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When talking to folks, one of the most common questions people ask me is how did I become a minimalist. I think the perception that people have of minimalists is one that is very extreme but the truth of the matter is everyone’s minimalist lifestyle is different. For me, I’m in my 50’s and believe it or not there does come a time when you really do not need very many things. My transformation started later in life and looking back now I wish it would have happened in my 30’s or even my 40’s but things happen when they do for a reason – we are ready for them to happen.
I graduated from high school in 1979 and headed into the elaborate 80’s where everything was big, bigger, and biggest. Big hair, big shoulder pads, big partying and big cars – the bigger the better. One rainy day when you are watching “old” movies on TV take a look at how excessive this decade truly was – and I’m not going to lie to you – we LOVED every minute of it.
Another thing that happened during this decade is that women were finally moving up the corporate ladder. Not as fast as men but we were moving up. I worked at the time for a large oil company and was on the fast track. This meant they were paying for my education and I was actively promoted every year or so to gain as much experience as possible in all areas of the company. I will be forever grateful to this company for my college education and my business knowledge and experience. This was a great time both personally and professionally but by the early 90’s or so the recession was taking a toll on many folks.
Did we cut back what we were used to spending? No we kept spending as we always did. As a result into debt we went. This cycle would continue for more than 15 years. Refinance the house, pay off the debt, run up new credit card debt on things we didn’t need. THIS is when I had my epiphany and thought to myself what are we doing? Seriously – WHAT WERE WE DOING?
We began cutting back out of necessity and made great strides but it was when my daughter introduced me to what she had found out about minimalism is when it all “clicked” for me. I thought this is what I’ve been gravitating to without even realizing it.
Keep in mind, it’s easier for me at this time in my life versus a family that is on the hamster wheel. It’s hard to see the trees for the forest when you are in the midst of trying to keep your head above water while keeping the kids happy. But at the end of the day, taking just baby steps into a minimalist lifestyle really isn’t that painful. Thinking back, what I would do that really wouldn’t effect how my family was used to living would be:
- Eating most meals at home. Now I eat probably 99% of my meals at home versus the easier way of running through a drive through after work. Not healthy and expensive too. Start by cutting back the number of times you frequent both fast food and sit down restaurants.
- Stop using shopping as entertainment. For me – GUILTY AS CHARGED! I would often take the girls to the mall when we were bored and ended up with bags of crap that none of us needed. I would often see this repeated in many families where we lived in South Florida.
- Spend time together at home as a family. Instead of heading out to the movies or amusement parks, treat those as “special” occasions and opt to spend time at home playing games, barbecuing and just enjoying each other’s company. It makes it all the more special when you do in fact head out to a special place.
- Don’t run out to buy the latest gadget. Matter of fact, don’t run out to buy anything immediately. Take a deep breath and wait 48 hours – or at least one day. Chances are you will find you really don’t need it.
My journey has been a series of baby steps and these baby steps are still continuing. I am happier and more fulfilled than at any other time in my life and that comes from within not from “things”. You can be too – just take that first little step 🙂
Denise
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