MY MINIMALISM STORY: How I Took Control of My Life and Learned to Live with Less
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
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Today I want to share my minimalism story - how I went from being an over-collector to living with less. I'll explain how I got so attached to stuff, and then how decluttering and trying to be a minimalist changed my life.
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As an adult on the autism spectrum, I am really envy of your communication skills which makes you be so good at expressing yourself, which I struggle all the time! I throughly enjoy listening to your story and your journey! Thanks for sharing.
I used to think I’ll be happy when I have the new car, luxury apartment, trendy clothes, fancy purses. I was miserable. Home/closet full of stuff but felt unfulfilled, unhappy and lost. Still figuring it out but clearing the clutter in my space and in my mind. It’s like a deep cleansing breath I’d been holding.
You nailed it. We were so conditioned growing up to collect. Beanie Babies, Barbie dolls, coke collections, stamp, coin… etc
I think a lot of what you are saying really resonates with me. Also, I have to comment on the quality of your video visually. The entire color palette of your background, your outfit, your makeup and lipstick color and hair color all are so perfect together. Don't know if it was intentional, but is a very beautiful and calming picture.
Okay, you just made my day. Thank you, Lana!! :)
I was thinking the same thing.😊
@@ElinLesser I find your videos so calming
True. That scarcity mentality is real. You are so correct
I grew up in the 80's and things started to be very shallow and capitalistic from then.
I felt the same, I had very few things growing up and it had a detrimental effect on me to buy THINGS.
It makes life drag you down when you have too many things. So, I got rid of 70% of my clutter and toxic people.
Excellent video, thanks for the truth, I appreciate you!
@@LaDahlia123 I agree and I'd like the 80's to come back. Nice to meet you!
I was also sent to private school, but my parents did not have a lot of money. I also wore off brands and was judged all the time. My father was a workaholic and very material focused. I unfortunately became the same way. I worked my way up in corporate America and gathered money. Now, many years later, I realized it does not have to be this way. I came upon minimalism about 4 months ago. Slowly, I'm removing the excess to find my life.
Ahhhhhh.....I m also feeling lost after achieving my dreams in materialism.
there are a lot of us out here. i'm a boomer. i'm exhausted. downsizing helped a lot.
I need to keep decluttering regularly because it gives me energy to keep decluttering! 😄 I grew up in the 80s and 90s and yeah, there sure wasn't any minimalim trend back then.
I don't like "stereotypical" minimalism, like only having black and white clothes and home decor. I like colors. But I don't like too much stuff and how clutter blocks your energy.
Now I'm focusing on decluttering both material and digital clutter. I was amazed how much energy I gained by just deleting two social media accounts! Like you, I struggle with basic things like cleaning and cooking (in my case, it's because I'm autistic). But today, I've had so much energy, I've done so many chores. I can't think of any other reason than deleting those social media accounts I didn't even like!
So yeah, decluttering physical clutter is a key, but I feel like getting rid of any commitments, social media accounts, etc. that no longer serve you is equally important.
Yes! Just recently on a whim of sorts I deleted my Facebook and Instagram account and I felt like this elephant was lifted from my chest. A sense of relief of sorts. I was surprised at how good it felt!
Elin, it will be a year next month, that we downsized from 3500 square feet to a 2 bedroom apartment, it is a process, I have things to still go thru but wow..what a difference, though it is not without some grieving, but the positive far outweighs the negative.
Wow, that's amazing! thanks for sharing!!!
Hello, I was diagnosed with MS in 2019. I have with
battling similar symptoms. I'm from Germany and only work part-time. I have also simplified many things for myself, especially when it comes to household chores. I sorted out a lot to make cleaning easier but also to make the rooms quieter. That really helped me a lot. Thank you for sharing your story, I recognize myself in it. Not everyone can understand how much minimalism helps me. Best regards
Hi! Experience has brought me to believe in God rather than fate and/or luck. I believe God works to prepare us for major future events. So glad you realized you wanted a more minimalist life style. Passing things on to folks who can use them makes so much more sense than having them take up space in our lives and brains. I always enjoy your posts. They are well thought out, and calmly presented in an brief format...... Shalom!
