Five years ago, I'd never have believed I'd be saying this...
Hi, I'm Rebecca, a radically authentic lifestyle & branding photographer (this bit I knew!) & minimalist.
Oh how I would have eyeball rolled. I was stuck in the vortex of consumerism, buying things and stuff and sh*t and that…..it was dopamine seeking. My then diagnosed ADHD temporarily satiated by the thrill of a new thing.
It had me hooked. My house was packed to the rafters and in truth, it was masking how deeply unhappy I was.
Until one day, there was a turning point. When I was travelling in Iceland I said out loud, 'I am happiest when I have my camera, laptop & a suitcase full of comfy clothes.'
It made me pause and then I really thought about what I said. I really was happiest when I was immerse in a place I love, with people I adore. And it was in that moment I realised I was at the start of a profound journey and a whole new way of seeing life.
And so my journey with minimalism began in 2017.
Minimalism is certainly a lifestyle choice. Many people think on the surface that it involves reducing your possessions living with next to nothing. But for me it is broader than that - I think about what adds value to my life. And through simplifying every facet of life, I've been able focus on the things that are most important to me. It has been an instrumental way of living with ADHD before I even knew I had ADHD, because with less stuff, there is less for my brain to keep tabs on and it is has brought a really calming effect and greater happiness. In turn it has reduced stress and just made life easier! I'll be sharing more about how we've done this at home in another blog soon!
Embracing minimalism has been a transformative experience.
By decluttering my life and getting rid of unnecessary possessions, it has brought a sense of freedom. Free from the trappings the mental and emotional burden of constantly trying to keep up with the latest trends and consumer culture. Because we all know that consumerism is a trap and happiness isn't on the other side of another purchase, but it is right here with the life we're living and minimalism has allowed me to be able to focus on this. It has been an inner journey, focusing on the things that truly matter to me, my relationships, creativity, time in nature and trying to make a positive impact for people and planet.
And so as we go into this season of excess, I wanted to share 10 top tips on embarking on your journey of minimalism, if you're looking for a soulful start on this beautiful path.
My top 10 tips on embarking on your journey of minimalism:
- Start by decluttering your space. Begin by going through each room in your home and getting rid of any possessions that you no longer need, use, or love. Donate, sell, or recycle items that you no longer have a use for.
- Create a minimalist wardrobe. Simplify your wardrobe by getting rid of clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or that you haven't worn in a long time. Keep only the clothes that you love and that you wear regularly.
- Limit your possessions. Be intentional about the things you bring into your home. Ask yourself whether each item serves a specific purpose or adds value before you decide to keep it.
- Practice gratitude. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, focus on the things that you do have and be grateful for them. This can help you to appreciate the things that you already own and to avoid the temptation to buy more.
- Focus on experiences, not possessions. Instead of spending money on material possessions, invest in experiences that will bring you joy and create lasting memories.
- Simplify your schedule. Take a look at your schedule and see if there are any activities or commitments that you can eliminate to free up more time for the things that are most important to you.
- Prioritise your health. Make time for getting outside, especially in these darkest days of winter & define what prioritising health means to you.
- Cultivate relationships. Spend time with the people who are most important to you and focus on creating meaningful connections with them.
- Be present in the moment. Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment instead of getting caught up in the past or worrying about the future.
- Let go of perfection. Don't try to achieve perfection in your pursuit of minimalism. Instead, focus on making small, sustainable changes that will improve your quality of life.
I hope that has helped and I'd love to hear your tips in a comment or how you felt about this concepts of minimalism! Let's chat!
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