Simple living

Every step, no matter how small, is still progress. For someone who doesn’t have a permanent place to live in (I’ve been renting since college), it is truly important for me to identify the “essentials” in my life. Not just the physical stuff, but also the beliefs, ideas, and the relationships I would continue to invest my time and energy in. This is why choosing the path of minimalism and slow living has been a great help to my sanity so far.

Before this, I had thought that choosing a minimalist lifestyle was a privilege, that it was possible only to those who were financially secure. I was seeing posts on social media that threw the word “minimalism” nonchalantly, mostly referring to and focusing on high-quality, usually expensive material things that you must have, or the overall aesthetics of it. But I eventually realized that the true essence of minimalism went beyond just material things and aesthetics.

Minimalism, along with slow living, is more of a mindset. It is in line with the philosophy of essentialism that encourages us to learn and understand ourselves by asking questions like: What do I really need at the moment? What are the things, experiences, and relationships I consider essential? Am I spending the limited time and energy I have on activities that matter, on people who matter?

I realized that, yes, because I do not have a permanent place I can call “my own,” I couldn’t freely design my space according to my taste, buy the home appliances I need, or take care of specific plants. Well, I can in a way, but it’s just hard to get too “attached” to a place that I will eventually leave in the future. This is why I have accepted that at this point in my life, investing in home items is not a priority, and that’s okay. I am applying minimalism and slow living in the context of my finances, current living setup, and personal goals.

Since I move around a lot, I wanted to make sure that all the essential things I need can be packed in my backpack, one big luggage (28 inches), and one duffel bag. Luckily, after decluttering, I’ve been able to make that happen.

So far, I have decluttered my closet, sold some clothes, and will donate the rest at the end of this month. I don’t impulsively buy things. I never do. Instead, I make a “wish list” and think things through before purchasing them. I give myself time to reflect whether I really need them, how urgent do I need the items, and what the repercussions are if I don’t buy them immediately.

When it comes to relationships, I try my best to reconnect with my friends and respond to people who try to connect with me. However, I also make sure to draw a line and not drain myself by being “too available.” I’ve also disconnected myself from people and situations that only trigger my anxiety. I lessen my commitments and try to do things one at a time. I have come to realize that I do not need to accomplish my goals all at the same time. It only drains me—my passion, my sense of self, and my physical health.

I want to take my time and enjoy the present moment, the way I am enjoying writing this. This way, whether I’d be able to accomplish any of those in my checklist or not, it wouldn’t really matter. Why? Because I am already grateful now. Being able to accomplish a goal would just add to the level of gratitude I already have.

Saving is way easier, because minimalism and slow living also encourage, though not directly, healthy finances. In my case, I am living below my means. Though my savings are not that big, the important part of the act of saving is actually the formation of such a habit. It teaches us patience, mindfulness, and discipline.

Of course, “living below your means” may not be applicable to everyone. I understand that sometimes our salary is just enough to pay the bills and to help our family (especially for breadwinners). This is why it is important to first reflect and understand our own situation to determine what we can do at the moment, what we can do in the future, and how we can get there.

Living below my means does not make me feel sad or anything less. It actually helps me breathe and appreciate life better. In a world where people are always rushing, worrying, working, and draining themselves, it is truly a gift to have peace of mind. And adapting the minimalist and slow living mindset and lifestyle gives me exactly that.

Now, I feel like a huge baggage has been taken off me. It is a relief. My mind is in a better place right now. To be honest, I still struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. But I deal with this struggle better than before, and that is enough for now.

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Rose Anne Jade R. Bumanglag, 24, is a news desk executive in a media intelligence company and a part-time English instructor at PUP Sta. Mesa.