She Strengthens

Embracing Intentional Living: A Realistic Approach to Minimalism

As someone who values comfort and coziness, I’ve never been drawn to the idea of extreme minimalism. I enjoy surrounding myself with people, pets, and possessions that bring me joy. However, I do believe in regularly editing my belongings to maintain a sense of organization and calm.

The Problem with Extreme Minimalism

The minimalist movement often promotes a one-size-fits-all approach, encouraging people to rid themselves of all but the bare essentials. While this might work for some, it’s not a realistic or desirable goal for many of us. I believe that owning possessions is not inherently bad, as long as they bring value and happiness to our lives.

Practical Tips for Intentional Living

Instead of striving for a sparse, minimalist lifestyle, I’ve adopted a few simple principles to keep my life and belongings intentional, neat, and organized:

1. Keep what brings you joy: Don’t feel pressured to get rid of items that bring you happiness. If you love something, keep it. Just be sure to balance your desires with the need for a clutter-free space.

2. Focus on personal needs, not numbers: Rather than adhering to arbitrary guidelines about the number of items you should own, focus on what works best for you. Whether it’s makeup, clothing, or kitchen gadgets, own what makes sense for your lifestyle.

3. Storage matters: Instead of obsessing over the amount of stuff you have, focus on how and where you’ll store it. Make sure you have a designated place for each item, and prioritize organization over quantity.

4. Be honest about “just in case” items: Take stock of items you’re holding onto “just in case.” Be realistic about whether you’ll ever use them, and consider letting go of items that are unlikely to see the light of day.

5. Tackle actual trash, not just clutter: Before decluttering your belongings, focus on getting rid of actual trash, like expired food, broken items, or unnecessary paperwork. This can make a bigger impact on your daily life than simply editing your possessions.

6. Keep it real: Remember that cleaning and decluttering are important, but they won’t transform your life overnight. Focus on creating a tidy, organized space that makes you feel good, rather than striving for some sort of spiritual enlightenment.

By adopting these principles, you can create a more intentional, organized life that still allows for the comforts and joys of owning possessions.