How a Minimalist Mindset Can Change Your Life - Why Less is More

Having a minimalist mindset can really change our day to day lives in lots of positive ways! Life is hard and we can all feel discouraged and unhappy at times, but while sometimes there are problems that shouldn’t be ignored, often, we can also get ourselves down when we fall into some very common thought patterns and traps, like wanting things we don't have, comparing ourselves to others, or waiting for something to make us happy in the future.
The problem with these types of goals and thought patterns is that the happiness and satisfaction they provide are either delayed, or short-lived or impossible to achieve. And we end up either waiting for something good to happen in the future, or being in a continuous cycle of trying to measure up, or having quick highs and then long periods of down time in between while we wait for the next big thing to happen.
Maybe what we really need is to find a consistent and stable source of happiness and satisfaction that we can enjoy every day. And by embracing a minimalist mindset, we can actually start to balance out some of these negative thought habits and patterns, and improve our overall wellbeing.
A minimalist mindset is all about learning to be grateful for what we already have, and training ourselves to appreciate the small simple things in life. It might sound cliché but less really is more. We spend so much time looking forward and outward that we forget to notice what’s right in front of us, right now.
The great thing about this practice is that it can start today. There’s no delayed gratification and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s just a matter of slowly becoming more aware of the positives in our lives, whatever they may be, and changing our perspective from feeling like we’re lacking something, to realizing that we’ve already got a lot.
We’re all different, we all have our own challenges and strengths, and it’s also very normal to have ups and downs. So this practice isn’t about erasing or ignoring all negative thoughts and experiences, it’s just about balancing things out a little.
Shifting to a minimalist mindset and consistently making small positive actions doesn’t change things overnight but this approach can potentially have really positive and long lasting impacts on our happiness and wellbeing that are worth the wait.
Thanks for watching!
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CREDITS
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Music Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credit: Exploring Alternatives
#minimalism #minimalist #motivation

[@livinglifetothefullest22]

In 2021 l sold my house for a jackpot price. I sold most of my stuff or gave it away. I bought a rooftent and with the money l made with my house l'm traveling through europe eversince. Now thinking to put my car on a boat and go to South America. I own (nearly) nothing and l am so damn happy!😊😊😊

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

I used to work as a registered nurse and 10 years ago I burnt out and was in a very bad place for a long time. But a couple of years I started to try to be grateful for what I have and be content. It made a huge impact on my life. I don't think I ever going to be able to work again (it left lasting memory problems, I sometimes forget words or mix words together, I'm very sensitive to noise and I'm very, very easily stressed not a good combination for a nurse🙃). I'm so incredibly grateful I live in Sweden and both the Healthcare and the financial support I'm given. Being grateful for that and concentrate to be as content and happy in all situations possible has changed me. I used to grieve my situation (less money, no place in society, being someone others try to constantly rehabilitate and make better) and be very bitter for what happened to me, now I'm OK! Great video!

[@tacituskilgore8747]

I'm a minimalist because I can't afford things. I'm lucky to have a roof over my head.

[@B.D.F.]

Some people ask me why I don’t have paintings or photos on my walls, why I’ve never painted my walls, why I have no decorations during holidays, etc. Money. That shit costs money, and there are bills to pay first. It’s why I’ve been wearing the same clothes since college.

[@user-qm3jo9os7s]

Me to.

[@vladamirkb1]

Get a second job. That will help.

[@drissaudia1323]

I started throwing things out or giving them away to charities etc. Each year, I try to gather the clothes I don’t wear and give them away, it makes me feel so good and lighter. I also stopped wanting and needing things. Gathering too much materialistic things was depressing and not helpful at all. Gotta take those little steps now to just enjoy the simple things. ❤️💚💙

[@broganhogan3469]

Getting rid of stuff has helped my anxiety and depression. Helps me stay in the present. We can’t take anything with us, but the moments with family and friends are everlasting. Great video!

[@theWZZA]

I work at a supermarket. The most depressing thing is handing out plastic bags to people who do not care for anything but convenience. I started feeling better by collecting cardboard boxes that would be otherwise crushed, and giving them to customers that were open to this alternative. This small change made work palatable again; quitting would not have changed anything. Someone else would have been handing out the plastic bags.

