If you were to walk into my house right now, I highly doubt you would think it belongs to a minimalist, there is a lot of ‘stuff’ in my home. I’m still in the process of removal, of stripping out the items that no longer serve a purpose, that are there through guilt or simply haven’t been evaluated. There is mess, there is probably dust on a shelf somewhere, but there is definitely a home, you can see the love of books, and Lego, and flowers, and art, and music – there will always be music playing as you navigate your way around the inevitable laundry airer [apartment living perk]. This is less a book review, and more a reflection on my thoughts after re-reading Essential.
Essential: Essays by The Minimalists is a collection of essays, interviews and thoughts born out of the blog The Minimalists, it collates a number of their writings and brings them together into chapters that are organised by category. It is a perfect book as a starting point for minimalism, both if you’re new to the concept and if you’re looking to delve deeper. The Minimalists comprise Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn, they were both living the ‘American Dream’ when they realised that the constant striving for more was no longer serving their purpose, now they guide others on their path with less. The Essential book doesn’t delve into the details of this is such depth as their first book All That Remains so I would highly recommend checking them both out, as well as others they have created.
All You Need Is Less by Vicki Vrint is a much less in depth look at minimalism, but could be a useful starting point for those who may feel daunted by the idea of ‘letting go of all their things’, or a reminder when you feel lost in the process. The book is small but beautiful and definitely one that could easily be slipped into a bag to find a moment of calm on a busy day.
Rereading these books led me to evaluate – What is minimalism to me….. ?
It’s the slow removal of items that no longer serve me in my home
It’s the appreciation and peace of letting go of gifts without guilt when they no longer have a place
It’s in the giving of gifts without strings
It’s the carving out of time in my schedule to read, and reflect on that reading
It’s creating a collection of books in my library and not feeling guilty for not transferring them all to my kindle
It’s buying independent and exchanging my money with real people and not just corporations
It’s buying artwork I love instead of items to fill space
It’s the removal of toxic workplace relationships and a conscious effort to stay out of gossip and speculation
It’s remembering to write succinct and informative emails that always start with Hello or Hi
It’s the gratitude I have for being able to spend my money with female owned businesses
It’s the ability to buy less but buy better
It’s a recognition of my privilege in being able to make that choice
It’s in the daily tidying to keep a relaxed work/home environment
It’s in carving out a space for the things my partner loves in our home
It’s the ability to confidently pack light for a trip knowing I have everything I need
It’s taking time to respond to texts from those I love
It’s finding calm in chaos and a grounding in my life
It’s remembering to be kind and encourage that in those around me
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The photo above shows some of my current favourite and independently owned brands.
The brooch is a keepsake from a long-time favourite artist Nikki Groom [check out her Instagram here], she created these keepsakes as a lock-down passion project and each vintage find has a custom illustration in the back.
The facial oils are an investment into my skincare and are from Kyushi, a brand created by Alice Moore, a makeup artist who believes in a holistic approach to skincare and makeup. Whilst they’re an investment, a little goes a long way and they remind me to pause and take a breath at the start and end of each day. Check out her website here, Alice’s newsletter is a breath of calm in my inbox.
The leaves are from The Lincolnshire Flower Company who create beautiful floral designs and gorgeous flower subscriptions [the dream surely]. Check out their website here.
The elephants, well – they are close to my heart and take pride of place in my living room, they act as reminders of both my travels and my best friends – one of whom is close and one who is over an ocean. The remind me to be brave, strong, and kind, and to aspire to be wise. There will never be any lesson in minimalism that will part these from me.
If minimalism appeals, you’ll find countless articles and guidance books online, don’t get caught up in numbers or challenges if it doesn’t sit comfortably – it will look different to everyone. You’ll come across people who take it to the extreme and sell everything except 100 items, who quit their jobs and live in a van, you’ll also find those who quietly make space in their lives. Remember to be kind, to yourself and to others.
Let me know what you think!
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