Certainties and doubts?

[Ultralight]

Over the past several days I have been feeling especially certain about choosing to live simply and about being a minimalist. I am not sure why, but it obviously feels good. I look at my simple capsule wardrobe and feel good. I go fishing and thoroughly enjoy the simplicity. I observe the total lack of clutter in my room -- feels great!

Anyone else have these moments of certainty about SLing? Why?

Anyone have doubts about SLing? Perhaps because of social interactions or a real bad case of "the wants?"

[Kestra]

The only thing I don't always like about simple living is the increased awareness of every little choice I make all the time. It makes everything into a no-win scenario. I'm always giving up one thing in order to have something else, and I'm so cognizant of it. Once in a while I think about how it would be to be more ignorant and just live (like when you're a kid and you think nothing of drinking a big sugar-laden slurpee with extra sugary candies) but overall I'll take the conscious life over any other.

[Ultralight]

I get "the wants" every now and again. But I tell myself to be careful, because if I give into this case then I will give into the next one and the next one. Then I am a hoarder. :/

[ApatheticNoMore]

The only thing I don't always like about simple living is the increased awareness of every little choice I make all the time. It makes everything into a no-win scenario. I'm always giving up one thing in order to have something else, and I'm so cognizant of it.

alternatively it's a win-win scenario, either way you get to have something you like, you get to buy something you want now or have money in the bank say, both give some joy. Ok there are situations in life that are "no win" scenarios, where it's sucky choice versus sucky choice, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to re-frame those situations. They suck, ok, case closed, end of story. It's just I'm not sure that's necessary for spending decisions. Maybe just make a choice and enjoy it fully, whatever it is (the item or experience or saving, or whatever). If everything feels like a "no-win" choice I'm not sure it shouldn't be more important to me to live for joy, than all that.

[Kestra]

alternatively it's a win-win scenario, either way you get to have something you like, you get to buy something you want now or have money in the bank say, both give some joy. Ok there are situations in life that are "no win" scenarios, where it's sucky choice versus sucky choice, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to re-frame those situations. They suck, ok, case closed, end of story. It's just I'm not sure that's necessary for spending decisions.

That's a great point. Thanks!

[TxZen]

The only doubt I used to have was when it came to other people and their judgment of me. I come from a long line of hoarders and just in casers, when it comes to stuff. Also, they tend to see what one owns as a direct line to how successful a person is. I remember being in the Navy, living in the barracks and enjoying my Jeep and trips all over the state. I just banked my small paycheck, but after 2 years, it was quite a little bundle. My family saw me as poor and not very successful. I was 22 at the time and did not have the confidence I have now. Now I am seen as cool and eclectic and people have asked me for advice. Interesting how 15+ years can change things for the better, even if it's perspective.