Making Your House a Home. Jumping on the Minimalist Bandwagon or Not

Have you wondered if jumping on the minimalist bandwagon is right for you?

What is Minimalism?

A minimalist lifestyle means removing anything that distracts you from living intentionally, such as excess stuff, unnecessary expenses, even debt. A seemingly bare-bones approach to life.

It’s a worthwhile subject.

I’ve tried, but have had a hard time mastering minimalism, at least the way it’s been presented to me.

I’ve watched videos and read materials on the benefits and how-to of de-cluttering.

I’d clean out a drawer, a closet, even a room, and feel great!

Yet, that good feeling wouldn’t last.

I’ve bemoaned, even berated myself for the fact that my house does not look like the minimalist homes celebrated online with their sparse, stripped-down rooms signifying a decluttered and minimalist lifestyle.

I thought that was what I wanted, until a recent experience.

The Turning Point

Not long ago, I forgot about the meat I had cooking on the stovetop.

Later, after the water had long boiled away and the meat was black, I opened my office door to find the house filled with smoke. The odor was horrible!

After opening all windows and doors, getting rid of the offending pot, and burnt residue, and turning on fans, the real work began.

Over the next days I cleaned cabinets, floors, walls, and every item we owned to get rid of the protein burn residue.

Everything had to be wiped down, every knick-knack, book, shelf, and picture on the wall.

This cleaning gave me time to consider each item.

Is this meaningful? Is it worth the time I’m spending on it?

The Surprise Ending

I quickly discovered that some things were  definitely more valuable than others.

The piles of clutter were easy to discard.

To my delight I discovered that most of the things I had surrounded myself with brought me enjoyment, even while cleaning them.

Books and paintings that have helped shape who I am. Mementos of trips with family and friends. Gifts. Photographs of loved ones.

I was reminded of people, places and events that are meaningful to me.

My house may not fit the standard of a minimalist house, but I’ve decided that is perfect for me.

You might think that dealing with smoke damage would convert me to a more minimalist approach, but instead I discovered that I enjoy being reminded of so many good things that I’ve been blessed to experience.

If the definition of minimalism is to find joy in living, then maybe my home is more minimalist than I thought.

By all means, learn what the experts suggest, but decide for yourself what makes your house a home.

With love,