Reflecting on Minimalism

In this post, I'm reflecting and answering a series of questions I found a few months ago on the website Into Mind. In the article "Minimalism: A beginner's guide," these questions were posted to start the thinking process of how you can start living a simple life. I am trying to become a low-key minimalist and half a year ago I started on the journey - I cleaned out my school notebooks and childhood nick-nacks out of 3 plastic storage boxes and shoved them into the recycling (because I am passionate about not wasting). I also built a 'minimalist looking' shelf which also reduced the amount of stuff gathering dust in my room. Out of all my things, I left one plastic box, a few decorative pieces on my shelf (it's getting a little cluttered now eeeek) and an extra shelf of books in the storage room. After that massive cleaning haul, I called myself a minimalist. And yet, I come to this set of questions and I wonder...

1. Which 3-5 things are most important to you in life? Does the way you spend your time reflect these?

Most important things in my life: family, laughter, learning

Family is the most important thing in my life. I enjoy family dinners and casual conversations about who's been up to what and what we think about Russia vs America immensely. But sometimes I pull back, stay silent and don't express my feelings and inner doubts when I feel down. That only distances myself and puts me into a state of more confusion and self-doubt (usually fuelled by social media and the internet... but that's a different story).

I laugh lots with my friends and family, especially my sister who is so funny it's painful. I must be getting abs soon.

I also enjoy learning because that's one of the best things you can do for yourself - learn and grow.

2. What part of the day do you usually look forward to the most? Why?

I love early mornings. Even though I am definitely NOT a morning person, its the best time of the day to get productive.

3. How does your living space make you feel?

It's a space I know I can relax in, wear my pyjamas and do whatever suits my mood (when it's de-cluttered).

4. How many hours per day do you spend feeling rushed, stressed or anxious? What (or who) is causing that?

Maybe 1-2 hours a day I feel stressed or rushed. It really depends on what I'm doing that day, or the next. I do get quite anxious about university, obviously because the atmosphere is new and the content is challenging in it's own ways, but it's what everyone goes through!

5. What is your favourite place in your house/apartment? Why?

My favourite place is probably my room, or outside. My room is quite cosy and at a nice temperature at the moment. Outside on the veranda you get the best view of the suburban heights and I love the afternoon breeze.

6. How often do you do things just for fun?

Not often enough. I would love to be more spontaneous and do things without fear and with a social butterfly's confidence.

7. What activities always leave you feeling fresh and re-energised?

Even though running is tough - the sweat, red face, harsh breathing - it leaves me with the most refreshed feeling I have ever experienced. I run twice a week and it does wonders for my energy and self-confidence. Another activity is just BEING OUTSIDE. Sometimes I spend a whole day inside the house, but when you walk out and feel the sunshine on your skin and soak up the vitamin D while feeling the breeze on your back it instantly lifts your mood, more than any boring video or mindless scrolling will ever do.

8. Which of your commitments (side projects, clubs, memberships, etc.) truly add value to your life and which don’t?

Since this year I am starting many new things - joining new clubs at uni, trying out projects etc. - I still don't know which truly add value. I guess we will find out soon...

9. If this week had an extra day, how would you spend it?

I would definitely spend it at the beach with my friends and family, catch up and enjoy each other's company. Having a great time in the waves and sand would be amazing.

Just a little reflection on minimalism and seeing what I really enjoy has been an interesting experience and has actually given me things to think about. I wonder what I'll be doing on Sunday... Don't mind if I do go to the beach with the fam :D

All the love xxoo

How good are you at saying no?

#minimalism #blogpost