Minimalism is the life I lead. Whether I like it or not.

Lucky for me I tend to like it.

I would suggest eastern minimalism, meaning I would read Fumio Sasaki’s “Goodbye, things.” Digitally of course.

I know minimalism and blogging is like an old joke. So feel free to skim over anything you have heard before.

Let me be honest, I chose lifestyles that necessitated minimalism, I am not adapting minimalism to my lifestyle.

I spent two years as a traveling missionary. Followed by hopefully only two more years of traveling across country for schooling.

We all know there is a practical reason for minimalism, you can find your stuff, where ever you live looks nice, you can spend less money, and I bet it is even supposed to help your complexion too.

But the reality is…

I have five shirts, four pairs of pants, two pairs of shoes.

The shirts are even black turtle necks, I joke that I dress like a Steve Jobs impersonator.

It is no question about items bringing me joy, at the end of the day I have to be able to put everything I own on a carry on and one checked bag.

So the question is what have I taken away from living a minimalist lifestyle?

Well much to my parents worry, you start to spend more money on things. Why?

It is because if you are only going to have one of something, you start looking for the one that is best for you.

You accidentally start thinking sustainably and examine your needs and reality.

You start being honest with yourself. You find out what luxuries help, and which do not.

I have noise canceling ear buds. Luxury yes, would I sleep terribly without them? Defiantly.

It helps me define myself as a person.

The conversation is why you have it, and what you are going to do with it. Not that you just have it.

Why did you get X? Because A, B, and C. Not “just because”.

Lastly, and I admit is it more philosophical than anything else, I believe it clears my mind, it allows me to see what things mean to me. As well as figure out why that is important.

I have a collection, of Yuki Urushibara’s Manga “Mushishi”. I have all the books in Japanese, a official book by the animation studio, collector cups, and the dvds.

Awfully un-minimalist of me.

Sometimes you can be inspired. Sometimes for personal reasons you cling onto something. For me it is Mushishi. Although it can seem childish, or lame to base so many choices off a Manga from 1999.

I don’t think I would be who I am without it.

The main character even has the same coat as me, and that was not coincidence.

What is the moral of this story?

It is never to late to remodel your life to fit your needs.

Also just maybe you are never to old to model your life after your personal heroes.