I have more than 150 pieces hanging in my closet and I'm still a minimalist.
For a true minimalist I probably own way too many things. But who’s a „true“ minimalist anyway? Who defines this? And do I even need to be a „true“ minimalist? Can I be a minimalist while still having more than 30 pieces hanging in my closet? Looking over my shoulder (my closet is in the same room as my desk) I see that there are probably around 150 pieces waiting for me to wear them. And yes, I still consider myself to be a minimalist. For me minimalism starts in your head. Everyone who wants to be a minimalist can be one.
For me, minimalism doesn’t need to be a sacrifice it’s rather a conscious decision for reduction, for voluntary simplicity in life. Reduction in material things but also in headspace. It’s about slowing down, finding your true inner self and not be influenced by the outer world that demands more and more from you every day.
Minimalism starts in your head, not your home.
Most of minimalism definitions and guide books start by suggesting you should reduce your material belongings. I agree, that this is a good starting point - after all it is way easier to get rid of a top than your thoughts. Over the last years I have gotten rid of a lot of my things. I started with some vacation bags (how much vino did I drink when originally buying them?), which was easy. Continued with some nice blouses and dresses I actually really liked but had no events to wear them to, which was definitely harder. Until now I’ve sold a lot of my belongings on second hand platforms, gifted or donated them. It was a lot of work but it was so worth it. If you haven’t tried it yourself, I encourage you to do so.
However, what I’m not liking in most minimalism guidebooks are the strict rules that come with being a minimalist. „You are only allowed to own 5 shirts“, „you should only use one oil for your face, your body, your hair and even your kitchen“. Maybe some of you need these strict rules. If you do, please use them - everyone should use the tools that help them the most. For me personally, these rules were way too restrictive. Every time I read something like this I turned my book down and thought „minimalism isn’t for me“. I thought about the next party and how I would end up there with my reduced capsule wardrobe in between all the glittery fancy dresses. I thought about my next vacation and how I would wear the same bikini for a week. How I would need to lend skis from my friends for my next ski tour because I’ve gotten rid of mine. I could go on with examples but I think you get my point.
Rethinking minimalism. The era of modern minimalism.
Thoughts that had me worry, that had me admire „true“ minimalists but also had me thinking that minimalism wasn’t for me. Nevertheless, I couldn’t get the positive feeling of time saving, self-determination, relief and happiness that minimalism promised out of my head. This is what I wanted. What I searched for.
Therefore, I have simply rethought minimalism. Not simply because it’s easy but simply so I could start. Often times we are afraid to start because we are afraid to fail. We don’t know if we are ready, if we can do it, achieve it. As many wise people already said „you’ll never be fully ready.“ The important thing is to start. And this is what I did. Since that moment „RETHINK MINIMAL“ is my daily companion, my maxim and I also want it to be an invitation for you to give (modern) minimalism a second chance and pick the things, that help you life a more conscious and intentional life.
We are all different. We all have different circumstances, different priorities but we can all learn from each other. Learn how to be content with less. Learn how to value the things we already have. Learn to see the beautiful things life has to offer. And as the word „learn“ suggests, it’s not about quick wins that can be implemented until tomorrow, but rather about the process, the journey. If you are ready for the next step, I invite you to find out together how beautiful it can be to own less without the feeling of sacrifice. Because if we do something out of our heart, we do it right and we’ll stick with it.
xx Maria
Founder Rethink Minimal
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