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Monthly Archives: July 2010

Hot Summer, Cool Links 2

July 29, 2010
Great Posts From Others
6 Comments

The heat hasn’t died down much where I’m currently living near the Philadelphia region.

The simplicity/minimalist community continues publishing challenging, entertaining, and informative posts. I’m happy to engage with a community of people who can appreciate similarities and differences among the poster-reader dynamic.  I hope things have cooled off for most of you, but if you’re living in the U.S I doubt it. For the international readers, I hope the weather is more tolerable where you’re living. The important thing, as always, is to continue using the outdoors as a way to reconnect with the environment and reconnect with each other.

Below you can find links to some of the best recent posts from around the Web:

Be More With Less: “Simplify Your Social Media” - This post features a topic many can relate to, but especially Generation Y minimalists. Social media’s emergence has become a double-edged sword.  The lines between friendship and business contacts can quickly become blurred, with tragic results. Read this post to learn how not to let your social media life become a distraction from the essential.

Step 1 Minimalist: “10 Simple and Important Habits to Cultivate” - This post’s title explains itself. The majority of people want to become their best selves. But with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. Click on this post to get wide-ranging  and easy to begin habits that just might transform your life.

Simple Savvy: “ Helping Mom-and-Pop Stores” – This post is awesome and seriously inspiring. It’s easy to talk about making a difference, much more difficult to go out and do it. Christine is generously offering to set up a website for any mom-and-pop business — for FREE. That definitely is an example of a People, Not Stuff mindset. How cool (and affordable) is that? Also, she includes some tips to help out those businesses who should consider attracting Generation Y audiences.

365 Less Things: “Day 206 Hiring a Professional Organizer” – Have you ever wondered what the life of a professional organizer is like? If so, click on this post to get a detailed and informative post about the many things that are needed for a professional organizer to turn your home/office from cluttered to clear. Even if you have never thought of hiring a professional organizer, this post still brings a fresh perspective towards the de-clutter process.

Minimal Student: “10 Minimalist Reasons to Start Cycling Today“ – A short and sweet post that fits perfectly with summer, the outdoors, and helping the environment. This idea personally strikes me as something fun, environment-conscious and easily doable.

Joy With Less: “It Makes Cents” - Click this post to read a funny anecdotal account of financial lessons, tips about how to get the most out of the things you already have, and the power of your change. This post brings out a slice of life that’s easy for many people to relate to. Definitely check it out.

I hope everybody is having a good week. Tomorrow is Friday and the weekend is coming up so enjoy yourself.

Minimalist Comparison Game 2: Electronic Reading Device vs. Traditional Books

July 28, 2010
Minimalist Comparison Game
6 Comments

Committing to a decision between two seemingly appealing options is difficult.

Each day, we are faced with a multitude of choices, products, and decisions that affect both ourselves and the world around us. This section explores the many available  choices we make each day and how they relate to a minimalist lifestyle.

Once a week, I will compare two seemingly attractive options against each other and determine what’s more favorable for building and maintaining a minimalist lifestyle.

Electronic Reading Device vs. Traditional Books

Today, people who consider reading an essential practice are facing an increasing amount of options.

The advent of the electronic reading devices (ERDs) are attractive options for many people who enjoy reading — especially minimalists.  ERDs contain specific attributes that are conducive for living a minimalist lifestyle.

In particular, Generation Y minimalists are drawn towards ERDs because they’ve always lived in the technological and computer-based era. Generation Y members embrace new technology and generally flock towards discovering ways to utilize new technological products.

Benefits and flaws are embedded in ERDs and traditional books. These differences can significantly influence people following a minimalist lifestyle. Specifically, Generation Y is experiencing the painful economic reality of The Great Recession. Choosing a suitable reading application contains the potential to assist as an aid on a minimalist path or act as a deterrent. The following focuses on the major pros and cons of each option, with regards to a minimalist perspective.

Electronic Reading Device Pros

Create Space: Book collections can be stored in one tiny ERD, drastically creating physical space. I’ve experienced a surprise at how much room is necessary to store books.  The issue of more space presents a personal mission for many minimalists.  ERDs provide a unique ability to add and store new books within one platform. Apple’s iPad, Amazon’s Kindle, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook are current popular ERDs that each takes up a minimal amount of space.  For example, the iPad contains a 10-inch screen while the Kindle’s screen rests at 6-inches.  (There is also a 9.7-inch Kindle model) These ERDs offer an alternative towards using precious space to store your book collection.

