PEOPLE ARE DOING MINIMALISM BACKWARDS PART 2

Part 1 of this series: • PEOPLE ARE DOING MINIM...
I wanted to follow up on my previous video on this topic -- that people are doing minimalism backwards (starting with decluttering, rather than reducing collecting). Watch the video to hear more! :)
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[@annetteelder-clark505]

I totally dig this. I went through a divorce after 23 yrs of marriage. I spent the next few yrs buying whatever I wanted (not needed) to fill a hole in my broken heart. But then in autumn 2019, overwhelmed with clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. I decided to stop buying anything. Then the pandemic hit & I was in my large house with tons of crap & an adorable little dog. The dog was awesome, the stuff... not so much. So over the last year & few months I've emptied closets, cabinets and attic. I am now downsizing, selling my 4200sq ft home & moving to a 2000sq ft house. For the first time in years I'm actively moving forward into the future instead of remembering the past. It is liberating to let go of extra things, even sentimental items. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I do not regret the thousands of drop offs at Goodwill. I'm not shopping for anything except cleaning supplies. I'm sure I'll need window treatments and a few new modern light fixtures, but not purchasing things, downsizing, and decluttering is wonderful!🙂 I'm digging learning about minimalism and putting it into practice in my life. PEACE is wonderful! 🙂

[@Marsolan]

So happy for you for moving forward. So hard to do isn't?? Good luck, the future is yours:))))♥️💃🎉

[@ElinLesser]

WOW. Thank you for this deeply inspiring story. I'm sure it will resonate with a lot of people, and it sounds like you have a lot of self-awareness. Thank you so so much for sharing so openly! And congratulations on your incredible progress! It's inspiring me!

[@Maria-tt5jt]

Great story! Keep going. So many people are supporting you! I hope window treatments will be great!

[@ashleyking751]

What a beautifully told story! You have such an open heart around this. I could see you helping people (women maybe?) with their own process of letting go and stepping firmly into their own power. You sound so at peace in your heart, and I'm sure your sharing has lifted them, as it lifted me. ❤

[@southerndigest8996]

@Annette Elder-Clark, thanks so much for sharing your story! I’m in almost the same boat. I’m not divorced yet, but separated in late 2017 after 27 years of marriage, and sold our house in early 2020. I had just 45 days after the separation agreement to vacate the house and find an apartment. I let go of a LOT in the move, but just didn’t have time to go through everything-so I moved it into a storage facility and brought what I thought was the bare minimum to the apartment. Not surprisingly, it was still too much. I had a lot of trauma to work through though, and was too emotionally overwhelmed to tackle it all. During the last year, I discovered that many of the comfortable, familiar items I kept because they had sentimental value are now associated with the trauma and I don’t want them! That’s why I started replacing my wardrobe via catalog shopping (2020, stores were closed), but kept the old stuff in case I didn’t like the new stuff-and now this apartment is busting at the seams and feels sooo cramped! And as overwhelming as this feels, I realize I still have a storage facility to wade through too. I am committed to doing it, and I’m looking forward to getting into a rhythm with it. Reading your testimony is inspiring me to me! This time next year, I want to be able to say I let go of the old life to embrace the new one and am loving the simplicity, freedom and peace.

[@letstalkabouthomeschooling443]

Exactly -- I call it enough-ism rather than minimalism. My family talks regularly about having enough. We each have enough clothes, toys, books, etc.

[@mereditharmstrong9054]

I REALLY like this 👍🏻❤️✨ Absolutely!

[@thebarky1988]

I love that! Enoughish!… thanks

[@yourbossisonline7108]

True...

[@goddessmel8518]

Enoughism is perfect!

[@1whitecottagelife770]

Let’s just call it what it really is: addiction. Filling a void.

[@kimchapman2210]

Self awareness is hard, but what you're saying is important to everyone's contentment.