[@WillowsGreenPermaculture]

If I'm at the grocery store, and I forgot my bags, I always ask for recycled boxes. Some stores keep a big bin full of recycled boxes close to the cash, which is a great public service!

[@jamesengland7461]

Wait. The most depressing thing is not people stealing items, or leaving perishables on a shelf to ruin, but plastic bags that are more inconsequential than the packages for those stolen or ruined items, much less the items themselves?

[@NobodySpecial509]

@@jamesengland7461That’s what I was thinking.. if handing out plastic bags makes someone want to quit their job, that’s quite the cushy life… 😅

[@cporter1775]

What ever works for you. Cardboard is recycled. And some stores require using your own container/bags or cart to vehicle. For me, I like a cashier to move quickly and be positive.

[@shishim6813]

@@jamesengland7461right, lots of ppl reuse plastic bags. I use mine for cat poop.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Thank you so much Matt and Danielle. We really enjoyed this video. My husband and I really try to be more mindful of what we bring into our lives. We came into this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing. Have a lovely Sunday. ❤❤

[@BlackCatsandPumpkins]

I haven't watched your channel for ages because I was going through a very bad mental health depression time (plus a very bad ADHD overload). I watched your videos all the time, and although I like the idea of minimalism I will never get there for one simple reason. It's not that I like having 'stuff' but items I like ('Spark Joy' as Marie Kondo would say). Maybe I have too many items that 'Spark Joy'. I love books, CDs, DVDs, fabric (clothesmaker) and arts and crafts supplies, of which I have an abundance. Enough probably to open my own store. I have been going through a very bad depressive time and have spent a lot of money on fabric supplies. Now I have to get creative and work on them. Having ADHD I have far too many negative distractions and I have to try and calm them down. It's funny that not watching your channel for sometime and deciding to do so this was the latest offering. It sounds like fate. For 5m50s you said a lot that made sense, matters, and counts. So thank you for this. I have bookmarked this video and added it to my Favourites so it's easy to access.

[@maryhart637]

The key phrase in this video is "regular practice"....regular or habitual practice is foundational and not as easy as it sounds...I started with making my bed every morning...I've added a 15 minute yoga exercise and now added 20 minutes of quietly sitting (I don't know what is or how to "meditate" so I'm starting with just being quiet)...I'm learning not to busy myself with distractions (haha, like watching KZbin all day!!!) Peace and Love

[@jben911]

Sounds great! I teach meditation and sitting quietly is a form of meditation, so is walking in nature. Whatever takes you out of your busy schedule and gives you some quiet time to rest and reflect, eyes open or closed , is meditation in my world.❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You’re totally right! Regular practice and small consistant actions really add up over time. It’s a constant work in progress for us too. Thanks for your comment and all the best to you 😊

[@evelina2363]

Very nice video! I really miss your more personal videos. You have been telling other people’s stories for a while now but your own story is inspirational and your own perspective is unique, it would be great if you shared more of your own experience.

[@mlindsay527]

This message needs to be crafted for homesteaders. Homesteading breeds animals, plants, possessions(albeit usually useful ones), projects, responsibilities, etc. The culmination of which can lead to burnout and other emotional problems. Focusing on just a couple things and doing them well can really help prevent/mitigate this.

[@NateSail82]

Pretty sure there’s already a lot of channels and videos catering exactly to that, not everything needs to be tailored specifically for YOU narcissist much?

[@infinite.possibilities111]

So profound. I had a high flying corporate job and was v.stressed and exhausted. I haven't been able to work for a few years, due to CFS, but it's taught me a lot: that gratitude for the smallest things makes a big difference.

[@julietphillips1991]

I am sure there are many like me who appreciate and needed hearing this content. Life has many struggles and this video can actually help those of us who are searching. So thank you.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks, I’m so happy that you appreciated this video, all the best! 😊

[@livinglifetothefullest22]

It is all about the choices you make...

