On Living with Less

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Cherise from Designer Binary

It can be considered that social pressures via mainstream media have become a large contributor to consumerism in the 21st century. The need to fill the immeasurable void in ones life is the prerequisite to the over indulgence caused by this societal tension.

3 years ago I reached a pinnacle in my life that was neither positive nor productive. My living arrangements, social circle and consumer tendencies were not only having a negative effect on me, but were also passively destructive on my life. It was time to move forward and a lifestyle change was necessary in order to facilitate this decision.

Call it fate, call it a blessing, but I was suddenly projected towards a life changing opportunity which consequently resulted in me having to leave my living arrangement literally over night; this included all my worldly belongings and my capricious friendships. All I had time to pack was a few toiletries, my laptop and the clothes on my back. This was a major turning point, as I was suddenly awakened to the realisation that I was now free!

This course of action seemed like such an effortless progression. All along I had been in denial that all these facets of my life had in fact manifested into a cage for my spirit. There was an instantaneous sense of appreciation for life experience and true relationships once these obstacles that were blurring my perception of life had been cleared.

This minimalist approach maybe somewhat challenging, but a lot of these challenges lie with external pressures. Initially withdrawing myself from these pressures as much as possible enabled me remain loyal to this lifestyle choice and in turn gain mental strength and a clearer perspective of my environment. Avoiding these influences have now allowed me to gain a much stronger sense of self and a greater appreciation of things for what they really are.

A lifestyle choice such as this can be supremely liberating and truly manifests the awareness of independence. Everything; like unblocked Chi, flows with ease and monotonous chores are remodelled into effortless ventures (well some of them at least). Only owning as much as you need simplifies packing for that spontaneous weekend trip, in fact this can become the very catalyst for such a thing.

Clothing and product choices are based on necessity and purpose, consequently stimulating a higher sense of discernment ergo higher quality purchases are favoured over profligate quantity. Friendships and relationships are forged from genuine common interests and mutual respect rather than just feeding the necessity to be accepted as part of the coterie.

In my experience, a much more relaxed state of being appears to have attracted like minded individuals into my life. This along with more positive opportunities and experiences, and I truly believe this is all due to my shift into a more positive state of well being. Well fitting luxury basics have replaced the motley collection I once called a wardrobe and these have now become the staples of my capsule wardrobe, along with a scattering of fabulous multi task skin care and cosmetics.

An approach such as this is by no means the easy stroll through the department store you may have been used to. As with most things in life it is a progressive curvature of learning and only time and persistence will make it easier, allowing you to continue enjoying the journey.

Half the battle is acknowledging these negative life patterns; whatever they maybe, then making the decision to confront and challenge them. Once the initial step has been taken it’s up hill from there on. The satisfaction from this kind of achievement makes you more aware of living for the now and also the knowledge that what really matters is appreciating life in the present moment. I now relish in the unpredicted sense of bliss that living with less has brought to every aspect of my life, and so will you.

Love Cherise’s post? Follow her minimal lifestyle fashion approach on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignerBinary

Please contact me at bemorewithless@gmail.com if you’d like to share you story on theproject333.com.

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If simplicity is changing your life, imagine what it could do for your business.