Living a Minimalist Lifestyle: Benefits and Challenges \ stacker news ~bitcoin

Living a Minimalist Lifestyle: Benefits and Challenges

1928 sats \ 28 comments \ @simple 11 Mar 2023 bitcoin

Minimalism is a lifestyle that emphasizes simplicity, decluttering, and reducing excess in one's life. The minimalist lifestyle has gained popularity in recent years as people look for ways to simplify their lives and reduce stress. However, while there are many benefits to living a minimalist lifestyle, there are also several challenges that come with it.

Benefits of Minimalism:

Reducing Clutter and Stress - One of the main benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle is that it can help reduce clutter and stress. By simplifying one's possessions and focusing on what is truly important, individuals can create a more peaceful and organized living space.
Saving Money - Minimalism can also lead to significant savings. By reducing the number of possessions one has, individuals can save money on storage, maintenance, and replacement costs.
Environmental Benefits - Living a minimalist lifestyle can also have positive environmental benefits. By reducing consumption, individuals can decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Improved Focus and Productivity - With fewer distractions and less clutter, minimalist lifestyles can also lead to improved focus and productivity. This can result in better performance at work and a more fulfilling personal life.

Challenges of Minimalism:

Letting Go of Sentimental Items - One of the biggest challenges of living a minimalist lifestyle is the need to let go of sentimental items. Parting with objects that hold sentimental value can be difficult, but it is necessary to achieve a minimalist lifestyle.
Social Pressures - In a society that values material possessions, minimalism can sometimes be viewed as strange or even radical. It can be challenging to navigate social pressures to accumulate possessions and maintain a minimalist lifestyle.
Finding Balance - Achieving a minimalist lifestyle can be a delicate balance. It is essential to find a balance between simplifying one's life and maintaining necessary possessions and activities.
Overcoming Consumer Habits - Minimalism requires breaking consumer habits that have been ingrained in society for generations. It can be challenging to resist the urge to buy new possessions and instead focus on experiences and relationships.

Living a minimalist lifestyle has many benefits, including reducing stress, saving money, and contributing to a more sustainable future. However, it also comes with its challenges, such as letting go of sentimental items, navigating social pressures, finding balance, and overcoming consumer habits. Despite these challenges, the minimalist lifestyle can provide a fulfilling and rewarding way of life for those who choose to embrace it.

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42 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 11 Mar 2023

Bitcoin and minimalism seem like a natural fit for some reason. I rarely see those "when Lambo?" posts anymore, unless it's a joke.

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

I completely agree that Bitcoin and minimalism seem to complement each other well. At its core, minimalism is all about simplifying your life and reducing excess, which aligns with the ethos of Bitcoin as a decentralized, streamlined currency that removes the need for intermediaries and traditional banking systems.

The "when Lambo?" posts that were prevalent in the early days of Bitcoin were more focused on hype and speculation, rather than the underlying principles of decentralization and simplicity. As the technology has matured and gained more mainstream adoption, it seems that more people are starting to see the value of Bitcoin beyond just its potential to make them rich.

I think the shift away from these types of posts is a positive development for the Bitcoin community, as it helps to refocus attention on the long-term benefits of this innovative technology, rather than short-term gains.

15 sats \ 5 replies \ @sudonaka 11 Mar 2023

Stopped reading at “reduce carbon footprint” bro you understand that WE ARE carbon right?

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Undisciplined 12 Mar 2023

Putting the "carbon footprint" issue aside, minimalism does reduce one's environmental footprint.

Less pollution and habitat destruction are good things, even if CO2 is net positive.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 12 Mar 2023

Absolutely, minimalism can help reduce one's overall environmental impact in many ways beyond just the carbon footprint. By consuming less and reducing waste, we can help minimize pollution and habitat destruction, conserve resources, and promote more sustainable living practices. Every little bit helps in mitigating our impact on the environment.

0 sats \ 2 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

its debatable ...

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @sudonaka 12 Mar 2023

It’s actually not debatable that our bodies are carbon based. Neither is it debatable that human advancement requires energy use. Over time we will continue to improve our efficiency- but the overall energy use WILL CONTINUE TO RISE. Eventually we will fully master the atomic scale and provide ourselves with unlimited energy. Complaining today about using “fossil fuels” is like giving up on climbing Mount Everest because there was a loose pebble on the sidewalk of your hotel in Nepal.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 12 Mar 2023

While it's true that our bodies are carbon-based and human advancement requires energy use, it's also important to consider the impact that energy use has on the environment and climate change. While we may eventually master the atomic scale and have unlimited energy, it's important to work towards more sustainable and renewable sources of energy to mitigate the negative effects of our current energy use. It's not about giving up on progress, but rather finding ways to progress that are more responsible and sustainable.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @grayruby 11 Mar 2023

I wouldn't describe myself as a minimalist but over the past couple years I have become more of a neccessitist. I sold a business, sold a property and moved out of the city. Went from 3 cars (2 cars and a work van) to 1. I only go places or do things I deem necessary now. Since I am semi-retired I only take on work/projects that I want to do. I don't give a shit about vacations, if we are going away we will go to see my wife's family in texas and stay for a month or 2. I don't go to restaurants often, maybe a few times a year. I don't buy things unless I need them or really desire them and I try to buy the most affordable versions possible when I do. I have reduced my monthly expenses by around 3k a month since leaving the city and divesting of a property and car. This affords me the ability to only have to work part time to live a comfortable life and spend more time with my kids.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

By focusing on what's truly necessary and important to you, you've been able to simplify your life and create more space and time for the things that matter. This is a valuable lesson for anyone who's looking to live a more intentional and fulfilling life, regardless of whether they consider themselves a minimalist or not.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @faithandcredit 11 Mar 2023

Letting Go of Sentimental Items - One of the biggest challenges of living a minimalist lifestyle is the need to let go of sentimental items. Parting with objects that hold sentimental value can be difficult, but it is necessary to achieve a minimalist lifestyle.

