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.
Today, Lucent Imagery from Australia writes about how minimalism has contributed to her vision of the world; I think you’ll find her story very inspiring! After reading, don’t forget to check out the beautiful photos on her blog.
Lucent Imagery writes:
Photo by Lucent Imagery
When I look back on my childhood, I know that minimalism in some shape or form was always a part of me. My mum and I always loved “throw out” days where we would purge excess belongings or clothes that no longer appealed to us. As an only child I also loved days in my room where I would rearrange furniture, throw things out, change around posters or books and just relish my little space by reading and drawing in it.
Now 30, happily married with a gorgeous dog in our lives, and legally blind from two degenerative conditions, I find that it is of even more importance to me. I both need and desire minimalism. I need it because a clutter free environment means my eyes are less strained and it is easier and safer for me to move around our home. I desire minimalism for so many reasons. In this cluttered, advertising, consumerist, status driven world, it’s a blessing to discover the power to say no and step away from all the noise. I have no desire for hoarding objects or upsizing to a huge house or an overflowing wardrobe. I want a lifetime of travel, experiences, tastes, smells, feelings, laughter, intellectual stimulation, digital photographs, people and animals around me. With my deteriorating vision, I find that minimalism to me also means the ability to derive great joy from the simple things in life rather than lamenting those things that I don’t see. I never take for granted the smile on my husband’s face, my dog raising his nose to the air, my mum’s perfume, the letters or messages from friends, the smell of jasmine, the taste of cheese, the feel of the breeze on my face, the sound of my loved ones laughing, tiring out my muscles on a long walk. I embrace my pursuit of photography and seek to capture my unique perspective of the world. This gives me great joy as it empowers me to feel like I’m not really blind at all, yet it truly celebrates that very part of me.
In my 20s I acquired more belongings as I sought my place in the world, my true interests and security within myself. I have loved every minute of getting older and freeing myself of more and more insecurities, material items and with increasing confidence, embracing who I am at the core.
I adore that minimalism forces us to ask ourselves what is truly important. My diagnosis led me to begin this process and minimalism has continued it. I don’t wish to spend my time going to places or events just because it’s the place to be seen. I embrace a life that is full of experiences and social outings, but only if it means something to us. More and more I find my style of dressing which enables me to ignore much of the fashion advertising and wear what is practical, comfortable and “me”. I strive for simplicity in many parts of my life. However, after a lifetime of struggles with food intolerances, I have gone maximalist in my food. It is so exciting for me to finally be brave enough to try all these exotic foods when we travel or try new restaurants. It has added a new dimension to my sensory experience of the world, and I am aware that it may become even more important in the face of diminishing ones.
I am thankful that my upbringing, disabilities and experiences have laid the foundation for my life philosophies and minimalism has built the structure around which I live passionately and strive for further freedom and peace within. On my blog I share my photos, travels, daily joys, thoughts, my challenges and of course my journey with minimalism. If you decide to visit, I want to thank you now for taking time to include my blog, www.lucentimagery.com, in your day.
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
What a great attitude you have to life! Enjoying having a look at your blog too, wonderful photos, thanks!
The more I read and the more people I learn about, convince me how much minimalism is a wonderful way of life. All kudos to you. Thank you for your words :)
Your approach to minimalism, and to life, is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
Wonderful post and great attitude. It helps us all step back and appreciate what we have more and think about what we can change to live more fully. Thanks!
Wow – what an inspirational post. I admire your focus on and appreciation of the positive things in your life. I think you have really summed up the spirit of what minimalism is about. Thank you for sharing your story.
Beautiful writing…so fresh and honest. Love learning how you naturally have come to minimalism. This inspires me to be more mindful of my own excesses. Thank you.
Your post is truly inspiring. I thought I really had the minimalist thing mastered, incorporating the emotional/spiritual, etc. but you’ve really adopted it in all ways of life, i.e., the sensual. I just love that. I will certainly remember your post for a long time to come. Your comment about “noise” reminds me of British Minimalist Architect John Pawson. I read something recently about one of his client’s homes that also rings true: “John talks about how a lack of noise—by which he means clutter and other distractions—leads to more intimacy.”
Best wishes to you in all of your endeavors.
Wow! I think this has been one of my favourite Real Life Minimalist posts. Such an inspiring story and I love your blog too! Some amazing photos :D
Thanks for sharing :)
Wow, what lovely words to wake up to here in Australia! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such kind comments. Elizabeth, I will google him, he sounds very interesting!
“I have loved every minute of getting older and freeing myself of more and more insecurities, material items and with increasing confidence, embracing who I am at the core.”
