When Minimalism Becomes Obsession

[@raceface_m2579]

It can become an obsession to constantly think about what can be rid of.

[@marinar9506]

idk you, but for my it's like a hobby, walking around the house looking for things that i can get rid of them. HAhahaha

[@DJ-xi7xq]

yes..for me too

[@marinar9506]

@JohnExacly, me too. When I feel anxious or stressed, I love to let useless things go....

[@TigerTT]

And then your house eventually looks like the same way as when you first moved in lol just empty and soulless.

[@marinar9506]

@@TigerTT empty?? NO! Full of space, air, ...

[@lindatait5326]

Thank you 🙏 I think you just saved me from another day of straightening my wardrobe trying to decide what to get rid of next! I am a minimalist with OCD which is a dangerous mix, watching you straighten the towels made me realise that I’m doing that again! Subscribed 👍

[@Lefie]

Hi, Linda! I'm so happy this helped a bit. That does sound like a dangerous mix, but your awareness is inspiring. Thank you!

[@loreensmermaid]

Same here, it is so difficult to associate the two, it is destructive! Also subscribe!

[@mianavigator]

Linda, same case here! And this video made me subscribe ♥️

[@katerussel5686]

Same 😭

[@IO9802]

TBF I think most minimalist / organization porn type of people have obsessive tendencies, so it's not necessarily a mix but rather a package.

[@JBO2493]

Thank you! I was getting so tired of minimalists rehashing the same dreary content. The topic in and of itself is incredibly boring, it’s what people DO with their new lifestyle that’s fascinating. Well done!

[@anabhousen7159]

I like a clean decluttered space as much as the next person but having nothing is boring af.

[@sunshin3697]

Right? I'm super OCD and tidy, and I don't like to keep things that aren't useful or mean nothing to me... But my house looks nothing like that... A blank canvas.

[@Joel-ee8df]

I think there are many ways for you to entertain yourself and spend your time productively even while "owning nothing". On the other hand if you own too much, there aren't many ways you can have a clean and tidy house without simply throwing/giving away some stuff. So in the battle between owning "nothing" and being boring af VS owning a lot and being messy or not having much space, I'd rather have nothing, always.

[@patriciaking7892]

@@Joel-ee8df , sho you right!

[@mildredhubble6848]

You could look at it like the world is your playground, and home is just somewhere to sleep.

[@Koshka219]

I would love to have close to nothing.

[@glowing_man]

It's exactly as Nietsche has said: "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how."

[@plissabarrett7358]

I just gotta find that "why" now. I'm so lost.

[@HomemakerDaze]

Yip my why is my son. Been through so much grief and mental health but I will have to stay.

[@Enrico_Fusai_Counselor]

I believe ESSENTIALISM could be the sane version of minimalism. Because in the term minimalism itself lies a sense of lack that can not bring true joy to anyone. Only fulfilment of a form of paranoia at most. It’s great to clean up and stick to what’s essential, obsessing over it definitively not (as for anything!) 😉

[@vanefreja86]

Indeed, Essentials is the key for me. I have only one pair of shoes for each function. So have more that five, but less than 10.

[@WildCat8710]

essentialism and intentionalism resonate much deeper with me than the term minimalism .... agree 100%!

[@Enrico_Fusai_Counselor]

Michelle Giardinello Yes! Intentionalism is also a very powerful word, thanks for sharing. Very appreciated!

[@Enrico_Fusai_Counselor]

darina Other great term... I’m seeing them popping! :) As for anything, there’s no total black and white and it’s perfect to adjust something over the uniqueness that we are.

[@LisaMichele]

My philosophy is "mindfulism". I think minimalism can be as soul-deadening as materialism, but owning things mindfully and being organized seems like a good approach.

[@Carcosahead]

Okay, you got me at Radiohead. I love you infinitely, keep doing what you love, I send a hug to you.