[@natalieeubank4533]

If an item doesn’t serve me it goes right back out and gets decluttered or it’s gets sent back….decluttering is a process, and it’s about using up what you have grocery wise and if it doesn’t serve you then it goes no guilt here

[@annb1265]

I stopped collecting lots of makeup. I'm 40: I know what I use and what looks good and realistic for every day. Also, makeup expires, so I'm only going to use up one eyeshadow palette a year. I have found great dupes for expensive products (my ColourPop eyebrow pencil is $6 instead of the Anastasia $23. NYX gloss instead of Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty, etc.). I enjoy free things like walking in the sunshine every day, hanging with my kids and neighbors on my street, playing the piano/ trombone with my husband, Duolingo Spanish, reading downloaded books from the public library, cooking new recipes, etc

[@christinacampbellbooks]

I put myself on a clothes, beauty products and book buying ban at the start of the year in January and I'm so pleased I've gone almost 6 months with this challenge now. I feel so much more content now and I know I'm saving a nice chunk of money too. And I'm really appreciating and enjoying wearing all the beautiful clothes I already own! 🖤

[@user-ti5fv4sb2g]

It wasn't a chatty rambling video, your two most valuable videos have made so much difference in my life that I ll be grateful to you. I was into decluttering for past 2 years but minimalism was far far away from me.... It was so frustrating. After gone through your part 1 video, we haven't purchased a single unnecessary thing this month but I never felt so content & I didn't know that purchasing nothing can give you so much peace & bonus is we saved major chunk from earning!! Thanks.

[@ElinLesser]

Wow, I'm blown away. That's incredible -- good for you! Sounds like you've made a real change, which is fantastic. And it's hard! And thank you so much for your kind words--it means a lot to read a comment like this.

[@user-ti5fv4sb2g]

@@ElinLesser It is my pleasure to share my thought with an inspirational person like you.

[@kathleendillie3556]

One thing I found particularly helpful as I've been reorganizing and clearing out the mess is that when I think I need something to help me create a peaceful space - a piece of storage furniture or bin, for example - I shop my house instead of the store. I look for something I already own that I can repurpose to suit my present needs. It works beautifully. I've been able to create a much less visually cluttered space just by repurposing items I already owned. I'm just beginning my "minimalist" journey and I'm realizing I'm not actually a minimalist at all. Your idea of being content resonates with me greatly, however. Being satisfied with what I already own is more of what I am striving for, rather than reducing my possessions to the bare minimum. That said, visual clutter is draining and certainly makes cleaning challenging, so I have purged a lot of stuff that I don't really need and cleared a lot of the flat surfaces in my home. I absolutely love my pretty things, though, most of which I acquired when loved ones passed away. I display the majority of them in the two china cabinets I inherited and that keeps them tidily behind glass and out of my way. I display others sparsely on my piano, entertainment center, and little side tables. Additionally, there is much truth to what you say about the buying and collecting of things being emotionally motivated. The last six years of my life have been quite difficult and during that time I've made many unnecessary purchases. I found it especially delightful to find valuable items (rare books signed by the author, highly collectible figurines, designer clothing with the tags still attached) at thrift stores - kind of like a treasure hunt. I realized after I got the stuff home, though, that the thrill was over and the stuff was more burdensome than joyful. Most of it has already found its way back to the same thrift stores - sigh. Contentment really is the key to a simpler lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder.

[@saharpng]

Three / four months ago I started my journey by living a minimalistic life. This consumer market really is driving the people without them even knowing it. When I started doing research on how to live more minimalistic I was baffled how we are being driven by advertisement in any way, shape or form. I decluttered my closet to start with and only buy clothes in five colours (combinations are endless). That gave me so much peace of mind, but it also allows me to shop with purpose. However, it's an ongoing journey, because even with all that knowledge; I need to contain myself from not having a spree. Watching your video's and reading other people's comments opened up my eyes even more to work on myself, for myself.

[@erickgarcia4468]

Your voice touched me spiritually; i'm going to tune in.

[@Maria-tt5jt]

Hello Eileen, Great video. You have asked for some ideas. I just started decluttering and organizing my home. I have made two observations. First, I do have "to go" bins where I put items which I think I do not need. However, I let the items sit there for a while. Like a month, I know, its long, but it prevents from my future regrets. My second tip is not to rush with clothes decluttering, unless an item is completely outdated and/or a misfit for me. I organize clothes items and try, try them again. By doing this, I have developed my color schema and more importantly developed an "eye" for a good fit of clothes. Tim Gunn's book "Guide to Style" and Marie-Anne Leiquore's you tube channel "French Chic" have been great helpers in developing my style slowly. After doing it for few months now, I am confident letting some of the items go and some of the items stay. You are right, doing minimalism makes you more thoughtful and better tuned in making future purchases. Great channel! I enjoy your work! Best, Maria.

