Minimalism: A Disclaimer

I must intro this series with a confession: I want to loathe minimalism. Not the practice of 'simple living' (another infuriating term) itself, but the ostensibly white, homogenous-income-level culture that's grown up around it. Try as so many well-meaning authors might--no matter how eloquent or intentional they are--the entire 'movement' often smacks of elitism.

And yet.

Well, here I am, reading along and nodding in agreement. And now writing about it.

I wasn't quite sure I had anything to add to the conversation at first. I'm not starting out on some clutter-free journey; I've been 'de-cluttering' for about 3 years now, and do so on a regular basis. 'Letting go' has become such modus operandi for me that I used to be genuinely surprised when coworkers commented on the clear surface and lack of filing pile on my desk--decluttering is not a goal; it's automated by now. I have no problem saying no to activities that aren't on my priority list. My social media streams are about as streamlined and intentional as you can get. Shopping is not my downfall, and meaningless tchotchkes do not line my shelves (meaningful ones, however...).

And as it turns out however, I do have something to say about minimalism. It's been, at the risk of sounding like a star-eyed fangirl, life changing for me in a sneaking, pervasive way that's infiltrated the way I think. I want to explore why that is. How did I (we) come to a place where deciding I don't need something is so satisfying? I felt delight ditching my toaster oven. C'mon now. What in society brings that sort of fascination on? And can I get a reality check, please? There are people who have no electricity (people who I've lived with and played very important roles in my life!) and I'm excited by getting rid of an appliance. Let's look at this sociologically. Psychologically. Anthropologically.

And yes, let's slow our homes (no seriously, check out Slow Your Home, it's great). Let's try to mix up our tiny wardrobes in new ways, a la Un-Fancy (and look at her lovely Instagram while you're at it). Of course I'm going to write about things that have helped me live more efficiently, with more room to breathe--this is a series about minimalism!

Let's just... do it with a grain of salt.

#MINIMALISTMONDAYS