This is just a coloring book app - I didn’t draw the flowers! But coloring them in was so relaxing and fun. The app is called Pigment, for anyone interested.
I GAVE BIRTH TO HER
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.
So, in the pic the table is wiped down and actually clean but it looks all smudged and dirty. I fear this is because I have been using Clorox wipes on it when I should have just used a wet rag. Does anyone know a way to restore it? Hopefully this question is ok for this sub.
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?
Right now I have a home office with a regular desk and office chair. But I’ve been looking into videos about floor sitting and floor desks and am curious to try it out. Moving the tv and putting my laptop here seemed like any easy way to try it without any commitment. I’m excited!
I suspect many minimalists meditate, so I thought I’d poll the sub. Please feel free to share more information in the comments!
A few of these I don’t think I’ve seen on the sub yet - Sister Snake, Vacuum in the Dark (same author as Big Swiss), Hunger & Thirst, Problems.
If you’re looking for some old school weird girl: I Await the Devil’s Coming (more of a memoir) and Lolly Willowes.
Some of these I read years ago, so hopefully memory serves and they all qualify!
I have a history of disordered eating. Weighed myself daily for 15 years. It’s an ongoing battle, but I’m finally healing. I’ve also been decluttering, and decided I’m done obsessing over a number and critiquing my body from every angle. Goodbye scale. Goodbye mirror. I’m allowing myself to eat cheese and crackers again. I’m being kinder to myself. My value as a human has nothing to do with my size or my appearance. I have so much love in my life and that’s what matters. I’m grateful for that every day.
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.
This is where my minimalism journey began. I became interested in witchcraft and thought this shelf in my office closet would be a perfect altar. Before my purge it was packed with stuff - after I got rid of the majority of that I just kept going with the rest of my apartment.
When the altar is not in use, the closet also holds my rolled up floor mat, vacuum cleaner, and a small rolling cart (has things like my candles, tarot deck, small supply of the same herbs I have in the little jars, and some non-witchy stuff: important documents, “junk drawer” (scissors, tape measure, screwdriver, etc.) and some sentimental items.
The last photo is an embroidery I made in school. The guest critic said the piece was too “woo woo” so it seemed fitting for this space 😂.
If you have questions about witchcraft or anything you see, let me know! There are a lot of misconceptions out there. I don’t hex people or talk to Satan, lol. Mostly it’s a fun hobby that can sometimes feel spiritual, and can help me feel certain ways through magical thinking and the placebo effect.
My husband and I stayed in this beautifully empty and small apartment while in Stockholm. Everything in it was either white or that light wood color. Around the corner from this bed nook (no room on either side for a side table - it felt so cozy) was just a small sofa, a kitchen table with two chairs, a small closet, a few storage cabinets, kitchenette, and bathroom. (Wish I had taken a picture of that side of the apartment!)
This was not meant to be just a hotel room - there were people actually living in the other apartments (we think someone had just bought a few of the apartments and was renting them to tourists). It was delightful to come back to every evening. Really made me think about how little you’d be able to own if you lived in this space. Especially if you wanted to keep it feeling open and empty like this.
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.
This is all my jewelry. The only piece I wear every day is my wedding band. If I’m going out anywhere, I generally add the bracelet on the right & either the necklace second from left or the one on the far right (dependent on the neckline of the dress I’m wearing).
The necklace and bracelet on the far left are the jewelry I wore on my wedding day. I love them, but for some reason it feels wrong to wear them on any day besides our anniversary, lol.
I generally only wear the engagement ring if we’re going somewhere fancy, though lately I’ve taken to wearing it more frequently because it seems to make my husband happy 😄
Laying these out made me realize I really never wear the necklace second from right. Maybe I’ll discard it if I don’t use it within the next year.
And that’s way more info than I’m sure anyone wanted!