I started my journey into minimalism with the understanding that this would be a marathon and not a sprint. I would take itsy, bitsy, baby steps and comfortably wade into the big minimalist ocean. Of course, that was all before I met, fell in love with, and agreed to marry Richard.
Where I am a minimalism neophyte, Richard is minimalism professional. He has zero attachment to his belongings. Zero. And while he is extremely supportive of my embracing this lifestyle, he has gently encouraged me to step it up a notch. Apparently, getting rid of a few books, purses, outfits and shoes here and there does not a minimalist make.
Whoa, Nelly! Them’s fighting words.
As a general rule, I don’t spend money on things I don’t love. So every book, or pair of shoes, or handbag, or accessory, or article of clothing I own was purchased because it touched me on some level. Every single one. Call me crazy, but that’s how I roll. Getting rid of things is a process for me. Since I didn’t come to own it on a whim, I probably won’t be getting rid of it on a whim. So yes, the Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade bags will require much consideration, thankyouverymuch. I make no apologies for being a chic minimalist.
There are less than five months to go before our wedding. As I step up my paring down and make room for Richard and his things, we are both realizing that minimalism is a spectrum. We may not be at the same place on the spectrum, but we are both on board and heading in the same direction, and that counts for a lot.