5 Years of Minimalism | Lessons I learned in 2020 as a Minimalist | Intentional, Slow Living

[@raapyna8544]

I'm really glad to hear you say the last part. :) In the past it has looked like you were very caught up in the minimizing and what minimalism looked like and was in itself, when really minimalism is not a life in itself, it's just a circumstance for something else. Minimalism is not a hobby or an occupation, it's a wisdom that allows me to do other things. Because of minimalism, I'm not anxiously holding onto things because of fear of losing everything. Because of minimalism, I don't feel guilty because of a messy room. Because of minimalism, I get to breath freely and sleep better, because my room is easier to vacuum. Because of minimalism, I can volunteer and not spend so much time at home doing chores. Because of minimalism, I can live by example and teach young people in the scouts it's ok to not buy new things, which brings equality. Because of minimalism, I can travel light and not hurt my back. Because of minimalism, it was easy for me to pack for a summer job abroad or in the country side and not miss my stuff at home. Because of minimalism, I don't worry about what to wear, because I only have clothes I like and that match each other. Because of minimalism, I have the opportunity to invest time and money into beautiful traditions, like hand-made things, cooking from scratch, or repairing things that are broken. Minimalism channels often mention the fact that minimalism gives more time for important things, but youtubers rarely seem to tell what those things are for them. I think minimalism should be shown more on the side of other things, because some people seem to think minimalism on its own should bring happiness or try to fill a void by decluttering.

[@beatrizyoda]

I had my mind done to not paint my house wall of any color. Pure minimal white. But I wanted to try colors and had fun doing it. Staying so much time at home made it stronger so I did it. I'm a minimalist and I have a yellow wall. ✌😄. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@gailjlyons2000]

You are very wise. Millions of people miss the every day beauty and satisfaction of routine life. I take the time to score my pies and breads and then sew or paint in the kitchen while they're baking so I can appreciate the smells of my beautiful every day life. Keep the videos coming

[@lilyandrose8557]

"To make our everyday life beautiful" - how lovely! I wish that for everybody. I'm in the process of decluttering & streamlining so I can give my mind fully to study next year. Every week a box has to go to a charity shop. That's been a habit I've been establishing over the last month. However, my environment is now beautiful with a place for everything & everything in its place. My other motivation is to save my executors stressful, tiring, time-consuming work in the event I pass away

[@towse]

"I decluttered my 5 points" I love it omg you're wonderful

[@Hannah-id5hk]

omg YES i found someone who I really resonate with and damn, what you said at the start was such a game changer for me. Life is mostly the small things... and we get so fixated on the bigger picture that we forget to tend to the small thiings and make them beautiful. I also really agree about using items you love... there is that philosophy... which was somewhat made famous by Marie Kondo... where you keep and own things that spark joy. It's not just about throwing things away and not buying anything, but about focusing on the things that you love and surrounding yourself with them. Then our space will spark joy and ease in us and allow us to recharge better, meaning we can also share that joy with others as well as ourselves. Ok will watch the rest of the video now !

[@katjarozantseva8069]

I'm practicing minimalism to deal with my anxiety disorder, so I have less choices to constantly worry about

[@katjarozantseva8069]

(I'm not preaching it as a main way to treat mental health disorders, it took several months of medication even just to start)

[@jessie9653]

I hear ya, minimalism has helped tremendously with my anxiety

[@fromnewusa]

@@katjarozantseva8069 If it works, stay with it. I do the same thing as you. Keep going strong !

[@sarahthatcher123]

Great message..finding the balance between big goals and 'everyday ' life. I so agree that minimalism isn't great in and of itself..it's more of a 'tool' or vehicle to help us create our best life...For me...I'm a born again Christian and minimalism has just been a tool ( mindset) that has helped me be more of who I believe I was meant to be and has been a journey that has brought me closer to God which is the goal of my life. It has been a way that God has helped set me free from many wounds of my past and healed me in so many ways...mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It has been a wonderful gift He has given me.

[@anneli5037]

One of the most on-point videos I've seen in awhile! Decluttering your lessons just down to 1 was the perfect self-ironic way to start the video. Your division between the importance of a fulfilling every-day life but also fulfilling big-picture goals was eloquent and eye-opening and I found myself nodding along with your ideas. Hearing you be easy on yourself by allowing yourself a pretty laundry basket inspired me to also be less strict on myself with my lifestyle.

