Living With Less

Minimalism is all about living with less. This includes fewer financial burdens such as debt and unnecessary expenses, and it’s a word that carries a lot of weight these days. It’s all about how you can change your life for the better, leaving you debt free and with extra time to work on personal relationships or experience life through travel and activities.

Although it may just seem like a millennial fad to many, minimalism, when practiced for the right reasons, can benefit your life significantly. Almost everyone owns something (or a bunch of things) they don’t really need.

Here’s a minimalist rule: Pick something. Anything. Have you used that item in the last 90 days? If you haven’t, will you use it in the next 90? If not, then it’s okay to let go. It sounds easy but it is harder than it seems. Sitting in my home, I can see a handful of things I could easily live without, but it’s hard to imagine giving those things up. Minimalism is not for everyone, but it is true that if you have less stuff, you can live in a smaller place. Whether or not you become a minimalist is entirely up to you but living by a few of their simple philosophies can do wonders for your finances.

Something to Think About
Minimalism is a theory based on valuing experiences rather than things. While it’s true that you don’t necessarily need money to enjoy your interactions with others, things such as travel or going to the theater cost money that some just don’t have. “Experiences” can cost as much, or more than the things we can accumulate. Minimalism is great for some but not for all. You don’t have to go all out and get rid of everything you own in favor of living a minimalist life. That is one of the great things about this practice —you can pick and choose what’s right for you.

Weekly Activity
If you want to start living with less, start slow.  Whenever you want to buy something ask yourself, “does this bring meaning to my life?”  If the answer is no, don’t buy it. Ready to get rid of some stuff? Start slow: Choose two things in your home to sell or donate this week.

Words of Wisdom
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. - Harriet Tubman

Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams. - Donovan Bailey

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. - Nelson Mandela

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential. –John Maxwell