For me, minimalism is only the vehicle to get me to Freedom.
One of the important questions I have is what do I really want? I am realizing creating significant positive change is an issue of great importance for me. It’s difficult for me to articulate what I mean exactly by significant positive change but defining the term is crucial if I’m ever going to achieve it.
It’s probably easier for to start out what I don’t mean when I say create significant positive change.
I do not just want to put a smile on somebody’s face of brighten up their day.
I don’t mean working anonmously through an organization and not seeing the fruits of my labor.
I want to wake people up in some way. I want people to become empowered to make changes to their lives they have always desired.
I want to join or build a community of people connected and working together to take the steering wheel of their own lives.
I want people to believe at their core they were not put on Earth only to follow a pattern of: Birth –> School –> Job –> Buy Stuff –> Maybe Marriage & Kids —> Old —-> Death. Those things aren’t bad to me, but I don’t believe they bring happiness by themselves. I think everybody needs a sense of purpose. Or at least I do.
I do not think I’m alone in my thoughts. But if so, why do many people not make changes to their life? I think it’s because they believe it’s not possible — for themselves.
Here are some excuses I have made for myself in the past about why creating significant possible change isn’t possible:
1) I only have a little bit of money
2) Nobody is supporting me
3) I don’t know what services I would use to help others
4) It’s going to take a lot of time and effort — I might fail
5) I’m not going to be respected or my efforts taken seriously
While some of these excuses might appear in my head during difficult times, right now I am at the stage of “where there is a will, there is a way.” I think that as individuals, we are all more powerful than we realize. I think it’s up to us to realize this fact, and take appropriate action.
You are asking the big questions, the right questions, at a relatively early age Reggie, and that is a very good thing. I found that having work I enjoyed doing helped a lot of the pieces fall into place. I think generally the less encumbered you are with material things, the more freedom you will have. On relationships, well, now that’s a tricky one, they tend to “encumber” one far more than things. Can I throw you a bone to chew on – is anyone in a relationship truly free? Is anyone who has a child free? What exactly does freedom mean?
Hey Tony! Thanks for the compliment. I wish I had all the answers to those questions right now haha. To me, freedom is not being tied down to make the choices you wish. But I also think it’s more than just having choices. Technically, I have the “choice” not to pay my taxes, leave work when I want to, etc. but I REALLY don’t have a choice because the consequences of something like say, not paying taxes, is not worth it. So I think freedom is not having any restraints. This is hard Tony, and I have been thinking about your question and I wanted to have a good answer and I’m not very satisfied with this one. I know the FEELING, we all do – but harder to put it into words. Maybe I’m thinking freedom is the ability to be your true self and act out your true desires without deterrent?
What do you think?
I’m lovin your attitude and awesome thoughts of significant positive change dude! The pattern of “Birth –> School –> Job –> Buy Stuff –> Maybe Marriage & Kids —> Old —-> Death” is totally overrated. “minimalism is only the vehicle to get me to Freedom” is also true, I sometimes wish family members and those around me would realize that their rapid, unthinking consumption of material goods will not bring them long-lasting happiness.
Hey Leslie! I’m glad you are feeling the positive vibe too
I also looked at your blog, you “speak” very expressively and I really enjoy reading. I can relate to the family thing. Right now my philosophy is trying to live the minimalism path and help people, like family, who might see what I’m doing become more interested. Kind of set the example kind of thing. Don’t be a stranger, thanks for stopping by.