Signora Sheila

Why I choose simple living (or minimalism) is a question I am often asked. And it’s not always easy to explain, especially to those who have never heard of minimalism. Or when I tell them that it all started with a bottle of vinegar upon learning that my daughter stopped using chemical cleaners.

Apparently cleaning with vinegar and baking soda was a growing trend. So where had I been? Oh yes, here in the land of tradition. Where people still do things as their mother and grandmothers have for decades!

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

Then I noticed that many of these natural trends were also related to minimalism.

Minimalism? What a crazy idea!

Minimalism was another unknown to me, and a crazy one at that! Maybe because of all the crazy things I was reading. Like the guy who had to use his neighbor’s bathroom because he downsized his house too much! Or people who 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 fine with me if you don’t want toilet paper, just let me know before I come over!

Minimalism vs. Consumerism

I learned that many environmental problems stem from chemical products and plastics. But our consumer culture also contributes. All manufacturing creates some pollution and consumes natural resources. And much of it is for unnecessary goods and useless gadgets.

All this started a huge process in my heart and mind, especially in my heart. I realized that I had often shopped, not out of real need, but in search of something to buy. Sometimes even spending money we didn’t have. WHY? Good question. I needed answers, and this is what I learned:

🪧 1. Advertising plays a big role

Advertisers get paid to make us to want to buy things, 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. Or even to buy things we can’t afford.

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

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

🆕 3. Peer pressure also plays a role

We often compare ourselves to others, even without realizing it. And their seemingly better clothes, new gadgets, better cars, and finer homes, make us unhappy and ungrateful for the wonderful blessings God has provided! We start to feel something is lacking.

Lack of contentment

What it really came down to was simply my lack of contentment. I had everything I needed. Lots of clothes, nice furniture, and so much stuff I couldn’t keep track of it all. The last thing I needed was more! And I was having trouble finding room for it all. So one day I decided to stop chasing stuff.

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

So I started thinking about 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 for my happiness and contentment?
• If I don’t need it, could the money be used for better things?

I often decide to save the money for a rainy day or use it to help others. I’ve wasted so much over the years on unnecessary things that came and went. Things that only gave me temporary satisfaction.

But unexpected problems or emergencies will always arise. People in need will always surround me. And the satisfaction of meeting real needs like these brings a lasting pleasure and real joy.

Are you stressed about not having enough money? Tired of keeping up with too much stuff? And tired of trying to juggle it all?

Perhaps it’s time to change the way you view material possessions. Try to focus less on getting more stuff. Use your resources for meaningful and lasting purposes, such as paying off your debts, building God’s kingdom and helping others. And learn to cultivate true contentment – even in this world of stuff in which we live!

Don’t you think that’s much better than buying stuff you don’t need?

📷 Image credits: chair; lantern; others are mine