Minimalism

As I wrap up my final few hours in the states, in the Boston Logan International Airport at 3am local time, I contemplate the value in a minimalist life-style.

There is a lot to be said for getting more out of less – by cutting out the crap in your life.

Heading out of Portland, Oregon this afternoon I reflected on what a green and progressive city it is. While it certainly isn’t perfect, folks do seem to be generally headed in the direction of less is more. This reinforces the feeling of home to me.

I think this whole rant came from flipping through David Bach’s latest book – Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying. While I’ve liked Bach’s books in the past – and it certainly has a great deal of good tips – I couldn’t help but think that by buying the book you would in turn be contributing more stuff in the world and less green in your pocket. You’ve got to question buying something that goes against what it is you are trying to learn about.

Overall I do certainly agree with the general eco-trend of minimalism. Once you realize that you don’t really need so much stuff in your life it is easier to save more for stuff that really matters to you. This might mean that you cut back and lattes and have money to go to the gym and take care of yourself. Or it could mean being able to get by on working less and spending more time with your family. Or perhaps it means more security for you and your family as your retirement approaches. Whatever it is, chances are that buying less stuff will contribute in some way getting more out of life.

I’d love to hear from readers about what ways you’ve found to reduce your needs and what you might have discovered in freeing up that space.

Cheers,

Miel

P.S. Please forgive me my late night ramblings! ;-)