It is a lifestyle for everyone.
DISCLOSURE: This article contains wording that may not be suitable for young readers.
As a multi-ethnic woman I have heard far too many times, “that is shit white people do” or, “that is white people shit”. Although hurtful, those phrases are often used to describe things that are viewed as taboo. More specifically, taboo within a culture among people of color. But why?
When I first tried to introduce the concept of minimalism to my family I was met with similar phrases. Accompanied by frowns, expressions of confusion and laughter. I knew that I would be met with some resistance but they would hear none of what I was trying to tell them. The excitement to share what I had “discovered” was short-lived. Despite my family’s lack of interest, I pressed forward on my journey to become a minimalist.
I was determined to show my family that minimalism had no ethnic boundaries. That it was a lifestyle for anyone, including us people of color. I knew that convincing them to step outside their comfort zone would be no easy task. In retrospect, that was an understatement. I had to become a minimalist. But how?
First, I had to find out what minimalism entailed. Since I am a facts-based kind of person, I researched the lifestyle. I began my search in the most likely of places–Google. The most important thing I learned was that being a minimalist was very personal. To make it work, you have to own it by finding ways that it works for you and your lifestyle. I am an avid reader with little free time in my schedule. Although e-books are a great way to reduce clutter from books, they were not practical for my lifestyle. I was however able to find a happy-medium. Instead of buying books, I now check them out from the local library.
Next, I had to make minimalism a part of my life. Since I like learning from the best, I had to find the experts. I began my search on YouTube. The most important thing that I learned was that becoming a minimalist takes time. I would impulse buy and then think about it after. Slowly, I began to break that habit. I stopped and asked myself if I really needed to buy what I was picking up. Sometimes I would take items out of my cart before checking out, or tell the cashier that I didn’t want an item after all. Other times I would make up some bogus reason to justify why I needed something. Three years later, I still go through the process of elimination. However, I now have less useless stuff.
Lastly, I had to convince my family that minimalism was this amazing thing they would love. I told them all about the positive impact on my life. I had more free time, less stress, and saved money. I was reduced the clutter in my life and was helping the environment by creating less waste. I expected them to want to join me on the journey to a new lifestyle after hearing everything. Sorry, but that is not how this story ends. Lol. The most important thing that I learned throughout the process was that minimalism has nothing to do with ethnicity. Instead, it has to do with personal choice. While my family may not have embraced minimalism, they are more conscious of respecting my lifestyle. Something that I am very appreciative of.