[@marciagarcia8486]

Yes, I have been re-discovering many things I actually like and have just forgotten I had. Gratefulness for what we have is so good .

[@HopingForever]

Thank you for your insight and willingness to articulate your realizations. From my perspective as someone who is now retired and a bonafide senior citizen, it gets much easier to embrace a minimalistic mindset as one ages. Suddenly you just don't want additional "stuff" anymore.

[@ElinLesser]

That's so good to hear! Maybe being content has to do with maturing and just being more aware of what really matters. :)

[@BuffyNoir140]

Been trying to embrace minimalism, biggest problem is paper clutter and stuff I want to keep for "one day I'm gonna need or wear this". I have been cleaning out stuff. Now I just gotta get rid of the paper

[@Ld-qg9co]

It does get easier doesn't it. I can't help but remember how exhausting and emotional it was for my mom and my aunt to go through my grandparents whole house after they had both passed away and how long it took. A good amount of it ended up going into storage for several years before they finally got it out and were able to finish it. I'm 57 and the thought of probably having to go through my mom's house at some point is already giving me anxiety and makes me emotional at times. I really don't want to put my daughter through the same thing someday. That's why over the last couple of years I've been trying to declutter and become a bit more minimalistic. In fact I just dropped some more stuff off at the Goodwill earlier today and it felt great. I've gotten to the point where I'd much rather donate the stuff so that others can have a chance to use and enjoy it instead of it all just sitting in boxes year after year that have been shoved into closets and the garage and shed's not being used or even thought about.

[@renastreetman602]

I love your perspective. Being content with what you have a good place to start.

[@davereckoning9530]

Minimalism, my take: The question I always ask is "how do you want to feel?". Once that's clear, then I ask "what's the simplest route to feel that way?". Almost always, the answer is "do the emotional work needed to get there". And almost always the stuff, the activities, and even sometimes the people, end up looking like they're just getting in the way. So: Less stuff = more space = more focus = better chance of doing the emotional work you need to feel good. May you walk in Peace and walk in Beauty. Best wishes to all, have a great day!

[@kaleblazer4764]

I really like these two videos. You are definitely right about 1st stop bringing new things into the house. For me I was buying things for the life I wanted to have not the life I actually have. I had purchased lots of party housewares like cocktail napkins from Crate and Barrel and I never have parties! I enjoyed buying really cool clothes from White House Black Market. They would have been great if I lived in New York City but they are just too nice for what I do and where I live. I've been working on parting with these items. In the beginning I was still buying clothes but it has became easier to say no. When I am considering something to buy I can think about how long I will like this item and the effort involved in getting rid of it and will I even be able to sell it. I've also noticed that generally I buy one or two new outfits a season and that is all I wear for the season. I kept collecting these clothes in my closet. Once I noticed this pattern it is easier for me to get rid of something after one or two seasons and I've gotten rid of the backlog of clothes in my closet. It becomes easier to pick up after myself when I only have a few clothes than a closet full!

[@lianeabeyta4515]

I feel bloggers do play a part in this as each one displays their latest and greatest finds .... then everyone runs out and they all buy the same thing. Everyone must have Rae Dunn, a 3 tired tray to decorate seasonally, a word sign declaring your faith, family or farmhouse...Mrs Meyers soap near the kitchen sink, something from the Hearth and Hand or Magnolia collection , a Kitchen Aid mixer whether or not they bake. Its just a constant cycle of buying to be with the IN crowd. And don't forget your essential oils and diffussers. This s a definite social faux pa.....

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

Don't forget that chopper thing that they HAVE TO HAVE to break up the hamburger in the pan! That makes me laugh, cause a wooden spoon does the job fine!

[@dorothypeck1372]

Perfectly said!

[@shiningstar1869]

And the perfectly tidy house that is unrealistic!

