I've just stumbled upon this and really enjoyed it! I am a fellow slow living fanatic and, although I do identify as a minimalist (and live in a tiny home!), I completely appreciate your point and think you articulate it beautifully. Slow living should be accessible to everyone :)
So glad you enjoyed this post! I love that you live in a tiny home, that's amazing! I definitely admire those that are living as minimalists, and I think certain aspects of minimalism can apply to everyone. Thank you for your sweet comment!
Hunter this is so beautiful! I winced when you said about missing jumpers as I’ve been through phases like this...
For me, there are lots of objects that are an extension of older parts of me. There’s a perfume bottle on my shelf in my room still full of perfume I never wear but used to.
In our office a yellow cardboard box file that lived at my grandparents house and when I open it I can still smell their home. I keep cards in it. I have lots of box files but this is my favourite.
And what synchronicity - a 41 year old bunny in the box of Easter decor I bring out every year - it’s the only “toy” I have from childhood - that’s a story for another day but I can’t part with the rabbit and the kids love him.
Aw, thanks Claire! I love these objects of yours that are near and dear. How special that you can still smell your grandparents home when you open the box. And I love that we both have a special bunny! I can't wait until Maverick is old enough to play with my bunny, too. Thank you for sharing!!
I didn't know slow living was an actual trend, but it is the way I have chosen to spend my retirement years. I am taking a slow approach to decluttering, but I don't think I can be a true minimalist for all the reasons you have described so well.
I’m 100% with you. I have ventured down the wanting to be more minimalist lane a few times, but, it is not for me. I spend a lot of time at home (mobility/chronic health issues) and having things around me that bring me joy, connect me to family and just encourage me take life a bit less seriously makes my days better. Yes I curse at times that it takes more effort to tidy but the idea of living in a home that looks like it could be a show room does not appeal in any way.
It's amazing that slow living doesn't get as much love by popular influencers and creators. It seems like minimalism is a much more 'trendy' lifestyle while slow living seems to take some of what makes minimalism great but also really looks at it more like essentialism the book by Greg McKeown. Loved your article, provides great clarity between the two and your view on systems for living. There isn't a one size fits all and typically a hybrid approach fits better anyway!
I've just stumbled upon this and really enjoyed it! I am a fellow slow living fanatic and, although I do identify as a minimalist (and live in a tiny home!), I completely appreciate your point and think you articulate it beautifully. Slow living should be accessible to everyone :)
So glad you enjoyed this post! I love that you live in a tiny home, that's amazing! I definitely admire those that are living as minimalists, and I think certain aspects of minimalism can apply to everyone. Thank you for your sweet comment!
Hunter this is so beautiful! I winced when you said about missing jumpers as I’ve been through phases like this...
For me, there are lots of objects that are an extension of older parts of me. There’s a perfume bottle on my shelf in my room still full of perfume I never wear but used to.
In our office a yellow cardboard box file that lived at my grandparents house and when I open it I can still smell their home. I keep cards in it. I have lots of box files but this is my favourite.
And what synchronicity - a 41 year old bunny in the box of Easter decor I bring out every year - it’s the only “toy” I have from childhood - that’s a story for another day but I can’t part with the rabbit and the kids love him.
Cx
Aw, thanks Claire! I love these objects of yours that are near and dear. How special that you can still smell your grandparents home when you open the box. And I love that we both have a special bunny! I can't wait until Maverick is old enough to play with my bunny, too. Thank you for sharing!!
You’ve inspired me to take a photo of ours! 🐇
You must!!
I didn't know slow living was an actual trend, but it is the way I have chosen to spend my retirement years. I am taking a slow approach to decluttering, but I don't think I can be a true minimalist for all the reasons you have described so well.
I’m 100% with you. I have ventured down the wanting to be more minimalist lane a few times, but, it is not for me. I spend a lot of time at home (mobility/chronic health issues) and having things around me that bring me joy, connect me to family and just encourage me take life a bit less seriously makes my days better. Yes I curse at times that it takes more effort to tidy but the idea of living in a home that looks like it could be a show room does not appeal in any way.
It's amazing that slow living doesn't get as much love by popular influencers and creators. It seems like minimalism is a much more 'trendy' lifestyle while slow living seems to take some of what makes minimalism great but also really looks at it more like essentialism the book by Greg McKeown. Loved your article, provides great clarity between the two and your view on systems for living. There isn't a one size fits all and typically a hybrid approach fits better anyway!