Minimalism is for everybody, but it can hardly become mainstream.
Why? Because our very own culture is based on consumption.
The idea that minimalism is never going to be mainstream was brought about by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist.
Joshua is a family man with two kids, one wife and a dog. And yet he is a minimalist.
As some of you might have noticed before this, I got to know minimalism through Leo Babauta of ZenHabits.
His blog tremendously helped me to ‘edit’ and simplify my life. In particular my commitments in life. Imagine 10 months ago I was a guy who always have something to do in the evening.
If it was not Latin dance class, it was attending some other social events. From his blog I learned to pare down my life and to put more spaces in between activities in order to be really present at doing or attending something.
Bear in mind that Leo is man with six kids and a wife. You read it right. Six kids.
Up next is Everett Bogue of Far Beyond The Stars. Everett is living his life through his backpack. I consider Everett to be a guy who introduces Minimalism 2.0 to me.
I attempted 100 things challenge after reading Everett’s ebook, The Art of Being Minimalist. The idea was originally from Dave Michael Bruno but it was Everett’s ebook that really made me attempt the 100 things challenge.
Everett is a single guy with a girlfriend.
Can a girl be a minimalist? Please head over to Everyday Minimalist.The blog is run by an anonymous 20-something girl working as a consultant and sometimes live from city to city.
My form of definition of minimalism is heavily influenced by her. According to her minimalism is about keeping and using only what you truly love and want.
You might also want to take a peek at Tammy Strobel of Rowdy Kittens. She is a girl who lives her life car-free. It makes me think that I can actually cycle to my workplace too.
Not so much to save petrol (I am using a bike anyway), but it is more towards a healthy lifestyle.
There you go. It doesn’t matter whether you are a girl or a boy, single or married, with or without kids, minimalism is suitable for you.
Minimalism IS for everybody.
Hey KC!
How’s life? A minimalist now eh?
It’s been so long – I know. But things have been really hectic at my end. Gonna spend some time later to read through your posts.
😀
Hye Yan !
Life is treating me great! Yeap, am a minimalist now. From ‘dandy’ to ‘minimalist’….you can consider that I have come full circle in consumerism.
Do come again. I always take a peek at your blog too:-)
You are so amazing!!!!
It’s a bit hard for girl to be a minimalist, how to get started?
Hi Elenana,
Anyone can be a minimalist. It is all about giving rooms for the most important things in your life. And ‘things’ could be your possessions, time, financial resources, and also commitment.
You can start by minimizing or simplifying your commitment if you are not ready to do it with your possessions.
Good luck !
This Babauta guy, he start to become a minimalist after married or before that?
After he got married. He started becoming one around 2007. He was a government bureaucrat then, now he has resigned and focuses on full time writing.
great article with a lot of good examples! A few minutes ago I wondered if more guys than girls are minimalists, but as you worte – minimalism is for everybody!
I try to become a minimalist but with a partner who is a clutterbug its very very hard!
Well, I think I should be his role model ;D
Hi Claudia ! Thanks for dropping by 😉