This headline sums up my progress toward becoming a minimalist perfectly. Day by day, I inch closer to that ever-elusive goal. But I’m making steps in the right direction.

In case you missed my first post on this topic, the concept of minimalism has appealed to me for quite some time, but only recently have I started to implement it throughout my life. I have a long way to go to truly be a minimalist, but I’m working toward that goal consistently now.

I’m approaching my goal from two angles: reducing the amount of material items I purchase or obtain, and letting go of things, material and mental, already residing in my world. I can be pretty disciplined about not buying things, for the most part. There are times when I’m working on a project or see something I feel like I need to buy, but with this practiced minimalist mindset I’m really taking a hard look at whether I actually NEED those things. I’m finding that, more often than not, I don’t really need to buy much of anything when I put my mind to it.

That’s not to say I haven’t been a total buying nun – I just made that up – but I have resisted buying certain items and have been much more conscious of my consumption overall. The letting go part of the equation can be harder for me, although I’m in a period of my life where I’m ready to move forward and let go – both physically and mentally.

And, I finished a closet and a filing cabinet!

I know, that’s not huge progress in the big scheme of things, but I FINISHED A CLOSET. This wasn’t just any closet for me. It was filled with boxes of memories including family photos, keepsakes of mine from my teens and twenties, and some of my parents’ items. Boxes like those are particularly hard for me to sort through. But I did it! And, I found some pretty cool stuff.

Overall, I’m really pleased with my decision to move forward and can’t wait to see what other treasures I find. I’m also excited to reap the benefits of spending less over the long haul, and having more space in my life, both mentally and physically.

If you’re not sure – what is a minimalist? Basically, it’s someone who actively works to reduce the amount of things they own. Ideally, you only have a minimal amount of things around you – including furniture, keepsakes, wall hangings and everything in between. Important keepsakes are displayed and used, instead of being hidden away to be looked at once a decade. Otherwise, those items are looked at critically to be kept or otherwise recycled, donated, given to another who may cherish them or find them actively useful.

Items such as beauty products are given the heave-ho except for those that you use daily. No saving things for a rainy day. Give them to someone who will use them, or if they should be thrown out, get to it. It’s also a practice where you consciously don’t purchase new things just because. It’s a reduced consumerism approach to life, saving money, stress and oh so much more when you truly embrace the concept.

Here’s to inching closer to goals every day.

Photo by @anniverrunophotography