[@PulpParadise]

I love that @ElinLesser doesn't preach minimalism then show you all of the household items she has complete with Amazon affiliate links. I understand that's one way KZbinrs make money, but it seems incredibly crass to do it in this space and there are a whole slew of "minimalism" KZbinrs with never ending links in their descriptions.

[@DemetriPanici]

*I’m not at all against these concepts! Acquiring less is just as good at getting rid of things!*

[@verreal]

Just call international shippers/relocation services and ask them how much it will cost you to move your stuff to the other side of the world. That's how you stop buying more stuff. Also, poverty will stop you. Further on that: if you live in a space smaller than the ones featured on youtube tiniest apartment videos, you will soon run out of space. There you go, 3 methods. After doing the first one, I have been using your method which I call "attrition" and it's going to take a VERY long time if you don't also dispose of or donate a lot of stuff. Good luck, everyone. This is still a work in progress.

[@billyruss]

So many times I've bought stuff - especially online - and have been looking forward to getting it, only to find that a week or so down the line it's just more clutter. Cutting out the purchasing certainly makes the process of decluttering the rest of the stuff that's lying around a whole lot easier.

[@bb_lz9790]

Yep, the endorphin buzz from buying something new! Very powerful, but short lived! Often followed by the endorphin buzz of getting rid of something. Rinse and Repeat!

[@SFlaidlaw101]

I've always felt that but didn't really say anything about it 💕 it's easy to fall into the purchasing trap.

[@ElinLesser]

It's so true -- it's so easy! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@LouiseMarie1973]

I am a recovering hoarder, not an extreme hoarder like those shows we see, but I believe I was on that path. Last year, along with my brothers, I was tasked with clearing out my mother's things after her passing and goodness, I came by my hoarding quite naturally. I decided then and there that I needed to take control of my stuff so that if anything happened to me (and it will some day), those tasked with taking care of my stuff would not have such a difficult task. It has put a whole new perspective on owning and collecting things. Changing the mindset of collecting has been a long and difficult journey, but I have definitely made some progress. While I doubt I will ever be a true minimalist, I am not even aiming to be one at this point in time, I have found that articles and videos such as yours have helped me a lot along the way. Who better to help than those at the other end of the hoarding spectrum. One of my main acquiring rule is : Do not bring something in without taking something out of the same size (or bigger) and use. Do I love this more than what I currently have? What am I willing to give up for this item? I find that the answer is often no, nothing, so indeed, appreciating what you have is a big one in the quest to stop acquiring. Only once you master minimal (or negative) acquiring, can decluttering start to have an impact.

[@sarahbaud1776]

Very important observations. Being mindful of what is being introduced into the home really helps to focus on what is already there. it also helps with being more in touch with patterns of coping and how they connect to consuming.

[@janemorrow6672]

Wonderful! What really helped me overcome my collecting was a wonderful book called ‘Buried in Treasures’.

[@martigallagher7250]

This was an impactful episode! Minimalism is so much more than decluttering for me-I guess because I always “re-clutter” as you discussed here. It truly is about being happy with fewer things and not buying something for what other may think of you for having it. For me, it’s about reducing spending on online classes. I learn best in other in-person ways. I’m asking myself now, what am I hoping to gain from this expenditure? Comfort? Utility? Health? Can those things be achieved in other ways? Thanks for this video!’

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much! And those are such great questions to be asking. Also, I think your comment implicitly brings up the point that it's helpful to be aware of areas each of us tends to overspend. Thanks so much for sharing these ideas!

[@mignoncobra]

I love the part you said about it being about cherishing what you have, and reducing instead, the intake of new things. Great video!

[@achieving.excellence]

Being grateful for what you have while working on your inner-self is key to experiencing a fulfilling life. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@ruthmanor70]

I just decluttered my shoe rack in my closet. 6 pair of shoes I haven't worn in a long time are now in the trash. Been meaning to do it for a while and now it's done. I have one pair of winter house shoes that are close to being gone, but I'll give them one more winter before they go bye-bye. I'm not addicted to buying shoes, so they won't be replaced unless one of my other 4 pair wear out.

