Minimal Living: Intentional Living
Do you ever look in your closet and immediately get overwhelmed by the chaos of clothes and random knickknacks?
When I decided to go to Auburn, packing up my things was (and still is) a daunting task. I put all my clothes in a pile and quickly discovered I hadn’t worn about half of them in over a year — what a waste! At that moment, I decided to cut down on my belongings — this is how I discovered minimalism.
Minimalism is the idea of living intentionally. For many of us, it’s easier to accumulate things than it is to let things go. However, what you gain from letting things go is clarity. By getting rid of things in my life that I don’t use, I’m able to focus, center myself, and de-clutter my mind.
Here are some reasons why I decided to start being more intentional and avoid clutter.
It's a true money saver.
The average person spends $161 a month on clothes alone, according to Financial Best Life. Minimalistic living cuts down on this. As you get rid of the things you don’t truly need, you start to carefully consider your purchases instead of buying impulsively.
Your focus improves!
Once I cut down on the amount of stuff I had, I realized my space felt lighter. I could focus easier. It was like the feeling you get when you clean your room after weeks of procrastination, except even better. Simplicity is key.
Sustainability is valued.
Did you know it can take up to 2,700 liters of water to produce just one cotton t-shirt? That’s crazy! Being more mindful about what you buy cuts down on waste. Shopping at thrift stores and secondhand vendors is another sustainable option.
You can help others!
Even though YOU don’t use some of your stuff, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any use at all. You can donate to Goodwill or The Salvation Army here in Auburn to help the community and re-home your things to those who need them more than you.
Letting go of possessions regularly encouraged me to focus on my passions instead of worrying about clutter. Along with improving my clarity, minimalism also saved my bank account. Discovering intentional living has made a huge difference in my life, and maybe it can in yours too.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Laura S.
Copy Editor, Writer
As a military kid, Laura moved all over the place but now claims Huntsville, Alabama. She is a double major in graphic design and journalism. She loves coffee, any type of art, and most of all traveling. When she isn’t working on projects, she is hanging out with friends, going to church, hiking, or trying something new. If she isn’t traveling, she is painting places she wants to go. Her dream job is to work for a travel magazine or the National Parks Service.
