As the latest “it” lifestyle choice, calls to become a minimalist are everywhere.

Yet despite being everywhere, influencers and media outlets seem to disagree on minimalism’s definition.

What is minimalism, exactly?

The answer is less about rigid, universal rules and more about creative, individual liberties.

Minimalism is…

…Living with less.

Minimalism doesn’t just apply to material things; it also applies to the invisible burdens material things bring on.

Living with less means less overwhelm, from the maintenance, repair, and inevitable replacement costs material possessions require. It means less waste, as your rate of consumption slows to a crawl. And it means less anxiety, as you become unconcerned with missing out or keeping up with the Joneses.

For more information on living with less, read my How to Curate a Minimalist Makeup Collection post.

…Making smart purchasing decisions.

I don’t like it any more than you do, but we live in a hypercapitalist world, one that ties consumption up with survival.

To make things worse, the need to consume is enabled by savvy marketing teams who use the power of emotions to cow you into making impulse purchases.

And while minimalism doesn’t inoculate you against the lure of seductive copywriting, minimalism helps you become mindful of your spending habits and the potential unmet needs that drive your compulsion to shop.

…A way to fund your travels.

Experiences over things isn’t just an empty platitude; when you take the money you’d otherwise spend on stuff and put it towards experiences, minimalism can and will make your wildest travel aspirations come true.

Don’t believe me? Despite working a job with middle-of-the-road pay, minimalism helped me fund several trips to Europe without taking on debt. Money that wasn’t spent on daily lattes or fast fashion slowly added up, and the end result allowed me to travel comfortably in the way I need to as someone with sensory processing sensitivities. Minimalism also funded several other experiences, such as partner dancing and this blog.

…Diverse.

Unlike consumerism, which is inherently exclusionary, minimalism is egalitarian.

Because just as everyone can achieve the joy and simplicity minimalism provides, everyone can adopt it for themselves, and put their own unique spin on it in the process.

Minimalism isn’t…

…About neutral color schemes.

You’ve probably seen it before on social media; a grey couch against eggshell walls, closets full of black pants, makeup flat lays brimming with mauve.

And while aesthetically pleasing, minimalism doesn’t have to mean banishing color from your life.

Minimalism means owning items that spark joy for you; though I initially went through a neutrals phase, I’ve grown to love playing with color in my capsule wardrobe and makeup collection. Because color makes me happy. Color doesn’t invalidate minimalism if it makes you happy too.

…Only for white people.

It’s an unfortunate truth – most top minimalist influencers are white or East Asian. And though the minimalism of today is based on East Asian philosophy, original minimalism traces back to the first half of the 20th century, when it applied to aesthetic and design trends in the arts, trends that had nothing to do with race.

My race didn’t stop me from becoming a minimalist. And if you’re an aspiring minimalist of color, don’t let race stop you either.

Everyone can practice minimalism, and your presence in the community will encourage other minorities to adopt the lifestyle choice as well.

Can Black People Practice Minimalism?

Thanks to systemic disenfranchisement of Black Americans, 21st century minimalism carries insidious implications about the intersection of class and race. Minimalism in the Black community deserves a post all to itself; let me know if you’re interested reading more about this topic.

…About perfection.

There’s a reason why I stay away from Instagram; the platform’s high editing standards trigger my perfectionist impulses, impulses that are counterproductive to practicing healthy minimalism.

When beginning your minimalist journey, remember that it’s not about perfection. Your version of minimalism will look different from mine, and that’s okay. And while minimalist social media content can help inspire you, understand that minimalism is not about how few items you possess or how good those few items look together.

…A virtue.

Despite being part of the cultural zeitgeist, minimalism is still a counterculture, with an anti-consumerist bent that provides a breeding ground for holier-than-thou attitudes.

Sure, its normal to move through a virtuous phase when you adopt a new lifestyle choice (I certainly did when I started learning about minimalism). Phase, being the keyword.

Remember, like veganism and vegetarianism, minimalism is a choice. It doesn’t make you better than anyone else and it doesn’t give you the right to impose it on uninterested parties.

What does minimalism mean to you?

What is and isn’t Minimalism? 4 Truths and 4 Misconceptions