[@eve2099]

You are so right..I’ve been so sad and so lonely since my fiancé passing on 2020 he had a horrible fall and died then a couple of months later my beautiful white bird 🐦also died and ever since then all I’ve started to do was shop and shop to the point I’m buried in stuff 🤦🏼‍♀️stuff I don’t even remember I have .. I just keep piling up 🤷‍♀️I’m just feeling so lonely and sad with out him 😭

[@Sunshine4]

I feel that love makes me content and by love I mean present romantic love and all the benefits that come with that. It’s hard to fill that space, but I know shopping can’t do that. It sucks to be single but it’s worst to be single and destitute.

[@analineguerrero9929]

Thank you for your inspiring videos, I started my journey to become minimalist a few months ago. It’s been difficult to declutter and get rid of stuff but at the end of the day I feel so much joy and peace owning less.

[@mysticfox1563]

So many minimalists who wanted cool grey interiors a few years ago now want white or beige interiors. So they dump all the stuff and rebuy it and yet so many will be hypercritical of my colorful space full of art…except I’ve had most of my stuff for years and when I buy I buy for the long haul. I’m just sick of the phrase “for years to come” meaning 2 years for a sweater, and maybe five for a sofa.

[@erinlikesacornishpasty4703]

Yeah, I think for a lot of people "minimalism" is code for "simple aesthetics". For me, well, I'm not a minimalist at all, but I've learned a lot from some forced declutters over the years. It really helps to know yourself and what you like. But it also is such an important skill to be satisfied with whatever you have that functions. Like, I have a dining set I got when I got married I wasn't thrilled about, but now I can't imagine life without it. I have a couch set that has upholstery I certainly wouldn't have chosen, but they are such good couches I don't care and work around the wierd pattern. I've been really surprised at how many things I've grown to really appreciate for thier function and because I already have them I'm not stressed out about how to get them. It's so freeing.

[@shmataboro8634]

You know the Memory matching game where you flip over little cards and match up pairs of pictures? For me shopping is like that 😉 "Aha! I have two of this kind at home, I can get this one to go with them ☺️". It took me a jolly long time to realize I love the matching game, but I don't love the bother of upkeep on all the stuff. New Goal-- only own things I don't mind dusting. Great videos, thanks for the inspiration 💓

[@RokkTheRock]

thanks for the videos. im not becoming a minimalist but i am taking things from it for now. one problem i have with trying to find information for it is so many channels, videos, blogs ect just talk about only getting rid of stuff, not why or whens enough

[@VNM2023]

Love your videos so much! You always have such lovely different angles to talk about minimalism and ALWAYS sooo relatable. Thank you!!!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much!! That means a lot.

[@jennifertinkham5599]

Great video! Gratefulness and being ok without acquiring more is so key! I am on this journey too.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you so much! And best of luck on your journey :)

[@jennifertinkham5599]

Thank you!

[@eightyninetreasure]

I’d rather be intentional about what I own and purchase, then to return to my mindless and obsessive habits. I’m human and so I will get distracted at times, then I will return to my core values, and to what truly matters. It’s all part of the journey. Thank so much, for sharing these practical reminders.

[@nancyharkins6570]

So glad to hear this emphasis to stop buying things you don't need and will end up decluttering shortly!!! I follow other bloggers who have different strategies for decluttering and may talk about what they don't buy anymore but they still seem to buy a lot. This is another reason I don't enjoy giving or receiving traditional gifts. I would rather celebrate by spending time with someone.

[@Kelbel5995]

Great video :) I've definitely done this, and am now putting my focus more on slowing down my consumption and enjoying the things I currently have!

[@kristincheever2145]

Thank you for this video. I’m working on this and I agree, my collecting comes from anxiety and boredom. It’s been a tough year…❤️

[@cstevens8788]

I don't buy anything new these days. If I want something "new" all I have to do is get in my closet space & pull out the stuff I had to box up after I moved. I'm going to focus on shoes & purses. I have a ridiculous amount of both & so easy to donate! Paper clutter is a real challenge because you have to shred so much. Been working on that for awhile. I have to be patient with myself. I was an antique mall lover for years & that's the stuff I still cannot seem to let go. Perhaps I won't & that's okay too. ✌️

[@Ocxlocxl]

Thank you for this concept, you express it well and I learnt something, it gave me more to think about. I have realised that hanging onto objects for nostalgic reasons causes me more problems than buying a new good quality sweater in the January sales. The idea of enough is a good one. Now I have a reduced income as I am retired I think harder about whether or not I want to spend my money on a good experience rather than another pair of hiking boots. You`re right its always work in progress. Also I dont want my possession to be a burden on others when I die. Reading The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning was a great help and opened up all sorts of great posibilities.

