According to Wikipedia, “Minimalism is a movement in visual arts, music, and other media that began in post–World War II Western art.” However, the concept of simplicity as a way of living is not new. It has been around for centuries, ever since our ancestors lived with only the bare essentials. Renowned personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, and many others embraced simple living, free from unnecessary clutter, and have advocated for this lifestyle.
Now, I am neither a saint nor a famous figure, and I don’t aspire to be exactly like them. But over the 30 years of my life, I’ve realized that decluttering one’s life leads to simpler, more peaceful living. The more complicated your surroundings are, the more stressed you tend to feel.
Imagine this: You’ve just bought a new house. You’ve hired an interior designer and spent a significant amount of money decorating it. Whether you’re a working professional or a homemaker, in the beginning, you absolutely love the décor and the aesthetics. Guests compliment you endlessly on your beautiful home.
Source: Printique
Now, fast forward five years. You’ve climbed the career ladder, maybe as a senior manager or a business owner, or perhaps you’re a busy homemaker with kids or pets. Whatever the scenario, your mind is often preoccupied with worries about the stains and scratches on the marble countertops in the kitchen, the glossy furniture collecting dust and fingerprints no matter how many times you clean it, or the wine stain on your beloved custom-made sofa. Your storage cabinet is a mess, and the fridge is full of expired products you forgot to throw away.
Source: istock
In short, more clutter means more expenditure to maintain, more stress from cleaning, and more time spent on upkeep.
Don’t you agree? Comment below.
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