[@jackiecee7575]

2020 has seen me pick up and move 1000s of miles away from where I’ve lived for 55 years. So happy with my new home.

[@katjarozantseva8069]

Btw, instead of laundry basket I went to second-hand and bought the biggest cotton pillowcase I found. So it can keep quiet a lot of laundry (actually, almost equal to max load of laundry machine) but doesn't take more room than laundry itself. And I can wash it with laundry if I feel so

[@111-w9d7y]

I like this idea. Think will incorporate in my own life. Simple, useful and takes up less space. It can even be washed. Appreciated reading this tip. Kind greetings from Switzerland.

[@awildandsimplelife]

Awesome idea! 😀

[@veritycaruso]

I haven't done anything extraordinary since the pandemic shut the world down. Luckily (but maybe irresponsibly) I took my mom to Paris and Barcelona in February/March for her 70th birthday. I have been finding joy in ordinary things I hadn't done much before. I've been baking bread from scratch and cooking more, walking almost daily in our neighborhood, and started some online piano lessons. I have also been FaceTiming my nieces and sister since I can't visit them this year.

[@ecofriendlia]

This sounds so good! I also bake bread from scratch and love to take walks. I think this part of the pandemic can actually be beneficial for us in the long run if it helps us build good habits that make us happy ☺

[@Patricia-fi9zo]

Agreed :) living intentional and just making the best out of our everyday lives is so valuable and has brought me personally a lot of contentment.

[@awildandsimplelife]

This is so true Patricia. 😃

[@kelly_kelly_kelly8575]

I always viewed minimalism as a tool to create a life that is intentional to our individual values, desires and needs. That means different things for everyone and really is a personal journey of self discovery and includes the mechanics of owning less, decluttering, etc. These tools should work towards actively creating the life we want. If that means getting a new hamper or book or cookie sheet, whatever, then that's important to you and a worthwhile effort :) Keep up the great videos, much love from Western NY ❤️

[@SusanneKARGER]

Hey Lia! Love your channel! Making my bed every morning is very important to me. It’s kinda starting point for my day. It sets the ending of the day as well, when I prepare it for the night. I am doing my personal morning routine, discovered what’s good and right for me over the years 😊 from time to time I adapt and optimize these routines to my needs.

[@ΝατάσαΜαραγκού]

what you're talking about is very important! after all, minimalism is about letting go of things, situations, people, feelings that drag us down. 2020 has been a teacher on that aspect. it's been a year of self-reflect, decluttering sessions and, generally, a lot of time spent with ourselves. making every day feel special finally made sense for me this year. for the most of us, life used to be a hectic routine, never really having time to look back on it. but now, simply going on a walk or having an arts and crafts date with myself was what truly made the difference. ps: i love your channel! keep up with the amazing work!

[@ecofriendlia]

That sounds amazing and is really true for me as well! And thank you, I am glad you like my videos and really appreciate you being here ☺

[@taylorc6925]

Running!! Adds so much value to my life everyday!

[@rachellebrady1517]

So much insight here! Loved hearing your perspective on enjoying the ordinary.

[@matildalepoglavec9267]

Thank you, you really gave me something to think about with your first point, especially because this is something I struggle a lot.

[@cherylverdon3077]

In extraordinary times, by which I mean pandemics, war, etc., normalcy is something we all learn to strive for. . . and it can be beautiful. Enjoy your walks!

[@CiaraColette]

You have a great mind and a wonderful heart. ♥️

[@ravenjohnson9789]

You are the coolest. Thank you for sharing your well-iterpreted thoughts.

[@laurenm.a.5887]

Thanks for sharing 😊 This video has really made my day

[@justusewater1]

Loved this!!! Yes, that is my big goal with minimalism; to curate a life I love and find beautiful everyday!

[@12Sanguine]

I needed to hear this. Thank you. 💜

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Everyday activities can be magical in themselves like exercise and breakfast in the morning makes me very happy 😃

[@ramblerjam]

To make everyday life beautiful. I love that.

[@kyleehill694]

I would definitely love to know more about you tube and finances! That would be interesting and very helpful to watch!

[@rosawesterbaan]

Same here!

[@bsal4160]

This is your best video yet that I've seen!

[@ceciliefranciska899]

The best video ever! I love this. It really made me think

[@karinschaefer7091]

„Little things, nicely done“ (Elisabeth Gilbert) This is what I try to do every day🙋‍♀️

[@ecofriendlia]

Yes, these little things can do so much! ☺️

[@faithintheunseen1294]

I took this extra time to pursue a yoga teaching certificate for my personal practice & development. It’s a lifelong dream. Would love an apartment/ house tour video someday if you’re willing!!.

