Less is more– a platitude that should be embraced so much more often, a statement I’ve been exploring for quite some time. Our society is one that prides itself on and clinches on to our ability to limitlessly spend, accumulate debt and flaunt the gluttony and privilege that is our life. Seems like we have everything; however, what we seem to lack is appreciation and value. While on the quest to live a cleaner, healthier, simple life, I have been enlightened by the myriad of benefits to and ways of achieving a minimalist life.

How do you feel when you walk into your room, with the endless amounts of clothes, perfumes, hair and makeup products, that old French manicure set that you’ve never touched and let’s not forget those pair of high heels that just make your legs look absolutely stunning that you swore you would wear every day for the rest of your life. I get it, consumerism is great. But, is it really necessary? Honestly, I just felt claustrophobic. A clean living environment is a clear mind, one with the space to fill with meaningful possessions and experiences.

Living in a toxic, negative, stressful, demanding world, the only way to get through the warzone with a positive outlook is through meditation. For a “Type A” person, like myself, this can be rather challenging as sitting in one place without doing anything is extremely uncomfortable. However, the benefits to meditation are boundless. Sitting in one place, clearing your mind and preparing yourself for the rollercoaster of a day ahead can immensely enhance your memory, concentration and ability to take in every experience with a positive outlook.

Evaluate your commitments and be grateful for everything that comes in your way. Every obstacle is not necessarily obstructing your path, but rather creating it. The twists and turns depicting the challenges you have faced and who you are because of them, not despite them. Life is not a race. I tend to keep myself busy all the time, sometimes too busy. Stacking commitments on top of commitments, not getting the time to enjoy and make each experience memorable. Take the time to evaluate your commitments, choose which ones are truly important and experience them to the fullest extent. A minimalist does nothing to the excess. While cutting down on your abundant, resume-building activities, you give yourself room to devote complete attention to the obligations that truly make you happy.

Being minimalist includes overpowering the gravitational pull that is technology. It is so easy for technology to usurp our lives, to be succumbed into documenting every tiny aspect of your life. Whether it be the great Appalachian Mountains, the crazy Beyonce concert or even just the “artsy” pancake you’re having for breakfast, there is no need to take a picture and post it for the world to see. Instead of occupying space on your phone, carve a special spot for that experience in your memory. Don’t view the world through the distorted camera lens, embrace the beauty with your own eyes. You don’t need everyone to know you’re having fun in order to have fun. It is easy to find thousands of pictures of every object, place, person online, but to truly experience it, that is the true treasure.

Learning about minimalism has truly opened my eyes to a new, beautiful lifestyle. A way in which I can attain happiness without indulging in materialistic, societal norms. A way in which I can express my individuality, passions and experiences in a constructive manner. Understanding is only the beginning. Implementing is the challenge. Although it might seem like a radical change, given the way in which society is structured today – categorizing us into groups, all of which must exhibit ostentatious behaviors to be valued – minimalism is a refreshing lifestyle that allows us to radiate positivity in ourselves and the people around us.