Pocket Bookstore: Your book collection can fit into your pocket thanks to ERDs. ERDs are capable of downloading books, magazines, and PDF’s without being connected to a personal computer. Minimalists living location-independent lifestyles are offered flexibility to read. Instead of making the nerve-wracking decision to bring along your favorite two books when leaving the house, ERDs let you take your entire book collection.

  1. Kindle 10 ounces
  2. Nook 11.6 ounces / 12.1 ounces (Depending on version)
  3. iPad 24 ounces

Save Paper: Paper wasting is eliminated with ERDs. Making a commitment to live sustainable lifestyles is an appealing factor that draws many to minimalism.  Much of the average American’s  4.39 pounds of daily produced trash originates from paper related products.  Using an ERD conserves trees and paper that indirectly helps to heal the Earth.

Electronic Reading Device Cons

Cost (Relative to Books): Purchasing an ERD can be expensive. Traditional books are much cheaper because they don’t require a separate device.

  1. The Nook- $149 (Wi-Fi only version) or $199
  2. Kindle – $189 $139
  3. iPad – $499 – $700. (Additional $130 for 3G service).

Lack of Sharing: ERD users don’t control the property of their purchase. Digital rights management means loaning your e-purchased books to family and friends is illegal. 

Battery Issues: Battery life and eco-friendly issues plague ERDs. It’s necessary to monitor the ERD’s battery life. While many ERDs have relatively long battery life, periodically monitoring the battery remains.  Not having access to a charger (on holiday, broken battery, etc.) can bring frustration and stress.  Also, ERDs aren’t biodegradable. Disposing an ERD might harm the environment — an act that contrasts simple living ideals.

Availability: Not all ERD bookstores are created equal. Certain books and files aren’t available for purchase or browsing depending upon the specific ERD. For example, Nook users are limited to Barnes & Noble’s electronic book directory. Kindle and iPad users each are contained to their respective book libraries as well. If the book you want isn’t listed in the right directory, you might be out of luck.

Traditional Book Pros

Familiarity: Traditional books are simply charming. Holding a traditional book offers comfort to many people. The familiarity of weight, texture and printing material just feels right. The Kindle replicates the aesthetic reading style of traditional books with e-ink, but there is nothing like the real thing.

Sense of Community: Traditional books and bookstores are inherently linked. Bookstores provide communities of like-minded people reading and interacting with each other. Bookstores are more likely to stay in business if people continue browsing and buying traditional books. Bookstore browsing gives minimalists a free activity that’s fun and entertaining. Also, traditional books can legally be loaned and shared between friends. Essentially, the intellectual property rests with the traditional book purchaser, helping minimalists re-use books and donate used books to others.

Durability: Traditional books can take a beating. Pen marks, coffee stains, and drops aren’t going to significantly damage traditional books to the point of unreadability. Alternatively, each one of these can severely damage an ERD. This feature alone can save minimalists money over time because replacing a book due to damage rarely occurs compared to ERDs.

Traditional Books Cons

Wasting Paper: Unfortunately, traditional books consume a great source of paper. A minimalist lifestyle supports eco-friendly practices. Traditional books often aren’t recycled, and as a result, paper is wasted.

Clutter Monsters: Traditional books often accumulate space over time. The addition of books can sneak up on minimalists until potentially, stacks of books replace open space. This unsettling dynamic creates clutter in the lives of minimalists – establishing a physical barrier to clarity. Clarity acts an element to enhance personal development. Many simple-living enthusiasts actively fight clutter.

Location Attachment: Traditional book lovers must often choose between their favorite books. Traveling, getting out of the house, or even daily work commutes are primary examples of when the desire to carry multiple books is evident. Unfortunately, the size and weight of traditional books limits the flexibility for readers. The ability to be flexible and have options in life is a core pillar of minimalism and is limited by traditional books.