[@justmart4455]

YESTERDAY I WOKE UP SUCKING ON A LEMON

[@pinkkittyvoid]

i started decluttering my room as a project. as in “get rid of as many things you won’t need or miss so you won’t have to take it when you move.” i’m not moving anytime soon, but i like the look of my now semi empty closet. i cleared that out, went through clothes, and storage items. i’m still not done with my bedroom, but i’ve gone through over 8+ garbage bags of stuff i’ve donated. maybe i’m getting obsessed but i like the idea of owning less, and only keeping what i use or what had emotion value to me.

[@areyouawallflower]

We love a queen with great music taste! (also, so glad I've found a normal, grounded, FUN minimalist! Needed one)

[@fermay13]

Man listen. This video should be on top of every list about minimalism. It’s really important for people who are starting just because of “the trend”. Amazing work.

[@alicegonzalez8234]

Wow, this is really thought provoking. I recently purged my room of years worth of stuff. Right off the bat I found myself having more time on my hands. But I never planned what to do with that time. Thank you.

[@melaniecrouch7789]

This is exactly the muddle I am in. Thank you for this.

[@faeriesmak]

This popped up in my side bar and I am so glad that it did. I have not heard that song in a long, long time. I loved your points. I am decluttering because I want to spend less time cleaning things. I will still have a lot around, but not having to be responsible for stuff that no one is using or enjoying should help.

[@MarkHimley]

nearing the end of watching all your videos - just worth mentioning you have great taste in music.

[@t1ffit1ffi]

Thank you and great job with this video. I have been on the journey of minimalism lately, but it has gotten to the point where my focus has begun to shift from the reason why I wanted to minimize in the first place to the process of minimizing itself. For me, it almost made minimalism another distraction and the reason why I wanted to minimize in the first place was to get rid of the distractions and detractions from my goals. I have been writing down and visualizing my goals to ensure minimalism is helping me, not hindering me in the long run. Thank you, again.

[@Lefie]

Hello! You're so right about minimalism just becoming another distraction. Visualization is a good idea, too - I should start doing that more... I'm glad you found the video helpful! 😊

[@TRex-os1uy]

So much yes to this video, all of yours. I'm binge watching now, then I must get to work. My journey has made me realize why I am so particular about certain things. Much like how you enjoy your "hipster coffee" it just works the best for me. The mental clarity, simplicity and feeling of space radiates. Its amazing.

[@nicobeing]

You had me at Radiohead. Also that song is my cleaning song lol. You’re right. Well done.

[@tomanonym1168]

Song: Radiohead - Everything in it's right place.

[@jared_musicSTC]

Oh my goodness I haven't heard this song in ages!

[@ArtyAntics]

this is a fab video thank you, I have a lot of obsessive tendencies and after the rush of completing a compulsion declutter my 'why' can get lost so this is a good reminder.

[@ModernMinimalistMom]

You’re right. We need to know WHY before we start the journey. That keeps you focused on the prize. My why was I wanted to have more time with my family and less time worrying about taking care of “stuff”.

[@papermason]

It's just like yesterday that I was 27 years old, now I'm 60 years old. And yes, I still feel like a child.

[@Luizam55]

i thought that only happened to me. I've become increasingly anxious as i tried focusing on minimizing my life. not that i wasn't already anxious before, but now i feel as though if i don't focus on having a minimalistic environment, that nothing in my mind is minimal and, thus, orderly. it's nice to know I'm not alone and to have some advice to try and counter that.

[@carolann811]

When I was a kid I used to think if the outside temperature reached 98.6, I'd feel some kind of magical, supremely comfortable state of being. Nirvana. But I soon came to realize that if it's 98.6 outside, I was just really hot. It's not magical or special. It's just uncomfortable and sweaty. Also turns out my normal temperature is something like 97.2, so I was off by almost a degree anyway. But I digress... This video brought that memory to the surface. I think that was a good thing. I think it reminds me that obsession over the tiny details of where my stuff is and how much I have and all that is just like me thinking magic happens at 98.6. It won't happen at a specific point. If I pay attention, it's happening right here, right now. Right in front of me. So I should pay attention and not miss it.

[@Lefie]

Beautiful writing as always, Carol.

