I've been thinking about what minimalism really means to me as I've been writing some of my hive posts in that line lately. I started by trying to connect the dots in my life and let me tell you, it's not a pleasant discovery.
It's Mental Health Awareness month this month of May by the way, and it means a lot to me because I deal with anxiety and depression. Yesterday, I came to a realization that my need to live a minimalist lifestyle stems from me searching for peace.
I've had a troubled mind for as long as I remember and a coping mechanism was to shed excess weight as regards my personal belongings and surrounding in general. It all makes sense now why an 11-year-old was obsessed with decluttering and getting rid of belongings that she actually liked.
It created a semblance of shedding parts of me that I didn't like and the parts I didn't feel I was worthy of. It made me feel lighter, better organized, and seem in control of my environment - and in extension, my life.
Years on, I still feel this way about being in control of my environment but not in a depressive way. I have learned that there is indeed peace in less clutter and I can truly be in control of my life.
Owning only a few personal belongings has definitely made my life less chaotic. I don't have to think too much about a lot of things and I have lesser items to look after and clean.
I can tell at a glance what's needed and what should be replaced, I mostly don't have regret purchases and I spend less overall. Not to forget how content I feel about everything that I own.
It all started as a way to run away from myself, a special therapy that my mind offered to me. What it did was take away the chaos outside, so I could deal with the chaos inside.
It's kind of a good and bad thing at the same time but what matters is that there's less chaos and the intention behind it right now is positive.
Less personal belongings means more focus on my mental health and dealing with all the things that truly matter to me. My mind is at a better place and I like that I do a lot of introspection and I'm more self-aware in the clutter-free space I created for myself.
How about you? Is your mental health any way affected by the belongings you own?
This is my entry to the #kiss topic #1 for this week 👇
How has owning fewer personal belongings changed your life since you embarked on a minimalist journey?
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Hello @wolfofnostreet,
I agree that an organised, clutter-free space brings mental clarity which helps to improve one's mind and well-being.
I trust that you're doing better and putting things into perspective to help cope with all your difficulties.
Thank you for stopping by:)
Yes, I am doing better than I could have imagined. Thank you.
You're very welcome:)
Wow, I've never heard this perspective on decluttering -- so interesting! I've often heard the other perspective you mention -- that decluttering helps with mental clarity -- and generally found it to be true. However, I'm now starting to realize that I sometimes use decluttering and cleaning/organizing in general as an escape mechanism so I don't have to deal with the inner clutter (though I suppose it's a healthier escape than turning to drugs or any number of things). Thank you for helping shed awareness on this!
Interesting to know this. I know many people see cleaning as an escape too and like you mentioned, it's a healthy way to deal with issues. I'm just relieved knowing that I don't punish myself anymore by decluttering important things. Now I approach decluttering with a clear mind and it's really been good for me.
Thanks for checking out my post.