Purchase an Electronic Reader! Depending on your personal finances, electronic readers are a great investment for minimalists. Personally, I see ERDs as providing a more sustainable addition to a minimalist lifestyle. I believe the crucial element is deciding whether simply reading and purchasing books is your aim. If so, Amazon’s Kindle seems to offer the best combination between affordability and effectiveness.  An ERD such as the iPad contains many more features than book storage and buying that’s reflected in it’s relative high cost. Also, the purchase of an iPad might add an unnecessary monthly cost if you choose their 3G service.  As a minimalist, it’s of utmost importance to avoid The Debt Trap. Ultimately, each person has different comfort levels with technology and economic situations, however, if you are willing and have the money, the benefits of electronic readers outweighs traditional books in the long run.

Woes of A College Grad

July 25, 2010
Self-Development
7 Comments

About a week ago and a half ago, I was feeling extremely confident and optimistic.

Boy, I wish I could have bagged the optimism busting from my heart at that moment and stored it in a safe container because I sure need some right now. Searching for a job stinks – period. But trying to find a job in this economic climate is extremely difficult. I’m upset because I feel like I did everything I was told to. Go to a great university? Check. Get good grades? Check. Network? Check. Volunteer and take internships? Check. But all those things don’t seem to matter to many employers. It would be easier to accept if I was the only one having trouble but I know I’m not. Many of my friends who have recently graduated within the past two years are struggling as well. And these are bright, creative, and generally hard-working young adults.

I don’t believe I’m entitled to some great career because I have a college degree. At the end of the day, having my name on a piece of paper doesn’t mean I’m supposed to have anything. I get it, I really do. It just hurts when you sweat and struggle to succeed for five years and when you finally climb the mountain, ready to take on the world, you realize the tall mountain you just climbed is really only a large hill and the REAL mountain is looming overhead. It’s just frustrating.

I really feel for those who have been established firmly in the workforce only to be let go with a “thanks for many years of service, see you later.” Many of those people have mortgages, kids, and other things to worry about. Fortunately for myself, I really only have to be responsible for one person — myself. So needless to say,  I have been feeling a combination of frustrated, apathetic, and angry the past few days since I have returned from Virginia Beach, Va.

What does any of this have to do with minimalism? I’m getting to that.

Every two weeks, I meet with a support group of sorts. It’s nothing official and it’s relatively small right now, but it’s something very cool in my life at a time when I especially need it.  In this group, me and three others sit down with each other every other Sunday to write down our new goals, go over the past 2 weeks goals, and also anything else going on in our lives.   So far, in this group that has been meeting for the last 6 weeks, 2 have gotten well-paying  secure jobs, 1 has decided to go back to school and is already signed up for classes in the Fall, 1 has de-cluttered and transformed his entire downstairs, 3 have followed exercising schedules with 1 even hiring a personal trainer and writing a daily food diary. It’s very fulfilling seeing people you like and respect doing great things and even better when you get a chance to help them accomplish their goals.

Since I’ve adopted a minimalist lifestyle, I have found some ‘friends’ don’t agree with the decision. I know I’m not the only one that has happened to.  It doesn’t really matter but what does is that we make sure that we get help and support when we need it and we give that as well. For me, after speaking with the group about my job frustrations, they helped me realize that while I cannot control all the external issues going on in the economy right now, I can always control my attitude. That’s important because it means that instead of adopting a ‘”poor me” attitude, I can withstand obstacles, not take them personally, and most importantly, continue trying. I say all this to say that we all need support groups in our lives. Sometimes that group support comes from our family. But it can be our friends or even good-hearted strangers.

I think most of us interested in minimalism and simple living are also generally interested in self-development.   In each of our self-development paths, I think it’s important to realize the value support groups provide us. Sometimes, we don’t always have to go through everything alone.

What To Do After Making Your Inventory

July 23, 2010
Minimalist Blueprint, Space
5 Comments

In the last Minimalist Blueprint post, I explained the reasons for making a formal evaluation about the exact amount of stuff you have and also the reasons why having definitive knowledge about what you own is helpful in the mission of creating space.

This post offers the steps you need to take once you have made your inventory.

Once you know exactly what you have, the next agenda is to figure out what exactly to do with it all. This process can be overwhelming because it conjures up many of our emotions such as fear about losing our stuff, anger about breaking attachment to our stuff, and frustration due to the physical process of moving our stuff.  I think all these emotions are fine and normal. If they arise, let them come, and continue to take action.

