Tuesday Truth.
Number 14.
Minimalism.
I love this quote because it really asks us to question our choices.
I am still on a journey toward simplicity.
Part of that journey is one that embraces minimalism.
The version of minimalism that I prefer is probably best summed up in this post by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist.
It’s basing your definition of minimalism on your values.
The type of minimalism that says “own nothing” is not in my personal definition. Although that version can definitely be the right choice for some people.
However, my definition does include being mindful of my choices.
How often will I actually use it? Will I use it? Will it sit and collect dust? How much of my time will be spent tending to it? Does it enhance my life or make me its keeper?
My personal definition encompasses reducing clutter.
It asks me to ponder the environmental impact of my choices.
And then it also asks me to think about the amount of life that will be exchanged for its price.
Consumerism.
As we delve deeper into this holiday season, I am reminded of the constant pressures to consume.
And personally, I still struggle with the pressure to consume. Not for want of things for myself, but because I want to bring joy to those that I love and we’ve been conditioned to believe that this is how love is shown at this time of year.
Exchange Ratio.
Interestingly, every article I’ve ever read about death shares a similar theme. The dying wished they’d spent more time with “fill in the blank” person or persons.
Yes, time does require us to exchange life in return for that time spent.
So in that way, there is a price to it.
And sometimes that time spent is doing things that require money.
For our family, that price is the amount of money it takes for a family of five to travel to new places.
Yours may look different.
But I hope that you take a moment (or two) to ponder the price of your choices.
How much life are you exchanging for them?
Does that ratio bring you happiness or contentment?
If not, I’d ask you to consider what you might be able to change.
Or what you can begin to shift in order to move more closely to what you envision.
Many people consider a new year to be an opportunity for fresh starts. It’s a time when I decide new goals (not resolutions, you can read about the distinction in this post).
Will you be making new choices?
Let your light shine!
Amy