An Extraordinary Life On An Ordinary Income Pt. 3 – Minimalism & Simplifying
Minimize, Simplify, Downsize I don’t use a microwave. There are many reasons (or conspiracy theories possible) why I don’t use a microwave. But the biggest reason is space. My microwave takes up too much space. I’d rather heat leftovers (or anything else) on the stove or in the oven. I only have 3 skillets and a saucepan, as well as a few other cookware items. Yes, this means constantly doing more dishes, but I find it worth the tradeoff. Meal prepping and eating the same food several times a week even eliminates the need for a microwave as well. I don’t have a couch as well. Furniture isn’t very important to me. I don’t have tables or chairs, or even a proper dresser. Living in a smaller space, furniture takes up too much space for a necessary function. Multitasking Is for Items, Not People I learned, at least partially, how…
A Response To Matt D’Avella’s “Is Minimalism Dead?”
Matt D’Avella is a YouTuber who also directed the Minimalist’s first documentary. He recently posted a video I watched titled “Is Minimalism Dead?” I wanted to share my thoughts on the video. Minimalism As a Trend and Buzzword Matt comments on how the idea of Minimalism became a trending buzzword. Perhaps around the time, the documentary came out. He further discusses the life cycle of trends. Matt quotes Malcolm Gladwell how trends start and stop. Discussing the rules of trends, Matt ties in how Minimalism came into the trending life cycle. Matt concludes the video with his thoughts on Minimalism being a long-term trend that will eventually come back and sustain itself. How living an intentional life will be a trend, with rampant consumerism and everyone looking to live happier and more fulfilled lives. Am I a Minimalist? Is My Partner? I identify with many labels. Minimalist is one of…
An Extraordinary Life On An Ordinary Income Pt. 2: Struggling With the Ordinary
Unexpected Obstacles and Spoiled Life Plans My partner and I have struggled during 2020 and 2021. We have faced obstacles we could never imagine. Long-distance relationships are difficult by themselves. Add in a global pandemic that dampers traveling, a few life plans that fell through, and some overbearing health challenges, and it’s a recipe for struggling. Our mantra throughout the pandemic has been we will make an extraordinary life from an ordinary income. With the struggles of the past year and a half, this mantra has become extra important. We have both had unexpected obstacles, to say the least. Been forced to expand our creativity and grow outside our comfort zone. Learning new skills has become essential to survival. The Lifesaving Support System Luckily, we have found strength in our support systems. A subset of Personal Finance Twitter, I have dubbed Compassionate Personal Finance. There are so many great people…