ONE PARADE
A LIFESTYLE BLOG

The Right Way To Be A Minimalist

Posted in Minimalism on Apr 17, 2012.

minimalist

There are a few things I don’t like talking about in public with people I’m not familiar with:

  • Vegetarianism
  • Religion
  • Politics
  • Minimalism

That last one may be a shocker, but it’s true. Here’s what they all have in common: an immediate negative vibe. Bringing up any of these topics and the other person will automatically tense.

Sometimes they’ll go on the defensive as soon as you bring up the topic, hoping by the end of the conversation you’ll have the same opinion they do.

That’s because the topics listed above are very personal and everyone has a different view. You’re not likely to sway one person on these topics. They have to get there themselves, if they want to go there.

But I want to focus on minimalism.

Many people within the minimalist community tend to think their view on minimalism is the best. They’re the one with just the right amount of things, and everyone else is doing it wrong.

Not true.

There is no correct way to be a minimalist, just like there is no correct side to politics or religion. Everyone has their own way of being, and everyone has a degree that works for them. It’s individual, and personal.

So if you’re afraid of calling yourself a minimalist or feel as though you’re not good enough to try, don’t be. If you just decluttered your living room, you had a minimalist moment. No matter what way you look at it, it’s a good thing.

Don’t be afraid to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. People will probably start asking you about it, and you’ll get to share your opinion. Sometimes people will say, “That wasn’t very minimalist of you,” and you can ignore them. No one is perfect, and I don’t think most of us are trying to go Gandhi on anyone.  Just enjoy the journey!

What are your thoughts on minimalism?

Image source: 1

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  • http://kristology.com/ Kristine

    Honestly, I don’t think there really is anything negative about being a minimalist or in minimalism for that matter. To me, the way I see minimalism is that I think of it as “collect memories, not things.” And I  have to agree with you, there really is no correct way to be minimalist. 

    I realized I wanted to become minimalist when I decided I wanted to collect memories rather than materialistic things. 

    • http://one-parade.com Marjorie | One-Parade.com

      I completely agree. I feel like some people try to put others down when they try minimalism, especially in the minimalist blog world.

      I realized the same thing! I don’t need material possessions to relive memories. I try to do that with photos now, which I keep on my hard drive.

  • http://chiklita.com/ Sarai

    I am for a minimalist lifestyle but I’ve found that I only succeed in certain areas. Organizing my workspace, bedroom, kitchen, etc. is something that I’m always minimalistic about. When it comes to decorating it’s the same thing. However, when it comes to make-up… I am organized, yes, but definitely not a minimalist. I just enjoy having a lot of variety when it comes to that. However, I agree with you, everyone is different, and the goal is to become more focused and organized, not rigid and miserable.

    • http://one-parade.com Marjorie | One-Parade.com

      I’ve found that when it comes to makeup and beauty products in general, girls have a very hard time applying their minimalist tendencies towards it. But hey, that’s what inspired the direction of this blog! There are many different ways to do it. But you put it perfectly… If you’re miserable, you’re doing it wrong.

  • http://thembells.tumblr.com/ Elizabeth, Ring Them Bells

    Hi Marjorie, I love One Parade! Great design :)

    • http://one-parade.com Marjorie | One-Parade.com

      Thank you Elizabeth, this made my day! :)