Living Simply and Loving It!

Being a minimalist is not just about not owning excess stuff; it's about your stuff not owning you—t'is about mindful and intentional living. When creating a living or working space, it should be balanced in form and function, aesthetically pleasing, and purposeful. It should create positive vibes that inspire. It should not be emotionally or financially heavy.

One of the coolest things about the Millennial generation is they seem to get this intuitively. As digital natives, they benefit from virtual world access without acquisition unlike previous generations. In an almost pre-industrial sense, only having what you need and paying in cash is the new old-school way of living. It's not uncommon for Millennials to live and work in the same community, walk, bike, or metro to work, use Uber when they need a lift, and not possess a credit card. 

Millennials are reinventing American business culture too—Airbnb, Uber, Pokémon Go—these are new concepts that are changing the face of US businesses, the way people earn a living, and how people live. It's an exciting time and I'm stealing a page out of the Millennial playbook. 

From my new apartment, I can bicycle two miles to work without breaking a sweat. I can walk to the market and a wide swath of locally-owned business and restaurants within 10-minutes. There also is a small library, community center, theater, and numerous parks and hiking trails within a short walk or bike ride from my new pad. 

Living simply is freeing. Using my feet instead of a motorized vehicle slows down the breakneck pace of life. I look around, smell the roses, and examine my surroundings. It feels good to ditch the car and be more physically self-reliant. When I have to carry my groceries, I buy less, and therefore throw away less. I also feel better about using less petrol; I spend less on gasoline and it's better for the environment—another win-win. Finally, it's just better for me, mentally and physically, to walk or ride my bike whenever I can. 

Day by day I have been de-echoing my tiny new abode. I've purchased a few things; plants, art, and a small area rug. Yesterday, I splurged on a Le Creuset skillet and pot, and a set of three knives to replace the Leatherman I've been using over the past several months. While the Leatherman is an effective tool for many things, I have to admit it's not ideal for chopping fruits and vegetables over the long haul. 

By the time the weather finally turns in a few weeks, my little place will be a slice of hip and humble heaven. A place to write, paint, read, meditate, cook, spend time alone or with friends, weather storms, do yoga, and relax. What's more, I've enjoyed the process of creating a mindful space and thoughtful lifestyle that inspires me to do the things I love.