Mission to Minimalism
My journey toward minimalism began when I realized that my closet resembled a bedding department. I had comforters for every season, mood, and hypothetical guest. I owned multiple comforters for one queen sized bed, each purchased on a whim, convinced that the next one would finally bring me the comfort I was seeking. Spoiler alert: it didn't.
Have you ever looked around your home, wondering how you accumulated so much stuff? I had this epiphany one day attempting to stuff yet another comforter into an already overflowing closet, it hit me—this was ridiculous. I was suffocating under the weight of my possessions, both literally and figuratively. And it wasn't just the comforters; this pattern extended to bath towels, shoes, clothes, bags, accessories—you name it.
Like people I know and in my family, I had fallen into the trap of overconsumption. The thrill of acquiring new items provided a temporary high, but it was always fleeting. I was left with cluttered spaces and a cluttered mind. My bank account wasn't too happy either. I really wanted to change this. Often times I can admit to emotional spending, when I was going through a challenging time in my life - stress, depression. Sometimes when I got a little extra money I was so excited I would spend it on dumb shit.
Minimalism isn’t about depriving myself of the finer things in life; it’s about being intentional—something I teach and strive to live by. It's about removing the excess to focus on what truly matters. In fact, this is the very foundation of My Very Good Year. Yet, I realized I wasn’t fully living up to what I preach. To me, minimalism is a lifestyle choice that emphasizes living with less to make room for more of what truly adds value. From a spiritual perspective, I was already practicing the art of letting go to create space for new and better things, and this mantra naturally extended to all areas of my life.
Looking back at my comforter collection now brings a smile to my face. I had convinced myself that each new purchase was a necessity, but in reality, they were just manifestations of a deeper yearning for comfort and contentment—things that can’t be bought. Now, with a single, well-chosen luxury comforter, I sleep better knowing I'm no longer buried under unnecessary layers—both in bed and in life.
Minimalism has been a transformative journey, bringing numerous benefits into my life. Financial freedom came from cutting unnecessary spending, allowing me to invest in meaningful experiences rather than accumulating more things. A decluttered space also led to a decluttered mind, reducing stress and improving focus. If you're looking to embrace minimalism, start by assessing your belongings and identifying what truly adds value. Decluttering gradually can make the transition smoother—tackle one area at a time and responsibly donate or recycle items you no longer need.
Being mindful of future purchases ensures that I only bring in things that serve a purpose. By letting go of excess, I’ve gained so much more—clarity, freedom, and a renewed appreciation for life’s simple joys.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your possessions, I invite you to consider minimalism. After all, do you really need multiple comforters for one bed?
Remember, it’s not the stuff we have, but the life we live that defines our happiness. It’s not our possessions, but who we are as people that truly defines us.