I’ve never been great at keeping it simple. I remind myself daily to not fill my plate with more than what is necessary or what brings me joy. Often times though I still manage to do just that. One person that has inspired me to declutter and simplify my life  is my boyfriend’s sister, and one of my dearest friends, Sivie Grace Simpson.

When George and I first started dating 4 years ago, I overheard Sivie talking to their mom about minimalism. I had heard of it, was intrigued, and as much as I did see the value in minimalism, I didn’t see myself ever being able to apply anything about it to my own life. Being intrigued however, I did find myself bringing it up to Sivie on a few occasions and asking questions. As I learned more I began to simplify and declutter more than I ever thought was possible and have found so much clarity in doing so.

I am delighted to share some Q’s and A’s below with Sivie regarding the practice that is minimalism. Enjoy!

 

What inspired your minimalism journey?

When I first became a flight attendant I met a coworker who lived out of her backpack for a year in Colombia. Having just moved all of my belongings to a new home, and being faced with the sheer volume, I was content to aim for owning one carload of possessions in five years.

Tell us about the first step you took in decluttering your life? What emotions did it spark?

My first attempt at decluttering was a colossal failure. It was in the middle of moving, with my clothes strewn across Alaska, Washington, and Idaho. I thought a capsule wardrobe would help me get rid of clothes; 30 pieces for 12 months. It was horrible. Not only was I using only the clothes I had available in Idaho, but I was following someone else’s guide to the perfect wardrobe. It was frustrating to say the least.

To my knowledge you have been practicing minimalism for roughly 3 or 4 years (correct me if I am way off please!), is there a mindset, an end goal, a mantra, or anything specific that keeps you motivated to keep simplifying?

I guess my goal has been to have one carload of things, but it’s more than that. Its to have a simplified routine, simplified closet, a simplified life.

What motivates you to keep simplifying?

The definition of elegance is simple beauty. That definition is what motivates me. I want to live a simply beautiful life, surrounded with possessions I cherish, wearing a curated closet, free from anything I don’t need and want.

What has been the most challenging thing about embracing minimalism?

While I am attempting to become more of a minimalist, and own fewer things, I am also trying to become more “green”, and own better things. This is most challenging with my bathroom. Because before I can get to purchasing those better and greener personal care products, I feel an urge to use up what I already own. I can’t abide by sending those perfectly good products to a landfill just so I can be more minimalistic and green. That doesn’t solve the problem, it just sweeps it under the rug. But it’s slow going using everything up, it takes time.

Has minimalism prompted you to pick up any new daily habits? Or give up any daily habits?

I’ve never really been a daily habits person, but trying to use things up has encouraged me to build a daily beauty routine.

Tell us about the most valuable benefit you have gained from practicing minimalism?

In general I am less stressed. Everything I own has a home. There’s less clutter, less thinking. Even getting dressed in the morning is easier because nearly everything I own matches and I know every piece that I have.

If you could go back to the beginning of your minimalism journey and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell myself to pay more attention to what makes me  happy, and less to how other people do their minimalism. In the beginning I was so hooked on articles like “The 10 Pieces Every Minimalist Wardrobe Should Have” and couldn’t see I didn’t actually want half of those items. I wish I would have told myself to stay true to my heart. I got there, it just took time.

What is your personal definition of minimalism?

For me, minimalism is about getting my wants as close as I can to my needs. I try not to own more than I need, but I also try to only own things I want. I think that usually comes out to owning only what I truly use.

Do you have a minimalism pet peeve?

I have two. I HATE that anyone thinks that there’s a “right” way to do minimalism. No one can tell you what to own. Only you know what you truly want. Those capsule wardrobes that say you should have 5 pairs of pants? Well, I only own 2. There’s no reason for me to own any more, so I’m not going to get any more. Same goes for all other guides, there’s no perfect fit. You have to do what works for you.

This leads into my second pet peeve. People who want to declutter but also want to keep things they don’t use or love. You have to be honest with yourself. Minimalism is a concept, it’s about owning the right amount of stuff for your life, but also about owning the right things for your life. 

On a scale of minimalist to maximalist, where would you place yourself before you began embracing minimalism?

Before I started this journey I’d say I was a packrat. I wasn’t buying things I didn’t need all the time, but I didn’t do a good job of getting rid of things either. I was a big “well I might use it one day” person. Trust me, if you haven’t used it yet, but you think that you might use it one day, get rid of it! Unless you truly find that piece beautiful, don’t keep something for its possible utility. You can get another when the time comes to use it. And that’s not just for clothes; that goes for craft supplies, extra bedding, kitchen gadgets, really anything you can donate. When you finally need those things, you’ll be able to get them. I am by no means a successful minimalist yet, but I’m much closer now than when I started.

How has minimalism affected your relationships?

I’m not sure that it affected my relationships much other than the fact that I have more time for them; because I don’t have to clean as often, and I’m less stressed.

How has minimalism affected your shopping habits?

My journey towards minimalism has affected my shopping habits the most. I rarely just shop for fun anymore. In fact being in a store has become overwhelming for me. Now I only shop when I’m looking for something specific. Like a striped shirt or a solid perfume. I do research, online shop, and ensure I’m choosing the right piece for me. Then when I go to purchase the item, it’s the focus of the trip. It takes longer this way, over a year in the case of my travel backpack, but the results are worth it. Now when I purchase something new, it’s curated. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect pair of flats. It might take me another year to find them, but when I do they will be perfect.

Do you have any favorite minimalism related books, blogs, podcasts, etc?

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo was truly life changing for me. It changed the way I looked at the things I owned. It was no longer “Do I want to get rid of this”, but rather, “Do I want to keep and cherish this?” In addition to that wonderful book, there are a couple quotes I like to always keep in mind.

“It’s not a good deal if you don’t need it”

“Minimalism is believing there is such a thing as enough.”

You can find these quotes written in different ways but the meanings are always the same. One, don’t buy just for the thrill of the purchase, and two, find contentedness in what you already have.

Because I admire your taste in entertainment and literature, what are some of your favorite books in general?

Two of my favorite books are Wild by Cheryl Strayed and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. They’re books about people finding their happiness.

Lastly, (and just for fun!) favorite cup of tea?

My tea collection sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of my downsizing. I’m trying to curate my tea collection, but its taking quite some time. I have such a penchant for tea that I have a hard time not buying new blends. I also love so many different flavors. But if I had to pick just one, for the rest of my life, it would be Oolong Creme from Sloane Tea. Its smooth and delicious, and perfect for all seasons.

Would love to read anyone else’s thoughts on these questions! Thank you for reading and a huge thank you to Sivie for sharing ♥