[@sandrarthornton]

Good video. I was a bit concerned by the title but i actually liked this video. I do see a lot of fanaticism with the minimal movement. You're tips will help a lot of people, I'm sure.

[@jennifernicolella1780]

Thank you for making me smile. I love your bits of humor in the video. This video was short and to the point and I love that. Great advice. I will think more about my "why."

[@xtasyan9065]

I always buy a stupid tools that i never use. youtube show me the channel and i watch videos about minimalism. I cleaned my room and my never ever use team go to trash. thank you Lefie. I am finnally feeling so good

[@mrveganchef]

I love your channel. Such fun, quirky, and insightful videos that actually give me pause to reflect on something I hadn't considered.

[@heleni0]

Thank you for this video, I really needed it (and thank you to Hailey Evans for sharing it. I'd seen it in the sidebar a few times and overlooked it). A year ago, I would have been considered a hoarder. Not like stuff piled to the ceiling, but still. So much stuff. I started to declutter bit by bit around March time and in the May two of my friends came round at 9am and spent the day helping me box everything up and move it all in to the spare bedroom. Suddenly I had a functional living room. and a bedroom. and a kitchen. and to be honest all the space freaked me out and I didn't like it! ha. One of those friends gave me a chair and a coffee table and a rug so I actually had somewhere to sit but I was uncomfortable to even go in there never mind sit down! For the past year i've been decluttering, and just before new year I came to a couple of realisations about why I was keeping stuff and it suddenly became SO much easier to let certain things go. The problem now is that i've really been enjoying the process, and, even though I still have a long way to go, lately i've been feeling quite anxious. What happens when i'm done, and there's nothing left to get rid of? What happens then? Maybe I need to start seriously trying to figure that out.

[@cristelraymundo1188]

OMG!!! You don't have any idea how much you help me !! I have all that free time and don't know how to use it, I felt confunse, thank u.

[@nawaal4452]

One of the best content creators, I love you Lefie! Thank you for your helpful insights.

[@kimberleebrooks-trakis9563]

You are a very good actress. I love all of your facial expressions and stances. PERFECT!! I also love your message. Very good. Wish more people were in tune with the whys and wherefores than just the fad

[@Lefie]

Why, thank you, Kimberlee!

[@RisaNoelRomano]

I don't think I could be a legit minimalist, but I really appreciate the ideas behind minimalism and try to incorporate them into my lifestyle. I'm constantly battling my own brain (3 cheers for mental illness), so I like freeing up space and time, having fewer things to be distracted by. Though a good knick-knack brings me immense pleasure. I've seen a couple of your videos, and i really like the style. I look forward to seeing more.

[@ChristopherRiewaldt]

I really like that shot of the mist hitting the counter top - so crispy

[@fmpdena]

Love this. Thanks for reminding us what minimalism should be about!

[@Mouse01011]

This is so interesting: I have a brother who has OCD but is also a clutter freak and hoarder, so when I realized I was the opposite in the sense that clutter and disorder makes me anxious, I thought maybe I could be slightly OCD myself (though I realize that term is often way overused and misused). I hadn't even realized that "obsessive decluttering" was a thing! Then I realized that since I am a designer by trade (product design; but dabble in interior decorating/decor), that the reason I prefer minimalism and to be clutter free is what matters most (the "why"). And in my case, I declutter and am a "minimalist" because maximalism aesthetically in a home or in a room (unless done extremely well and with purpose) looks like a mess; and visually does not appeal to my aesthetic sense of style. Even my wardrobe is pretty minimalist as I prefer classic men's clothing/neutrals/no patterns... things that I know will not go out of style or that people will easily recognize I've worn before. I don't just randomly declutter for no reason; but I do like to keep a minimalist space due to storage constraints and also because I don't like opening a closet and having things just fall down on me! But this minimalist and clutter-free/organized mindset doesn't control me; which is key. Great to be reminded that it's the why of it all that matters most.

[@hermask815]

Concerning the video: humor with a deadpan face is the best.

[@uszatku9417]

...this is a really important video because obsessive behaviour is rarely, if ever, positive. Thanks for being one of the only videos to raise this issue.

