Being Different

There aren't a lot of things I dislike, at least that's what I like to think. There are things I don't see the benefit to do but still do. Like our floor is vinyl why do I need to vacuum if I dust it of and wipe the floor. I just don't like to do things that aren't needed.

I like to eliminate steps in things I do. It does takes some time and rethinking my processes. Like why is the table always full of stuff. My room looks splendid and free of clutter. I love to spend time there but I also love people around me but the clutter others leave behind are things I can't cope with yet. I haven't learned to ignore stuff of others.

It's also reflects in my  behavior towards others like I would request others to be quiet in the quite part of a wagon. Or if you litter I would not only look like aren't you going to pick it up and tell you if you plan to walk away. Yes, I do stick my nose into things I shouldn't.

Sometimes it's better to back-off and get a different point of view of a situation before I judge or give my opinion about it. Minimalism has a great impact in my everyday life. Like letting go of a lot of feelings I had before. Like being angry at something small could drive me crazy before. Now I can turn my back around and ignore it.

I used to dislike going to my desk because it's always cluttered. The clean and empty surface makes it so inviting to sit behind it and learn different things. There was always something on my shoulder when I sat behind my desk. Like there is something else calling me. It's great that nowadays that has changed. My desk only has a cup with pencil on it, the rest is in drawers and not in eyesight.

Small changes around the house can make a person different and I am not talking about decorations. Learning to embrace some emptiness is different but can also benefit a minimalist.

My Thinking Process

My beloved cotton swabs container is almost empty and I realized that I could update the holder. I am planning to use the red translucent bottle instead. The reason is simple, it takes less space and cotton swabs aren't frequently used in my home. So why waste space on it. I could use the green container for other things. I could have switch before but there was no other container until my mom finished this bottle. I found it between the recycle plastic place and I thought it would be great to use.

So sometimes no matter how small or stupid it is, it can be useful. I try to use my imagination for other improvement around the house. Like a hammock instead of a bed, would that be good and with my weight would it be alright. I did stick with the original bed without a mattress but still the creative process in my head was so funny. Trash doesn't always have to be trash but don't keep a pile for "just in case". 

If you don't need something immediately or you can't find a new function for it, it has to go. I mean, I am a minimalist, I need to set an example on how not to get a home full of trash pile or freebies. Think before you keep it. Like when are you going to give it a new 'home' and will the vision in your mind be practical and doable. 

Those were all thing I thought about when I decided to keep the bottle. Strip it away from that etiquette with my hair dryer, clean the edges, rinse the bottle and let it dry before using it as my cotton swab container. 

Time for everything

Sometimes it looks like I don't have enough time to do my daily task when something urgent comes up. For instance today my to-do list is long compared to other days but still I am blogging. But I should really trim my nails first if I really want to type fast. Like it's one of the main reason I never color them or went to do a pedicure. 

So after clipping my nails, I am typing faster than before. At least that's what I think. The first thing I do in the morning when I open my pc it's checking my mail, privilege cards and my favorites shows. I could download everything in minutes with a program but I don't cause I dislike having another program installed. 

I think time never goes slower or faster, it's something that is there and will always be. Sometimes I don't even open my pc. I love being free from the internet sometimes. Now I am going to take my time and enjoy this rainy day behind my desk studying. 

To be prepared

Last Friday, the second of January, I spent the whole day shopping with my siblings and nephew. I am quite proud of myself. I just bought things on sale and things I had on my wishing list. One coat for 10 euro and house socks for one euro. But gifts for others include a body warmer for 6 euro and a 1 euro towel. It was a very nice trip. Food included a veggie burger and a cup of coffee and for tea time, a hot-dog and a cup of tea.

So intotal I have to find 4 items to discard. Last week I already bought a new scarf which I haven't used or washed yet. But the coat and house socks are used immediately. Today, I cycled my way towards the supermarket to buy groceries. It was superb, the coat kept me really warm while my fingers were feeling the cold. The socks are only used upstairs to get myself out of bed. 

Today, I immediately used my time to get everything out of my bag and wallet. All the receipts and gift cards and privileges cards are in the right place and for the next shopping spree everything is in hand-reach easy and light, no excess stuff to drag with me. 

