I began my minimalism journey a few years ago and I am still learning and growing. I started with just wanting to de-clutter and change my view of consumerism. I realized along the way that things that I thought defined me or impressed me had changed. I looked at success differently than I used to. I began to understand that those who made and spent and kept all the goodies for themselves were called the “success stories”. What I started to notice is the people who had wealth , but did not flaunt it were viewed as less successful, although their bank account proved otherwise.
I think that we need to begin to applaud those who have not fallen victim to the ways of the materialistic society and begin to look at their unselfish ways.
My view had changed considerably over the time I have been on this path, what used to impress me no longer does, the list of my “used too’s” is such a learning curve for me. I never thought that my journey would move me to where I am now. I have compiled a list of things that we all should consider adding to our “not impressed list.” I am guilty of all of these things I am about to list, as I said I am a work in progress.
- Clothing Labels. I no longer want to be a walking advertisement of your logo on my shirt, watch, purse. I instead am choosing to buy quality and my own style to have a timeless fashion. I choose for you to see my confidence instead of another persons name on my shirt.
- Expensive Car. I always had the new car off the lot and replaced it every two years, until about 9 years ago we were in financial hardship , so I had to be put in the constraints of a budget and I bought what I could afford. I drove “Coby” for 9 years until he had almost 100,000 miles. I then went to a used car lot and purchased a 4 year old car. I was out from under the budget but I realized that I wasn’t out to impress any one with my purchase. I love my car and I am under budget. I love looking at new cars , but it doesn’t impress me if you have one.
- Price of your Home. I have had to move a lot in the past , so I have had the opportunity to live in many homes that were very big and would consider myself “house poor” which if any of you have been in that dilemma it isn’t a fun place to be. The last move we made we were able to purchase a home on a 15 year mortgage and within our budget. We stayed within our budget and I no longer live to keep up with the neighbors. It is hard to impress people with your home when you invite them over and you don’t have furniture to accommodate them, because you bought over your head.
- Size of your Diamond. I read an article about the average price of an engagement ring is 5000-8000$ which is insane. It saddens me that couples have no problem flaunting their debt on their fingers to impress people, as if the amount of the ring is somehow tied to how much love you have for each other. The wedding ring I was given 14 years ago is not the same one I have now, the one I have now is designed from my original ring and stones that my grandmother gave me and was paid for by melting the gold from her rings. I have it as a memory and not to impress. I am not impressed by your carats but instead of your treatment of each other.
Unfortunately all these things used to impress me beyond belief and I would spend my days trying to achieve it , and fill my days with people who had it, thinking they were so happy. I quickly learned by being on this journey of minimalism that living to impress is exhausting and self centered. I am so much more at ease just being me and surrounding myself with others who are not in the game of “trying to impress”.
The less you try to impress, the more impressive you are.
Denis Waitley
Making of a Minimalist 