[@maebychassit4973]

That was really helpful and I think I will use this video when I need to explain this to myself or my clients. It’s all about the WHY. Thanks for the reminder Lefie.

[@NickCooper74]

I would like to thank you, Lefie. I have been minimizing and living 'without' for nine years, but I have never asked myself 'why?' I wrote out your excellent questions and I was flabbergasted to realize that I had never thought about my rationales. I've simply reduced, reduced, reduced without understanding myself and my purpose at all. I am grateful to you for making this video and expressing these guiding questions so succinctly.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Minimalism channel number 100000000 but I can't get enough of it. And you have some very good points!

[@ammityconnell809]

So glad I found you. You and Shelbizzle are such great grounded minimalists. I can't wait to see more!

[@nonanon3]

Everything in its right place got me hooked right away. Very cool.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Very good questions for us to consider in this video. Thankyou.

[@twilightincosmos]

U nailed it ...its the 'why' that needs to be addressed for doing certain things in our life...

[@Draconicrose]

Having things straight and in their place is so soothing and satisfying though. :(

[@alleylf]

i love how every video is organized and well put together

[@SpaceZombie]

Amen. I like minimalism and try to apply it. But I do think it can shift into an obsession or 'lifestyle' really quickly. You described it beautifully with the road analogy. It should help you clear up your stuff and then focus on what matters, but that focus shouldn't be on minimalism itself.

[@juliewilk9317]

Great content, so happy to have stumbled across your channel! In one of your videos you mentioned cooking a single pan dish and keeping that at work for the week- brilliant. Would love to see a video of your one pan recipes if you would care to share!

[@nago5142]

That video ending haha Thanks for sharing 🥰 Greetings from Spain!

[@kila6676]

thank you for your channel. you are the best channel about minimalism for me

[@vritarita6871]

Aaaaa you are so cool and chill and to the point! Thanks. I miss people with such character in my life.

[@mat1west]

No coaster under the coffee mug? Monster!

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Coasters are a thing. Minimalizing means less things, including coffee rings. Hold that cup till it cools off you monster.

[@veronalaffitte1398]

OMG you are soooo cool! Just found your Channel and directly subscribed and binge watched all your videos!!

[@bluebird4750]

I’m 62 and semi retired. 4 grown kids and I’m now single. I’m getting rid of excess belongings, so if I kick the bucket, my kids are Not the ones left with that chore. And when I’m finally down to the nitty gritty of what I want to keep, it will be easier when I downsize again. And for now my goal is to enjoy my grandkids and my older dog and my puppy. All this excess stuff is a real burden. I think I am a bit obsessed with the minimizing but you almost have to get to that point to stick with it. It’s taken me 4 years since I left my ex. There’s a lot to get rid of after 38 years and 4 kids. I always had yardsale over the years but still.... I think it’s great that people are becoming more aware of excess consumerism. Wish this had happened when I was much younger. I’d have a lot more $$ for retirement.

[@charliehoward9278]

hi lifie i dont know if you will read this but , when i started to engage with ur channel i was 18 going into the work force as all my mates were going into work i cant tell you how much ur advice and life lessons/ life out look has impacted me for the better and made me become a further achieving all rounded human-being thank you so much ur awesome please keep up the great work thanks again ur awesome x

[@Lefie]

Hi, Charlie! Wow, thank you for the kind words! I'm super glad you've gotten value from the videos. Best of luck navigating the work force! 😊

[@audreywilliamson8003]

If you haven't read the book "Essentialism" by Greg McKeown, you should! He emphasizes the importance of Essentialism and that it has far deeper roots than just physical space. I love that Essentialism centers around true fulfillment and getting in touch with your deepest self rather than putting other people first, whether you have 2 shirts or 200.

[@emilyorton6304]

The song at the beginning is PERFECT!!

[@Lefie]

It's "Everything in its Right Place" by Radiohead! Really good song.

[@emilyorton6304]

@@Lefie oh I actually knew what song it was, I just thought it was such a good pairing for a video about minimalism. Never really thought about that song that way before!