But before any decisions can be made, the next step is to create a detailed, cohesive personal mission statement. While this action might sound odd, it’s a highly practical and important step for two important reasons.

1) Produces Focus- Creating a personal mission statement provides clarity about where you want to be in your life. If you don’t know where you’re at and where you want to get to, it’s difficult to reach the next level of your personal development.

2) Estbablishes Boundaries- A personal mission statement offers a baseline when making some tough decisions about what things need to go and what doesn’t. Anything that doesn’t align with your personal mission statement needs to go. It doesn’t make any sense to keep yourself attached to things that aren’t going to help you get to where you ultimately want to be. That is why taking the time to create a personal mission statement is crucial.

The Personal Mission Statement Process: I don’t believe the process of creating a personal mission statement must be too long or elaborate. Just find a place and time where you can be by yourself for awhile. Think about where you are in your life right now and where you want to be. Maybe you want to be self-employed within the next 2 years, or work and travel in a non-location dependent career, or create a better family life. Whatever it is, think about it, and write it down.

My Personal Mission Statement: For me, my personal mission statement is this –  “I want to spend my time focusing on my essentials: Family, Close Friends, Health/Fitness, Sports, and Education. I want to create positive change within the community, enjoy myself living life, and inspire others along the way.” So for me, anything thing that isn’t going to help me do this or contribute to this, has to go.

After you finish creating your personal mission statement, it’s time to go back over your inventory to figure out what stays and what goes.

Putting It Down On Paper: Grab one piece of paper and one pen. Draw three columns. Label the head of the first column The Necessities, label the middle column label The Essentials, and label the third column Other/Superfluous. The goal of making the graph is to have a visual representation of what should go and what should stay. It’s much easier plugging in what goes into the columns and then taking action to move your stuff instead of trying to decide individually each time for your stuff. I think this method is also less stressful.

The Necessitates Column: This consists of anything you have that you NEED to live. Food/Water/Clothes/Medicines/Hygiene products.

The Essentials Column: This is made up of everything that can help you achieve or maintain your personal mission statement. If you want to be self-employed, books you have about running a business would fit into this catergory. If you have a  general statement such as live a healthy and active life, all things that help you achieve that standard go into here.

Everything you put into these first two columns will be kept.

The Other/Superfluous Column: This should be anything that doesn’t fit the first two. For example an old ironing board, or unused steak knives, or boxes of outdated papers. Also, anything you have that fits into the first two categories (i.e., is needed) but you have too many of, goes into this column. For instance, clothes is necessary (for all intents and purposes) for me to live. In my inventory, I found I had over 25 pairs of boxers. That’s crazy. Yes it’s a necessity, but having that many isn’t. So in that instance, I put boxers in the other/superfluous column. You can do this as well. Only you can really know how much is enough. But some questions to ask yourself are “Do I really need this many of X thing?”, “Am I only keeping this many of X thing because I am afraid of running out?” Be honest with yourself. If you REALLY need 16 boxes of tissues or running sneakers, by all means put them into the essentials list and keep them. But if not, put them in the other/superfluous column.

Rule: If you didn’t know you had it before you completed your inventory, it’s automatically in the other/superfluous category. This rule will help prevent you making justifications for why you should keep it. If you didn’t know you had it before and you were living your life, it’s not something that needs to be kept around.

What to do about the Grey Area Stuff?: This is an interesting sub-topic. We all have a lot of stuff that there is a case can be made it can fit into any of the 3 columns such as something like a television, or a painting, or something an old friend gave us. For example, I have on television in my inventory. TV isn’t a true necessity. However, television contains ties to my mission statement even though it’s not a direct complement.  For instance, I watch sports and self-educate with informative programs, two of my essentials, while using my television. For that reason, I decided to keep my TV–for now. The key with the Grey Area Stuff is to see how it fits into your personal mission statement. If something you own complements your personal mission statement, keep it for now and you can always evaluate later on. Just don’t let your mind make everything into a Grey Area matter. If that happens, it probably means that there is too strong an attachment to your stuff and your subconscious is trying to create arguments to keep everything.

I hope this helps and is informative.

This is part 1 of 2 in “What To Do After Making Your Inventory” in the Minimalist Blueprint Series. Part 2 of 2 focuses solely onto the other/superfluous category and getting ready to take the action steps of actually getting the stuff out of your living quarters.

