MINIMALIST MUSINGS

MINIMALIST MUSINGS DURING SEASONS OF EXCESS

I am not a minimalist by any sense of the imagination, but I want to muse about my version of minimalism. What sparked this conversation in my head is the constant bombardment of plugging that happens on social media. Don’t get me wrong, I subscribe to a lot of it and in many instances, plug products and excess through my page just like everyone else, but in particular the fall season, and all of the “decor” content that is constantly put out and the sense of excess that a lot of people portray, has become quite a turnoff for me. 

I have increasingly been overwhelmed by the need to “keep up” with all the influencers and the influx of decor, product plugs, and constant posting. It’s a lot. It’s a lot for all of us. And I’ve been trying to take a step back. We don’t need to “keep up with the Joneses”. We need to do the things that bring us peace and joy. 

When it comes to fall, I love the cozy feelings it brings, but needing to have all of the decor, all the faux arrangements, pillows, trinkets, and disposable Halloween items, it just feels excessive for me. I think the things people put together are beautiful, but for my own home, the more “stuff” I have, the more overwhelmed I feel. It’s that much more to keep clean, and, let’s be honest, my kids and dogs pretty much destroy everything so the less I have, the less I have the chance to lose. Who else feels that way??

Anyway, this is my rant on why you shouldn’t feel like you need to “keep up” or continue to accumulate things that you end up needing to store for 10-11 months out of the year. Some pumpkins and gourds, maybe 1 or 2 decor items that truly make you happy, and fill the rest up with activities that keep the holiday or seasonal spirit alive! Baking and cooking delicious seasonal favorites, visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches, crafting with your kids, or spending time with your loved ones are all ways to celebrate a specific time of year without accumulating unnecessary “things”. 

This is not to say that you can’t or shouldn’t go all out with decor if it is something you’re passionate about and brings you joy but, if you get overwhelmed by all of the things, don’t feel alone. I’m right there with you. And there are alternatives!