“That’s Not Minimalism”
One day a reader of my blog said to me, “you have lots of clothes, and that’s not Minimalism.” At that point, I felt like I needed to defend myself by saying, “On no, I don’t have that many clothes.” The statement got me thinking about a few things; what is minimalism, why was I so taken aback, who defines minimalism, and why does society have to label everything?
I really do not like labels. I feel that labels fence me in and lock me into a set of standards that I may not wholly agree with. I understand that labels are needed because they give us a common ground in understanding what is being referred to. With that being said, let titles be just that, a common ground of understanding and not the absolute. Extend a definition of a word to fit your needs. Yes, that is what I said. You are a creative being, and there is no one on this earth just like you! Do not let anyone label you by a standard definition that does not describe what you are about. A description can change because we change. I started my minimalism journey with the traditional purpose and, over the years, have transformed or added to the basic generic meaning.
What is Minimalism: A style or technique that is characterized by extreme sparseness and simplicity. The very definition leaves room for interpretation. What is considered extreme spareness and simplicity for one is not the same for another. Having a wardrobe of five black shirts and five pairs of jeans, and three pairs of shoes is minimal, but to another, their sweet spot may consist of an array of colors and numerous different pieces, all of which they love and wear.
I now understand why I was so taken aback by the comment. I now realize that I was holding on to the standard definition of minimalism. I felt like a minimalist because instead of two walk-in closets filled with clothes and shoes, I now had one small wardrobe with all my belongings for every season. How dare she say I wasn’t a minimalist because I didn’t wear the same things weekly? Her words stung me because I was looking for approval, acceptance, cared about what others thought, and boxed myself into a definition that I thought was one-size-fits-all.
There are levels to minimalism, and on your journey, your experience may look different to others, but that does not mean that you are not minimalist. Our journeys are different, and once society realizes and accepts that we are all different but on the same path, there will be more peace, harmony and our vibrations will rise. Don’t box others into a definition that fits your lifestyle. Be open. Let others experience and enjoy their journey while you experience and enjoy yours. We are all learning, growing, and evolving. So instead of saying to your fellow sojourner, “That’s not Minimalism,” try saying, “enjoy the journey.
Peace and Blessings