[@tixximmi1]

Being 70 I've collected a lot of stuff over my life. It was great to reduce my belongings. We don't own anything. We're only the keepers. They only thing we can take with us are memories. As Zappa would say, "Discorporate". Unbind your mind, There is no time. To lick the stamps, (remember Blue Chip and Green Stamps) And paste them in. fz

[@livinglifetothefullest22]

Exactly!!! That's what l say to all slaves of The System... "Happy with your 60 hours workweek? Your 3 houses? 6 cars? Running around against the clock? And money on the bank that soon will be robbed by the bankers?" So tell me... what will you take with you if you breath out for the last time...? That moment in their eyes when the waking up moment sincks in.... is gold for me!

[@jben911]

I love this and would appreciate more similar content. Thank you!❤🎉

[@ExploringAlternatives]

We were trying something a bit different with this video so we really appreciate your feedback! Thank you 😊

[@simini1837]

Thank you for the video Matt and Danielle. How and where do you live at the moment and how are you doing? Have been a subscriber for years and looking forward to an update! All the best from the Netherlands!

[@earthmonkeySteve]

Top job & spot on, I can personally relate to this 100% as I have struggled for years with mental health issues from an abusive childhood then military trauma from active service. It is nice to be reminded on a regular basis that we should be gratefull for the small little wins, and it is okay to be knocked back now & again as this aids our resilience. Society nowadays is totally driven by GDP which has a negative impact on all of us, we cannot change the modern day mindset & entitled status overnight, but we can go back to showing respect and not judging others because they have found a path that give them happiness and enlightenment. As a Permaculturalist this fits right in with the ethics and values, Earth care, People care, Fairshare. Thank you.

[@seahagkeylover]

Be happy, be grateful and thank God for his mercy!!! Make people smile today

[@BlackCatsandPumpkins]

god doesn't exist.

[@kathleenolszewski7982]

@@BlackCatsandPumpkinsto her he does exist. Some people believe, some don’t. And that’s ok. We can just be thankful. That’s enough!

[@Suho1004]

This video was not at all what I was expecting it to be. I generally associate minimalism with simply "having fewer things" (and, judging by a lot of the comments I'm seeing below, I am not alone in thinking this way). So I fully expected to be told that I just needed to "get rid of stuff." I was pleasantly surprised to instead get some deep and quite helpful advice. Not that I've never heard these ideas before, but it always helps to be reminded of them.

[@user-qm3jo9os7s]

Ive never been a thing person.i can live out of a suitcase.but i do have a couple things from my kids or parents i will not part with.All ive ever wanted was to be with my family.have a cookout with them.go to the Zoo with them.i have started gardening in buckets because I live in a Apt.i did have a friend teach me how to hatch out chicken eggs.quail eggs.geese eggs and i give them away to my friends.i do get peace from that.

[@WillowsGreenPermaculture]

Intentionally grateful thoughts. That says it all! It is one of the greatest sources of happiness, along with unconditional love. Thank you for this video!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You are so right, thanks for your comment! Hope you’re both doing well and enjoying the growing season so far ❤️

[@WillowsGreenPermaculture]

Thank you! I'm sorry we haven't done any new interviews with Radio Canada. Maybe at some point I'll do a video on balcony and patio gardening.@@ExploringAlternatives

[@themindinvisible]

Definitely some wise words to live by! Yay for small steps and little victories! Great video! ❤️

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much! Happy you found this video interesting :)

[@gypsy785]

I love all your minimalism videos. They're my favourite, & so inspiring. ❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

So happy you like them! Thanks for your comment and have a great day :)

[@OurIslandLife]

Beautiful! Couldn't agree more!

[@louisacuriel4651]

I agree a 100%. Thank you.

[@jeremytorgersen]

Great video, well said! I enjoy the interview and tour videos, but I also quite enjoy the philosophical ones such as this. Good work, thank you for sharing!

[@DSWL_]

well said

[@JameyBarrow]

Felt like an Alan Watts lecture

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

As long as one is not attached to 'things' for self esteem/worth, things are fine. As long as one is not attached to getting rid of things due to lack of self worth/esteem, minimalism is fine. It is when there is attachment to the idea of things as having some bearing on one's self idea/concept there is a problem. Just because one has things does not mean they're miserable. Just because one doesn't have things does not mean they're happy. It is really whether one is attached, or not, to their feelings, not the things that determines the next feelings.