Creating A Minimalist Blueprint

July 19, 2010
Minimalist Blueprint, Space
9 Comments

The Web provides minimalist beginners with countless informative articles to start constructing their desired lifestyle.

I am relatively new to the minimalist-simple living community and due to the Web, I’ve been able to read advice from numerous minimalist veterans. Many of the articles I’ve read over the past 2-3 months have helped me not only examine my own life, but also spark the inspiration to take action and begin making changes. I continue reading, learning, and trying on different methods that work the best for me. Like many typical Generation Y members, I am comfortable using the Web to locate relevant information to make informed choices. But, easily being able to access so much information is both a blessing and a curse. If you’re anything like me, sometimes having too much information and available choices can create the feeling of being overwhelmed. I think beginners looking to adopt a minimalist lifestyle might also feel burdened about all the changes they might need to make and how are they going to get it done.

There is much information out there, and I want to to focus on helping those who are just starting in a series called: Minimalist Blueprint. First, I’m definitely not an expert and I’m learning as I go along too.  But if you can avoid some simple mistakes and learn what methods might be the best for you, than I will be happy. Even if you have been living a minimalist lifestyle for awhile, seeing other people’s methods also offers some ideas to try on.  The first section I’m beginning with is creating space. I think constructing space is the most effective place to begin because in order to make room for the life you want, you have to let go of what’s not essential.

Specifically, Generation Y minimalists face some unique challenges when it comes to creating space and I will address those and some approaches on how to deal with them efficiently. I’m excited! to begin writing the Minimalist Blueprint series and I have a solid idea of what I am going for. I’m sure it will also evolve over time too.

When it comes to creating space,  the first action is taking an inventory. A great post titled “Are You Aware Of Everything You Own?” from Simple Rabbit Society presents a crucial question that you absolutely need to answer to begin creating space. About a week ago, I was casually going through some of the things in my room and I kept finding things I didn’t even know I had! I’m beginning to believe that’s a common reaction for many people because it’s so easy to keep adding and adding.

I realized I didn’t really know what I owned. I  had some idea but it wasn’t specific. So I decided to 1) Take one notepad and pen and write down everything in my room. To be honest, at first I wasn’t excited about it but the more I counted, the more I began getting into action of finding out what I owned. I really wanted to know. My total number came to 214. [Below is a list if you're interested. If not, just skip past.]

  1. Cell phone
  2. Cell phone charger
  3. Earmuffs
  4. Wallet
  5. Laptop
  6. Crate (2)
  7. Running sneakers
  8. Converse sneakers (love Chucks)
  9. Dress shoes
  10. Slippers
  11. Chase Utley Bobble Head
  12. Forrest Gump DVD
  13. Children of Men DVD
  14. Casino Royale DVD
  15. Chappelle’s Show DVD
  16. Batman Begins DVD
  17. Catch Me If You Can DVD
  18. The Guardian DVD
  19. Wedding Crashers DVD
  20. High School Football Highlight Tape
  21. Computer Cleaning Wipes
  22. Thievery Corporation CD
  23. Sunglasses
  24. Eyeglasses
  25. Television
  26. High School Football Plaque
  27. Sneaker Cleaner
  28. Change Storage
  29. Deodorant
  30. Cologne
  31. Nail Clippers
  32. Storage Trunk
  33. Earphones
  34. Earphone Case
  35. Photo Album
  36. Michael Jordan Poster
  37. Bob Marley Poster
  38. Muhammad Ali Poster
  39. Monkey Poster
  40. Music Poster
  41. Trash Can 1
  42. Trash Can 2
  43. Financial Documents Folder
  44. Futon
  45. Beach Chair
  46. Lamp
  47. Interview Suit
  48. P-Coat
  49. French Dresser
  50. Dress Shirt (4)
  51. Polo Shirt (5)
  52. Hoodies (4)
  53. Winter Jacket (4)
  54. Travel Case
  55. Laundry Bag
  56. Keys
  57. Pen Case
  58. Tissue Box
  59. Cough Drops
  60. Floss
  61. Cold Chest Rub
  62. IB Profen
  63. Excedrin
  64. Cotton Swab
  65. Phillies Plaque
  66. Digital Camera 1
  67. Digital Camera 2
  68. Bible
  69. Umbrella
  70. Graphing Calculator
  71. Tiny Lamp
  72. Surge Protector
  73. College Graduation Emblem
  74. White T-Shirts (8)
  75. Grey Shirts (6)
  76. Other T-Shirts (11)
  77. Gym Shorts (6)
  78. Long Johns
  79. Sweatpants
  80. Boxers (27) — Yes, 27! Too many Christmas gifts perhaps.
  81. Socks (7 pairs)
  82. Long Pants (5)
  83. Useless Folder
  84. Notebook (2)
  85. Sketchbook
  86. Index Cards
  87. Fan
  88. Books(24) – I was mad at seeing this. I just gave away almost all of my books! The books I decided to keep are mostly series of books which brought the total # up.
  89. Belt
  90. Ties (5)
  91. Contact Solution (2)
  92. Face Scrub
  93. Razor(2)
  94. Toothbrush
  95. Eye Drops

