Embracing minimalism has a lot of benefits attached in the long run, but it's not always an easy decision from the onset. It requires lots of determination and being intentional, and these are attributes I find very common among true minimalists in the world today. That's why whenever a minimalist has their mind fixed on something positive, there is usually no going back until they achieve those goals.
Minimalism is completely a different approach to life that involves discarding what's unnecessary and embracing what really matters, which can be quite challenging, especially when we have a strong connection with those things that need to be discarded.
I have said it a few times that my lifestyle had always aligned with minimalism to an extent even before I understood what it means to be a complete minimalist, so I didn't see myself having issues embracing this unique lifestyle wholeheartedly, but after considering how much it would influence my relationship with a lot of people, I was confused.
"I can practice minimalism in other areas of my life while my relationship with people would just remain the old way," I told myself severally, but the fact that I might be restricting myself from enjoying the goodness that comes with embracing minimalism completely crossed my mind always.
I moved on with keeping my relationship intact with people, but it was stressful trying to cope. At a point, I couldn't suppress my new lifestyle from influencing my relationship with people any further, and so many things change. My opinions about issues changed; I picked up different interests that were tagged boring, and slowly, we disconnected.
Honestly, I didn't push anyone away. I just wanted them to see things from my perspective as well, but it doesn't sit well with many of those I called friends. My circle depreciated in numbers but increased a lot in value, and I saw the impact of the few left with me.
Eventually, I came to the conclusion that if as a minimalist my happiness is what truly matters, then it's pointless holding on to people who wouldn't put me into consideration for a second. I settled well with the few, and life was smooth for me. I felt zero pressure or stress trying to maintain my relationship with the few friends I had, and we were able to bond even better than we used to do.
A few years past, and this feeling of missing out on things happening around me started bothering me. I thought about a lot of things and concluded that it would be great to have a good number of friends with whom we can journey together in life. I made new friends, and even before we bonded well, I already saw signs that I made the wrong decision.
These people added nothing but took away a lot from me within a very short period. I didn't hesitate to let them go immediately and accepted the fact that I don't need a multitude of friends to have a great life. I stopped worrying about what my friend would think of me or whatever I was missing out on. I invested more in those who understood and embraced me for who I am.
Fortunately for me, I have a very understanding family, and they didn't even make me feel like an outcast. Although it was challenging letting them go, making myself a priority helped me make the right decision.
Reflecting on my journey today makes me happy because I don't have any regrets embracing minimalism, there is no regret letting those people go and I even wish I knew better earlier. In the end, I am happy and that's what matters.
All Image Are Mine