[@NobodySpecial509]

i love this… ❤

[@lcontri]

Beautiful, true message.

[@elizabethkiger2572]

Thank you!

[@rodellwilliams871]

I totally agree 👍🏾 👌🏾

[@PharmacistMohammad]

positive reality.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for checking out this new style of video that we’re trying, happy you enjoyed it 😁

[@bsdpowa]

In 5 days it will be exactly 1 year since I went minimalist. I moved and refused to buy things thinking it's only going to be temporary. I've been sleeping on a yoga mat and use a cheap sleeping bag in winter to keep me warm. I own one pot, spoon, fork and a mug. I have a laptop and a smartphone. I own a pair of trousers, shorts, a few t-shirts, two sweaters and a pair of trainers and can store everything I own in two duffel bags. I don't own a car, I walk or cycle everywhere and commute to work by train. Here's my take; it's extremely hard to live a minimalist lifestyle in a surrounding that is consumer-oriented. Every corner reminds you what you "don't but should" have if you want to be part of the society, like everyone else especially your friends. But I don't want to, so this conflict forces me to either abandon minimalist lifestyle or leave all this behind and move someplace else in the world where I can naturally live minimal. Otherwise I will go crazy. I chose to leave so that's my plan, but what I wanted to say is that all this talk about minimalism and nobody addresses the point that minimalism contradicts Western society and living like this is not sustainable. I think people who say they live a minimalist life in the Western world are lying.

[@hasnaadrissi3210]

A moroccan tea pot to water plants, what a great idea 💡

[@livingjustright90]

more is more and less is just less. Each to their own keeps the balance.

[@Michelle-bk5uq]

Great reminder. Thank you!

[@amandanicole3999]

I love all that you said! How are y’all doing? How’s life!

[@KennyG233]

Acceptance is key to owning nothing and being happy

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

One can accept that they have no things and be miserable.

[@respectkindness-oj6xz]

​@@RevdUp.Art.Fotografergratefulness I'm wondering if he meant

[@GaryParvis1776]

True

[@MsG55580]

This was my RESET... thanks! ❤

[@MerryPhoenix]

Attachment is the root of Suffering -Buddha

[@eiramharas]

💚

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

💝

[@Peggysmusic]

♥

[@AdityaMehendale]

You had an indoor-planter at 1:29 that eventually bulged and did not work. At 3:32 you added horizontal straps to prevent in the bulging, a "kaizen", forgive the cliche. I hope you got joy when this little "hack" worked. (I know I did :)

[@virtualworldsbyloff]

Was that Lisbon, my city, in the beginning ???

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hi yes it was Lisbon! We traveled there back in 2019 and it was an amazing city to visit, you're lucky to live there! Thanks for watching :)

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

I am making small changes since the death of my husband and my youngest child turning 18. We used to live in a 4 bedroom house and with that, there are many years of accumulations from a Family of 6 persons. It is left to me to let go of things not needed any longer. That is the hardest part I ever had to do, BECAUSE everything has a memory attached to it and a sentimental value. It's easy to get rid of appliances, BECAUSE I now ONLY cook for myself, so i don't need them...but the rest of the 4 bedroom house has a story to tell. How can I become a minimalist (my deepest wish), when all my stuff has OUR stories attached to them? I am getting depressed about not really knowing what to keep and what to let go off, I dream of a life with only the bare minimum. 🥺

[@nicklang7670]

Mass media promoted minimalism as only a clean, orderly, OCD atmosphere. I have have to say a lot of people do not know minimalism should be about choosing the most sustainable least impactful polluting options. And with the oil cartel now lying about sustainability, and their greenwashing catching on in just about every industry, it has become extremely difficult to trust most brands and so many people cannot tell if the choices they are making are sustainable, or people already think their choices are sustainable and believe these lies. This means that some people may choose to make the same polluting choices they were lied to about for generations rather than be honest and regret that they believed those lies. Mass media should be talking about the generational impacts of what lying to people about how 'good' corporations are being. False marketing has to become illegal and there needs to be consequences for it. Mass marketing is getting away with just about everything when it comes to sustainability.

