A significant part of my journey toward rest and life balance has been adopting minimalism and a minimalist lifestyle. I’m not talking Marie Kondo’s method of organization and dealing with clutter. Although many of her principles and practices are worthy of consideration. But minimalism is much more than just decluttering and having a place for everything.  Minimalism is more than the practice of reducing what we own, it’s a mindset and lifestyle that wants less in order to pursue the things we value most. That is unless your entire goal in life is to simply pursue owning more possessions. In which case you can stop reading or listening to this post.

I really like author and minimalist Joshua Becker’s definition of minimalism.  “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we value most by removing anything that distracts us from them.”  There is no question I have benefited greatly from my initial decision to get rid of stuff. But decluttering physical possessions is only part of a minimalist lifestyle. That said, let’s look at ways to reduce what we own.  First, can we admit we have way more stuff than we need?  Second, recognize that all advertising campaigns are designed to make you dissatisfied and discontent with what you have and to convince you to buy more of what they are hawking. Third, the journey toward minimalism takes time, be persistent but also be patient.

When I started my decluttering process and getting rid of stuff I started with my wardrobe, then I moved to various spaces throughout the house. Easy and quick wins such as my bathroom drawer, my nightstand, and then gradually expanded from there.  If I had to do all over again, I would start by asking the question, “What should I keep?”  rather than “What do I get rid of?”.  This may not sound like a big deal, but it really is a significant shift in thinking. 

So, going back to my wardrobe exercise instead of starting with older clothes, clothes that didn’t fit, clothes I only wear on occasion, I would have asked myself “What should I or what do I want to keep?”  I eventually got where I wanted to be by asking what do I get rid of. But in hindsight it took longer in my opinion than had I asked myself what should I keep?

Asking what I should keep not only reduces the amount of stuff we have but it causes us to really focus on and get at the core of our mindset and motives toward our possessions.  It makes us ask Why do I want more? It addresses and reveals my values. Where and to what am I going to for purpose and significance. An attitude toward and desire for more stuff is an indicator that security in my life is based on possessions, the prestige and power of having more and better things than others, rather than dependence on God and finding my security in Him. 

The journey toward a minimalist lifestyle may start by getting rid of physical clutter, and I encourage you to get started by asking yourself the question “What should I keep?” But I’ve got news for you, once you get started you won’t want to stop there.  Minimalism extends into other areas of life besides the obvious area of possessions.  Stay tuned.

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