Embracing Minimalism: A Practical Guide to Simplify Your Life

Did you go crazy recently with Black Friday and all the relevant discounts everyone was offering? Are you now feeling deflated because you don’t know why you bought all these things that you didn’t even need?

I like to watch YouTube over terrestrial TV or even streaming platforms. I have never shown an interest in minimalism, as I am — what can be described as — a maximalist. I have stuff everywhere, pretty things, more books than I can read in a lifetime, stationery, shoes, craft stuff, kids’ toys … you name it — I have it. My things make me feel safe, comforted and remind me of the happy days of my childhood and my late dad. But I can never find anything and often end up re-buying items because I don’t even realise I own said item already. My life is one of frustration, and with a husband with ADD and two kids under 10, we have a perfect clutter storm.

So it was a surprise when I was recommended a YouTube video on minimalism at the end of summer. I was curious, and I watched it. And I was mesmerized by this mum who had two kids yet hardly any possessions and they seemed to be happy, in fact, extremely happy and calm. I had always felt that minimalism was for single people with no kids, or at least people with no kids. This was a game-changer. Could I be like this mum?