
I will have to keep that quote in mind as I move forward. It's so freakin true!
Hi Teevee, I can't do what Colin is doing either, but I did the same thing about an year ago. I most of the things that I had, gave it away (although I do have my book collection still in my friends garage
) and just packed whatever I could fit in my RV. I can't do the couple of shirts and jeans thing because I like to go to salsa clubs and have some nice clothes 
, but it is definitely freeing when you know that your house and your belongs move where ever you want to go 
Hi Teevee, I can't do what Colin is doing either, but I did the same thing about an year ago. I most of the things that I had, gave it away (although I do have my book collection still in my friends garage
) and just packed whatever I could fit in my RV. I can't do the couple of shirts and jeans thing because I like to go to salsa clubs and have some nice clothes 
, but it is definitely freeing when you know that your house and your belongs move where ever you want to go 
Thanks Mikko!
It has been incredibly liberating to let go of so much stuff. I am truly amazed at the amount of junk that I accumulated in just 3 years since my divorce and happy that someone else is getting somethingo ut of it.
Speaking of salsa… I would love to take some training from you! Hopefully I can catch up with you in one of the cities you reside temporarily real soon!
Sure thing! I saw that you live in Dallas is that right? I am sure I will coming around there sometime soon and if so I'll make sure to let you know. Or if you are ever in San Francisco let me know, I think I will be staying here for atleast for a while.
And it seems like we are in the same bout. I got divorced about year and a half ago and after that I did the same thing. Keep in touch!
Yes I live in Dallas. I have a couple of friends in San Fran that I would like to see… including you!
In touch I shall stay!
Would you be able to add an email subscription option? You know, for those of us who want to know what you're saying NOW.
Dear Jeanie!
that feature has been added per your request.
Thank you for taking the time to write and make this recommendation. As you can see (if you come back and visit the site
Hehe! Just for you!