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Hi, I just found your channel and watched lots of videos. In 2020 I got to work part and be an artist. I created a on line art course and made lots of KZbin videos. Now that the lockdown is coming to an end I am back to work full time.😧. Thanks for the lovely videos.

[@lorettacasillas6547]

It feels good to get rid of extra things especially during this pandemic when you’re home a lot. The things I can’t seem to give away right now are anything my husband owned who passed away last year.

[@ecofriendlia]

Yes, I totally agree! And I can completely understand that these things are too hard to give away right now. Some things take time and I totally think it can also be really good to have at least some of his things around you as long as that feels good!

[@j.m.ney-grimm3029]

I think your realization that our ordinary moments and days far outnumber our extraordinary ones is important and wonderful. And really, this moment now-this ordinary moment now-*is* extraordinary, if only we realize it. Here we are, living, experiencing, thinking, and feeling. And it's all a gift. We did not cause ourselves to exist. So giving our attention and our energy to this moment and making it worthwhile and beautiful is the way to live. :D

[@rebekahgonzalez1103]

Your laundry basket story made me laugh bc I had a bright blue plastic one I just got rid of and replaced it with a white metal one with wooden handles. I also posted it for free with a few other things and a lady came to pick it up. I hope that means it will get more use and not go into the garbage which would have probably happened if I dropped it off as goodwill or something like that.(mine came from my in laws it was like 20 years old)

[@vinitakapoor6354]

Hi I am very happy to follow minimal rules thank you for sharing

[@dogie1070]

Winter solstice = a cozy bedtime 🪴 An ordinary, everyday thing Sun ☀️ sets so early

[@raapyna8544]

I wish it was cozy bedtime all winter long.

[@janetthoke6326]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@robinsonvancrusoe1339]

I would love to know more about finance and doing youtube. I have wanted to start a youtube but I can't really seem to focus on what to make them about or even how to do it. I'm not very techie so I don't know how to edit or what I would need to do. I too have been unhappy with my life in general but it got better when my grandbaby was born. After 10 years he and my daughter moved away. My grandbaby is Autistic, has speech delays and other issues. We have a special bond so I miss him terribly. He is 13 now and still doesn't understand how far apart we live and why we can't be together when he asks. It makes me so sad. I guess in general I have felt lost and without purpose some due to having had cancer twice and the disruption it had in my life. Im grateful for being here but having trouble adjusting to life after cancer. Thank you for doing a video on this subject. It is helpful. Stay safe and well. ❤

[@ecofriendlia]

Thank you for your comment! I will definitely make a video about it. Also I can recommend Cathrin Mannings channel when it comes to tips and advice for starting a KZbin channel. I am so sad to hear that you can't be with your grandchild! I hope you can see each other soon again and I can't imagine how hard it must be for him when he doesn't understand why this is not possible at the moment. I had cancer too, but as a child, and I am so thankful for how my parents handled it so I could grow up without fear and living a pretty "normal" life. So I cannot really imagine what it must be like... I think it would be very interesting hearing about your journey in KZbin videos! But that is very personal as well... So I don't know if that would be something you want to share... I hope you are having a good Christmas time, even though so many things are hard this year and I hope you can adjust more and more to a fulfilled life after cancer

[@robinsonvancrusoe1339]

@@ecofriendlia thank you so much for taking time to reply and for your compassionate and encouraging words. I am so glad you are still here after your childhood cancer. I know it was very scary for you and your family. Cancer is a big challenge. Thank you for sharing that with me. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas also. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life on KZbin. It has been very helpful to me. Much love. ❤

[@camb1314]

Yes would love to hear your side of finances and youtube. I love your content even though you are probably way more minimalistic than I could ever dream of being!:))

[@veritycaruso]

I agree 100%. I follow a few KZbinrs and always appreciate when they share the financial aspect.

[@ecofriendlia]

That is good to hear! Then I will definitely make a video about that! ☺

[@camb1314]

@@ecofriendlia thank you!! I just uploaded my first ever KZbin video am nervous and excited!! Haha 😄

[@tumblweed32]

Your video picture got me really interested in how you upcycled pallets for sleeping on. Did you make it yourself and are you finding it works well?

[@fereil23]

Yes! I am also interested in this as well!

