I Am A Minimalist, I Downsized, Edited, Decluttered, Now What?

Am I a minimalist? I have downsized, edited, and decluttered. I struggle to have enough clothing to do a load of laundry. My kitchen is cleared of what is not necessary. Everything there has a dual purpose, and no purpose is duplicated.

I shop mindfully. Now ask me if I really need the product or service before I purchase it. I don’t shop or eat for gratification, drive much less, and enjoy the pleasures and the money I save using public transportation.

Cut the cable and entertainment cord. I did not sell or give away much stuff; I just used what I had and didn’t replace it. Now I have more money, time, and less junk to maintain. Am I a minimalist?

I have learned to live like a tourist in my own town. I have lived and worked in the Tri-State area (the New York metropolitan area) my entire life and have NEVER taken advantage of what it has to offer. Just drove from point to point, not experiencing much.

Now I live like a tourist, making my way around one of the greatest cities in the world. Enjoy all of the sights, sounds, culture, and entertainment the area has to offer.

I do enjoy life more than I do living by this new philosophy. There is far less clutter, both physical and mental. There is mostly only what I need around me, the essentials, and my pathways are clearer. I am out and about more, enjoying what is around me to the fullest.

When out and about, I notice more of what is around me without the sense of urgency that I once had. I have less stress and anxiety. There is nothing to feel uncomfortable or anxious about, because the unnecessary parts were edited away. Am I a minimalist yet?

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More, Less Minimalism, or Decluttered

I believe being a minimalist or minimalist has no concrete definition. I believe it is different for everyone. For me, it is what I stated above. This is what makes me happy right now. I am enjoying the experience, and that may change in time.

I have read about Minimalists who are happy living with 50 or 100 items, and that is fine. If someone chose to live with only 50 items, or had 51, it does not make them a bad Minimalist. Live and let live.

At this point in my Minimalist journey, there is nothing next. It’s not like training for a marathon for me. It’s not like I have to train to run a better time or to edit to get rid of more stuff to be a better Minimalist. I have no need to do more at this time.

I am happy with what I have decluttered physically and mentally in my life. Everything feels clean, crisp, and basic. I have the feeling one has when they have cleaned the kitchen or bathroom, and everything looks clean, uncluttered, and spotless.

Now I enjoy that feeling 24 hours a day. I feel that way because I don’t have enough stuff to get in the way of anything or clutter my environment.

Now I am just enjoying where I am in life with this philosophy, and I will not be doing more or less of minimalism at this time. I will take the time to smell the roses and explore the possibilities in my newfound free time.

One day I may decide to edit down to 50 items or a 400-square-foot living space but not at this time.

Am I a minimalist now?