Initially, minimalism is absolutely about the stuff.
This week I began decluttering my three hundred square foot studio apartment in Chicago. Things had accumulated, and I was overwhelmed inside this small space.
It’s often said the way a person’s living area looks is a representation of their mind. All my clothes were laid out in a bonfire style in the middle of my living room. An old plastic table in the corner of my room had become an oversized trashcan with papers, pens, journals, books. Once I discarded all of those things, I noticed the table underneath, the cracks and scars strewn across it. I was putting in overtime at work because I dreaded coming home.
I almost decided I didn’t want to do this anymore. Maybe minimalism was too difficult for someone who found life to be overwhelming. But minimalism is about finding a solution to the overwhelming aspects of life. I had to go through the marshes of doubt and indecision. I’m still not through them, but I’m making a lot of progress.
I will be replacing all my clothes with plain black. Black shirts, pants, underwear, socks. Black is the perfect color for me as it allows me to block out the distractions and focus on living.
I have not finished the decluttering process yet. The kitchen is an abomination still. I successfully got rid of the unhealthy food in my fridge and replaced it with organic salad and fixings, rice, and bagels with cream cheese for breakfast. Once I made that change, my body experienced fewer painful flareups and felt more at peace.
I already feel the benefits of fewer items in my living space. My mind is clearer and focused. Once I get rid of the last of the unnecessary in my living room, I’ll tackle the bathroom, closet I sleep in, and the kitchen. My apartment has two personalities warring with each other at the moment, order and chaos. But now I’m able to see the floor under all the garbage.