My thought is you are the best storytell and tip on TH-cam you are a good person
Thank you!
I feel like this was you speaking directly into my heart. I appreciate you so much. You are a safe place for me. I am now where you were when you started. Overwhelmed but feeling hopeful. Ah ha moments that are making me dive into this adventure. Looking forward to the calm that decluttering brings me.
Thanks for these kind words! I really appreciate it. It's a long process (I'm still in it!), but it can make such a difference. :)
I come from a family of hoarders (and my grandmother had MS). I have been watching you for a couple of months now and feel such a connection. My goodness, I had a heart attack at 36 and I know this was 100% due to stress. I was also diagnosed with ADHD in my early 40's and can often become overwhelmed - with stuff, life, and obligations. I am now 58 and nothing has brought me more peace than watching your videos and slowly (but surely) clearing out my space. I think back even a couple of months and realise I always felt like I was drowning. I'll be sending you a virtual hug every time I watch. Thank you for reminding me that pretty much all of the things I love the most, and that bring me the most joy - do not come under the category of 'stuff I own'!! Sending much love to you all the way from New Zealand.
Hi Elin! thank you for today's sharing and your invitation for us to share with you :) My 'minimalism story began 3+ years ago when my husband passed away. I had a lot, a lot of Garry's things to give away to various non-profits and shelters. Then a few months later I was faced with a surgery that we didn't know what the outcome would be so I decluttered so much more by giving to family and friends and shelters. Looking back I am so grateful to say the surgery gave me a happy new beginning of starting my life again in a new city, working as a care-aide, making new friends ... lots of stuff had already been let go, so the rest was easier. I have since been decluttering more in my new home where I live in a suite within the facility where I work and life is so good ... learning all about the benefits of decluttering from your channel, I've been able to come a very long way ... still 'editing' stuff out of here and buying less and less ... it's all good! Thank you for leading the way ... so grateful! love from here, bonnie
I have similarish story and also notice I buy less and less. I think those declutters are like little smacks on the hand..😠 "naughty girl don't waste money on unmindful purchases" ..haha. greetings from aus.
LOVE this!! Thank you for sharing your story! I can relate SO much. One memory that lingers in my head is when I was in middle school. Some girls were talking about their Mom's getting out their "spring clothes" from storage. Spring clothes? I only had one set of "all season" clothes. So this made me feel like I was missing something, terribly. For a teen-ish girl, this felt horrible. Looking back now...I am SO grateful and THANKFUL my family was frugal and thrifty! It serves me and my family so well now. Much love! ❤
So true.. it's smarter to just be a bit thriftier!
I love your transparency. This video resonated with me because I grew up in the 80's and in high school was often put down for not having the latest styles as some of my other classmates. I fell into the trap of equating belongings with status and over time I accumulated a lot of stuff and the debt that comes along with it.
I can relate so much to your childhood story. I also grew up in the 90s and I remember feeling bad that I didn’t have the things the others kids had like beanie babies and the trendy clothes. Now that I’m 37 I wish I could go back and tell my teenage self that all the clothes and bags and makeup doesn’t bring happiness. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing a part of your life. My life has always been complicated and I could not control much...I still can't. I found out many years ago that controlling the environment in my space, including fewer belongings, helps me feel more in control, at least in my home. May you prosper, even as your soul prospers.
The tree story! My parents deaths planted a seed in me in that I never wanted my own children to have to go through the months and months of cleaning out decades worth of excess stuff. Now a few years later we are still on the minimalism journey but feeling lighter and lighter to the point that we want to start a new adventure and buy a smaller house in a new city!
That's amazing--congrats to you! That's exciting.
My mother loves collecting & adding/changing decor (as I once did). Cleaning out her stuff when she passes will be a nightmare. Hopefully I go first!
This video really spoke to me. The reasons for getting and keeping so much stuff were exactly what I experienced. I have never heard anyone voice a love of history as a motivation, but how true that is. I find myself curating the artifacts of my life, and the lives of others! The example of the long slow benefit of planting a tree is a very helpful reminder. I enjoy your videos so much. You are very wise, and there is a deep well of calm within you. I pray for your health and well being. You are such a blessing.