[@patriciaking7892]

This is so me. Thanks for sharing.

[@violetdavila257]

You know I have watched alot alot alot!!!! of videos about motivation and all that mumbo jumbo so I can find some meaning in what to do with myself. But stumbling upon this video for just entertainment purposes was really suprising and motivational. Thank you for making me happy. I know what I want to do now.

[@LuisGarciaSprout]

I love your editing.

[@Lefie]

Why, thank you! I'm slowly improving... Having a killer song to edit to definitely helps. 🎶

[@natalieknight8695]

I love the way you put this vid together!

[@j.rrabbit]

This has to be the best advice! Not everyone can minimize to wearing the same outfit every day or owning 1 set of utensils, especially since some of this does not align with people's lifestyle or goals.

[@SemplicementeSE]

Wow. I love this. Short but so effective! Inspiring. :) thank you.

[@NakuDark]

I'm rewatching a lot of your minimalism videos right now. Thank you for having made them❤ How are you, Leafie?

[@Persnikity-yv3nh]

I'm not a minimalist, but I enjoy minimalism videos on KZbin because I'm attracted to the idea of intentional living.

[@pippilangstrumpf1146]

OMG such a GREAT video 😍 I had to watch it a couple of times in a row 🙈 That was exactly what I needed right now 🍃 Thanks a lot 🤗 It's also a really nice and generous move, that you included so many other lovely faces of companions on our journey of minimalism 🍀

[@octaviadecadiz2566]

Hi! Could you name or link those other youtubers? I don't know them all and would like to. :)

[@pippilangstrumpf1146]

Dear @@octaviadecadiz2566 🤗 The first two men are Ryan and Joshua who call themselves "the Minimalists", 3 people that I don't remember, Matt D'Avella Heal Your Living shelbizleee Enjoy watching 🍀

[@octaviadecadiz2566]

@@pippilangstrumpf1146 thank you so much! I didn't think anyone would answer. ❤️

[@pippilangstrumpf1146]

@@octaviadecadiz2566 Of course 😘 ask and it is given 🌼🍀🍃

[@gaelledgsage2031]

You are right; perfection is not the point. Minimalism is not about following a trend for a while and falling into ”maximalism” after that as an act of revenge or becoming so obsessed that we minimalise our lives themselves and lose some happiness. Minimalism is about everything else but minimalism; it’s a tool to find purpose and achievements. Great video, thank you! 🙂

[@jennifernicolella1780]

Gaelle Sage Great insights. Thank you!

[@valeriaruey8887]

This is the video i needed at this point of my 2 + years of being minimalist and having some struggles. This came just in time. THANK YOUUU!! 🌈

[@mnm-jr]

This video reminded me of “The Accountant.” Maybe it was the song.

[@kathleenworden1560]

I just obsessively binge watched all your videos, all 10 of them!

[@awkwardzoltar3529]

I do always think about how can I make cleaning faster and easier. I think about the types of materials things should be made of and what is more sanitary. I'm absolutely obsessed with how manageable a space is. I don't really have that at my house, so I end up just leaving and staying away. I love things that make perfect logical sense and consider everything. I just want the things I'd actually use and things that have some purpose, even a piece of art shouldn't feel completely useless but make you feel something that will bring out a better you.

[@abbygee]

Oooohhhh this is good! Thank you! Beautifully shot too! And the ending hahahahah.

[@sailorm7257]

WOW...Great great great message😀

[@jaytee2642]

2:06 Damn, at first I thought you said "bacon recipes" and I screamed "Yes! Now my quest for minimalism finally has a clear and valid purpose!" 🥓 Then I realized what you really said.🍪🥧

[@Lefie]

Ahahahaha! I mean... I'm not going to stop you...

[@deborahprkn]

😂

[@YoSamdySam]

You are my new favourite youtuber.

[@stavrosctz9539]

This is EVERYTHING. You got my sub ma’am

[@TheCrimson147]

I need minimalism so I can take my mind off the stuff I haven't used for years but still occupy most of my home. Less stuff, but keeping the most valuable and irreplaceable ones. And I still keep my closet with many color options.

