I only came across this term in December 2016 (from a book written by Fumio Sasaki (Title: Goodbye, Things) and I knew that is the lifestyle I will want to live, which will lead me to life with less complication.
I read a lot after that since then, trying to search blogs about minimalism, people around the world who are minimalists, such as Zenhabits; Becomingminimalist; Theminimalists etc. Surprisingly, I could find only little about it from Singapore writers/bloggers. Then I know I should not feel surprised at all, Singapore is such a country full of luxurious products, advertisements encouraging people to buy more, people seldom get along with the concept that Less is More.
When I first told myself I was going to be one minimalist, my closest family and friends laughed at me and thought it would not be possible for me. It is no surprise they would think so, because they know me so well that I am a person who likes to buy (especially clothes, accessories etc), I always complained my room was too small (well my room is really very small), and my closet was always too full that I did not dare to open it often to get my clothes. I shared the space of the living hall with my housemates, asking their permission to store my things outside from my room, and believe it or not, I got some stuff kept in the room of my housemates.
I need a change. I know it is not about being buying less or owning less, what I wish to achieve in future being a minimalist is not only for my convenience but I know that by owning less possessions, it literally means owning less troubles, less things to think about. I want my mind to think lesser and lesser.
After I decided minimalist is what I want to be, I know I can only successful being one if I practice my basic rule, which is to start things NOW, especially when you feel so excited about something you know it suits you so much, why wait to take action. I remember I was reading the book on my way from work to home and right after I stepped into the house, I brought a big plastic bag into my room and started doing decluttering, then I started to segregate things which I do not need but still with values, I keep them all at one side and I took the pictures of them one by one and I started selling them all at low price. I set a timeline to sell them all or after the timeline, I shall give them away or donate to charity (I just could not easily throw things away, I would rather spend some time to look for people who needs or appreciates my stuff, and I will give my things to them).
I gotta say I am in good progress, till now, I managed to sell almost 40 items in my room (including clothes/shoes/bags), although I sold all of them in really low price, I managed to bring a return of over SG$300 from those. I think it is just a win-win situation while I am achieving my goal to become a minimalist.
While selling my things, I even met a friend who we have become friends now. He came over my place and bought about 15 pieces of my clothes, he got them all by SG$50. I met a buyer who buys clothes to send to third world countries for the poor, I sold my clothes at extreme low price when I found out her intention. People has questioned why didn’t I just give them away, but I have my own principles, and I would like to know the total return I could get from selling all my things.
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