Minimalism and how it fits perfectly with being a Zero Waste Herbivore.

I love Minimalism. And I certainly didn't used to be a Minimalist, or really know anything about it.
Here;s the thing. There was once a time when my husband and I would spend our free time and money (and credit cards) at the mall. We spent time thinking about how we could make our lives 'better' by buying the next new gadget, the nicer couch, the bigger TV. And we were not living a fulfilled life. We got into debt, stressed out all the time about money, and thought that if we just had'more', we would finally be fulfilled.
Then we realised that what we truly wanted was something that money could not buy. We wanted to spend our free time travelling, working on our passions, spending time in nature, learning new things, and we wanted to be working in jobs that were aligned with our passions. So we started to downsize. It took a few months, but we now own about 20% of the stuff we used to. And we no longer spend our time at the mall, but rather spend our free time going on walks, day trips and in nature with Romeo and Toto. We no longer feel the need to spend money on \'stuff' because we know that it is not 'stuff' that makes us truly happy, but the freedom do do what we want to do with our time and align that with our passions.
Minimalism is such a huge part of my lifestyle. It taught me how to live happily with less, to only buy what you truly love, and how to align your spending habits with your happiness so you purchase things that serve your short and long term goals. I have never felt freer. And I am a very sentimental person, but I have downsized enough so that what I own is truly special to me.
Here are all of my own personal possessions, excluding my capsule wardrobe and minimalist beauty products (which I'll do a separate post on).

Shown: My handbag and contents, Sunglasses my books, printed photos (the rest are digitally saved), crystals, jewelry (except for my Wedding Rings which I'm wearing), jewelry box, special childhood toys, journal, Ruby Slippers, Eco Tanker drink Bottle and Stainless Steel lunch box. I also recently bought a Parker Pen and an ink well for writing but I'll do a separate post for that. I also have reading glasses which are not in the photo.

 My hand bag and contents: herbivore wallet, sunglasses, keep it bright notebook (full of positive affirmations), handkerchief, hairbrush, photos, asthma inhaler and a rose quartz crystal, (reading glasses not photographed) keep it simple and minimalist! I have an organic cotton black tote that I use to carry my Zero Waste staples (mason jar, stainless steel straw and napkin) but these also fit into this handbag. I use the cotton tote to put Romeo's things into as well.

 My journal was a stamp collecting book that my Grandfather gave to me 20 years ago. It is nearly 100 years old and is so special to me. I have just started journalling so my life is being written into these pages. Mu printed photos (spanning 30 years-the rest are on hard drives) and love notes from my husband Nic.

I love Crystals and the energy they release. I scatter them around the house. All of my jewelry (sans Wedding Rings which I'm wearing) are here. I love The Lord of the Rings and collected some of the jewelry pieces when it came out 10 years ago. I still wear them all today. The jewelry box was the ring box Nic used when he proposed to me. I love The Wizard of Oz and this wee box plays 'Somewhere over the rainbow', my favourite song.

 My books: Zero Waste Home, The Hobbit, Beauty from the Inside out by Libby Weaver, The Celestine prophecy, French Parenting Tips, Shakespeare's complete works, Louise Hay's 'You can heal your life' Miranda Kerr's ' Empower Yourself'', Keep it Bright notebook and Pride and Prejudice. I tend to keep things that I will re-read so any other books I will lend or pass on to other people.

My one pair of sunglasses. I love them.

My Ruby Slippers. These are the only thing I own that are purely decorative. Nic gave these to me, custom made when we started dating and I thought they were such a thoughtful gift. They are so beautiful.  I have loved The Wizard of Oz since I was a little girl.

*not shown: my Parker Pen and ink well, my reading glasses. and my cotton tote bag.

And that is all of my personal possessions. I truly love each of these possessions and use them regularly. If I do introduce new items into my house, I adopt the mindset that it will replace something i already have. I also do small clean outs once a week of the house to place anything I do not need anymore into an op shop bag to donate to someone who needs it. This keep me from ending up with too many 'things' and also makes me really think about purchasing items. What I buy now has to align with my Vegan, Zero Waste and Minimalist Values, otherwise it doesn't fit in with my life. This limits my purchasing in such a positive way. I have never felt lighter or happier, and I now have more time to spend doing what I love. We are also not weighed down by the concept that we have to own a big car/large house/latest gadgets, which means we can channel our money in to our passions, travel goals and minimalist eco dream house goals.
If you are not a Minimalist but would like to give it a go, try this game created by The Minimalists (who are so inspiring). For one month, get rid of one thing on the first day of the month, 2 days on the 2nd and so on. It may seem daunting but you will be surprised how many things you own that you don't need.

Thank you,

And Remember,

Compassion is invincible

Xx 

Hannah