It has been about a year since I discovered all things simple-living/minimalism and decided to make some changes to my life, so thought I'd share the main things I've done to simplify my life and how they've worked for me.
Sold my car
Even though it was a paid-off, cheap to run/insure and very reliable car that I liked, I didn't use it much and decided I didn't really need it since I live in an inner-city location and can get everywhere I need to by walking, cycling, public transport and the occasional taxi/Uber. I even have 2 kids and it has been totally manageable to be a car-free family, even though most people would never consider this to be possible. Even though it wasn't my main reason for doing it, it also feels good to be doing something for the environment. I have found that life is slower-paced now and I enjoy the journey more, since I can now interact with my kids, read or be getting exercise while going places instead of having to drive. On the whole, I don't miss having a car.
Got a new job walking/biking distance to home
I made it a priority to do this and I really did it. It is great to only spend 10 minutes riding to work in the fresh air instead of 30+ in a car, or 45+ on public transport as I was doing before.
Seriously decluttered
I got rid of SO MUCH STUFF it's hard to believe that it all fit in my home somehow. I did it in waves and am still working on it. Some things I sold, others I donated/gave away. I probably got rid of about two thirds of of my belongings altogether, and about three quarters of my clothes. I also read the Konmari book and although I haven't fully adopted her method (yet), I found it very useful.
Unfollowed everyone on Facebook
This has made a huge difference to my life. I now only follow a couple of blogs and my local Buy Nothing group (which I will talk about further down). No more endless scrolling, no more stupid posts and seeing people argue about "news" stories, no more seeing horrific images of animal/child abuse or whatever else people share to "raise awareness", no more comparing my life to those of others. People can still contact me through Messenger. Now when I see or speak to a friend, I am genuinely interested to hear their news because I haven't already seen it on Facebook. I am still on Instagram and use it sparingly but that's my only other social media use. I have completely deleted my Facebook in the past, but ultimately felt like I was missing out and I like to use it to keep in contact with friends and family around the world. Unfollowing everyone is a great compromise.
Joined my local Buy Nothing Facebook group
Being active in this group has helped me declutter as well as get things that I need without spending money, while connecting me with my local community. If you can handle being on Facebook, I recommend having a look to see if there's one in your area.
Those are the main things that have made a difference to my life. I feel so much more positive about things in general now. I'm finally saving money and paying off debt after years of feeling stuck and unable to. I no longer go shopping just for fun and really consider it before spending now.
Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear what changes others have made this year.
Submitted December 12, 2017 at 03:23AM by dr0wns0da http://ift.tt/2iRKc2i
