MINIMALISM: Finding The Right Balance That Works For You

[@Jeannes1234]

I want to move within the next 2 years. I have lived in my house for 40 year so I have accumulated a lot. So I want to purge the excess and embrace minimalism. Also I am a senior citizen and I think it would be a good idea to get rid of things now and not leave it for my family to have to deal with when I’m gone.

[@maddiemalacopa1380]

FORGET expectations. I’m a minimalist bc I use the tools of minimalism in my life to be intentional with my decor, wardrobe, commitments, relationships, possessions, etc…. And yes it is intentional to me to have pink wallpaper, not a white wall or denim jean in site, pink curtains, a garter belt, nylons, petticoat, and puffy dresses bc that’s what I love and makes me happy. Who cares if ppl thats “minimalism” or I’m a minimalist or not? That’s what is intentional and a tool and passion for me. There’s no official minimalist degree, you can just own it or identify that way if and whenever you want to!

[@ElinLesser]

Love this!

[@AshleyRJones8]

I think of it as "I'm not a minimalist, I'm minimizing." And that's important because it's still progress!

[@kerrywatson8581]

I read a great book years ago called 'The Cozy Minimalist'. I found that concept to be the perfect fit. Not 'sterile', or ' bare', but having those few beautiful and/or useful items around that make a home have personality and warmth. Thanks for another great video😊.

[@joannafoster3423]

I love the term "cozy minimalist. " That's my goal. I need for my home to not be stressful and overwhelming, easy to clean, and if we had to move our family of 7 we could pack in a weekend. Yet, I want my home to be cozy and welcoming for family and friends, which are far more valuable than the definitions of minimalism from strangers.

[@fsu3786]

You couldn’t be a true minimalist; that candle had THREE wicks! 😎💗

[@ElinLesser]

Haha, fair point! ;)

[@fsu3786]

@@ElinLesser totally joking-love your vids!

[@tamarapeters369]

🤣

[@val6937]

😂

[@jeanerdman143]

I like the music and aesthetics of your work. It shows living care.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much!

[@oneofakindlifestyle]

I do agree with you. Being on the minimalist journey is about finding our balance. That looks diff for each person. For example I did it with my sons rooms. They have the basics, a bed, a desk, I set up a closet system for them. There is no clutter, they use everything that is in the space. Im still trying to figure out minimalism for myself cause I dont have a designated closet space, or a place to do my arts & crafts, exercise etc. Thats where I am at night now but I know it will get better.

[@lovebug7]

You are definitely a minimalist to me books are learning instruments and if.you keep.them tidy as you do they don't take a.ton of space. I'm trying to be a minimalist in my Fridge too lol

[@alexarivera9076]

As a candle maker trim your wicks each time you burn the candle to prevent the black soot and prevent the jar from getting black. ❤️🕯

[@AYZFAMILYWORLD]

I always watch you or listen to you. I’m still doing my best to find balance that will work long term. Thanks for the inspiration. Ayz Family from Melbourne Australia. ❤️

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, thanks for saying hi! Hi to you too! :)

[@TM-zg6mw]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@DemetriPanici]

*I still love tech so I’m a minimalist but with intention!*

[@ElinLesser]

Awesome!!

[@miriammartin9319]

I think intention is the biggest part of what being a minimalist is about. Really thinking about everything you own and why you own it. When you do that the decluttering comes naturally.

[@halesbellss]

Extreme minimalists be like: “Coasters bad!” Then ruin their only table in the home.

[@sharonwengler1301]

So I have been working on my minimalist journey for about a year. One item that I am struggling with is my wedding dress. It was a crazy amount of money (25 years ago) I should have let it go so many years ago, when it was still in style. Maybe it would have gotten used on someone else's wedding day.

[@lnwmelon]

My wedding dress was very simple. I made it myself. It seemed silly to keep it, but one day I came across my daughters having fun trying it on. Later I got rid of it. I honestly don’t know what I would have done with it if I would have kept it, as it just hung in my closet. But sometimes I wonder if one of my daughters would have wanted to wear it on her wedding day. Oh well. It’s gone now and I’ve still got the memories. Good luck with your decision!!

[@miriammartin9319]

If you feel conflicted you should keep it. Until you are at peace with parting with such an important memory it will haunt you. I still have my wedding dress. I just keep it in my "memory" area of my closet. You are on a journey so let a few things come with you along the way.

[@midlife_minimalist]

Are you holding onto it because you spent a lot of money on it or because it has sentimental value? You spent the money, it’s gone. You could donate it for Angel dresses (people make dresses for infants that pass away) or places like Goodwill will put in costume section if truly out of style. Maybe someone will even buy it from a thrift store for a child to play dress up or for a theatre costume.

[@sharonwengler1301]

@@midlife_minimalist I originally kept it to have christening gowns made for my kids but when the time came I just could'nt do it. I brought the dress to goodwill on Friday. It was time to let it

[@ElinLesser]

@@sharonwengler1301 Thanks everyone for this great conversation! Wedding dresses are definitely a tough one!

[@amandadavis5658]

Great video, thanks!!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeanerdman143]

You talk this time as if your viewers are single adults I am a person, Mom, Grandma and wife and retired professional who finds your talks of value.

[@DonnaCookAuthor]

Here, here. I love listening to this channel while I'm quilting. One beautiful thing about being a woman in my forties is I'm too old to care what other people think of me or to do stuff I don't want to do. Other people don't get to impose their definitions on me. I personally don't have any desire to live in an all white space with one chair, one fork, etc. Does nothing for me. But decluttering so I'm only living with things that I use and that make me happy? In our materialistic world, that totally counts as minimalism as far as I'm concerned. I'm picky about the content I consume as well, and this channel is worth my precious time. :-)

[@ElinLesser]

@@DonnaCookAuthor Thanks for sharing! I love this perspective, especially because every year, I find I care less what other people think, and it's interesting how that impacts my approach to life (and to minimalism). And thank you so much for the kind words. They mean a lot.

[@y.a.4464]

Where did you find that tie front bolero/shrug? Looks so cute and comfy

[@carolgeorge6409]

Yes I love it too

[@ElinLesser]

@@carolgeorge6409 I think it's from Shein! I usually try to avoid fast fashion, but I had been on a hunt for a piece looks exactly like this and the price was right!

[@yaleryvergara4190]

E

[@yaleryvergara4190]

@@ElinLesser we emailereszg

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

👍

[@patsyw4141]

Is there a way to slow down the speech - some videos have an option, as I find so many if you talk too fast gor me to take it all in, especially if I'm trying to note certain things down, without having to go back and pause?

[@helenebedar7636]

Such a kind & generous video! Thank you for the zen thoughts and lovely open-minded tips you gave us!! :)) helene

[@ElinLesser]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/sliceoflight09211