u/coral_bells

Right now I just have a basic mini-PC that can only run pretty simple games. The Steam Machine is going to open up a whole new world of games with better graphics for me! Some of the ones I’m excited about are on sale right now. I’m on the reservation list for the 512gb, but haven’t received my email to purchase yet. Still, makes sense to buy these games now! I’m so excited to have a whole list waiting for me when my Steam Machine finally arrives, even if that’s not until December.

I was playing Unpacking, and working on putting the items in the kitchen boxes away. I was literally stacking bowls and plates in the game when I realized my IRL dishwasher was done and I should put the IRL dishes away. So I got up to do that, but the same activity IRL was a lot less fun. Why must it be this way!? 😂

Real talk. This experience has been a reminder for me that being a minimalist does not mean depriving myself. It means making sure the items I own bring value to my life.

The thing was an iPad, and the reason I wanted it was to have a larger screen and a stylus for a coloring book app I’ve had on my phone for two weeks. Day one of using it, I knew it would be way better on an iPad.

I used to have a closet packed with art and craft supplies. Years went by without me touching it. So I got rid of most of it in my big purge. One thing I kept was my large Ohuhu marker set, because I was still using it for coloring books. But my most used colors ran out of ink after about 6 months of use. I stopped coloring because of it, and donated the working markers.

But I’ve been missing it. Like many others, I love that’s it’s a creative outlet that’s relaxing and stress free. I’ve tried a handful of coloring book apps over the past few months, and finally found a good one. It was bringing me joy, but it was difficult to use on such a small screen and my finger rather than a stylus.

I told myself that because using the app on my phone was an option, there was no need to buy a second device. But two weeks had gone by and the desire for it hadn’t gone away (though music was a brief respite!). So I got it. And guess what? It was worth it. I have already spent three happy hours coloring today, and I look forward to many more. I wish I hadn’t tortured myself so much with the decision.

TL;DR: Minimalism is not asceticism. If your desire remains after time has passed, and you believe it will bring value to your life, just get it. Don’t obsess over it.

Edit: Looks like the oldest generation this app can run on is 6th generation. I should have thought to check that before posting, sorry!
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I know this is probably a ridiculous ask, but I thought I’d check if anyone has an old iPad sitting around that they’re not using. Doesn’t matter how old. I am really into a coloring book app on my phone and dreaming of being able to use it on a larger screen. Again, sorry if this is an audacious thing to ask here.

Today I was feeling frustrated with myself. I kept thinking about this thing I wanted to buy, a thing I thought would make me happier, even though I ultimately know I can get by without it. It has been awhile since I’ve felt this focused on a material item.

I put on my headphones and played my favorite album. It’s an album that just feels completely perfect to me. There’s not a single song I skip, and something about it feels both cathartic and nourishing. At the end I felt lighter. More centered. Reminded of the people and experiences that truly matter to me.

At least for now, the desire for that thing has dissipated. Does anyone else do this?

I suspect many minimalists meditate, so I thought I’d poll the sub. Please feel free to share more information in the comments!

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So the 2.5 inch Zonli doesn't come with a cover. Last time I checked, the website said it could not be put in the washing machine. They don't sell a removable cover that fits it. Has anyone been able to find one that works? So I can wash it regularly?

Context: I don't sleep on it (yet) but I do use it daily for reading, watching TV, etc. It moves between two rooms in my apartment. I clean the floors regularly, but I have a dog that likes to join me on it, and so after 4 months of daily use, it's not as clean an sanitary as I would like it to be.

I find myself doing this sometimes. Mainly in the categories of books and clothes, even though I already own just a small fraction of what I used to.

I also find myself daydreaming about moving to a smaller space, but in a nicer part of town.

I try to stop myself when this happens. It gives me vibes similar to thinking about buying things, which I’ve mostly eliminated. It has a similar striving/wanting feeling that I find unpleasant. I’d prefer to stay in a state of gratitude.