Take a picture then give away, sell or throw out the item. Can go over the album when you want for epic memories and can be online album. Might not work for everyone.

6 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

That's a great suggestion for those who struggle with letting go of sentimental items in order to adopt a minimalist lifestyle! Taking a picture of an item before giving it away, selling it, or throwing it out can be a helpful way to preserve the memories associated with it without having to keep the physical object itself.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 12 Mar 2023

There's also the pro-social benefits of minimalism: by reducing demand for consumer products you are freeing up resources for other people and reducing prices.

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @TheBTCManual 12 Mar 2023

Since I moved over to bitcoin, I just see purchases so differently, like I must absolutely need it right now for me to want to part with my savings, before that wasn't the case, the savings were something I was looking to deploy, get more stuff more experiences so I can see my savings worth and show other people

Now I literally don't care what people think, I am saving for myself and my future, do I know what I will do with those savings? Not really, but I am sure future me will and with all this uncertainty in the financial world I am sure savings will come in handy

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 12 Mar 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience with using Bitcoin! It's great to hear that Bitcoin has changed the way you approach purchases and savings, and that you are now focused on saving for your future rather than just accumulating possessions or experiences. This is a common sentiment among those who have embraced Bitcoin, as it encourages a more long-term and strategic approach to financial planning. It's also encouraging to hear that you are confident in the value of your savings, despite the uncertainty in the financial world. Keep up the great work, and best of luck with your future financial goals!

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @zuspotirko 11 Mar 2023

I have spend a lot of time thinking about Marie Kondo and her ideas about a minimalist lifestyle. However, I'm torn.

On one hand I really hate owning physical stuff - I hate caring for it, I hate its costs and depreciation, I hate how much it ankers my flexibility when moving. I want to own nothing and be happy. I want to rent a e-scooter spontanously when I'm away. I want to rent a cabrio, a pickup or a van whenever I need which. I don't want a shelf full of Blurays, I want to stream whatever I want whenever I want. I want to be free to move to Paris if I spontanously felt like it.

On the other hand it's kind of helpful to always have what I need. For me this began with kitchen equipment. I have a dedicated LeCreuset for a once a year boeuf bourguignon. If there is a problem and I need tools - I have a whole repertoire. If friends come over and we spontanously felt more like Chadonnay than Riesling - I have a shelf in the basement.

I'm torn. I like both, I hate both.

5 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

It's understandable that you're feeling torn about adopting a minimalist lifestyle, as there are both benefits and challenges to this way of living. On the one hand, living with fewer physical possessions can certainly make life simpler and more flexible, as you mentioned. It can also free up mental and physical space, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.

10 sats \ 4 replies \ @crybaby 11 Mar 2023

i've been looking at monasticism

10 sats \ 3 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

If you don't mind me asking, what has sparked your interest in monasticism? Have you been considering joining a monastic community, or are you simply curious about this way of life?

10 sats \ 2 replies \ @crybaby 12 Mar 2023

I'm Catholic and the more I read about the Saints the more I get swayed that way which is ironic considering everyone else in this sphere and even more so in crypto is more about "wen lambo". I want my family to be well off and give to my church but i really dont need much at all.

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @simple OP 12 Mar 2023

It's great to hear that you are finding inspiration in the stories of the Saints and that you prioritize giving to your church and family's well-being over personal wealth. It's important to follow what resonates with you personally, even if it differs from what others around you may prioritize. Keep exploring and growing in your faith.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @crybaby 12 Mar 2023

Thank you, God bless you :)

10 sats \ 5 replies \ @DarthCoin 11 Mar 2023

Totally agree! (and as @siggy47 said, are few things that can say that 😂)

This reminds me of a dialog with my wife few years ago: wife: we need to buy a new sofa, I don't like this one anymore... me: what is wrong with this sofa? You can still sit on it and even sleep on it. wife: but I don't like it anymore and I want to have a new one for when my mother will come to visit... me: are you crazy? we better just buy / stack more sats. End of discussion, no sofa, more sats.

We need to get used to spend money (sats) ONLY on things that really matter in our life. Not just for the sake of spending.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @legxxi 11 Mar 2023

I have a hard time believing the discussion ended there but okay. 😅

26 sats \ 0 replies \ @DarthCoin 11 Mar 2023

1 sat \ 2 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

Haha, I love this story! It's a great example of how important it is to prioritize our spending and focus on the things that really matter.

32 sats \ 1 reply \ @DarthCoin 11 Mar 2023

Like in that meme with Saylor chairs...

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @simple OP 11 Mar 2023

🤣😂