The most absolutely essential? Warm shelter that keeps me safe, enough clothing that keeps me comfortable in all weather, shoes, food/water, and my medication. I could survive without all the rest of it.
Now, add in the fact that I have pets and a lovely husband… the same applies for them: shelter, food/water, meds, etc.
Minimalism is not necessarily asceticism. My version of minimalism includes things I enjoy but do not need like fizzy blankets. Minimalism to be is about choosing what I bring into my life thoughtfully.
Items that serve an active, recurring, and definite utility. Not just things that could be useful one day, but fulfill a specific need I have or a concrete, definitive need I will have (like things specific to certain holidays or emergency situations).
Could I use a dedicated waffle-maker? Sure. Will I actually go through the trouble of using it (and cleaning it afterward)? Honestly, not really. I like the idea of making homemade waffles from scratch but I'm very unlikely to actually go through the trouble of it.
Items that bring active joy to my life. Not just alleviating an anxiety, that is not enough (though it is a frequent trap that has me holding onto things I should let go of). It needs to be something which I actually enjoyed or otherwise get a source of contentment from using.
I often held onto things not because I actually liked them, but because they were gifted to me and I felt obligated to keep it. It alleviated the anxiety of being a bad child/relative/friend/etc., but it didn't actually derive joy for me. I also often hold onto things because, much like the hypothetical above, I liked the idea of using it and probably could enjoy it...but due to other factors in life, I was unlikely to actually use it. It was not bringing active joy to my life, just the idea of potential joy.
My basic waffle maker takes very little cleaning, gets a lot of usage (cheese waffles are the way..), becomes central to our cheap social gatherings at home and gets used as a toastie maker when I'm lazy. You do need to live with someone though as a waffle batch is generally quite big per egg.
• Phone (for communication)
• Laptop (for work)
• Jacket (I like keeping stuff inside of the pockets and I get cold easily)
• Water bottle (I hate buying drinks outside, unnecessary expense)
Other than that, I don't have anything particular in priority.
The most absolutely essential? Warm shelter that keeps me safe, enough clothing that keeps me comfortable in all weather, shoes, food/water, and my medication. I could survive without all the rest of it.
Now, add in the fact that I have pets and a lovely husband… the same applies for them: shelter, food/water, meds, etc.
Minimalism is not necessarily asceticism. My version of minimalism includes things I enjoy but do not need like fizzy blankets. Minimalism to be is about choosing what I bring into my life thoughtfully.
This! I am minimalist but I still own nonessential items that add value, fun, and/or convenience to my life.
This!
Could I use a dedicated waffle-maker? Sure. Will I actually go through the trouble of using it (and cleaning it afterward)? Honestly, not really. I like the idea of making homemade waffles from scratch but I'm very unlikely to actually go through the trouble of it.
I often held onto things not because I actually liked them, but because they were gifted to me and I felt obligated to keep it. It alleviated the anxiety of being a bad child/relative/friend/etc., but it didn't actually derive joy for me. I also often hold onto things because, much like the hypothetical above, I liked the idea of using it and probably could enjoy it...but due to other factors in life, I was unlikely to actually use it. It was not bringing active joy to my life, just the idea of potential joy.
My basic waffle maker takes very little cleaning, gets a lot of usage (cheese waffles are the way..), becomes central to our cheap social gatherings at home and gets used as a toastie maker when I'm lazy. You do need to live with someone though as a waffle batch is generally quite big per egg.
I live alone 😂
Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes (I don’t have car), a quality backpack that can hold a fair amount, healthy food, sunscreen, etc.
My bike, all my bikepacking and hiking gear, and my water colors.
My core essential item would be:
• Phone (for communication)
• Laptop (for work)
• Jacket (I like keeping stuff inside of the pockets and I get cold easily)
• Water bottle (I hate buying drinks outside, unnecessary expense)
Other than that, I don't have anything particular in priority.
I hope you have a bathroom around after all that water.
Bathroom isn't an item though and a good hygiene is definitely a valuable expense.
It’s not an item and I am a minimalist. Try and take my sense of humor away. Just try. There’ll be hell to pay ❣️
Anything I use is essential for me; otherwise, I am lucky enough not keeping any sentimental items. I use or lose!
Some clothing
Shoes and jacket
Workout clothes and shoes
Yoga mat
Mobile phone
Headphones
Medications
Hair clip
Earplugs
Glasses
Payment card
Driver’s license
Keys
Bicycle
My cat who considers me an item. We get along.