Can you be a Minimalist if you’re Poor?
Yes, It’s more than just a fashion trend for the rich.
Within this year I am hoping to achieve my goal of minimalism, even though I am not wealthy, a self designated hipster or a famous A-List celebrity. I’m just someone who truly believes in underconsumption.
Over the past few years, the minimalist concept has increasingly appeared in affluent architectural magazines, and has been over zealously inspired by celebrities.
The simplistic lifestyle of minimalism seems to be a fashion trend for the wealthy. The true definition of minimalism has been lost in a fad, catering to the playground for the rich and famous.
The average person, or average to lower income earner appears to be somewhat apprehensive to define themselves as a minimalist due to such upscale marketing. It’s a common belief that you need to have an abundance of wealth, and the resources to purchase an abundance of luxury items ‘and specifically choose not to’ to be merit of the ‘real’ minimalist label. After all, the wealthy are giving up so much to live on so little. The contrast is thus very obvious. Much of society seems to be taken in by this belief. I would like to say that it is simply not true.
Forced minimalism, or minimalism due to circumstance is still minimalism.
Enjoying the little we do have, not focusing on everything we do not have is positive practice as a minimalist. It’s also a positive practice in mental clearing; the less one has, the less chance of distraction from everything else that is important. Minimalism is a way of life. Controlling impulse purchases and buying with purpose.
If you have little, enjoy the little you have. A home does not need a $12,000 dining table with a succulent as the centre piece in a 4000 square-foot room with blank white walls to be minimalist. In fact, this seems to be a contradiction in the very idea of what minimalism stands for.
Less is more, including consumerism, materialism and high ticket items.
Minimalism is about appreciating the value of less. Minimalism can be the single mom working two jobs in a one room apartment, deliberately saving money by purchasing only what is needed. Strategic minimalism. It is appreciating what we do have and exercising a strict regime in non-consumerism.
Minimalism and Mental Health
“The Minimalists” – authors Joshua Fields Millburn, and Ryan Nicodemus advocate tackling materialism and consumption to fight depression. They describe excess consumption as a hunger that never gets fulfilled, and as a hopeless search for contentment. They say, when letting go of the need to consume, people can tune in to their feelings and address unhappiness. Robert T. Muller, PhD. in his article ‘What Minimalism can do for Mental Health’ found in Psychology Today, states that over consumption can be a search for contentment. This discontentment feeds a further need for materialism. It ends up becoming a negative cycle with consumerism and brand marketing as the catalyst. Consumer marketing can be found literally everywhere as we already know. Muller also stated that minimizing one’s material possessions can assist in fighting mild depression, especially when the depression is from discontentment. Sometimes just decluttering your home, spring cleaning or just simply cleaning can be therapeutic. It’s a fresh start; less clutter takes up less mental space, and less futile and impractical objects to focus on.
This is a good start to minimalism. Decluttering your home, your mind and your negative habits can be followed by a decrease in consumerism and unnecessary purchases. Maintaining a low consumption lifestyle is key to keeping life simple and organized.
Although I have subconsciously been living a minimalist lifestyle for a few years, I now consciously revel in the need to minimize as much distraction from my life as possible. I am in the process of enjoying what is required to live each day comfortably, and I am absolutely unconcerned with things I do not have. Which is a good thing because I live in an incredibly expensive city.
It’s not surprising then that I prefer purchasing items that are second hand or used. I greatly appreciate the value in used items and enjoy giving them a second life. It just feels good. I am the first to admit however, that I love design and decorating magazines, and I am obsessed with interior design, but if I can get something used, then it is a good day. And of course I do shop on occasion, which brings me to the next point;
No Judgement
Keeping possessions that bring you joy is fine, and even encouraged! There should never be judgement in the true sense of minimalism. I love books; I am guilty of keeping them and hoarding books even after reading them. And yes… I buy these books, occassionally, from a used book store or *gasp* from Amazon…
I don’t borrow from the library because I love owning them and holding onto some of these books is important to me. My collection is the one possession that brings me immense joy. I love to look back and remember the impactful books that resonated with me.