In just that one sentence, you have finally given ME the words I have been unable to find to describe what I have been experiencing. As I near the Big 50 (in a year and a half…) I, too, have been finding that I CAN say no, it is easy to step away from the consumerist craziness, and I have started remembering who I really am. All of the “things” that used to be important to me are not anymore. Kind of like Rip Van Winkle waking up from his nap…! I’m not sure what led me down this path, but I do know that reading words like yours, Francine’s, and others who have been kind enough to share their stories, has helped me realize that this IS the right path for me. Thank you for your inspirational story!
Wow, thank you CJ! I hope that your 50th is a wonderful celebration, however you choose to celebrate! I remember the first time I said NO a few years ago with such intention and no regret. It felt so incredibly powerful and free-ing. I agree that reading Francine’s writing and others’ is so re-enforcing.
The following words you wrote are so true: “I don’t wish to spend my time going to places or events just because it’s the place to be seen. I embrace a life that is full of experiences and social outings, but only if it means something to us.” Eventhough I’m a middle aged woman people still want me to go to places that I don’t even want to go to. Some people think you should like what they like. Everyone is different. Separate yourself from the places and people that make you unhappy, that’s part of maximalism. You should go places that make you happy and be with people that make you happy, that’s part of minimalism.
It all sounds so exhausting to go to places just to be seen, doesn’t it? It makes me so happy that we all find commonality on this site, no matter our circumstances.
Your post was touching and inspiring. Your positive attitude and reminder of what minimalism brings to our lives is great. Your story really shows how minimalism leaves so much more room for the things that really matter and how we can get so much pleasure from the simple delights such as you mentioned. Thank you and great to hear from another Australian:)
*waving* to you fellow Australian! I love discovering other Australians who think this way.
Your story is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey.
After the delight of having Francine back with us it was a very special treat to read your post Lucent Imagery. To know that there are younger people like yourselves who are not only living minimalist lives but providing such inspiration to others (including those much older like myself!!!) gives me great hope for the future of humanity. Warm regards from another Australian named Megan – this one in Sydney.
hello! Thank you so much for your kind words. I missed Francine’s writing too. I love that in the world of minimalism we seem to have more understanding of those who say they need a break because we get the philosophy of taking time back under our own control. But so glad she’s back sharing some of that time with us. :)
Simply beautiful. :) Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an incredible inspiration and your view on life is something I strive for everyday.
This is so beautiful, I love your outlook on life. It’s easy to tell you take nothing for granted and are trying to soak up all the joys in life. I also like the practicality/planning that comes across-learning that food can be a pleasure in the future when others things may have to fall by the wayside. Thank you for your spirit and great example.
Yes, it was a powerful moment for me when I realised that taste could be my big sensual experience later on in life as my conditions continue to deteriorate. And I don’t take for granted that you have left these lovely words. Thank YOU.
Hi everyone, you have all warmed my heart so much with your comments. I just want to say that I do not want to appear spammy so I asked Francine if she would mind if I replied to comments on here for those who don’t have blogs. Seriously, you guys are so wonderful and I hope you realise my gratitude is genuine. There’s something special about those who are more aware of their time then taking some of it to comment in this wonderful little community Francine has created.
Such a beautiful inspiring post from an incredible lady. I am feeling motivated to do some further minimizing. xoxo.
Thank you for reminding me to appreciate the little things in life;) Love your blog already, BTW…
I love your outlook. Preferring a life of pure, sensual experience in a variety of ways.
It’s hard to imagine so many people find more fulfillment in object collection, vs. visceral life experience!
I just discovered this post. How brave you are and how much you enjoy life. We keep paring down what we have and are hoping to get rid of some furniture. I have just gotten rid of more craft materials. Every 2 years we go on a cruise, taking small suitcases and tote bags and watching fellow travellers manage huge pieces of luggage.
I took a carryon and a tote bag for 11 days away including an 8 day cruise. my husband took a little bigger bag because he has a CPAP machine to carry. Once again we noted people bringing totally unnecessary outfits, evening gowns and tuxedos on the cruise. The day. After I came back I spent a week visiting relatives in another state. I took an overnight bag because they had laundry facilities. I don’t see any reason to dress formally unless we are going to be invited guests at a wedding and it says formal on the invitation. I have wash and wear hair and don’t use most cosmetics.
We are going away for a weekend in January. Because we take very little luggage, we can share a small car for 3 of us and a hotel room. The last time we went to a 3 day family event, one cousin brought 5 suitcases. I offered to show her how to pack.
We were invited to an expensive event at a country club. My husband said he could not remember ever being at a country club. I reminded him of the last time. We’re not going because I refuse to dress up and DH won’t wear a tuxedo. My brother owns a tuxedo because he gives a lot to charity and wears a tuxedo quite frequently. We also have cousins who get formally dressed several times a year. My friend said she knew if I couldn’t wear slacks, I wouldn’t go.