Hi Elin, so much of this resonates with me. I’m newer to minimalism/Decluttering than you but as someone with a similar chronic illness, finding Decluttering has been life changing for me. Absolutely life changing. I just wanted you to know, I hear you. I had a similar experience as a child too. Thank you for sharing ❤️
I thought I had previously responded to this, but then my comment seemed to have disappeared, so forgive me if I’m responding twice, but I just wanted to say thank you for the kind words. I feel for you and what you are going through, and I appreciate your openness. It makes me feel less alone!
Thank you for sharing your story 🙏
Thank you!
I was diagnosed with MS 11 months ago, and have been reducing my things by 50%. The less I have, the healthier I feel. Thanks.
People never think that stuff is work but it is! Less stuff = less work= more time for what really matters to us. Thanks Elin for this amazing video! ❤
Also i have so many times had things lost and people died..things became my attachment to people and history and conveyed the comfort of those times when they were there. It also seems that THINGS are props for IDENTITY.
TO BE STRONG ENOUGH to know who you are or who i am without the PROPS appears to be a milestone of maturity.
Thank you for sharing your story. I think materialism is so normalized in our culture, it never even occurred to me to wonder where your previous attachment to stuff came from. Isn't almost everyone too attached to stuff? Minimalism has been freeing for me, as well. So much less stress and anxiety and so much easier to manage life. You mentioned streamlining things in the kitchen. I've been dealing with some chronic stuff the past year and it's a challenge to have enough energy for all the things. I'd love to hear about your streamlining strategies in the kitchen and elsewhere. That's a very minimalist topic, because having way too much to do has also been normalized in our society. Thank you for the great video.
Thanks for the comment/ideas! I will keep that in mind. I appreciate it!
Totally agree, a video on the streamlining strategies in the kitchen would be so helpful! I am not too well versed in cooking and would appreciate some simple ideas.
Thank you for your frank discussion about your experiences. I started getting rid of things for much the same reasons. My diagnosis was fibromyalgia which is now complicated by long term Covid symptoms. Having MORE life with LESS is my goal.
I recently started decluttering, and I realize that it is a process. And what I learned is that it’s not only a process with decluttering life is a process. Because I began beating myself up sometimes saying you still didn’t get rid of this stuff you still have more stuff but I realize as time goes on you realize what you don’t need. Like you I used to love thrift stores, but I find myself no longer wanting to go through the racks and look for something because I cannot walk out of a store without buying some thing. I also learned how spacious my place looks with less things and that whenever I do move, I’ll have less stuff to pack less stuff to be concerned about Less stuff to move when I’m cleaning my house. A few years ago I’ve had quite a few family members pass away. And I remember thinking when they were alive that I want all of their stuff and once they passed, I realize they couldn’t take their stuff with them and I can’t take their stuff with me. And the unfortunate thing is all the things we care about when we’re gone the people who are left behind will never really know how valuable of sentimental our things were to us, so the point is having less stuff leaves less things for your loved ones to have to get rid of It makes the grieving process easier for them.
Yes, you can't take it with you when you die. It took yrs for me to realize how things were weighing me down physically & mentally. Also as someone who likes home decor I realized your best items pop when there's less visual competition.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
I’m in the middle of reducing my belongings right now ❤ I totally relate
you're so incredibly calming and soothing. i'm literally listening to you to help me unwind before bed, like an ASMR video haha.
I can 100% relate to this! I never lacked for anything but all my friends seemed to have more than I did. I grew up in the 80s and outfit repeating was frowned on. I only owned like 3 pair of jeans at any given time and I prayed people would think I just owned multiple of each pair. My adult life has definitely reflected how I felt. So glad minimalism and outfit repeating is less of an issue now. But feeling like we are less than everyone can make us try to compensate as adults. Time for all us to let go of being less than enough. I am sorry for what your are dealing with. Prayers for you.
I resonate with what you say more than anyone I have listened to.
