Minimalism: The Things I Want More Of
By: Daniel Pohl
Tags: Minimalism, Declutter, Happiness, Life Lessons, Mental Health

Photo Credit: Daniel Pohl

When I started my journey into minimalism earlier this year, I tore my life apart. Everything in it came under extreme scrutiny. Every item and every responsibility sat in an interrogation room across the table from me.

“Tell me Facebook, what value are you bringing to my life? Please stop showing me ads and answer the question.”

“Thank you 17 coffee mugs for taking a break from sitting in the cabinet. Can any of you give me a good reason why there’s so many of you? That’s what I thought”.

“Zip up hoodie, according to my records, I haven’t worn you for 2 years. How do you justify taking up closet space without adding value to my life?”

Not much made it through the investigation process. Most of it ended up shipped off, donated, or deleted. Now, I live a life based on the concept of “Be more with less.” Less stuff, less stress, and fewer distractions. What do I want more of?

I was transfixed on one half of the equation. My focus over the first year of my minimalist journey was on the things I wanted to subtract from my life. As I head into my second year, I have started shifting focus to the things I want to add. The positive aspects that I want my time and focus going toward.

Going into the new year, these are the things I’ll be giving my focus to.

More Meaningful Relationships: “Love people and use things. The opposite never works”. My main focus going into the new year is to grow more meaningful relationships. Connecting more with the people in my life and creating new relationships along the way. I will also beware of relationships that hinder my process. Only those new relationships that bring value to my life will be the ones allowed to stay.

More New Experiences: Yesterday, my friends and I sat in Boston Coffee House in Deland Fl, and tried an Irish Eyes R’Smilin latte. It’s espresso, steamed milk, Irish creme, and vanilla served in a handcrafted mug. The mixture of a warm drink and the warm old-world setting was an experience in itself. Going into the new year, I plan on finding new experiences big and small to share with others.

More Nature: I believe everyone can use more nature in their life. Nature has the power to heal us as we walk its paths. This isn’t some metaphysical hippie notion. Studies have shown that being in nature, or even just seeing natural scenes, reduces stress. It helps to lower your blood pressure and muscle tension. Going into the new year, I’ll be seeking more natural areas to explore and explore more often.

More Community: According to the documentary “Happy”, one of the keys to a happy life is community. Going into the new year, I’ll be looking for new ways to foster that community. I will be looking for new volunteer opportunities, events to attend, and public gatherings. Naturally, Covid will add some caution to this, but there are ways to be safe and still connect.

More Spirituality: Spirituality is an interesting term because everyone defines it differently. I can’t say what rests beneath the skin. There are some actions and practices that enlighten me. Meditation, time in nature, time spent helping others, all things that, if the soul exists, nourish it. I want to focus more time and energy on these practices.

I’ve rid my world of many things that were holding me back. It’s time now to fill it with people and experiences that will fullfill me. Minimalism is just as much adding intently to your life as it is decluttering it. As you declutter your life, you’ll start reshaping it as well. You’ll find fulfil