[@wordsaremymuse]

This was such a great video, thank you so much, this was just what I needed.

[@ashleymccready978]

This is such a helpful and wonderful video! Thank you so much!

[@lorettawashington5255]

Hello. I enjoyed listening to you! I am beginning this process and have given myself time on the journey. Your talk was just what I needed to hear!! Thank you

[@renasrenaissance8691]

So true that emotions play a role in buying things. For me, mindfulness meditation has given me a greater awareness of how my emotions control my actions, and has helped me be more mindful. Great insight!

[@Marsolan]

I appreciate your point of view very much. I like how non judgmental, thorough and thoughtful you are. Very calming and honest conversation that one can only have with a real friend. Thank you for that!!! Also, I completely agree that declaring is a part of the process only, it's not a cure. I am getting rid of the unwanted staff very slowly ( so far for about two years, still do that periodically), but you hit something very important. Why did we end up with so many things in the first place? That is the question. When I think about my mindless, numerous purchases over last many decades...its mind blowing. What a waste, I do not remember them, they were never important. ♥️💃♥️ Cheers!!!

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, thanks for sharing. It's so true... it's strange to look back at mindless purchases, but it's great that we're trying to be more mindful now, I think :)

[@dreamasue]

I got the answer!! Stop buying crap all the time .. only buy what you need . Do a big purge & get rid of the junk & stay that way .. there has been so much junk , clutter going out of my house , it looks like I’m a hoarder! There is no sense in all that , yes it was me that kept all that crap for years & buying more junk .. I’m DONE buying junk , now if I don’t NEED it like food, clothes , major items .. then they ain’t coming in my house . You just wake up one day & see what you have done to yourself & your home . Most people just want to keep up with the ((Jones) .. if u don’t know what that means … it means if your friend or family gets something, then u have to go out & buy it or more , just to look better or think you are better .. I could get rid of 1/2 the stuff in my house & be happy … it’s just stuff .

[@kathydesroches1001]

I have been thinking about this, the sense of belonging, I think this is why minimalism communities as so important, they give us another place to belong.

[@talesofahazzelnut9749]

I’d definitely still working on my need to collect. Handbags are my vice and I’m struggling to remind myself I don’t need anymore when I see flashy “limited edition” around the pretty thing.

[@katrinastacie]

I stumbled upon your channel this morning and have been binging your vids the entire day! so many nuggets of wisdom - thank you. : )

[@ElinLesser]

Aw, thank you! And welcome! Glad you’re here :)

[@organizedbydarci8250]

I am starting my minimalism journey so I am searching for ideas. These are great tips. Thanks for sharing. ( Darci)

[@lindamercer3179]

I needed this reminder.

[@77stephani77]

I’m an eBay reseller, so I set limits to weekly items or money spent so I don’t collect and endless amount….it’s hard due to I was a shopaholic before, but I found what works, also once a month I go through house to declutter, so not over whelming….

[@clowicous]

Love this again! I am definitely an emotional/impulsive shopper and I guess for me to really live the life I want I am going to have chill out on that lol

[@Shiryone]

It takes about 3 months or longer to break most habits, addictions take much longer. Avoiding the triggers like going to stores or looking at retail on any media for at least 3 months can help to break the habits. Finding replacements for down time is key. I like to hang out at the library and watch minimalism videos. :-) This helps keep me on track.

[@moragodofthunder]

I’m so glad this video got recommended to me. THIS is what I’ve needed to hear on my minimalism journey. So excited to go through your other videos.

[@doctorbobdc]

Wow, I like that; Contentment-ism. I think that's even in the Bible. "...godliness with contentment is great gain."

