Minimalism has taught Madeleine a lot about life. Fortunately, she’s now sharing it with all of us!
One of the most important lessons, Madeleine Olivia begins, is that you can approach minimalism however you want. “You don’t have to follow what other people present as minimalism, especially on YouTube,” she says. “It’s natural to copy so you can learn and understand… but you don’t have to have a white pristine home.” She emphasises that minimalist-converts can make their own rules under the principles of less consumption.
Madeleine found that, as she started her minimalist journey and began to understand herself and the world more, that wanted to learn more about a whole range of subjects, from photography, to filmmaking, to finances. “When I started to declutter and understand more about myself, more about the world, more about the environment, I started to have an urge to learn,” she explains.
This lifestyle also highlighted to Madeleine how much we buy on a daily basis, and she now enjoys the process of considering whether she really wants something. She’s found consumerism is damaging to her mental health and finances as well as the environment, and now fully embraces the idea of “less is more”. By being aware of all the items she owns, Madeleine has found life is much simpler. Therefore, quality over quantity is crucial: ethical brands, sustainable fashion choices, and experiences can be saved up for and will last much longer.
“It’s changed my perspective on a lot of things. It’s made me grow a lot, it’s made me save money, and it’s just improved a lot about my lifestyle.”
In addition, learning to let go of items has been another key lesson. “Be confident that, if you haven’t used something, or if you don’t like something anymore, or if it doesn’t fit you…don’t be afraid to just let go and say goodbye to it,” she says. Now, Madeline finds decluttering more fun than she ever did shopping, explaining that, “the benefits of decluttering last a lot longer than shopping.”
Part of minimalism that Madeleine has struggled with is learning how to slowing down. “With minimalism, it isn’t just about stuff, it’s also about your life and how you act,” says Madeline. Therefore, realising what you want out of life is also important: consumerism essentially tells you what you want. “I found myself getting lost in that,” she explains, “trying to replicate what [models and celebrities] had, and thinking that if I dressed like them, if I looked like them, if I pursued what they are pursuing, I would be happy too until I realised, actually, I’m not that person. I’m not in their reality. I need to think about what I want in life.”
Want more?
If you’re in need of further guidance in life, Leena Norms learned some surprising life lessons from The Sound of Music, and Michelle Obama can help you change your path in Ariel Bissett’s new video.
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