My husband and I watched The Minimalist the other night on Netflix. Even though I don’t agree with all the opinions expressed in the documentary, I did find some things very interesting, and it caused a lot of pondering.
If you haven’t seen this documentary, I highly recommend watching it. Not to accept everything that was said, but more because of the stirring in your mind it will produce, and the opportunity to reevaluate certain “things” in your life.
As you would guess, the movie gives you a glimpse into the life of various types of people and their stories on how they moved to a minimalist lifestyle. I had already been feeling overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in our home, and my husband got a recommendation from a friend to watch it, so we dove in.
After finishing the movie, my husband and I looked around our house, and agreed there were some things we could get rid of. We learned that being minimalist doesn’t mean that you don’t have anything in your home, but rather everything is of value and serves a purpose.
Having two kids under five, we’ve drastically increased the amount of stuff in our home. I’ve heard it said a million times, “that’s just the way it is when you children.” But something just doesn’t seem right about that statement. Sure, you will accumulate more stuff with more people, but you don’t have to accept that you’ll live overwhelmed with stuff.
After my husband and I went around and around discussing the movie, he said something to me that hit me hard.
“You know, if we get rid of all the clutter in our house, it’s not going to make you happy. It may relieve some stress but it will not actually make you happy”
I was taken back by this comment, but after thinking about what he said for a few moments I realized…
He. Is. Right!
Thinking that when something finally happens, you’ll magically be happy—is a huge misconception. When we make more money… When we have kids… When we have a bigger house… When I get our house in order… When I can stop working full-time… When I don’t feel sick… When I—what’s the thing you’re waiting to happen so you’ll be happy.
Happiness comes from choosing to be content right where you’re at. Making a choice that even on the hard days, you’re going to be content. That you’re going to reach for your potential, and shoot for your dreams, but that you’re going to LOVE your life right where you are. That is HAPPINESS.
I encourage you to stop thinking that when (fill in the blank) happens, you’ll be happy. Or less tired, or more joyful, or more patient… Choose to be those things right where you are.
I love you my friends. Here’s to joyfully being content right where we are.
XO,
Kyra
