37 lessons learned along my minimalism journey
Thoughts on choosing what matters
Last week, I was inspired by a writer who shared a simple, thoughtful list. It was filled with short, impactful lessons, valuable insights, and meaningful takeaways gained from their professional journey.
Soon, I found myself jotting down my own list of lessons, big and small, that I’ve discovered along my simplifying journey. Before I knew it, I had 37 things that have shaped my life in surprising and meaningful ways. Some are lessons that have transformed the way I think about my home, my time, and my priorities, while others are realizations that have helped me let go of stress, stuff, and expectations.
I hope this list sparks some reflection and inspires you to simplify in ways that feel meaningful to you. Enjoy!
Having the ability to choose less is a tremendous privilege.
The more you let go of, the more you realize how little you need to feel content.
Trends and seasonal collections exist to make you buy more.
The more stuff you have, the more stuff you have to manage.
Most of what you think is recyclable actually isn’t.
Becoming minimalist isn’t about how few things you have—it’s about loving and using what you have.
Your clutter won’t go away until you stop adding to it.
I’d rather work less and enjoy simple things than work more to afford more stuff.
I’ve never regretted letting go of anything.
Kids are more creative with fewer toys.
I’m incredibly triggered by clutter. The less stuff I own, the better.
I’m more productive, content, and creative since stepping away from social media.
The most effective way to reduce clutter and your environmental impact is to buy less.
A clear space creates a clearer mind.
I have more style now than when I had triple (or quadruple) the clothes.
Black and white are not my best colors. (And all these years, I thought they were universally flattering!)
A simplified home helps me manage stress, anxiety, and things beyond my control.
I want to live my life, not experience it through a screen.
The more you say no to things that don't align with your priorities, the more space you'll create for what truly matters.
Wait a day or two before buying, and you likely won’t want it as much as you thought.
Being inexpensive isn’t a good reason to buy something, and being expensive isn’t a good reason to keep it.
Quality over quantity is always the better choice.
What you buy your kids matters. What you don’t buy them matters even more.
Small, consistent changes will lead to big transformations over time.
Doing something you love can bring more joy than buying something new.
When you’re gone, people won’t remember the things you had—they’ll remember the experiences they had with you.
Enough is a decision, not an amount.
Shopping should fulfill a need, not fill a void.
Memories make the best keepsakes.
Our kids rarely say they're bored or ask for new toys. I can't help but think that our approach to material things plays a big role in that.
What kids really want is our time and attention, not more stuff.
The recipe for a tidy home is to keep only what you need, give everything a home, and create routines for maintaining your spaces.
Helping others simplify makes me really happy.
Clutter can increase cortisol levels (aka stress), especially in women.
Systems make life simpler—especially with kids around.
Having fewer choices makes life less overwhelming.
Choose what matters. Not too much. Enjoy the journey.
Up next: A simple holiday decluttering trick + a behind-the-scenes look at our kids’ Christmas lists vs. what they’re actually getting!
just as there are certain times, you should not make any major life decisions without waiting and maybe checking with someone else, there are times when you should take care not to declutter something that you may later regret. I have regrets. Less stuff is easier to live with, but keeping some things is worth it. It is admirable that you have never regretted something you have gotten rid of.
Love this. Minimalism has a been important part of our family healing after loss.