[@SweetiesCatWorld]

This is her PART 1 VIDEO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6KyqZyeoLODaNE I watched the part 2 first. Loved this video. Shopping/buying for non essentials is something I've taken a hard look at. Putting off buying something for a little while, I sometimes I realize I don't "need" it after all.

[@anewchapter8142]

Thanks. Was trying to find it :)

[@SweetiesCatWorld]

@@anewchapter8142 👍

[@mikefalcone477]

So good. Thank you!

[@yourbossisonline7108]

You sound soo sincere.. ❤

[@camillejanin4850]

I agree and would even add this: consuming is an addiction and of course getting out of its vicious circle is as hard as for any other addiction! (And in the first place, just accepting to be an addict...) Second thought: the whole social media society drives us towards consuming, so in order to stop acting this way we also have to stop thinking this way. That's why "social media detox" is useful for anyone trying to be more minimal. 😉

[@sydney_fyre]

Your videos are so asthetic & beautiful. This really got me thinking, and I hope that I can keep pushing to get my dream minimalistic life. Thank you for all of this advice, keep making wonderful videos!

[@ArtyAntics]

I used to be a data analyst, and once I turned a piece of data into a rich source of information, I knew I was then responsible for keeping it up to date, and managing its lifecycle up until disposal. I really considered if the benefits of the insight were worth the maintenance. I had a well defined criteria for deciding this. Minimalism for me, bought this mindset to me for my possessions. But even more so when I considered the amount of water, materials, labour and environmental cost of my clothes etc. Intention is the most powerful tool I have to live as true to my core values as I can. Loved your video 😊

[@LizD-h2o-of-life]

Great comment, something to think about. Especially about the cost (not just money) that goes into the production of our possessions, same goes for food... Struggling with that one!

[@icingcake]

I think it’s too fun to window shop 😢 especially when there’s a sale but I’m trying to change my focus to using and wearing my clothes to “entertain” myself instead :P. I do want to upgrade my items but I’m finding that they require more care 🤷‍♀️ so maybe acquiring things is now coming with more feelings of stress of having to maintain it 😂. I really need to work on changing my mindset to exercise more for fun 😹 or be creative instead 😭

[@youandmeandmultiplescleros402]

Thanks for your insight. I enjoy listening to your videos - they give me things to think about!

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

I happily collect books because I it’s a slow increase and it displays me as a person. My purchase now are practical ie. shelving to utilise wall space to display and organise books and plants, and also buying furniture. I have my eye on a few pieces of furniture to upgrade my home. My tiny home needs to be functional and look good so my purchases reflect that. I’m not buying useless items or decor or things that don’t serve a purpose.

[@barryandbear1195]

Yes. Have lately come to the reality that I have to stop the incoming flow especially as I find it so difficult to even part with things I don’t like. I am weighed down by the issue of landfill 🤦‍♀️

[@Homelifelearning]

I have majorly decluttered and am are living more minimally. However there are some areas I feel I can't breakthrough and that is when buying clothes or educational stuff for my children I buy and have less but still more than is REALLY needed.Also, I have never been happy with my home (partly down to all the clutter) now I do like it more I want to make it a place I happy and proud of , now I'm buying things (again not loads) but still spending money, either buying thing that I actually like rather than it will do, in replacement mainly. But this makes me feel like I'm not getting the whole minimalist lifestyle.

[@beverlyselby9314]

I try to be mindful of what it is that I'm trying to "buy". I find myself looking at lounging or casual clothes when I should go home and take a much needed nap. I'll stop by a bookstore and buy another book(s), instead of settling on my couch with a book and cup of tea. Kitchen items - when I've been eating out too much and craving a nourishing home cooked meal, etc. It seems I try to buy the self care I've neglected.

[@rebeccas.7584]

I try to think “Essential-ism” is the item essential to my joy? However I can make a bunch of excuses about what that means, but it’s definitely the right mindset path to continue to ask myself. Just yes and no. There is no maybe.

[@eileengisellee]

I reduce my footprint on social media because I’ve noticed that spending more time on social media I see things that do entice me to spend when I do not need to.

