Chapter 1: The Awakening to Minimalism

Returning to my true self was a journey I didn’t expect.

Deep down, I always identified as a minimalist. However, societal norms convinced me that accumulating possessions was the path to happiness. Growing up during the 80s, I absorbed the messages from advertisements and peers that equated ownership with success.

As I transitioned through various life stages—moving out, marrying, and having children—I found myself overwhelmed by an avalanche of belongings that I felt obligated to own. Suddenly, I woke up surrounded by items I was "supposed" to have, living in a large house with multiple vehicles and kids, all in a pricey neighborhood.

Along with the possessions came a significant amount of debt, creating a sense of existential dread. I knew it was serious when I thought, "If everything burned down, I wouldn't even mind starting fresh." At one point, I considered living in a van—anything to simplify my life.

My 3,000 square foot home, while once a dream, became a burden. Although it was in a great neighborhood with top-rated schools, keeping it maintained was expensive, especially with four active children. The costs of repairs and property taxes kept climbing, which only added to my stress.

For years, I promised my family that once my youngest approached high school graduation, I would sell the house. On January 2, 2020, after two decades of living there, I reached out to a long-time real estate agent to list it for sale.

Preparing the house for sale was a massive task that required us to temporarily relocate for all the necessary renovations. We moved out on Valentine’s Day 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Selling the house during such uncertain times added a layer of intrigue to the experience. By the end of May, however, our home was sold, providing a tremendous relief.

Part of the selling process involved decluttering two decades’ worth of belongings—items I had kept "just in case." The reality was that much of it was merely junk. I was shocked by the sheer volume of clutter: old tax documents, broken toys, and worn-out luggage. I sorted everything into three categories: keep, donate, and throw away, and I was relentless in my efforts to clear out the excess.

With the house sold and my space significantly decluttered, I paid off all my debts, including credit cards and auto loans, totaling $150,000 (not counting the mortgage). It felt as though a massive weight had been lifted, leaving me feeling liberated. No longer was I cash-poor despite a large house; instead, I could navigate life with newfound lightness. My husband remarked on my transformation—I was more relaxed and enjoyable to be around. We decided to rent temporarily, allowing us the flexibility to explore different parts of the city while searching for our next permanent home.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” - Confucius, 551 BCE.

I have always believed that our living spaces should reflect our needs. In our large house, we had eight occupants: my parents, my four children, my husband, and myself. Now that it was just my husband and me, the excessive space felt unnecessary.

I developed a fascination with tiny homes and compact living spaces, often watching shows that highlight such designs. Living in a smaller space means less upkeep and lower utility bills. I refuse to become someone who hesitates to turn on the heat or air conditioning due to high costs.

Ultimately, minimalism is about simplifying life. It's too easy to complicate things, which I often see in my clients who over-plan and overthink. The real skill lies in achieving outcomes with minimal steps and resources.

Reflecting on the time and energy I spent managing gardeners, repair services, and auto mechanics, I realize that those hours are irretrievable. Whether you choose to handle these tasks yourself or hire help, the time invested is significant. Clearing both physical and mental clutter has been incredibly liberating, allowing me to redirect my focus to what truly matters—spending quality time with loved ones.

The first video titled "Monsieur Minimal - Love Story" explores the emotional aspects of minimalism and the journey of simplifying one's life. It's a beautiful reflection on the love for living with less.

In the second video, "20 REALISTIC Ways I Romanticize Life As A Minimalist (Part 1)," viewers can discover practical tips on how to embrace minimalism while finding joy in everyday moments.