Github: [https://github.com/KRISACHAN](https://github.com/KRISACHAN)
Email: [chenjinwen77@gmail.com](mailto:chenjinwen77@gmail.com)
WeChat: krisChans95
Today, I want to talk about minimalist living.
An interesting thing is that I've heard a sentence from a TED speaker: "Small is sexy."
Don't you think that sounds interesting?
Actually, I've been doing it for a long time.
However, I was not a minimalist.
After becoming a web developer, I enjoyed purchasing things on my own.
Certainly, I was not a consumerist. Well, maybe I was just a little bit. :)
However, everything changed after I got married and my wife turned out to be a minimalist.
She only selects goods that are really useful and necessary.
And if something is necessary, she always seeks the cheapest price before making a purchase.
In fact, I did not really appreciate her lifestyle at the beginning.
I just wondered why I could not enjoy the things that I wanted?
To be honest, I was a little bit frustrated at the beginning.
Obviously, I had tied my worth to material possessions.
However, after living together for a long time, I gradually changed my perspective.
My happiness is not based on the things that I own.
The cool wind I feel, the warm sun I bask in, the beautiful scenery I see, the delicious food I eat, and the interesting conversations I have...
These are the things that make me happy.
And the most important thing is that my value is based on my confidence, optimism, and kindness.
Additionally, it's hard for a minimalist to be in debt (That is one of the reasons why I quit my job).
Moreover, I've moved into a smaller apartment.
It's not only because of the cost, but also because I don't need a large space to live.
A small space can make us feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Happily, a small space can also make us focus on the things that are really important in our life.
For instance, we don't need to spend much time cleaning the house, don't need to buy many items, and don't need to move around to find a place to put the items.
Interestingly, the money we saved led us to travel more.
After I quit my job, I traveled to many places in China.
On the other hand, if I still focused on the stuff I want or just hoped to live in a big apartment, I might still be a slave to the society.
Certainly, I would make a lot of money, but I may not have time to enjoy it.
But how can we achieve minimalist living?
Firstly, edit ruthlessly.
We've got to clear the arteries of our lives, cut the extraneous out of our lives, and think twice before we buy.
Secondly, repeat the mantra: "Small is sexy."
Why should we have a six-burner stove when we rarely use three? Just focus on the things that we really need.
Finally, keep thinking deeply.
We should ask ourselves: "Could I do with a little life editing? Would that give me a little more freedom? Maybe a little more time?"
In closing, I want to say that minimalist living is not about having less, but about making better choices.
I don't think you should live like me, but I hope you can find a proper lifestyle for yourself.
Nothing is significant, except your happiness.
Love you all.
Kris.
