Why I Choose Simple Living

Why I choose simple living (or minimalism) is a question I often get asked. And it’s not always easy to explain, particularly to those who’ve never heard of minimalism. Or when I tell them that it all came about because of a bottle of vinegar. After I learned that my daughter no longer bought chemical cleaning products.

Apparently cleaning with vinegar and baking soda was a growing trend. So where had I been? Oh yeah, here in the Land of Tradition. Where folks still do things as their mothers grandmothers have for decades!

This was all new to me. So I started researching and thus began my journey toward a more natural lifestyle. Up to that point, I had no idea how harmful chemicals and plastic can be. Shocked, I decided to work toward a chemical-free home with less plastic.

Then I noticed that a lot of these natural trends also linked to Minimalism.

Minimalism? What a crazy idea!

Minimalism was another unknown to me, and a crazy one at that! Perhaps because of all the insane things I read. Like the man who had to use his neighbor’s bathroom because he had downsized too much! Or folks that stopped buying toilet paper!

Now, I’m all for helping neighbors in need, but not because they decide they don’t want a bathroom! And it’s OK with me if you don’t want toilet paper, just let me know before I visit!

Minimalism vs consumerism

I learned that many environmental issues stem from chemical products and plastic. But our consumerist culture contributes as well. Manufacturing creates pollution and waste to some degree, and consumes natural resources. And much of it is for unnecessary merchandise and useless baubles.

All this started a huge process in my heart and mind, especially my heart. I realized I had often shopped, not out of real need, but looking for something to buy. Even spending money we couldn’t spare. WHY? Good question. I needed answers, and this is what I learned:

🪧 1. Advertising plays a big part

Advertisers get paid to make us want to buy stuff, and they do their job well. But it’s sad when they convince us to buy things we don’t need or won’t want to keep long-term. Or even to buy things we can’t afford.

🛒 2. In-store displays purposely entice us to spend more

Retailers even rent shelf space based on position. Shelves at eye level rent for premium prices, because we tend to buy the first products we see. And of course those are the products that usually cost more!

🆕 3. Peer pressure also plays a part

We often compare ourselves to others, even without realizing it. And their seemingly better clothes, newer cars, and finer homes, make us discontent and ungrateful for the wonderful blessings God has provided!

Lack of contentment

What it really boiled down to was simply my lack of contentment. I had everything I needed. Plenty of clothes, nice furnishings, and so much stuff I couldn’t fit it in my house. The last thing I needed was more! Plus I struggled to keep track of it all. So one day I decided to stop chasing after stuff.

• I want to view possessions as useful tools, not my source of happiness.
• I want deep and lasting contentment, remembering that God promises to meet all my needs.
• And I didn’t want to be a pawn in the advertising game.

So I started thinking through what I buy, and why.

• Is it a real need?
• How useful is it?
• Will I want to keep it long term?
• Do I see it as necessary to my happiness and contentment?
• If I don’t need it, could that money go for better things?

Often I decide to keep the money for a rainy day, or use it to help others. I’ve wasted so much over the years on useless stuff. Most of which has come and gone. Stuff which only gave a temporary satisfaction.

But unexpected problems or emergencies will always pop up. Needy people will always surround me. And the satisfaction of meeting real needs such as these brings a lasting pleasure and real joy.

Are you stressed over not having enough funds? Are you tired of keeping up with too much stuff? And fed up with trying to juggle it all?

Perhaps it time to change how you view material possessions. Try focusing less on getting more stuff. Use your funds for meaningful and lasting purposes, like investing in God’s kingdom and helping others. And learn to cultivate true contentment – even in the world of stuff in which we live!

Don’t you agree that’s a lot better than buying stuff you don’t need?

Images: Chair by Pixabay | Lantern by Mike Bird | Emojis from Emojipedia| Othera ©Signora Sheila.