[@shoemakerleve9]

What are your thoughts on just stop oil?

[@nicklang7670]

@@shoemakerleve9 I believe we can use genetic engineering to grow our own natural products that we mass consume and discard, instead of mining and destroying the planet to get those products. It would make any country completely sustainable for oil as a resource. That sustainability is sometimes why oil companies fear progress and innovation. There are many things we can burn like hydrogen that will not destroy the planet. Stopping fossil fuels (oil) should not mean stopping the economy. Then there are better ways for us to travel like trains to reduce the consumption and demand of things that consume fossil fuels. I have not given up any hope that we can stop climate change. In fact if the oil companies believed in their options to innovate away from spreading pollution they would have done so years ago. They knew about the devastating effects of spreading carbon emissions we would have over 50 years ago. Just remember what smoking does to people's babies, long term fossil fuel burning has probably stunted the growth of many human's sexual reproduction.

[@benderbender1233]

✌🙂✌

[@teresal5553]

John Galt?

[@lakerfanjr]

Nice thumbnail

[@nicklang7670]

I left two comments on your channel the second was to reply to someone asking me a question about my first comment, that second comment was instantly deleted.

[@bellaluce7088]

Random comment deletion seems to be a common problem on KZbin recently regardless of channel or content. I hope they fix it soon!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Sorry to hear that! We didn’t delete it and don’t see it in our list of comments held for review. Not sure where it went 🤔

[@ricardotanjr]

it feels like your cup is half full and you justify it by being happy. why not, try a different way of achieving things than just waiting or believing. i am sure there are tons of ways to achieve things than waiting.

[@SoCalFreelance]

A collection built up over a lifetime can be extremely satisfying. The adoption of you will own nothing and be happy mentality is sad. I get it, we are a nation in decline.

[@charlieoscar09]

Thumbnail brough me here

[@Marcel_Sagittarius]

This comment is for the purpose of the algorithm

[@valerieshepherd6823]

I'm very optimistic and gregarious while my man is a misery guts lol he is always b1-tching and moaning. It's as if he is not happy unless he is miserable. 23 years... you're not going to change him. He lives to moan 🤣🤣🤣...

[@lavondacarter7228]

Depressing to have to be around someone like him, sorry for you !

[@jamesengland7461]

If I may offer a few thoughts? I don't pretend to know anything you two are going thru, but perhaps something I say may in some small way he encouraging. He may actually be encouraged by your positivity as a counter to his negativity. Opposites do generally attract. He may have trouble rising from a negative perspective to a more grateful one for many reasons, such as far of losing it all, or being disappointed. He may be a cautious person more attuned with the risks around him, while you might be less worried by them. He may be suffering from depression. You may also, which could tend toward a negative outlook toward him. Counseling could help with this, and even antidepressants. I have known many who really weren't helped by them, but some who really were. And please, if anything I said upsets you, I don't mean to and don't pretend to have the answers. I hope you two find peace together.

[@livinglifetothefullest22]

Why do you stay with a man like that? What is there that makes you happy?

[@livinglifetothefullest22]

​@@lavondacarter7228her choice!!

[@bickabraham2397]

These are Biblical concepts. People think this is New not if they read the Bible and believed it. Jesus is the Answer!!

[@marianfrances4959]

Talk to the Vatican about it

[@montymonty9721]

This video was sponsored by World Economic Forum

[@Subou-mp1ds]

You will own nothing and be happy!

[@brummiecraig]

one of the most depressing videos I've seen in a long time. 😴😴😴😴

[@user-tk2hl4fz2l]

Way to live a boring life

[@A.Meursault]

WEF propaganda?

[@jamesengland7461]

Did you even listen to this?

[@jamesengland7461]

Contentment with what you do have is healthy.

[@livinglifetothefullest22]

If you realize you work your butt off for all your material posessions and thus being a slave to The System... than you are on your way to FREEDOM😊😊😊