Cutting on too many objects?
Despite my previous entry I would like now to delve on a rather different topic. Perhaps, in a way, almost opposite to collecting and hoarding: cutting down on items.
In short, and before going on too strong, I do not believe you can own either too little or too much. In fact, it is better to avoid any judgements based on what someone owns, right? I hope so.
The point of what I'm writing today goes directly to the 100 things project. Me, as an aspiring minimalist, who was trying to sever any sort of emotional contact with objects, also started cutting down on useless clutter. Well, most of it you definitely don't really have any emotional contact, but it definitely clutters your space. To be honest, I was guilty of what many people probably are: not getting rid of that old maganize or toy that even thought nothing kept me from throwing it away, I still didn't.
So I went ahead and revised all my stuff. But I did this carefully, as I can't be arsed to follow strict rules.
Thing is, when it comes to minimalism, some adhere to extreme rules. Either to own a certain number of items (be it 100, 50, or less), and to really cut on items, including cherished childhood toys. The problem with owning 100 things is, that while it probably is more than enough, puts a damper on you. The first one I can think of is, if you always will want to have 100 items, then everytime you get something new you actually needed, you'll have to dispose of something of your already quite limited stash. If not, and the 100 things challenge was just to cut away and you're not so strict anymore, then more power to you.
Now, I understand this comes in opposition to consumerism and the obssession with ownership. I approve of that ideal, but I just think there are a couple of points that need be taken.
1 - I know memories are stored in my brain and not in objects. However, objects aid me getting some of those memories back. Sure, taking a photograph of said objects helps in such cases, but sometimes things are just going to be missed.
2 - The whole point to only having 100 things in the first place is to really cut emotional bonds you might have to stuff. Which is great. But I personally think that each person, considering on how important this is for them, should take their own time, method, and most importantly, number.
If you're not confortable with 100. Choose 200, or 300. Or 20. It's up to you, no one else.
3 - I read countless times that having too many objects around you distracts you and even if you are focused that they will still take energy away from you.
Now, I know I do get distracted by things around me, but that's only when I'm looking for such distrations. There is not some magic energy drained out of me by every object in my desk. Also, feeling at home with your own items, photos, personal memorabilia is actually said to increase productivity. So when it comes to war on stuff, leave the new wave pop psychology out and stick out to what you know.
Having all this in mind, what was clearly trash and useless clutter, I threw away, recycled, or gave away.
Sure, it's bad clinging to something thinking "maybe someday I'll need this!", but it's equally silly not to be thrifty sometimes, and throwing something useful away, that you end up needing the next day, just because you're trying to keep up with a number.
What I wasn't sure, I waited until I disposed of it. Instead of making a rash decision I would later regret, I waited. One day, one month, one year. Sure enough, after the wait, when I looked at some objects, I no longer cared whether I owned or not. This help me avoid throwing away things that I still held dear.
I also took some pictures of the things that I knew I didn't want but still held some cool memories or just curiosity. It does help.
The point? Do go through all your stuff if you think you own too much and it's holding you back. Throw away more than you'd think of, and cut away bonds to stuff. True bonds comes in the form of living beings, nature, and experience.
Most importantly, the point of not having useless clutter is to not acquire it in the first place; so after (and before) you cleaning up your stuff, think twice before you buy those new suede shoes or that cute dog porcelain hat.
Keep in mind this is not exactly criticism to people who did decide to cut on their items to 100, 50, or less. I find it fascinating and an amazing personal goal. Given the right time, it can be very empowering.
Getting rid of too much does free you and is the key to a simpler living.
Be a minimalist on your own terms.
In short, and before going on too strong, I do not believe you can own either too little or too much. In fact, it is better to avoid any judgements based on what someone owns, right? I hope so.
The point of what I'm writing today goes directly to the 100 things project. Me, as an aspiring minimalist, who was trying to sever any sort of emotional contact with objects, also started cutting down on useless clutter. Well, most of it you definitely don't really have any emotional contact, but it definitely clutters your space. To be honest, I was guilty of what many people probably are: not getting rid of that old maganize or toy that even thought nothing kept me from throwing it away, I still didn't.
So I went ahead and revised all my stuff. But I did this carefully, as I can't be arsed to follow strict rules.
Thing is, when it comes to minimalism, some adhere to extreme rules. Either to own a certain number of items (be it 100, 50, or less), and to really cut on items, including cherished childhood toys. The problem with owning 100 things is, that while it probably is more than enough, puts a damper on you. The first one I can think of is, if you always will want to have 100 items, then everytime you get something new you actually needed, you'll have to dispose of something of your already quite limited stash. If not, and the 100 things challenge was just to cut away and you're not so strict anymore, then more power to you.
Now, I understand this comes in opposition to consumerism and the obssession with ownership. I approve of that ideal, but I just think there are a couple of points that need be taken.
1 - I know memories are stored in my brain and not in objects. However, objects aid me getting some of those memories back. Sure, taking a photograph of said objects helps in such cases, but sometimes things are just going to be missed.
2 - The whole point to only having 100 things in the first place is to really cut emotional bonds you might have to stuff. Which is great. But I personally think that each person, considering on how important this is for them, should take their own time, method, and most importantly, number.
If you're not confortable with 100. Choose 200, or 300. Or 20. It's up to you, no one else.
3 - I read countless times that having too many objects around you distracts you and even if you are focused that they will still take energy away from you.
Now, I know I do get distracted by things around me, but that's only when I'm looking for such distrations. There is not some magic energy drained out of me by every object in my desk. Also, feeling at home with your own items, photos, personal memorabilia is actually said to increase productivity. So when it comes to war on stuff, leave the new wave pop psychology out and stick out to what you know.
Having all this in mind, what was clearly trash and useless clutter, I threw away, recycled, or gave away.
Sure, it's bad clinging to something thinking "maybe someday I'll need this!", but it's equally silly not to be thrifty sometimes, and throwing something useful away, that you end up needing the next day, just because you're trying to keep up with a number.
What I wasn't sure, I waited until I disposed of it. Instead of making a rash decision I would later regret, I waited. One day, one month, one year. Sure enough, after the wait, when I looked at some objects, I no longer cared whether I owned or not. This help me avoid throwing away things that I still held dear.
I also took some pictures of the things that I knew I didn't want but still held some cool memories or just curiosity. It does help.
The point? Do go through all your stuff if you think you own too much and it's holding you back. Throw away more than you'd think of, and cut away bonds to stuff. True bonds comes in the form of living beings, nature, and experience.
Most importantly, the point of not having useless clutter is to not acquire it in the first place; so after (and before) you cleaning up your stuff, think twice before you buy those new suede shoes or that cute dog porcelain hat.
Keep in mind this is not exactly criticism to people who did decide to cut on their items to 100, 50, or less. I find it fascinating and an amazing personal goal. Given the right time, it can be very empowering.
Getting rid of too much does free you and is the key to a simpler living.
Be a minimalist on your own terms.
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