I keep these books guilt free. They make me happy. I’ve let go of the guilt, and the judgement. Books are awesome.
‘The Minimalists’ say “There is no Rulebook”, don’t let others judge you. If your hockey card collection is something you love, then keep it. It’s about appreciating what we have. It’s about letting go of envy and disappointment in the things we don’t have. Who cares if the neighbours have a 60” HDTV with 500 channels? I don’t.
High ticket contemporary decor that feigns minimalism, only weighs us down with materialistic negativity, lack of financial control, and mental or emotional noise.
Minimalism is actually a very strategic way to save money when you’re poor, without feeling poor. It has brought me to a place where I want to be, autonomous of material possessions weighing me down. I embrace the little treasures I have, my books..obviously, and my acrylic paints. These possessions are dear to me, and it is the few little treasures I do have which allow me to embrace a lifestyle of underconsumption. I can’t say this enough… I just don’t care about things I can’t have or do not own. There is so much that I cannot afford, and that’s okay, because I love what I have. I am not rich, and I am a minimalist.
It’s important to note, minimalism when poor isn’t a rigid rule to get rid of everything. It’s about changing priorities. It’s a new perspective and a new appreciation for the material items you have, or still need. It’s okay not to have unnecessary possessions to purge, and it’s okay to still need necessary items.
Minimalism is a lifestyle. The minimalist way of life is a choice and a welcome opportunity for positive emotions.
The less useless possessions we own; the less items we look at everyday taking up precious space in closets, cupboards and our minds, the more opportunity arises. We simply have greater life fulfilment and greater freedom. Closing our minds of clutter clears the mind, and doing so allows us to see ourselves in retrospect. Practicing the minimalist way of life offers mental and emotional space for the important things in life; relationships, friendships and self-wellness.
According to Jim Stone, PhD. In his article Maximizing Minimalism, he states that there needs to be an equilibrium between your time management and minimalism. Stone also states that convenience is an important aspect of minimalism. If we purchase an item that simplifies our lives then that would be a good purchase, it saves time for the important things in life. Stone considers many different aspects in minimalism such as “Interpersonal Conflict Minimalism”. Keeping only healthy relationships in your life fosters simplicity and contentment. Negative interpersonal conflicts are unnecessary in our lives.
The minimalist way of life has many layers.
Studies have shown those who consciously live with less, have more awareness of the environment. I have friends who strategically purchase used items to avoid increasingly adding to the landfill. Studies also show a correlation between materialism and lack of environmental awareness. It makes sense. This is one more reason why minimalism encourages a personal sense of freedom and well-being. More money in the bank…less in the landfill. Minimalism is great for environmental awareness.
Having less just feels good for the environmentally conscious minimalist.
Too Much Choice
The tyranny of choice is a contradiction between having just enough options to carefully select from, while not being offered an over abundance of choice resulting in dissatisfaction. Less selection offers an easier way to manage and accept our choices. A children’s toy box is a good analogy. When children have only a few toys out at a time, they covet those toys. They receive more joy from the toys and more free space in their mind for imagination and learning opportunities.
Minimalism has always been a part of my subconscious just waiting for an appropriate label. I made a conscious decision to live life relatively anti consumerist many years ago, and never realized that it was ‘a thing’. Minimalism is liberating and addictive. I am aware of keeping costs down, while keenly aware of objects I have that are not useful and await donation.
I have realized how uplifting having less can be. I’ve discovered a new version of myself, and this version is not overwhelmed by envy for material items. I just don’t care enough about consumerism. This version of myself is content. I have little, and whether it’s from lack of financial resources, or a disinterest in consumption, I am very content. And I can honestly emphasize ‘very’.
Minimalism is a characteristic hidden within all of us, rich or poor. If you prefer clear thought, organization, mental space and freedom, then you are a minimalist. Be proud, continue with it and hold onto that title.
Yes, you are a minimalist.