I was that person. Yes. You know what I’m talking about. The girl who justifies buying yet another one of the same sweaters that she already has. The girl who says, “No but I need this one.” I could’ve added impulse spending to my resume. To give the real-life confessions of a recovering shopaholic, my bank account was not happy. After realizing that my online shopping addiction had gotten out of hand, I made the impulsive decision of spending hours on YouTube watching, “How to Become a Minimalist.” Now I know what you’re thinking, just cut back on your spending, you don’t need to become a minimalist! But come on, by now you should have probably picked up on the fact that I can be quite impetuous. When I told my friends, they all said, “Wait until there’s a sale at Aritzia!” and to be quite honest, I’d laugh because I figured they were probably right. I was bound to crack! Until I heard the following sentence:
When you have too much stuff, you’re only holding yourself back.
It was true. I’ve really only spent excess money when I was feeling low and every time I think about moving or travelling one day, I think about everything I would have to leave behind. That was when I realized that there is something really incredible about being able to fit all of your belongings in a suitcase. It gives you the sensation that you aren’t holding anything back when an opportunity presents itself. So I finally did it. I decided I would try to become a minimalist.
On August 31st, I had decided to allocate a day to myself with no distractions, just garbage bags and an open mind. I went through each item and thought about whether I needed it or if it really gave me any joy. After spending hours going through my wardrobe, I had filled twelve garbage bags with clothing. It felt very strange walking around my room and looking at empty cupboards that were once filled. Though it gave me a sense of pride, knowing that I would be donating my clothes to women’s shelters and Value Village. I plan on further reducing my wardrobe until I reach a total of 20 items in my closet (everything from jackets to shoes included!). That way, when I want new items, I have to swap other items out. In this way, I think more critically about my spending and don’t feel guilty when I want something new.
My thoughts on minimalism? Probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I realized something crucial that goes beyond minimalism itself but the importance of maintaining:
Mindset Over Matter!
I initially considered minimalism as a way to stop my shopping habits but I persevered with it once I recognized its benefits;
Minimizing distractions
Focusing Less on Material Possessions
Less financial burden
Reducing my Ecological Footprint
As a society, we’re driven by sales and the constant perception that having more will give you more in life. When in reality, I am excited by the idea of spending my savings on experiences, food, and travel and not feeling like the objects that I own, own me. Knowing that I am making positive changes for myself and the environment gives me purpose. I feel a sense of liberty and freedom knowing that the idea of change doesn’t scare me anymore. Although life is impermanent, I’m excited by the ways I can better use my savings to make the most of it. I am truly happy saying that I have everything I need and nothing more!