What a breath of FRESH AIR you bring into the world. Truly God has blessed you in the midst of your challenges.
I have heard in my searches on you tube that vitamin b1 in large doses has helped people with Ms.
Also there seems to be some common ground for CFS and Autistic spectral disorder and MS and Joint hypermobolity and POTS.
AND VITAMIN B1 is suggested to help. It makes me wonder if the neurologic common ground is based on the calibration of our fight flight sympathetic nervous sytem responses. The personality traits seem to be hughly conscientious and truth telling and hypervigilant and even perfectionistic and hyper focused. Have you perhaps found similar things?
Also minimalism is so soothing for the autistic brain.
How to get there with the neural challenges is our nirvana so to speak.
Thank you for your transparency and gentle pacing.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
I just discovered you this morning while I sit here recovering from Covid. I’ve had CFS for 3 years, and I’ve had/have similar symptoms to MS, so my heart hurts for you.
In the last two years, around bouts of crashes I’ve discovered TH-cam and minimalism/decluttering and organizing. I too feel like entered my life at the right time.
I wanted to tell you to look up Dr. Brooke Goldner, smoothie shred, she has a miracle story and she has recent MS recovery story.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and your insight. We have grown up thinking that we just have to "be more organized," instead of, we shouldn't buy so much. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I hope that you are keeping well. Hugs from Canada.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. :) Means a lot
This really resonates with me. I want to be able to spend time with the people who matter most. I didn't find minimalism until I was an overwhelmed mom of 3 kids. I am nowhere near where I'd like to be, but the more I simplify the more at peace I am in our home.
Thanks so much for sharing!
I am curious if you have a video about what you did about the history aspect of your decluttering. The sentimental aspect often hampers me and I don't get rid of what I really think I would like to because of it. Thanks again... with prayers!
Love this video. I grew up so similar to you. I’m trying to get to minimalism. Baby steps.
I’m sorry to hear you have MS. I have a similar chronic condition and find the less stuff I have, the more calm I feel. Sometimes my head wants to get things done but my body doesn’t, it can be very frustrating sometimes.
I am with you! It can be hard. Thank you so much for sharing, and sending you all the good vibes!
I've always been glad I was in college in the 70s, and also went to a small Quaker college that was REALLY Quaker. It was so NOT about money or stuff, which was a good thing because I had neither!😁 Saved me a lot of angst and wasted time.
Yes… I feel I spend soooo much time cleaning and it takes away from my family and other important things. It also has caused a constant stress and anxiety for years (really my whole life) I’ve been decluttering the past year or so and have come a long way.. but I still have a long way to go but already I feel a bigger sense of freedom. I know it’s a never ending process but I can’t wait to finish the “bulk” of it.
This resonated so much with me Elin! I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and I had collections of everything! Plushies, stickers, funny erasers and much more! I also remember about outfit repeating but I was somehow responsible for the standard, I mean I was putting the standard on myself and I also remember saying to my crush that he had the same t-shirt as the day before. My parents also put me in a private school during high school. I never missed anything but sometimes I wanted better. 🙁 Right now I’m still trying to downsize, I did pretty good declutter this summer but haven’t dis anything since. But I am careful of what I’m bringing in. I lose your story about the tree. Thank you!
I deal with chronic pain from disc issues and nerve/muscle pain; as well as flares of fibromyalgia. I’m starting to finally SEE a difference in my home. I’ve gone in spurts as I can; wether mentally or physically (or both 😂). One “good” day generally puts me down 2-3 days. I’ve been working on de cluttering/minimizing for probably a year. I desperately need my life to be simpler given my disabilities. Hearing your story gives me hope that I can get to a place to where I don’t feel as burdened by the never ending “stuff” and “to do’s” so I can focus more on my health in peace.
I had a Mother that would buy and save things. She was from the Depression. I think I think that feeling was transferred to me.
I’ve been watching videos on minimalism, even though that is not my life at the moment. But I find your videos, very calming and peaceful, because that’s how you are. I really appreciate you and hope you are MS doesn’t stop you from continuing to fulfill your life.
