What Simple Living Taught Me About Appreciation and Some Convincing Proof if You’re on the Fence About Trying it Out
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Natalie Rose.
Copy by: Britnee Tanner
Model: Natalie Rose
Creative Direction by: Catie Menke
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Natalie Rose.
A lot of people think minimalism, or simple living (I use the two terms interchangeably), means never buying anything again. You accept the challenge to get rid of all material possessions and then you're supposed to never look back.
I used to think that about minimalism.
I used to think I couldn't have things.
While a piece of that is true, much of the population does indeed need things. Not a lot of things but things nevertheless.
The confusion is in how we think about those things. The frustration is in how we lack the know-how to successfully manage those things in our homes. (Hello rise in organizing shows on Netflix.)
It really just takes a little learning and practice and then before you know it, you'll see your perspective change.
While I'd love to get into what things are necessary and not, this post is about something a little different. This post is about ways that you can start to see living with less in a new light. It's about how simplifying the stuff around you can actually help you start to appreciate the things you have. It's about helping you update your perspective on stuff.
And the truth is, as we choose to limit the unnecessary and pare back on the non-essentials, we quickly start to uncover the value of quality things.
As a kid I was taught to treat my things with respect.
I knew at a young age that I couldn't jump on the couch, or spill food in the car or color on the walls. I was taught to keep things nice so they'd last a long time.
So now, I thank my wise parents for laying down a good foundation and I'd argue that this mentality still holds true for me as an adult. I think it's still important to take care of things to help make them last.
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Natalie Rose.
Below are four ways minimalism can help create a greater sense of appreciation when it comes to the things in your life. While there are many other benefits to the lifestyle, these are the results I've experienced:
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Natalie Rose.
Simple living helps curb the desire to buy things. Instead of going on a shopping spree and buying it all, think about buying only what you need and will actually enjoy. Because of my own perspective change about stuff, I rarely regret anything I buy now because I have a high standard for what will make it into my house and what won't.
Simple living can decrease the actual quantity of things. This doesn't mean that you have to adopt a minimalist lifestyle and get rid of everything. It just means living simply will automatically help spark the desire to want to get rid of everything you no longer need or anything that doesn't serve a purpose.
Minimalism manifests in quality over quantity. You've heard and seen the phrase a million times but there is so much goodness in being more conscious about where you shop, what you buy and how long you hang onto it. I'm not an expert on this just yet but being aware of how I'm consuming has made a positive difference in my outlook on stuff.
Simple living means taking a closer look at your selection process. Picky is good. Picky is great actually. Picky means you no longer subscribe to what society says about having it all. You're going to be the judge of what you need and where you spend your money.
Simple living promotes appreciation and places an emphasis on the stuff that should matter.
According to an article from Lifehack.org, which delves into happiness research:
“around the world, consumerism is the biggest suppressant of happiness.”
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Natalie Rose.
Interestingly enough, the article goes on to share that the most important source of happiness for kids is friends and family. The stuff money can't buy.
And while I’m no longer a kid, I think it’s safe to say that the data can still hold true for us adults.
Simplifying isn't just about appreciating and valuing fewer things. It allows you to worry less about stuff so you can focus on things like love, friendship, experiences and helping those around you.
The one thing I want to emphasize today is that simple living helped me see the value of my things, which then made me want fewer, better things.
I think it can do the same for you.
Give it a try - a real go at it and see if you don’t experience the appreciation factor, too.
Follow Britnee at
Website: britneetanner.com
Instagram: @britneetanner
keep up with us
