As I turn 40, I can't help but reflect on the choices I've made in my life so far.
I've come to realize that the things I used to value in my younger years just don't hold the same significance anymore. With this upcoming milestone birthday (this May!) comes the opportunity to dive head first into my priorities and focus on what truly brings me fulfillment and happiness. One concept that has really been resonating with me in recent years is minimalism. The philosophy encourages simplifying one's life by getting rid of excess possessions and focusing on what truly matters. I had the opportunity to purge myself of everything that was taking up space in our life, when we decided to move our family across the country. As we drove across - we were restricted to a 4x8 u-haul trailer - which, when you think about the size of that - it is no bigger than a small den or child's room. There's not a lot of space to put a lot of things. I could barely stand up straight in it as we packed the remaining 2% of our belongings into it the day before leaving. When I say I've been through a lot - I truly mean it... I've been through a lot. Out of it all, I've found that choosing a life with less things and more experiences and healthy human interaction has brought me more peace and contentment then things ever could. It's easy to get wrapped up in the owning of things. The accumulation of possessions can begin to define you. This is my new couch. What do you think of my new purse? I can't live without this ring. Trust me. You can. I'm not talking about items that have generational value - things that have been passed down from grandmothers to daughters to grand-daughters etc. I'm talking about the STUFF that takes up space and was purchased because you HAD to have it or you were ABSOLUTELY going to use it and now it's in a corner, under a pile of clothes, never to be seen ever again. That stuff. Meaningless crap. There is a huge downside to owning many things that hold little to zero value; not only do you have to maintain and organize them, but now you have to justify having them in order to minimize the guilt that comes from the wasteful spending. When I was younger, I felt a certain amount of pressure to constantly upgrade or replace things in order to keep up with societal expectations. But now, over the last 4 years of focusing my intentions on embracing the philosophy of minimalism, I've been able to break free from that horrid and abusive cycle and focus on what truly brings me joy. To add to this, the minimalism "lifestyle" has also helped me to prioritize my time. Instead of filling my days with unnecessary tasks and obligations, I now am able to turn my focus on what really matters to me. This includes spending quality time with my littles and husband, pursuing my true interests and creating a fulfilling career out of what was once a hobby, and making meaningful connections with others. So as I sit here, eating my handmade shrimp spring rolls (which are the most awesome thing ever - just ask my husband!) I'm grateful for the chance to take stock of my life and consider what truly brings me happiness. By making the choice to embrace a minimalist lifestyle and focus on experiences and human connections, I've been able to create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. If you are looking to start your venture into this philosophy of life - I always make the suggestion - to start in a room. Start clearing out items that haven't been worn, touched or seen for more than 6 months. Anything that can be passed on or donated - put it into a bag and then take it to the donation center right away. Don't let the items STAY in your space once you're done sorting them, because the desire to go through the bag and justify why you need to take it OUT and keep it can be very strong. So get rid of it! Purge your life of meaningless shit and start making space for the REAL stuff that matters. XO Katerina
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Welcome to Five Hearts Refinishing!Hi and Welcome! FOLLOW ME!Archives
April 2024
|