Elin, I really enjoy your videos and have benefited from them in my journey. I think a super important aspect is the approach you take. Laying down perfectionistic approaches in minimalism has really helped me. Do things in short spurts sometimes, don't over think some of the processes, just getting started to break procrastination habits, etc., and actually just choosing to enjoy the process has been life-changing for me and I get this vibe and philosophy often from your videos. Thanks again girl!
I am in pursuit of minimalism and I am glad to see that it isn't just me who goes back and forth with the collecting of a little more at times and decluttering in others. it is a process. at first I thought in linear terms but as I go through this I realize it is NOT a straight line it is ongoing and circular. SO with that in mind I have learned to be patient with myself and not strive for perfection but for reduction.
That sounds hard to be juddged for what you wear. My school had a uniform and it was a really good way for people to feel equal. In my workplace i do so much outfit repeating. I just have some clothes that are my favourites. Yay I'm a history lover too 😍
Thank you for sharing your story. I have RA and I've been so overwhelmed. I'm now more motivated to go through what is really important me.
I can totally relate. I have fibromyalgia and it can be so debilitating. We have eight people in our family. It feels like an uphill battle keeping less stuff. I need to continually declutter...not once every few months. I am sorry that you were diagnosed with MS. That is rough.
Thank you for sharing . This was so wonderful.
Wow thank you so much for sharing your story. Living with pain and limitation this really spoke to me. My husband and I bought a house 6 years ago and filled it to the brim and we're both overwhelmed. I've done declutters over the past couple years but it's now time to really dig in and let go like you did, in order to gain time and space and most importantly energy. Sending love and gratitude ❤🙏
Thank you for sharing your story ❤
Thanks for being so real.
Thank you for sharing your personal story. You’ve always been one of my favorites to watch- you’re so down to earth and real. I’m forwarding this to many friends I know that also grew up in the 90s and struggle with overwhelming stuff paired with chronic illness.
I heard my own life in so much of your story. Thank you for sharing.
As always, a very real and inspiring message. Thank you.
Oh boy! This video was meant for me! I had the same exact experience. I had my aha moment when i noticed why on my days off i was constantly cleaning and cleaning and housework never finished so i took a few weeks on my days off to purge and purge declutter and not to keep the “incase “ items. I’ve been a minimalist since april 2020 and still until now im still decluttering but i do not do it when my husband is home or when i have company over so i can enjoy my time with people
Your story is inspiring. Thanks for sharing this.
A very thought provoking video Elin. Glad it has helped you so much. Amanda x
i have begun! thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your gentle, authentic voice is unique and you are a gift.
I just found you and I so love your videos. You are so good at articulating emotions and situations.
Thank you for sharing. My prayers are with you as you deal with the MS.
Keep these videos coming! Thank you!
Just Loved Your Video 💟
I love how you are really speaking from the heart and find it so very touching. I hope you will get better and be able to enjoy life with your beloved ones. To me, decluttering means getting rid of some of the bad things from the past: the journey towards minimalism often has a very personal meaning..
Best regards!
Loved this chat. I have found so much freedom and peace in my life because of minimalism. My husband is now a big proponent of it as he has recognized a shift in himself and his view on the things in our home. It's been a wonderful journey!
Great video! Appreciate your story and insights. Glad to have found your channel today! 😊
Thanks for this video, Elin! Like you, I found that removing excess from my life has helped me live a contented, calm(er) life despite MS. It was definitely the right idea at the right time.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. You are appreciated 💐
Love your video, I am learning about living with less since I just retired and I have more time now to reflect and enjoy my life. Thank you for sharing ❤😊
I resonate with so much of this. Thank you for sharing, I found this very inspirational. ❤
Love the way you were able to articulate your feelings and experiences. Thank you for allowing yourself to be open hearted about your story bc God will and is using it to impact others 💕
Thank you! Does your dog bring you comfort? I was always so comforted by my pets thru the years and the change.
"The Lake House" ? ♥it.
Haha you got it!
And yes, Ginger is a huge comfort. I totally agree!
