What Is Minimalism + Why Is Everyone Talking About It
October 22, 2021 by Jennifer Burger
Do you ever find yourself wondering what is minimalism? Sure—you know it’s about decluttering and owning less—but what is it really all about?
What’s the meaning of minimalism, why should you care, and do you have to give up all your stuff?
If you’re feeling confused, I don’t blame you. There are a lot of varying opinions about what it means to be a minimalist and some definitions can leave you feeling uncertain if it’s a lifestyle worth pursuing.
Case in point: a few years ago, I read a blog post about a minimalist kitchen tour. The author revealed that, among other things, she owns an ice-cream maker because her children enjoy it and she uses it often.
None of this was particularly remarkable until I read the comments at the end of the post and realised one reader was of the impression the author wasn’t a real minimalist because she owns an ice-cream maker.
The comment struck a chord with me, and since then, I’ve been thinking a lot about my minimalist lifestyle and what it means to be a minimalist.
Are we truly defined by the things—or lack of things—we own?
I don’t think so but I was interested to hear your thoughts, so I surveyed my readers and asked them a few questions about what it means to be a minimalist.
The feedback was incredible! I received over a hundred in-depth responses and I decided to share the conversation here with you—along with my thoughts on common myths and misconceptions I often hear about minimalism.
If you have something to add, feel free to continue the discussion in the comment section at the end of this post. I’d love to know—what does minimalism mean to you?