That’s everything in my room. It’s a great feeling to have on a sheet of paper all the stuff you’ve been unconsciously collecting over the years. Knowing exactly what you have gives you the opportunity to consciously determine what’s necessary for you. That’s it for the first step to creating space. 1) Get one notebook and one pen, go through EVERYTHING in your room. ( I believe it’s easier doing one room at a time because it’s less overwhelming to go through X number of rooms and seeing all the stuff.) Don’t worry about what you are going to do with everything. Don’t worry about deciding what things are important to you or not. It’s normal for those thoughts to come up but I find they just create anxiety and establishes inertia to beginning.  Just write down what you own. I think taking this inventory action step creates a strong foundation to eventually getting rid of what’s not needed. Most people just are not going to make the effort to count and find out — and that’s okay. But I believe making a list is the most effective method.

Next time in the Minimalist Blueprint Series – “What To Do After Making Your Inventory?”

Hot Summer, Cool Links

July 17, 2010
Great Posts From Others
5 Comments

I’m preparing to go on vacation to Virginia Beach from Monday – next Friday.

I’m not sure where you are living, but if you’re located near the Philadelphia region, you know it’s HOT. I hope you are finding ways to have fun this summer. The simplicity/minimalist community has been creating interesting, informative, and thought-provoking posts.

Below you can find links to some of the best recent posts from around the Web:

Simple Savvy: “Giving Things Back” -  This post describes in detail a unique and awesome method to avoid throwing stuff away in trash cans or recycle bins.

Joy With Less: “Purging The Puter” - This post takes into account an issue all of us who use and love the Web face — too much stuff on our computer’s hardrive. Great to find out where to start when de-cluttering your computer.

Becoming Minimalist: “The Swan & The Crane” - This post is a short parable reflecting the way we choose to live life. Also great conversation in the comments section.

365 Less Things: “Half way There” – I included this post because it’s a great achievement and also offers hope to those who have begun or just starting their journey to simplicity. Read this post for some inspiration!

Unclutterer: “Fighting The Summer Productivity Blahs” – This is a short and sweet post to stay motivated during the dog days of summer.

Hope you find these posts both valuable and entertaining. Stay cool!

Removing The French Dresser

July 16, 2010
Giveaways
8 Comments

Removing the large French dresser looming in the corner of my room is next on my Giveaway agenda.

I talked about discovering the freedom that occurs after you let go of unnecessary possessions in the last Giveaway post. Currently I’m hanging onto the dresser I’ve used since my high school days.  Although slightly chipped, the dark brown cover still holds a noticeable shine and functions well.  I was living with my Mom at the time when the dresser was first given to me. I remember being relieved at how the dresser allowed me the chance to fit most of my clothes into its eight shelves. Today looking at the dresser reminds me of my Mom’s personal sacrifices to give me the best foundation for a bright future.

My Mom is an exceptional woman who worked two jobs as a single mother so that I could live and go to school in a generally good environment. Unfortunately, my Mom lost one of her jobs.  As a result, I moved in with one of my best friends at the time and his family. I haven’t lived with my Mom since. The French dresser serves as a reminder to me of her sacrifices and love, however, I don’t need it anymore. I found a second-hand store near my house called Phantastic Phinds. I’m going to donate the dresser to them before the weekend is over and hopefully they accept it.

Christmas Party in December 2008.