So happy to have found you. You are so positive and inspiring. I have seen the movie you mention many times but never thought about the tree the way you do. My difficult journey to decluttering and minimalism just got easier thanks to you . Thank you 🤍🌳
Aw, I’m so glad!! Thanks so much.
I can relate! Thank you for sharing this. It makes me think!
Glad I'm not alone! :)
Praying for you!🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for this video...very insightful...very helpful 💜
Thanks!
Very inspiring video. Like a superhero origin story 😊
hahaha thanks :)
Great video. I really like what your said about planting the seed 🌱🌳
Thank you!
It's like your telling my story. And I love that movie. It's my fav!
Lovely video ❣
Thanks for sharing Elin! Btw, I love that movie you’ve mentioned so much! ❤️
Please advice what the movie is this 🙏
In another thread someone said it’s the Lake House
@@NanetteLoves2Budget, thank you!!!!!
Thank you!
Wow you describe growing up in the 90s so well. I went to a more exclusive school from a poorer family too. Thankfully we had a school uniform so the day to day wasn’t too bad. But the fashion parade that was PE class, mufti days and school balls, then the social pressure was immense! I never thought about how this has effected me materialisticly.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting point about uniforms!
@@ElinLesser ya, my mind boggles at having to have enough cool outfits for week in week out of school! We just had to have one every couple of months for special non-uniform days.
Excellent video. ❤
I love listening to you! I can relate to so many things you say - I also grew up in the 90s and with these social pressures. And even though I would not call me a minimalist, I am much more intentional with what I let into my life. I have decluttered so much and feel so much more free.
Btw, what music do you use in the intro and outro? it's so beautiful and doesn't distract at all.
I am trying to get there but my husband is not on board with me so it’s hard. I keep plugging away at my stuff though hoping he will see a change and want to live with less as well.
I’m sorry to here of your MS a difficult situation to live with. 🙏 Blessing to you and praying for complete healing!
Wow, if possible I would like to give you more than only one 👍 for this video ! Thanks for being so honest with us🙏 Sending you much love for you as a person and lots of appreciation for your work ❣❣
Am 44 I am try filling up my life with experience and travelling rather than things.
I also believe it would help me when I get older and will not be as healthy as I am now ,less to clean,organise and take care of. I love your videos and the calmness of your voice. Sending you lots of hugs and beautiful energy . 😎😎😎
Maybe if you were one of the coolest kids in past you would not be who you are know. You are beautiful person. 😘
Thank You.
Well said.
We are groomed for consumerism young.
I am undiagnosed one year after getting sick and leaned into minimalism after one month. It’s been amazing. Still working on it as there are things I want to add to my life, like my own TH-cam channel, so more has to be stopped to make room. Do you have any recommendations for simple systems for workflow? Just looking into micro tasks at the moment, making the most of small amounts of time/ energy.
Thank you for sharing definitely can resonate with this. Do you think the “collecting” mentality ever really goes away? Or do you just get better at recognising it and focussing on the people and things that you have in your life now that being you joy?
It’s probably different for everyone! I think it’s possible to gradually change a mentality, but there might always be ebbs and flows. Like sometimes I find I’m thinking about stuff a lot less, but then for a period of time I’ll start thinking about it more again, and then for me that’s a sign I need to evaluate my priorities and get back on track. I also think there’s a balance with minimalism, and I’m personally not subscribing to extreme minimalism, so occasionally purchasing something for myself for fun is okay. But I just want to be intentional about it. But really interesting question!!!
I remember me that nobody should wear the same swim suit in different years in my childhood. So I bought a new one every year. I think this let me be the child with lots of clutter. Now I want to get to rid from these thoughts and things. 😊
I literally feel like you are describing me…it is sooooo overwhelming 😔
hello I've been suffering from dizziness, on and off for 3 years, now and I've been to the doctor a lot but they, can't seem to figure out what's wrong with me when I saw a movie I got very emotional because I feel that I have the, same symptoms, as you but they never found out what, was wrong with me I'm currently living in Denmark, and they're even saying to, me that they don't necessarily believe that I have a physical sickness but I might just have a mental sickness but I noticed that is really, helped me with my brain to have less things and and I would love to speak, to you love leou