I have an aggressive form of osteoarthritis that is attacking the joints in my body. By the time I was 45 I’d had both my right knee and hip replaced. I’ve just added another new knee to my titanium list. Meanwhile my spine continues to grind itself down causing bulging discs and trapped nerves.
My life sounds grim and painful. But it’s not.
Seeking simplicity
I’ve always liked space and order but it was in early 2015 that I began truly simplifying my life. The changes I’ve made have transformed my life. I discovered minimalism is about so much more than reducing physical clutter and belongings.
A year later I gave up my public service job and began a new career as a professional organiser. It is the best career decision I’ve ever made. I got to cut through clutter on a daily basis and help people live a lighter and more fulfilling life. It was immensely satisfying making a real difference in people’s lives.
Reducing physical clutter creates space to address mental and emotional clutter
As a society we have become more and more focussed on consumerism, but at what cost? We have larger personal debt and higher levels of depression and anxiety than ever before. Our houses are bigger but people report feeling more alone and without purpose.
We can chase the next big thing or we can chose to stop sacrificing our time, energy and money buying things we don’t need. At a time when our planet is in crisis this message is more important than ever.
Lessons learnt
Minimalism and environmentalism are perfect bedfellows. I was born into a family of environmentalists and have continued to love and respect our natural environment my whole life. I dedicated my honours thesis to discovering why the government was falling short on its targets to reduce greenhouse gases, that was in 1994.
You can chose to become a conscious consumer.
Its far easier to shed yourself of 5000 things than I ever imagined.
Your family will join you on your quest if you allow them time and space to do so.
You will continue moving towards simplicity one step at a time until you find the natural balance that suits your life.