I’ve been examining different barriers that stand in our way of  removing non-essential possessions. Why does removal remain a challenge for so many of us trying to live a minimalist lifestyle? If you are having trouble on your movement to declutter, see if any of these reasons fits with your current attachment process.

1) More is More Mindset: I think this mindset is the product of the type of society we live in. Literally from birth, we have been conditioned to believe that the more that we have, the more that we are.  Conditioning starts early as a kid. The desire to accumulate snowballs into a mindset where the accumulation of the material seems like the way to be more. Look at who generally gets celebrated the most in our society. It’s the people who earn the most and hold the most possessions. Celebrating the money leaders on the annual Forbes list doesn’t make much sense to me.  To me it seems those people are celebrated simply for the amount they own and control instead of for their respect for others, honesty, or humility.  The more is more mindset is prevalent in many parts of our society. As a result, when we give up something it can feel like we are lessening our personal value because the attachment between what we own and who we are is so strong in our society.
2) What If I Need It Again? (Fear): I experience and witness another common mindset. It’s that annoying tiny voice whispering … well, maybe you might need that again.  I’m realizing that’s just the voice of fear trying to make you believe doom is inevitable and you will need the thing you just let go. This fear is a reflection of our basic human need for security. Unfortunately, it’s easy to look to our possessions as a form of security. Consequently, letting go of non-essential possessions often feels like we are losing security. The reality is that we gain security because the fear of loss lessens.

3) Good Memories: Some possessions we have can remind of us our favorite times such as experiencing an amazing night with close friends, or a dinner with a former significant other, or a special event. I have seen in myself the ability to attach positive memories with certain non-essential possessions. A fear can manifest itself that by letting go of these possessions, we will also release the good memories we have associated with them. Fortunately, that’s not the case as I found out after recently donating my books. The fantastic memories I have as a kid reading with my Dad still remains in my mind. I believe it’s critical to realize our good memories aren’t going to leave us even after we remove the possessions we associate with those good times.

Minimalism, The Financial Crisis, And You.

July 15, 2010
Financial Frugality
4 Comments

The financial crisis has significantly impacted my lifestyle — for the better.

I understand the above statement appears strange, perhaps even misguided. But the pain, struggle, and fear connected to The Great Recession has, amazingly, directed me towards a new lifestyle focusing on the essential. Don’t get me wrong, as a Generation Y member, the poor economy is hitting hard. It’s difficult finding an entry-level position in my field, I’m working at a job I’m overqualified for, and I desperately need health insurance. Yet I’m convinced the economic struggle provided me with the opportunity to slow down and consciously decide how I want to live. The financial meltdown acted as a personal catalyst for change and I’m not sure if I would have decided to make the lifestyle change to minimalism without it. Robert Kennedy has a quote that say “tragedy is a tool for living to gain wisdom, not a guide by which to live.” I completely agree. I feel America’s struggling economy and it’s aftermath might provide a wake-up call to many people like myself.

Only 3 short years ago, I pictured myself living a totally different lifestyle at this stage in my life.  I believed I would be working in New York or perhaps Washington, D.C., making a significant amount of money, and spending it on life’s luxuries with my like-minded friends. While I have never been particularly money driven, there was a reason I choose to pursue my education at a top 30 university.

Yeah, probably not the best decision.

The Great Recession woke me up. I realized the luxury items I believed I deserved weren’t going to add anything substantial to my life and overall happiness. I still get excited every time I see a BMW M3. But I don’t need it anymore, that’s a big difference. I believe there isn’t anything wrong with having things, but that most of the things we have aren’t really that conducive to being happy. Living only to work and working only to buy doesn’t make sense to me. I’m not better or worse than those who do pursue that lifestyle, but to me, it seems to be such a waste of human potential. I spent a lot of time, maybe too much, thinking about what people are important to me. I also thought about different possibilities how I can make a difference. I’m realizing I don’t need much money in the bank or status at work to live the lifestyle I want. Neither do you.

With my new priorities starting to crystallize in my mind, I began searching for a pathway. Hooray Minimalism! And I’m not looking back from my decision but continuing to go forward. I believe I’m just one of many starting to change their ways. I wonder just how many other people have looked at the financial crisis and realized through the lost possessions and added stress, that these experiences might ultimately act as a blessing instead of curse.