[@witch_kam]

Great video, thank you.

[@J3an_j3an]

Lol all that I want went out the window when I had four kids 😂 what I want...???? Why I do these things, I ask myself that everyday😂. Subscribed

[@deliastan1159]

had to pause 4 seconds in... nice opening song, i love radiohead !! instant like

[@JessicaPaley]

When i read the title what went thru my mind was that she just got rid of the house and her stuff to be a true minimalist lol Good video :)

[@PinkSallyProductions]

This really does help, thank you 👍🏼

[@CrystleDragon]

This is a good point. My personal why has always been to have an easy-to-clean space, because I hate cleaning. Even after 3 years of decluttering from hoarder status to minimalist by my own definition, I still focus on the road and not the stops. To be fair, I get super focused on whatever I do, so when that focus is broken by something, I get lost. I don't know how to explain that better. The point is, my why seems to be half of what the purpose is. I hate cleaning, yes, but I've been decluttering for 3 years, and I've gotten to a point where I really should be saying, "what's next?"

[@poulamisarkar4086]

Obsessing over your videos!!

[@Lefie]

OH NO! Minimize it, quick! Hahaha...

[@donwyates]

Thanks for fixing those towels, at the end.

[@Ikaros23]

as another commenter said " essensialism" is the endgoal of the minimalism prosess. Fint out what minimalism is for your. for me it took 1,5 year to declutter. And in the prosess you become obsessed ( as i think i normal), but after a while if you are healthy and have other things to do and dont have a compullisve dissorder minimalism just becomes a part of life and not " your life". You dont have to have a " black/white/grey "apartment, and you dont have to travel the world. And the stuff you keep can be in what ever design you like and dont need to be " minimalistic".

[@loreensmermaid]

Thank you for this video, like an another commenter i have OCD, it is so difficult, also the choice of music speaks to me!!! Subcribed in a instant!

[@privateprivate8366]

So, I wonder. How do most minimalists get rid of their items? Do they mostly just bag it and take it to the trash? Do they donate it? Or do they try to sell it online or through a garage sale to recover all of those wasted work hours spent affording all of the items they’ve decided to part with? I’m curious because, while one does spend wasted time finding things when they have too much, does no one care about all of the time and money spent on a job they might’ve hated being at, in order to afford those things? I find this to be a problem for me. If I am to have barely anything at the end of a ginormous purge, I am quite unhappy about the time I’ve lost. Also, I might be pretty selfish, I’d say. When people say things like l, “Just pass it along.” I’m thinking that appreciating my time and hard work to acquire items to design my space and for a future that I couldn’t make materialize, with the way my life has gone, that others are pretty flippant as, they’re conveying, “That’s OK. Make your peace with what you’ve lost and make someone else happier for it (‘cause I’m cool with it).” Yeah, that doesn’t work for me.

[@AliFrostinho]

This is my favourite Lefie video.

[@juliatreffer8632]

I think this my first comment on KZbin :) please continue doing videos! The are very nice to watch! I like a lot your style!

[@justmart4455]

I was just listening to this! Hell yeah! Love radiohead. P. S. A lot of people have said in the comments section (of said song) that this song makes them want to clean. Thought it was something. Well you've got to have "Everything in it's right place"

[@mit.3254]

Love the radiohead. Great video

[@yosoynumerosass]

that honestly helped a lot thank you. i love your videos

[@language-n-learning]

Nice.

[@tw2210]

Great video. Subscribed.

[@susannap2419]

Omg, the last 10 seconds made me laugh so hard, thank you!

[@alamasama]

That's great... I think when you have kids to take care of it's hard to be ocd about minimalist. Well maybe with toys. Because I hate screaming at them to pick it up..and end up picking it up myself. Good video!

[@felipec06]

I think this applies to everything in your life. Basically seek meaning.

[@mindfulmatters3856]

I become obsessed too easily. I was being obsessed over cleaning organization decluttering and minimalism, so I now deliberately live with small bearable mess.

[@HokeyBugle]

God what a fitting song