*Italics is my own words/perspective
The More of Less
The Universal Benefits of Minimalism:
1. More time and energy
2. More money
3. More generosity. This is true for us, we figured if we skipped eating out just once we can sponsor one more kid so we did.
4. More freedom
5. Less stress because mess + excess = stress
6. Less distraction
7. Less environmental impact
8. Higher-quality belongings. My cheapo's self was having a hard time adjusting to this but after many times throwing lower quality stuffs, I realized if I buy a good quality one in the first place then I use less stuffs.
9. Less comparison
10. More contentment
Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them.
Steps to simplify:
Declaring Your Why:
a. I want to live well with less mess/ stuffs in our small house.
b. I want our family to learn to be grateful and content with what we have. Not always wanting more
c. I want to be flexible in case we have to travel or move somewhere.
d. I want to be able to give more rather than spending more on ourselves.
e. I want us to be able to travel, learn, and experience new things instead of busy taking care of our stuffs.
f. I want to have minimal stuffs so we still can host gathering or guests.
g. I want a home and schedule where our family can grow and thrive together.
The definition of "clutters" accoding to the experts:
"Things that doesn't spark joy." Marie Kondo
"Anything that doesn't add value to your life." Joshua Fields Millburn
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
In order to encourage our family to practice minimalism; we have to live it before we demand it.
If we want our children to buy less stuff, then we buy less. If we want them to donate their unneeded possessions, then we do the same - first.