I’m interested to learn what, if anything, have you learned from The Great Recession. Has your minimalist path been created from the tragedy of losing something during the financial crisis? What lessons from the financial crisis can people take?


Thoughts From First Giveaway

July 13, 2010
Giveaways
13 Comments

The book giveaway was a success.
Yesterday, I packed all of my books into a large brown cardboard box. Going through the books, I could feel the sudden urge to just keep everything. Well maybe I can just give away the books later. . . This was a good book, I might want to read this again . . . Maybe I can find room for the books after all. The tiny justifications we tell ourselves in times of change started running through my head.  But I’m fully committed to living a minimalist lifestyle to make room for the things I value in life. After double-checking to be certain the books’ condition were in decent enough shape, I hauled the box to my car’s trunk, and drove began driving.

Fortunately, instead of going to the used bookstore/coffee shop I originally found in Center City, my Dad informed me an even larger bookstore was located only 15 minutes away. Perfect.

This bookstore looks more like a semi-used warehouse was my initial thought as I pulled into the parking lot. Immediately I knew there wouldn’t be any cafe attendants serving coffee. After I made my way inside, I  patiently waited for the owner to finish helping other customers.

The owner welcomed me and instantly dragged my box across the solid granite floor. He began rifling through my books, deliberately separating the books he would accept from the ones he wouldn’t couldn’t. After he was finished, he glanced at me from the floor and offered me $7 in cash or $14 in store credit. Figuring as I am trying to get rid of stuff, I took the $7.

I feel very happy to have begun clearing things away. It’s so strange to contrast how deeply attached I was to the books and how much better I felt directly after I let them go. I am going to explore why letting stuff go can be such a challenge. Our attachments to things apparently run a lot deeper than most of us imagine. The French wooden dresser I’ve been using since my high school days is the next thing to go. The dresser continues to appear in good shape and hopefully I can  find a good consignment shop that will accept it.

Stats: $7 gained. Donated unaccepted books to community program. Added space to my room.

Bye Bye Books

July 12, 2010
Giveaways
8 Comments

I am a read-aholic. I’ve enjoyed reading even as a young boy. I inherited the reading gene from both of my parents, but my Dad in particular. My Dad was always reading books. Often two or three at a time. I still remember being scolded after furiously scribbling into one of Dad’s books.

“We do NOT draw in books!” he shrieked at me. It’s funny how vividly I can remember the moment.

Whoops, my bad.

Once I learned how to read, there was no stopping me. While other children spent their allowance on toys and entertainment, I was giving my money to the bookstores. On the weekends, my Dad would take me through a place called The Gallery. If you’re from Philadelphia, you know the place. Believe me, The Gallery isn’t nearly as nice as it sounds. But I enjoyed those moments walking through the bustling crowds because it meant my Dad and I were heading towards to the bookstore.

A well-written book remains my favorite entertainment. A fantastic, groundbreaking album finishes in a close second. Books contain the ability to let readers use their own imaginations. Everyone who reads a book has their own picture of each character. If the setting of a story takes place on a large ship sailing on the Atlantic Ocean, my mental image of the sea is going to differ from yours. There’s beauty in books because they are so personal.

I‘m 23 years-old-right now and I can’t even begin to count the total number of books I have read. I’d love to see the official tally. Between my personal buys, days and nights spent huddled in the back of bookstores, and required school reading material, I’d guess the count is somewhere in the 1,000′s. I have an attachment to books.

Unfortunately, books take up too much space in my room. Over the years I’ve moved to and from different places so many of my books have either been donated or lost behind. Yet, I still currently have around 60 books collecting dust on my shelves. I don’t want to get rid of ANY of my books. But deep down I know it’s necessary. Tonight I sorted through my collection and decided to donate 75% of my books to a used-bookstore/coffee shop in Center City. I’m going there tomorrow morning. I don’t know how much I will get back but I’m not concerned at all. I’m just happy the books will have a welcome home and I will have more space in my room. The books that I couldn’t wouldn’t part with yet are a mix of my favorites: A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, The Jason Bourne Trilogy, financial advice books from authors such as Suze Orman, The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons, and personal development books from authors like Nathanial Branden.

I’m thinking of purchasing an I-Pad or something like it so I could have all my books on one device. We’ll see though because I like the feel of actual paper in my hands. Bye bye books.

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