Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
This week, I’m pleased to present this story from Nina Yau — I think you’ll find it quite inspirational! If you’d like to read more of her thoughts on minimalism, positivity, and realizing your dreams, please visit her blog, Castles in the Air.
Nina writes:
Nina Yau
In the summer of 2008, I felt the need to start ridding myself of my huge mound of DVDs, CDs, books, and college textbooks that I no longer watched, listened to, or read. It didn’t appeal to me anymore, where once it had given me a hobby of spending and collecting. Ooh, a special 2-disc 20th anniversary collector’s edition in a pretty case? I had to have that! If I get that, my collection would be complete. Until the next eye-candy came along.
This cycle of consumerism had to stop. I had to do something drastic.
So I sold it all on Amazon. Every last movie, music album, and book. Not only did I feel a physical weight being lifted off of me, I cleared out my closet and filled my wallet with some extra cash. I’ve made hundreds of dollars by re-selling all of my used items online. That summer alone, I made $500. I sold other items periodically throughout the year and have made over $1,000 in all.
These items were literally sitting in my closet as cash waiting to come back to me. All I had to do was free it. In freeing my items, I also freed myself from the cycle of spending and collecting things.
From there, it snowballed.
I examined my clothes and gave it a hard, close look. What do I actually wear? As opposed to what I think I will wear but will never put on ever again? What is too small/big/tight/loose/outdated/trendy on me? What still has its price tag on? What have I only worn once, never to be worn again?
These were some of the questions I asked myself and I demanded an honest answer as a result.
The answer was I did not need even 3/4 of the clothes I owned because:
1. I didn’t wear it.
2. It was no longer useful and essential to me.
3. It was too small/big/tight/loose/outdated/trendy on me and did not fit my body nor my sense of style.
4. I no longer cared for or liked it anymore.What did I do with all these unwanted clothes? I did 1 of 3 things:
1. Donated it to the local shelter or clothing drop box.
2. Passed it along to younger cousins or friends who wanted the clothes.
3. Trashed it if it was extremely worn out and old.Furniture was next. I sold it or gave it all away.
On Craigslist, I sold my bookcase, coffee table, dining table and chairs, and futon. My desk and chair I gave to my little brother.
I thought I had needed all this when I moved into my apartment in 2007. It was the buyer’s mentality. Oh, I’m moving out on my own, therefore, I need these things. It was automatic behavior for me and I didn’t realize that I don’t need it when I didn’t even use it. Duh!
Papers, files, folders, photos, and documents were next on my hit list. Needless to say, I was on a roll after getting rid of so much stuff. I did not show any mercy in this category.
What I didn’t need anymore, I recycled or shredded. What I did need (but didn’t necessitate a paper copy), I scanned, and then shredded. If it was an original document that I had to keep a paper copy of (e.g., title of my car, passport, birth certificate), then I kept that in a small portfolio of important documents. Photos, I eliminated all paper photos that I had mindlessly printed over the years. I kept them electronically on my computer instead, deleting duplicate photos and photos that I no longer wanted to see (e.g., old photos of friends and boyfriends no more).
I used to be sentimental. Now, not so much. I no longer have emotional attachment to objects. I prefer to reserve that energy, time, attention, and love to people instead. This does not mean I am a cold, harsh, unloving individual incapable of appreciating all that we have, including the material things. Like writing in my nice Moleskine journal.
The difference is knowing where your happiness lies. Is it with things or is it with people and experiences? I choose the latter.
The minimalist life isn’t for everyone. But it is for me.
__________
My name is Nina Yau and I’m a minimalist who owns less than 100 things. Loving life, not loving stuff!
My blog is called Castles in the Air, where I blog about changing the way we think through minimalism.
{If you’d like to read more about minimalist living, please consider buying my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
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Wow, awesome
I have to go read Nina’s blog too. I would go pretty drastic too I think if it was just me – with a husband and child we really do need the kitchen table, high chair, toys etcetera. And while my husband really got into decluttering as well and is living simply with me, two people do have more stuff than one (and different hobbies and interests). We both would probably be ready to toss a bunch of stuff that the other still holds on to.
Anyway, I’m inspired to go do some decluttering as daughter and husband are off for the day (he works 4-day weeks).
And Francine – I received your new book and really, really love it!!! I may have to hold on to it for a while… Of course lending it to any interested friend. I just mentioned about it in my new blog post too. I’m about midway through already
Thanks and hope your decluttering goes well! Francine is obviously a great source for recommendations and practical tips.
Cat’s Meow, I’m surprised you were able to get my book in Finland! Does Amazon US ship there? I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying it, and very grateful for the mention on your blog.
