The Dark Side of Minimalism ~ Minimalist Life Better or Worse?

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Minimalism is not a life for me, i do however absolutely believe in essentialism. Stuff should never own you.

Keep what you enjoy and love. Don’t get rid of everything. Watch out for things that own you or end up costing you to maintain. This is what works for me.

Connie..your honesty is what makes your videos so special and I have learnt a lot from you. At the end I believe in the middle way.. Not being obsessed with possessions but not being obsessed with getting rid of everything either and living in an empty and sterile environment. In reality do we prefer to visit friends who have a warm welcoming home or live in an empty sterile space? I am 63, have moved countries several times but I have kept a doll and a teddy bear who bring me back to my childhood home and my dear parents no longer here. There is a French song which says: “Today is the beginning of the rest of my life”…

Sometimes letting go for me is a “necessary loss” because it frees me. It brings in new energy to my soul for me to dance with life instead of being weighed down by too many things. I find that each decade of life ushers in new awareness of what is truly contributing to my life. Now in my 60’s, I find a very new set of priorities. When I let go now: too many old photos, clothes that no longer work for my lifestyle, decor I no longer enjoy, old linens and towels, books that someone else could enjoy, etc, I usher in new energy. It is freeing.

There is minimalism and then there is deprivation. Always find a comfortable balance!.

I've gotten rid of most of my things, but I have kept all items related to my major hobby of oil painting. Getting rid of all of the unnecessary stuff in my life has allowed me to really focus in on making art and enjoying the art books and magazines I have collected over the years. Before getting rid of all of my junk, I never realized how much anxiety and stress was caused by having so many extra items around my home. I would encourage someone dabbling in minimalism to allow themselves to splurge by keeping things related to one or two hobbies because minimalists too need hobbies and objects that can aid them in recreation and relaxation. The problem in our world is all of the extra stuff that just never gets used or takes our focus from the important things in life.

I appreciate your perspective. We change. I used to be ruthless with getting rid of things. Now, I realize I may want to hold onto a few special items to pass down to my children or grandchildren one day. Those can be cherished links to family and ancestors.

I just love your videos. I became a minimalist as a working single Mum, not initially by choice. Just not made of money. Ended up embracing this way of life with less and being frugal.

I am a natural minimalist and my advice to people is to Live the Life you Want and you will see the Excess. You can’t eliminate before knowing who you are and what you want from life …

I don’t understand this video. Is that a house that’s listed for sale? Empty and nothing anywhere??? Why have a big house if it’s empty??? Confused 🤷🏼‍♀️

Great video Connie! Thanks for the reminder to go at our own pace 😊

I am grateful I have found your videos! Your calm sweet voice brings me such peace! Listening to your videos is what I need!Recently retired in August 2023 and I am trying to discover my true self to live by on this new journey! Blessings to you!

I have been a minimalist many years too. It is a journey!!! I use it now to see where i am on that road. For me the Let Go is important it keeps me balanced as i embrace minimalism. You can go overboard it is learning to find that moment that helps me to check in with my desires. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I enjoy the peace that this lifestyle brings me and will be a minimalist for life!!

Thank you for your beautiful work. You are much appreciated. I wish you all the happiness you deserve ❤

I decluttered my life to the extent it felt like i was eliminate my life, thats when i htought i had a problem, it wasn,t just possessions it was my life i felt i was getting rid of. Thats when i started to introduce things back in, and realising God has given us things to enjoy, i still try to implement all i have learnt in this life, but we are meant to like things and as lo

Merci Connie de ce nouveau partage , Depuis 2017, j'ai entrepris mon voyage vers plus de clarté dans mon environnement. J'ai commencé par ce qui ne portait aucune attache sentimentale .Je n'ai pas fait de grand vide d'un coup mais procédé dans chaque pièce ou domaine par palier.J'ai adopté facilement le procédé suivant : un premier allégement de l'endroit,puis un deuxième etc ..., par couches successives. Cela me permettait de savoir exactement ce que j'avais ou non utilisé d'une fois sur l'autre ,de donner une seconde chance pour certaines choses ..ou pas . De voir comment je me sentais avec ça, les bienfaits que j'en retirais .Et c'est important parfois de laisser infuser l'idée de la séparation d'avec des choses . Ce qui m'a encouragée , c'est qu'aucun des objets éliminés de chez moi ne m'a encore manqué. Alors le processus de désencombrement s'est peaufiné, approfondi au fil du temps, et a permis de mieux me connaître. Le plus difficile reste effectivement l'aspect sentimental, émotionnel. Mon principal regret pour le moment étant d'avoir dématérialisé toutes les photos de notre famille.C'est fou qu'un simple changement de support puisse me laisser si mal à l'aise 🤔. Disparition physique trop radicale. ( Mais en ré-imprimer certaines m'angoisserait ,sans garantie de retrouver le résultat initial).Ces photos sont devenues des fichiers,classés certes ,mais ont ,comment le dire, "perdu leur âme" 😢 ... Je pensais me décharger émotionnellement et partager par clé USB avec mes enfants mais je me suis tout simplement trahie sur ce coup-là. Oui ,mon état émotionnel n'était pas prêt pour cela. 😢

Your videos are always so beautifully edited and the content is always what I need to hear. Thank you! You are such a lovely human being. 🙏🏻❤️

I move items to the inactive pile in the attic, see how it feels to live without in the active (living) space, see how it feels when I revisit the inactive pile once a year--or sooner, or later.

Connie, spoken so eloquently ❤you have helped me on my journey.