Trigger for simplifying?

[mschrisgo2]

In one word: Vacations. The happiest times in my life have been away from home, because I had only a few "things" keep track of, usually just one bag with clothes, and my camera. I love the simplicity of minimal personal stuff in a hotel room, or a motorhome, or a rented cottage. So I have decided my home needs to be the same. Seven years ago, I downsized from a 1200 sq ft house to a 600 sq ft apartment. I had to fit in here, and lots of things left. I don't even remember them. There are things here now I haven't touched in all those years, slowly they are going. Soon I will move into about 480 sq ft, and I'm really looking forward to it.

[Ultralight]

Simplemind:

I am facing down a similar situation with my parents' house because they are compulsive hoarders. I am impressed by you all for thinking of your children when that time comes. Any words of wisdom in dealing with what parents leave behind?

[Ultralight]

Kestra:

I find your response intriguing because some might think that a divorce would be the trigger that turns someone into an SLer or a minimalist. But it seems as though you had something innate that made you a minimalist. The divorce was just something that needed to happen to facilitate your life of minimalism?

[Ultralight]

mschrisgo2:

Well said! I can really identify with this. I moved from AZ to OH and took a week to do it. I would drive 4 or 5 hours a day, set up my tent, relax, have some food, read, listen to the radio, etc. All simple life stuff. No work. Few obligations. I thought: "Could I make my regular life this simple? Could I at least transpose part of this to my real life?" This was one of my triggers, or perhaps more of an "a-ha!" moment.

480 Sq. Ft.? You are basically in tiny home space now! Nice.

[Kestra]

Kestra:

I find your response intriguing because some might think that a divorce would be the trigger that turns someone into an SLer or a minimalist. But it seems as though you had something innate that made you a minimalist. The divorce was just something that needed to happen to facilitate your life of minimalism?

Exactly. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find a way to live truly authentically within my marriage and I eventually had to make a choice to preserve myself. I'm still good friends with my ex but now the stumbling points of our lifestyle and political differences aren't an issue without the romantic relationship aspect.

[Ultralight]

Kestra:

I get it. I really do. Back in 2009 I made a real stab at intentional minimalism. Before that is was largely just de facto minimalism -- I was young, in college, and did not have much money. Though I was never materialistic.

But around 2009 my then life partner and I decided to delve into minimalism together. And for a year or so we were really right-sizing our lives. One day in 2011 she was like: "I don't want to be a minimalist. I want stuff."

By then I was pretty exhausted from having powered through a couple master's degrees and had been working a mentally and emotionally draining job. So I did not put up a fight. I basically said: "Okay, let's get stuff." hahaha

When my marriage ended I spent some time just fishing and reflecting -- nursing the emotional wounds that come with divorce. After about six months though, I just thought: "Hey, I got nobody to answer to. I can live my minimalist dream!"

Purge. Purge. Purge. It was a magical time! And still is...over two years later!

I think I am like most people on here, there were several triggers in my life. But a few stand out. You know?

[Teacher Terry]

Cleaning out people's homes after they die really makes you think about what you will leave your kids. I have done this a few times & it was not fun. I started about 15 years ago & it gets easier all the time. NOw we live in 1400 sq ft & i really only kept what I loved. We both work p.t. from home so need 2 offices. WE have lived in smaller (869) when this was not the case. HOwever, we have a large shed & 1 car garage that is full of junk my hubby won't let go of. If he goes first I will get rid of it. If not the kids will be stuck. HOwever, at least the entire house won't be filled to the brim. It is hard enough to lose a parent without having to deal with their stuff while you are in grief. My Mom was awesome when she knew she was dying. She got rid of tons of stuff. She even asked us kids to go through her pics & take what we wanted. When we were done she walked outside & threw her albums in the dumpster. I said wow-is that was life comes down to & she said no big deal-just pics.

[Geila]

I've never been very attached to things per se, but I did spend lots of money on clothes, jewelry, and fun, in my 20's. I sold fine jewelry part-time, and that required a certain look, which I enjoyed putting together. I didn't have any understanding of how hard I was working and how easily I was spending. And then in my late 20's or early 30's I read Your Money Or Your Life, and Wow! From that point the idea of time/work/money just made sense and I've never felt the desire to spend like that again. I married a man who lives very simply by preference, and the rewards have been awesome.

[razz]

I wanted to retire at age 60 after living within our family income all our married life so minimalism added some further control and I did retire. After DH's passing, I invited the kids to help themselves to whatever they wanted after 18 months of my living on my own, got rid of the rest of the farm machinery etc., and moved into a small new house in town with a small garden and just loving it. Living sustainably with walking everywhere is a great joy.

[Ultralight]

Teacher Terry:

Your mom must have been a hell of a woman! Throwing out pics is hard for most people, really hard.