[@oneofakindlifestyle]

Totally agree. People love to collect things, myself included. Im UNlearning those habits. Just absolutely buying what I need. I have a family of 6 so that takes a bit more effort. But def is a journey. I just moved and that has made it easier because I have NOT bought more then what I needed. I have been buying things monthly and room by room. Like if I absolutely need it, putting more thought into it then before.

[@gilldachada8079]

you have lovely colouring and i love the clothes you wear..would you consider putting a link or reference to where you bought the items...love the rest of your channel too, BTW. :)

[@pragsrecommends]

This video is a therapy session

[@dobreangel]

One way to stop buying things is to spend time in nature. It also depends what area you live in. I used to live in a state surrounded by concrete and houses, the only thing to do was to go to a store shopping for something. Now I live in a state with a lot of parks and green to my eyes everywhere I turn. And now I hate shopping, grocery is the worst, I don't have time for that. We explore new parks, trails, and they have free programs too, so many we have to pick and chose which ones to go to. I don't even have time for any social media either. I feel many mad habits come from boredom and having nothing interesting and challenging to do. We are from one passport challenge to another, we don't have a break, lol.

[@jeanerdman143]

I encourage you to rewatch this one and mine its contents for another podcast. A lot here to ponder.

[@sweetsimpleslowlife2709]

You have enough…you are enough 😊

[@teresabaltazar2130]

So glad to catch you on Google and now a New Subscriber...M❤M of 5

[@carlidoepke5131]

This is the best talk on the why behind the why we need to minimize our possessions.

[@janetlin2927]

I think you are completely correct! I started my minimalism journey in 2018 with a series of no buys in different categories (makeup, clothing, shoes) for anywhere between 4-18 months. I also started donating, selling and giving away items I no longer used. While I was successful, as soon as my no buy was up, I would start mindlessly purchasing items again whenever I was bored. I also lost perspective on the value vs cost of items. I realized over 2020 that while doing no or low buys with ground rules was helpful, I also needed to stop the buying and decluttering cycle as I wasn’t in the end making true progress. I saw that in enjoying a lesser quantity of items that i really loved, I was able to use my things more often (better cost per value) and I took greater joy in having less choices. I now have other hobbies that occupy my time, I don’t find myself mindlessly online browsing and shopping, and I am much more intentional/ picky about the few purchases I do make. I think having less has made me much more content.

[@organizedbydarci8250]

Forgot to mention that I subscribed today .(Darci)

[@ElinLesser]

Yay -- thank you! Best luck on your journey :)

[@77stephani77]

When I shop, I ask myself do I need this item, how would I use this item, where would I put this item in home, if no answers then don’t get…that has helped me alot when shopping..especially since I was a shopaholic in the past….also I try to get everything 2nd hand and or on sale, never pay full price for items…..thx for video…

[@jameshudson5022]

Outstanding

[@Heather-yv7ee]

I’ve just recently started following you and your videos are fantastic!!! I know that, theoretically, this question is against what you’re trying to accomplish…but could you PLEASE tell me what brand of the coffee mug and matching coaster is at minute 1:41? I’ve been trying to find something just like it! Thank you!!!

[@ElinLesser]

Haha sure! They’re from Etsy

[@ElinLesser]

The store at Etsy is StudioNaname

[@leeannestrella4270]

Thank you so much for this video! It had so much great advice. This might be so random, but I love your dining room table, where did you get it?

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks so much for the kind words! And it's from West Elm! (The Anderson Expandable Dining Table there!)

[@javiermarcialcespedesberne8575]

Hola, que tal?, como van?, Los mejores y más cordiales Saludos desde puente piedra, lima, Perú, ojalá que puedas venir en algún momento a mi país y que disfrutes mucho de todo por aquí, con la familia y los amigos, felicidades por tus vídeos...

[@kayleecutter8020]

I used opioid addiction to kick start my minimalism and weight loss-I used Gold Top mushrooms to kick my opioid habit-I used sex addiction to cope with the fact the Mushrooms showed me that this world is boring-Sex parties helped me to network to start my business-so now I’m living my best life.

[@debralea5330]

💛

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

👍

[@laluna5548]

Nomen est omen! You are called “Lesser” ☺️

[@indy500tabasco8]

i dont like gossipers