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The Top 10 Unnecessary Buys: My Year of Minimalism

When I was first introduced to the concept of minimalism by a friend, I was intrigued by the idea of living with fewer possessions and a simpler lifestyle. I imagined that those who embraced minimalism possessed an extraordinary level of discipline and a unique perspective on life. It seemed like a challenging yet liberating path to follow, and I couldn't help but wonder how it would transform my own life.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

I once believed that a minimalist lifestyle was unattainable for me, and I nearly gave up during my first year of trying. However, as time passed, I not only adapted to minimalism but also grew to love this liberating and straightforward way of living.

Minimalism allows you to prioritize your spending. You can save money by cutting back on unnecessary expenses and instead allocate your resources to areas that truly matter to you. Even if my income were to decrease, I know I could still maintain a good quality of life. That’s the beauty and freedom that minimalism offers.

If you’re facing financial challenges or feeling burdened by life’s stresses, I invite you to continue reading. This article will challenge the notion that “you need more than you actually do.”

Flower Pots

Gardening and flowers have always been a passion of mine. In the past, I would spend a significant amount of money on flowers, pots, and soil. However, after embracing minimalism, I realized that I could still indulge in my love for flowers without incurring high costs.

I started to get creative and reuse old items as flower pots. For instance, plastic bottles and cans make excellent and trendy pots, saving me money and reducing waste.

Takeout Food

I used to view takeout as a convenient and affordable option, but after adopting minimalism, I realized just how much food I could purchase for the price of a single cup of boba tea. It was a real eye-opener!

By cooking at home, I not only save money but also find joy and therapeutic benefits in preparing my own meals. It’s a great way to de-stress and take care of myself.

Clothing

When I was younger, I thought that constantly updating my wardrobe was necessary to stay youthful and fashionable. However, as I matured and embraced minimalism, I realized that cheap, trendy clothing is often poorly made and not built to last.

Now, my clothing purchases follow the principle of “less is more.” I invest in a few classic, high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time. This approach saves me money and ensures I always look elegant.

Mugs and Cups

In the past, I had a different cup for every occasion—specialty glassware for tea, thermal mugs, and adorable ceramic mugs. But now, I’ve simplified my collection and only keep a thermal mug and a ceramic mug. It’s more efficient, and I don’t miss the clutter of having so many options.

Lipstick

I used to feel the need to reapply lipstick multiple times a day, so I would buy and hoard various shades. However, I eventually realized that most people don’t pay that much attention to others’ lipstick, and they often can’t even tell when it fades.

After embracing minimalism, I stopped purchasing lipstick altogether. Now, I stick to one shade and make that tube last. It’s one less thing to worry about, and I’ve saved a lot of money as a result.

Snacks and Drinks

I used to indulge in a variety of snacks and drinks, thinking it was necessary to always have something to munch on. However, after facing health issues, I realized the negative impact that constant snacking and excessive sugar consumption can have on my body.

So, I removed snacks and drinks from my daily shopping list. Now, if I feel the urge to chew on something, I look for healthier alternatives online, like making my own spiced chicken feet or fresh juice. It’s been a fun journey of discovery and a great way to take care of my health.

I’ve bid farewell to the snack aisle and found that creating healthier, homemade alternatives is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for my well-being.

Cleaning Tools

Do you need a different cleaner for every surface? The answer is no! Our grandparents often used the same product for most cleaning tasks, like laundry detergent. Following their lead, I now look for multi-purpose cleaning products, which has saved me a significant amount of money and storage space.

Conclusion

After embracing minimalism, I realized that much of the pressure and stress in life stem from our own worries and desires. When we can’t fulfill our wants, we create problems for ourselves.

Minimalism teaches us to balance our wants and needs, discover our true selves, and live a life that aligns with our authentic nature. It’s a journey towards freedom and self-discovery.

Frequently asked questions

Minimalism has helped me prioritize my spending and save money. By cutting back on unnecessary expenses, I can allocate resources to areas that matter most to me. Even with a decrease in income, minimalism has offered me financial freedom and a good quality of life.

I still indulge in my love for flowers, but now I’m more creative and mindful. I reuse old items as flower pots, such as plastic bottles and cans, which saves money and reduces waste. Minimalism has allowed me to enjoy my hobby in a more sustainable and cost-effective way.

Adopting minimalism made me realize the true cost of takeout. I now understand how much food I can buy and prepare myself for the price of a single cup of boba tea. Cooking at home saves money and brings me joy, as well as therapeutic benefits.

I used to think that constantly updating my wardrobe was necessary to stay trendy. However, minimalism taught me that ‘less is more’. Now, I invest in classic, high-quality pieces that will last, saving me money and ensuring a timeless, elegant style.

Yes, I used to have a different cup for every occasion. Now, I’ve simplified my collection to just a thermal mug and a ceramic mug, which is more efficient and clutter-free.

I used to feel the need to reapply lipstick multiple times a day and hoarded various shades. However, I realized that most people don’t pay that much attention to others’ lipstick, and they often can’t tell when it fades. So, I stopped buying lipstick altogether and stick to one shade, saving me money and worry.

I used to think it was necessary to always have snacks and drinks on hand. However, after facing health issues, I realized the negative impact of constant snacking and excessive sugar consumption. Now, I opt for healthier alternatives and make my own spiced chicken feet or fresh juice when cravings strike.

I don’t need a different cleaner for every surface. Following the example of our grandparents, I now use multi-purpose cleaning products, which has saved me money and storage space.

Minimalism has taught me to balance my wants and needs, discover my true self, and live a life aligned with my authentic nature. It’s a liberating journey towards freedom and self-discovery, helping me realize that much of the pressure and stress in life come from our own worries and desires.