During the early years of my minimalist journey, I questioned whether or not I fit the bill
of an approved minimalist.
It felt as if everything I saw online was opposite of me, in every way.
And because of that, I also questioned whether or not I should continue down this path.
Is minimalism right for me?
A question I’ve asked myself dozens upon dozens of times.
And every time I attempt to answer...*breathe*
See if this was a poem, I’d follow that dramatic pause with a metaphor to further
explain my silence.
But this isn’t a poem.
I just genuinely struggle to answer this question.
Some days it’s a yes.
Others it’s I don’t know and... it’s just hard to explain.
I guess sometimes I feel like an imposter.
But maybe it’s all in my head.
Or maybe it’s a legitimate feeling.
In case you feel like a minimalist imposter, here’s what you should know.
Number one, minimalism is not an aesthetic, it’s a mindset.
This idea proved to be difficult for me to believe early on.
Why?
Well because everywhere you look minimalism is often defined through an aesthetic.
Especially on social media.
And because of that, usually one of two things happen.
One, we kill ourselves trying to achieve such aesthetic in our personal lives.
Or two, we start to question whether or not we're a real minimalist.
Now let's take minute to define what this phrase means.
I'd like for you to comment below, and share your definition of a "real minimalist."
I'm curious to see the differences or similarities this community comes up with.
So hit pause, share your comment and then come back...
Alright, now it's only fair that I share my definition of a "real minimalist" as well
right, so I would define a "real minimalist" as someone who does their absolute best to
live an intentional and purposeful life, given their circumstances.
My reason for this has everything to do with the topic we're currently discussing.
Minimalism is not an aesthetic, it's a mindset.
And the moment we start to differentiate the two is the exact same moment we start to feel
less like an imposter and more like someone doing their best to live an intentional and
purposeful life given their circumstances.
The second thing you should know is that comparison is likely the source of your imposter syndrome.
Believe it or not, comparison and the idea of feeling less than are two feelings that
are almost always tied to each other, especially in the context of this conversation.
See if you’re questioning whether or not you're minimalist enough or if you're struggling
to understand why you feel like an imposter, then I challenge you to question who or what
you're comparing yourself to.
This includes social media, family, friends, even me.
If I happen to be someone you're comparing yourself to.
Don't do it.
Remember minimalism is both a journey and a tool.
Knowing this means how it appears and the way you use it in your life will differ in
varying degrees when compared to those around you.
So do me and yourself a favor and don't waste your time and energy trying to recreate what
you see on social media, or trying to fit the vision someone else has for your life
and consumption habits.
Instead just stay true to you and what it means to live your intentional and purposeful
life.
Ok the third thing you should know in case you feel like an imposter is that you’re
not yet at peace with your decision to become a minimalist.
When you decided to make this shift your life, what was your reason?
Your why?
Your motivation?
If you don't know, I want to encourage to go back and get clear on what that is.
Because without knowing this it makes it that much harder to find the confidence you seek
in know that you made the right decision for you.
That you’re not an imposter.
Now if you are clear on your reason, your why, your motivation then I challenge you
to make peace with your decision.
Ok what does that mean?
It means to stand in complete confidence and belief in your decision to become a minimalist.
When someone starts to question your reasons.
Or why you don’t own this or why you do own that.
You can step back and ignore it without feeling any type of way because you’re at peace
with your decision.
Keep growing on your journey!
Keep learning, because this life is filled with lessons we can learn.
Always stay true to you.
I’ll see you in the next one.
Peace!