Minamalism Monday - Mari Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

My new year 2017 word of the year is Minamalism and this is an ongoing journey.  After being inspired by the documentary Minamalism it brought me back to one of first books that helped me get rid of things and keep items that spark joy.  

That book is Mari Kondo's "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" which I borrowed from the public library to reread.  Mari Kondo's method is to declutter by category instead of room and to keep possessions that bring you joy.  I love this!  It's not about numbers or limiting to a number of items, instead it is about keeping what you love and wear or use regularly.  It makes sense why would I continue to wear something that doesn't make me feel good about myself.  

To help with the space organization, I bought the drawer organization boxes SKUBB Box from IKEA which has been a lifesaver.  This is perfect for keeping the underwear and sock drawer organized and under control.  I no longer hide items in the drawer or keep unmatched socks.  Instead I have a place for each neatly folded item and have thrown away items that are ripped, worn, or are ready to go without guilt.  Then I know the items that I keep are comfortable and bring me joy.    

My next step is to organize my closet with the BUMERANG hangers and then keep only the number of items that I have hanger for thus in a way integrating the Project 333 into the picture.  The part of Project 333 that I do not like is storing clothing, I have moved past that stage and feel strongly that all of my clothing should be in my closet for all seasons as Mari Kondo would recommend.  Recently we have gotten rid of the closet doors so the clothing is displayed and it's easy to see what I have and what to wear.  

Minamalism as a lifestyle is a journey and I'm sure I'll be continuously tweaking and reminding myself of the values and seeing what calls my name.  I look foward to this year where I will find my way to simplify my life. 

New Year's Resolution: Minamalism

Happy New Year!  It's a new year and a new word.  Instead of a new year's resolution, my word for 2017 is MINAMALISM.  I'm hoping this word motivate me the whole year through and make me stay true to my values.

This is inspired by the documentary Minamalism on Netflix and my own values on living a simple life.  I love the Minamalists definition.

"Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom." 

My journey with declutting began years ago but I feel that finally I am close to achieving the "why" of the minamalist lifestyle.  Due to financial constraints I have already been anti-consumerism and have reduced my spending tremendously over the past six months on material "things" or "possessions."  

The key for me in the new year 2017 is to truly continue the minamalist lifestyle.  To continue to let go of things of the past so I can live in the present.  To bring to life the gift giving of memories and experiences instead of "gifts".  This has been difficult for me because of the values that others hold on brand names or material possessions.  The hardest part is to be able to socialize and hang out with friends who do not share this lifestyle and yet still be able to enjoy the "window shopping" and not be tempted by the shopping malls.  

What does this mean for me?

- simplifying life 
- living with minamalist values
- focusing on quality time and experiences
- creating memories
- willingness to let go of possessions
- caring for my parents
- nurturing my self care 
- taking care of my health
- be happy and well

I'll continue to write about my minamalism journey with Minamailism Monday.  To share my decluttering tips, ways to let go, and books that have inspired me.  I am quite excited and hope you are too as I embark on this new year!

Movie Monday: Minamalism A Documentary About The Important Things in Life

During the holidays while consumerism and materialism is at its height, I like to be reminded of the simpler things in life.  So when I saw the documentary on Netfliex:  Minamalism A Documentary About The Important Things in Life, I knew it would inspire me to do some Christmas downsizing.

Obviously this documentary is not a Hollywood blockbuster and it took a few attempts at watching it before I finished it.  This might be because I tried to watch it in bed which I husband warned me that this documentary would make me fall asleep.  (Minamalism is more thought than action packed).  I was already familiar with the idea and it was interesting to see how others have taken the concept.  Some give up their careers and homes and travel the world.  Some live with less.  The idea to not get caught up with the "latest" craze or have a need to "shop" or get what keeping up with the Jones.  Instead it is a lifestyle of living with less.  Less possessions, belongings, and clutter. 

I have done de-cluttering over the past decade and have had a fascination with that since I came from a hoarder mentality and background.  After all when I was younger, I collected paper bags (this is a bad idea since it was the nest of bugs that made me give up the entire collection).  So over the years, I slowly de-cluttered my space and possessions.  The last attempt had been with the Mari Kondo method of Spark Joy.

I know that since I have stopped spending on clothing during the past six months I definitely have not felt as though I have missed out on anything.  Initially it's the fear that others will notice, but in the end my wardrobe had a more professional appeal and no one even noticed that I wasn't wearing the latest trend.

In Minamalism A Documentary, they mentioned Project 333 which motivated me to do another sweep of my wardrobe and closet.  In that initiative there are 33 items of clothing including shoes and accessories to wear for three months.  I have to admit that I haven't reduced to 33 items yet.  But I have don't need my entire closet anymore.  It has made me happier to see a less cluttered space and I wear clothing that is comfortable, fits, and sparks joy.