[@ecofriendlia]

These are just four euro palettes laying on the ground and the mattress on top ☺ so I didn't do anything to the palettes but I think it works really well because the mattress is not on the floor so it won't mold or anything like that. It might be a bit harder than the usual bed frame (and the thing the mattress lies on) because these palettes don't really bend but I really like it this way and it was inexpensive and sustainable ☺

[@antoinettevandenheuvel476]

My ordenary thing is walking with our dog twice a day. And and it was not so normal talking with a teacher of my little girl online. Greetz.

[@bruce5895]

Tip # 9 for saving your money, if your rent is too high then ask your landlord if they can lower it, if that fails look outside your area for a cheaper rent.

[@111-c5c]

Cannot do that in Germany and Switzerland. In Switzerland rents cannot be increased whilst one has signed a contract for a certain price. As long as one stays in a place the price stays the same. Only when one moves out can the rent then be increased. We are very protected against landlords here in Switzerland. Have been living in my nice studio apartment since 2002, my rent has remained the same. Nor do I pay water, heating or electricity costs. Great living here. Not like in English speaking countries, where there is less price control.

[@bruce5895]

@@111-c5c You are lucky that you have those laws in place, in Canada yes we have rent controls govern by the gov. according to inflation but usually it goes up on the average 2% a year, but once a person leaves then the landlord can raise the rent to anything that they like. Where I am the going rate for rent is 1500.00 dollars a month for a two bedroom apartment which is 18000 a year, thats alot of money.

[@111-c5c]

@@bruce5895 In Switzerland citizens are very well protected. It is an expensive country, rents can be high, taxes low, schooling is free plus all books and also stationery. University costs CHF600 - 800 per semester. Free if from a lower earning or large family. I rent a very nice studio, fairly central. Salaries and pensions high. Actually feel I live cheaper here than say in NYC or London. All the best.

[@tamimartin9149]

Wonderful 💕

[@Video-Games-Are-Fun]

i stopped buying stuff and now i shop digitally meaning i save pictures and videos on my hard drive of stuff i like. it takes no space, no money, and don't have to bother with the retail environment. i have so much money saved but in an ironic way, the money has no purpose (outside of day to day expenses like buying food, medicine, paying electricity etc.) because i don't buy anything.

[@sweetheartcarebear5534]

I just wish I had a job. I need a job, but I'm overweight, tired of staying home because of lock down in New Mexico. I had a job until March this year, but Substitute Teachers are not needed in New Mexico since Covid-19 and teachers teaching from home. I'm si stressed because I don't know what I will do for work especially at my age at 56 years old and overweight.

[@ecofriendlia]

I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you will find a good solution soon! 😢❤

[@optimisticfairy8888]

Cooking, cleaning,

[@optimisticfairy8888]

So beautiful🌹🤍

[@koko137591]

🖐🏼🎄

[@susanjohn6506]

I too wanted to have a positive effect on the world. When I discovered the awful suffering of animals slaughtered for meat, eggs & dairy I became vegan. We could feed the whole world many times over if so many resources were not used to raise cattle. The destruction of the rain forest & dead areas in oceans are caused by the animal industry, by being vegan you can help people, the planet & the animals. Look on KZbin for Earthling Ed who covers all aspects of veganism for more information.

[@ecofriendlia]

That is such a good decision! I have to say that I am not vegan yet, but I have been working towards it by reducing animal products more and more! ☺

[@susanjohn6506]

@@ecofriendlia that is fantastic !

[@MaryLovesLex]

I’m a carnivore and a striving minimalist. Please rethink the health included in vegan woe. Much new science is out and becoming a weak human with health issues won’t help animals at all. Remain strong and be an advocate in a more meaningful way, not silly protests or personal sacrifices which make you unwell. My higher power tell me to be the strongest of humans so I can help others.

[@susanjohn6506]

@@MaryLovesLex so many studies show that a proper vegan diet is incredibly healthy. There are many athletes who are vegan.

[@ekaterinamatveeva8696]

Sorry, but couldn’t listen longer than 5 min. Dreaming big is not about a laundry basket. Sorry again for the negative feed back. Hope you have a nice day.

[@ecofriendlia]

I totally agree... Dreaming big was what I didn't talk about in this video, I just mentioned it to make clear that finding happiness in everyday things is not the only important thing. Dreaming big is the opposite of a laundry basket, but in this video, I just wanted to talk about the small things 😉