Basically that's what I do every time after going out. Getting stuff out of my bag for my next hunt on buys. It's all about how to shop light weighted and comfortable.

Disliking Mainstreamers?

Do I have something against people with a lot of stuff?
Absolutely not because if things makes them happy why shouldn't they keep it. The question I would ask is: Are you happy with everything materialistic you have and how do you keep up with.

I think in life there are more ways than one. Generally, we all know what is good and what is wrong. The rest is finding the thin line in between or what I call the gray zone. It's terrible that somethings are wrong in the most stupid ways but people can still get away with it.

Having a consious mind and being honest to oneself is the most important. I learned this lesson way too late in life. I think I would be so much happier if I knew this before. I remember an article of people nearing their dead and what they wished they had done better in life. All of those things weren't materialistic but more human. Spending more time with friends and family. Fullfilling promises made and apologize to others. In the end they realized they prioritize things that weren't that important like work,pride and money. Later on they understand that it was their choice and that they could do all that they wished.

I am happy that I could read this article and learn from it. I wished that so much more people can understand that a lot of things in daily life are choices made and that we all can influance this decision making unit by voicing our opinions and giving other solutions to a problem.

So I would never hate or dislike how other live their life because it's their choice but it doesn't mean I can't make some friendly suggestions for an easier lifestyle.

Happy 2015!

I wanted to start this topic with happy new year but I just remembered if I do that every year it looks so unthoughtful. Honestly, I don't really think that a new year means anything different but it just means we survived another 12 months. The only positive thing is the new year resolution that we all set. Okay, this year I haven't thought about it. I mean whole year round I am basically focussing on minimalism and getting myself doing chores. .

This year I want to enjoy a holiday aboard, buy less stuff and live greener than in 2014. Luckily, I already found some improvements in our home that can be easily and cheaply upgraded. And with the new year sale going on, I already know what I am going to buy. LED light bulbs, yes my mom is convinced because a tv programm showed that saving lamps aren't as efficient as LED and ask me about the light bulbs in the house.

Few months ago I had bought led bulbs and she found it so expensive and useless but after watching the programm she is convinced and orded to replace all the savings bulb. Can you believe how I felt. Like, serious I already told you that but do you listen. But okay that's one of the things I am going to do to live greener. I also spot them for half price in a shop, so I am going to buy it very soon.

I am going to make a list of the things I really want. Currently, I am still looking for a great bag to use for everyday but for now I am cursed with, not living in Asia and having less choices. Yes, going out and having a list that shows what I can buy. All these things will help me in buying only the necesitties.

But I am very happy that there are still people visiting my blog and know how minimalism made me struggle in everyday life and can still gives fullfilment to this minimalist.

Ending with a positive note

It's nice to close the year with some tips & tricks that can be a benefit to anyone. The last ten days I was working hard towards a nice ending of the year. Okay, I started planning in November with my siblings. A lot of planning contains food and beverages. I rarely drink alcohol which means whenever I am outdoors I won't drink. I do occasionally drink wine only at home or at other peoples places where I can crash.

So for Christmas we planned to drink mojito but eventually, we drunk the bottle Baileys that I bought. Yup, each one of us bought a bottle of alcohol just for the holidays. So the last week of the year is when we consume the most alcohol in the whole year.

Besides that the last few days, the sales was starting early which means I had to get rid of things when I bought something new. I got this blue scarf in sale for 1,25 a color that I don't own yet. But it did mean something similar or in the clothing department has to go. I decided on my green scarf because it's starting to itch, the textile is something that ain't that smooth and a pair of old socks where the elasticity is gone. I think, I am going to use the socks to dust of my shelves.

Next thing is my day cream an empty bottle cut open just so I can use it for another day. You'd be surprised to know how much it still contains.

But the nicest thing is getting myself caught doing something wrong. Usually when supermarket have promotions where you have to collect stamps or stickers. I always start on top with one but I found out I have been doing it wrong. I should have started at the bottom numbered with 40. Then I don't have to count how many I still have to collect because it just visible.

Isn't it funny how happy I can be seeing myself doing something wrong and finding the right solution to the problem. It's good when we can reflect on our behavior and be proud on our findings.

I hope to see you next year and wish that all your new year resolution will come true!