"Smile, breathe and go slowly"
1926, Thich Nhat Hanh
I practise minimalism and therefore, I am a minimalist. My goal over the past year has been to rid myself of excess stuff with the intention of finding lasting happiness, becoming more grateful for what I do have and feeling content. This year has been a roller coaster that only goes up (to use a terrible metaphor) and has opened my eyes to a whole new way of life that before I could have only dreamt of. I have changed so much that it's unbelievable yet in my heart I know that these changes are an incredible thing.
It's come to my attention that I've never actually talked at length about how these new decisions have actually shaped me as a person and helped me be at one with myself. I'm positive that makeup (or lack of) is something that I've touched on over my blog before but I thought I'd give you an update. It's been roughly a year since I've worn any kind of cover up on my skin. Lately, I have been wearing mascara every so often, purely because I'm comfortable wearing it. It doesn't give me any extra confidence, it doesn't affect the way I see myself and I don't feel like it's something that I need to wear. I've just been wearing it because I wanted a change, because I like to mix things up every now and then and because it makes me seem even more dark and sexy ahaha, jokes.
This leads me on to money. Like material possessions, money itself is not at all a corrupt concept. It's the greed, envy, selfishness and power that comes with it for many people that is why money has ruined our society. The media is constantly telling us that we need this and that we must have that when really, we absolutely do not. Money puts barriers between social classes and can often ruin relationships. It sickens me that people can live their lives knowing that people are homeless with absolutely no money or family to help them out for whatever reason and get their dinner from supermarket waste bins while they come home to an exploding bank account and their dinner put on the table by a maid. I know how hard people strive and work for the money they have and I completely understand how important it is to some people. I just think the world we live in would be a much nicer place if we all helped each other out and nobody had to starve.
I don't have an awful lot of money. For a start, I'm fourteen and have been relying on my parents for money until I got my first job in May. I'm going to be straight and tell you that I earn £4/hour and usually work anywhere 5 and 7 hours on random Saturdays. I put all of this cash on my bank account and hope to keep this habit up for years to come. Then, when I'm old enough to have a good idea as to what I want to do with this money, and who I want to help with it, I shall take it out. Until then, I am doing my best not to touch this money and by having the motivation to do something great with this money, I'm finding it easy to indulge rarely yet thoughtfully.
Finally, I'd like I talk about a few hobbies and new interests I have developed on my journey through minimalism. I've realised that my love for words and English can be used in aid of others. I can reach out to people all over the word and share experiences and advice whether this be via pen and paper or simply a few words published on the Internet. I have rediscovered my passion for books and enjoyed experimenting with new and exciting genres such as horror and fantasy. I have uncovered which friends are true and which aren't, whilst gaining more on the way.
I have a strong understanding of what is real, lasting happiness and what is superficial. I've discovered that I no longer need as many material possessions to be happy, nor do I need people who are getting in the way.
Useful Links:
All the pictures included in this post are of my beautiful big sister Jay. She hates them but lets show her that she's gorgeous!
Health and happiness,
Marti xx