I loved reading your story. It inspires me to go on! I am on the same path and know it is the right one for me too. I look forward to reading your blog. Thank you!
Beth, you can do it, I know you can!
I’ve been enjoying Nina’s blog for the past few weeks. Her energy never fails to motivate me to attack the Paper Lion with a Ninja vengeance.
Jean, what a way to put it, attack the paper lion with a ninja vengeance! Love it!!
Congrats Nina on the guest post! Cool to hear the story behind it!
Thanks, Joel!! Hearing stories of how others came to be is quite inspirational.
Nina,
Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! When I also went through and got rid of a ton of things, I felt both mentally and physically better. I will also check out your blog.
Gil
Thanks, Gil! Minimalism obviously does not pertain just to our physical belongings, but a lot of our emotional baggage needs to be addressed too. When we declutter one area of our lives, it just feels right to start decluttering other areas as well.
Nina,
That indeed has been the case with me. Minimalism is SO much more than cleaning out our closets and throwing stuff away. I can also say the domino effect of getting rid of possessions has resulted in the de-cluttering of my mind, body and spritual being as well.
I checked out your blog and Wow! I will add to my faves.
Gil, thank you! I do wish you well in your continual journey of self-improvement through minimalism!
What a great blog and story. You are truly an inspiration to all of us minimalists. Thank you for sharing! I too will be adding your site to my favorites.
~HK~
Thanks, HK! When we support one another in the community, the idea of a minimalist life that’s filled with energy, enthusiasm, and passion for life is by default what is left!
Woohoo! So inspirational:) I am in this shedding process too, and I love it. I can completely relate to the light, freeing feeling with less stuff. My mind feels clearer and the important things are more clear. It’s fun when you really get on a roll and can get ruthless with letting go. Feels great! Thank you for sharing.
And thank you for reading, Katie! I wish you well in your minimalist journey. =)
Thanks for sharing your story Nina.
Thanks, Tom!
wow, you sound so free and light. very inspiring. i’m so jealous right now. i’m going to pop over to your blog and check it out.
~janet
Janet, you can be free and light too! Indeed, you are already on the way to the ultimate you, one step at a time. =) You can do it!
Very inspirational!!!
Heather, thank you!! =D
So inspiring Nina! Now I’m off to take a hard look at my closet…
Go get ‘em, Bo!
What a beautiful, logical, and inspirational story. When people think of being minimalists it seems overwhelming, but you’ve shown that it can be steady progress over a period of time. I love this post and am sharing it with my readers. So happy to have discovered you!
That’s cool, thank you Betsy!
Nina, thanks for the Amazon tip. I have lots of books and CDs and have just gotten around to the idea of trying to sell there. Your experience will help me get off dead center. Thanks much, enjoyed your post and am inspired.
Carolyn, have you seen my latest post on how to sell your stuff on Amazon.com? http://castlesintheair.org/blog/2010/08/02/step-by-step-guide-to-selling-your-crap-on-amazon/
Congratulations to you Nina. You are very inspiring. Your picture clearly shows how happy you are. I have pared down my posessions drastically over the past few years, but there’s always more to do. I love getting comments like “you sure are tidy”, and “you sure don’t have much stuff”. For me, there’s no more walking around with a vase wondering where to “put” it. One thing I’ve learned is that shopping for stuff is a habit, and the rush is over not long after you get home. Imagine no posessions, it’s easy if you try. Cheers.
Sue
Wonderfully stated, Sue! Overcoming a habit just takes time and practice. With a willingness to want to change, we can all learn to live simply. Thank you for sharing, Sue. All the best to you.
Nina,
You continue to be an inspiration and aspiration. I think of you when I have little successes as well as referencing your unique philosophical ideas written on your blog.
Painfully, yet triumphantly put back a lovely draped top that I could even put to good use even though it was on sale for less than the cost of the fabric… I did not need it. I was rationalizing “good use” that would really be straying from the simplicity that is a core life goal.
Thanks so much. Delighted others will be made aware of your blog through “miss minimalist.”
The two of you do tremendous service to body, mind and soul as well as the environment.
K.
I viewed Nina Yau’s profile when first posted. Found it intriguing and began to follow her blog: Castles in the Air. I so enjoyed and benefited from her writing that I purchased her ebook subsequently subscribing to her “letterlys” and am so delighted that I did!
Her writing shares insight gained from travels and life experiences without being pedantic.
I have been retired for several years now and in spite of the generational difference, find her writings inspirational. Thank you, Nina
Kristina