It’s so easy, unfortunately, to lose sight of just how much each one of us has already achieved some successes on the minimalist path towards creating a desired lifestyle.
I know that when I set goals for myself, I generally try to focus on where I’m currently standing and what specific action steps I need to take that will get me closer towards where I want to be. Generally, I don’t like excessively looking backwards because I fear too much reflection will lead towards complacency, which leads towards stagnation.
However, sometimes it’s not only rewarding, but healthy, to take a moment to become consciously aware of the progress that you have made. Often, the people around us can see and appreciate the positive changes and progress we have made more than we notice ourselves.
The idea to reflect was inspired from a thoughtful post titled “What’s On Your ‘Already There’ List?” on Gip Plaster’s So Much More Life blog. Do yourself a favor and check our Gip’s blog to find more insightful information and personal anecdotes about simple living, spirituality, and the writing life.
Photo Credit: LolaCreative.com
Gip’s list inspired me to create me own. Here is my list that celebrates some recent successes and also some areas I have felt “ahead of the game.” My hope is that reading my list sparks the desire to create your own and also that you feel self-appreciation at how far you already are.
1. I gave up TV for a week. Since, I have drastically reduced my viewing habits. Without sports and Mad Men, it would be even easier.
2. I drink water all the time. I rarely drink sodas and prefer water and juice. Water is a solution for many problems people face such as losing weight, maintaining good health, and increasing alertness/energy.
3. I sold and donated my used books. I’ve been a read-a-holic since I was very young. Naturally, books have increasingly dominated space wherever I have lived. It felt great to create space, give the books a good home, and make a few extra bucks.
4. I actually enjoy going to the gym, running outside, and being active. During the times when for whatever reason I can’t exercise, I feel strange for not going and I miss the activity.
5. Minimalism is helping get closer to my desired work. The Great Recession hasn’t been easy for myself or the majority of people. But I’m plowing through it and making the most from a bad situation.
6. I identified the unique ways minimalism challenges myself and many of us. Being aware of how minimalism can be difficult has helped me accept and deal with those obstacles.
7. I started People, Not Stuff when I was initially afraid to do so. I never wrote on a blog before and didn’t know how people would react, or whether anybody would even read. It’s been very rewarding doing so and I can only imagine where it goes from here which leads me to…
8. I’ve made friends within the Minimalist Community. I am happy to read the different stories and perspectives from the people I have met so far. If you get a chance, make sure to give them a read. You can find them on the Blogroll or scattered throughout many of my posts.
With my 24th birthday coming up in less than 3 weeks, I’ll be coming up with a new list of where I want to go from here. But it’s vital to also appreciate where I currently am. I hope you take some time, even just 10 minutes today, to reflect at all the progress you have already made.
Thanks for the mention. I’m glad I inspired you. I don’t seem to have inspired very many people with that post! I suppose it just came on a busy week for many people.
Keep up the good work here — and keep commenting on my blog, too.
Gip
Hey Gip, I will definitely continue to stop over. Yeah, week before Labor Day (at least in the US) a lot of people take off for vacation. Hopefully between my blog, yours, and others who participated more people will get a chance to do the exercise. Thanks for stopping by.
hi reggie,
thank you for sharing your story over at francine’s blog. i’ve seen you name among the commenters before so it’s nice now to meet you.
i’d like to say that i am so, so impressed by your thinking and applying minimalism to your life at such a young age. you have no idea how helpful this is going to be to your life. maybe you do know, but take it from me you are eliminating years of acquistions and the agony of having to part with “things” that you’ve had for years. it’s really no fun.
while i am not a minimalist, i do believe and practice the art of simple living. although, i will say that i am feeling the urge to lean more towards minimalism every day. and i also believe both minimalism and simple living are an art form. done right it is beautiful.
~janet
Hey Janet, thanks for taking the time to say hello nice to meet you too. I am under the idea that minimalism and simple living are almost two sides of the same coin. Some people classify them as totally separate but for me I kind of lump them into the same category. I like how you say “done right”, it’s a beautiful thing because sometimes I can see how it’s easy to go to the opposite extreme from excessive consumption to excessive non-consumption. Like you say it’s all about finding a balance, which is going to differ for each person.
Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad I am thinking this way at my age too so that maybe I can get a head start on living the way I’d like without any regrets!
I do not know where I have been but this blog is the exact thing I have been looking for. I am slowly in the process of becoming a minimalist. I am about the same age and in same situation so I am glad to see people my age willing to do same.
Keep up the good work. Look forward to more articles.
J, nice to meet you and I am glad you are finding some of the articles helpful to your own journey. It’s funny that I think there are more minimalists (or would be minimalists) our age that are all scattered but I think the total number is bigger than we realize. Also, if you ever have a question or comment or idea, definitely leave a comment or email me and I can work on it. Thanks for coming over.
Keeping true to being a minimalist: Love this site!
Pipan
Ah you are making my head get big Pipan! LOL. Just kidding, in all seriousness I am happy this site is useful to you. I am always open to suggestions about different thoughts or ideas you might want to have focused on. Stop back in again please.
This is a great reminder, Reggie. I feel like I have so far to go to achiever true minimalism sometimes. I will think I’ve discarded everything that is essential, but then I redefine what essential means to me and realize that I still have too much stuff! But it’s important to take stock and realize how far I have come down this road. It is an accomplishment, and it’s important to remember that. Great, insightful post as always.
Oops, I just re-read my comment – i meant “discard everything that is INessential.” Duh!
Thanks Sheri … at the end of the day I think as long as we keep evaluating where we are at and what’s essential to us than we are on the right track. I know for me that some things I would have considered essential 3 years ago I have no use for now, and probably 3 years from now, some things I consider essential won’t matter anymore. Cheers for progression! Also, congrats on the new permanent job! Hopefully I will be sharing similar news soon..