The trend of downsizing, tidying-up and the many formats of the quote “less is more” on Instagram sounds like a reasonably attractive proposition. Getting rid of what you don’t need or doesn’t bring you joy will make room so you can focus on what really matters.

Easy, right?

Tales of the bright and powerful wearing the same clothes over and over, (see: Steve Jobs’ black turtle neck and Mark Zuckerberg’s gray hoodies) and new minimalism gurus advocating for throwing away or donating aggressively anything you don’t really need, along with the tip of not buying things “just because” promise to free you from so you can finally be happy, more productive and reach your millennial nirvana (having a job and a cute apartment?)

Minimalism in fashion can lead to very boring outcomes unless you have fun with accessories

But, does that mean that you cannot be happy if you buy things and find a certain joy every time you hit the “Add to cart” button?

Buying this t-shirt, for example, was a good idea, I think.

I certainly enjoy buying some things, like clothes and books for my baby. Other things are necessary evils, like laundry soap and bathroom cleaning supplies. In either case, why put the added pressure of having to bring happiness on things? After all, they are just things, things alone don’t make you happy, that is not what they are for. Things are meant to fulfill a legitimate purpose like keeping you warm or letting people know that you have good taste. You never buy a “happiness blanket” that says in the product description: “will make you happy or your money back” (although I would definitely buy that blanket).

Do we consciously or subconsciously hope that our new and upgraded possessions will make us happy? Yes, to some degree. But I don’t think most people believe that things alone are enough to achieve happiness (if there is such a thing). Love, health, and personal achievement are at the top of what most people also want in life besides that new pair of sneakers.

With Christmas behind us, this is a good point to stop and ask ourselves whether all that money and stress we put into gifts and cards actually made us happier. My answer is: in that moment, yes. I loved setting my new Christmas tree this year, it had pink details, roses and ribbons like I always wanted. I also enjoyed writing funny cards to people I care about and buying presents for my family. It is hard to put a value to the excitement and joy that those activities generate once they are over, but overall, I’m glad I did them.

Life is about memorable moments and sometimes things can instill a memory or help us feel more present and that is my main objection to minimalism.

So, is minimalism worth it? Missing out on new goodies to save the planet and your psyche?  It depends. If you are trying so hard to be a minimalist that you miss an opportunity to create a memory or do something nice for somebody, I think that is going too far. If, on the other hand, you are more conscious about what you buy and understand that things alone won’t make you happy, minimalism is just another tool you can use to live a more fulfilling life.

This was a gift I enjoyed buying 🙂

I’ve been guilty of promoting the “buy less” doctrine on this blog, and I mostly stand by it, but I have also noticed that I can take these concepts too far. I’m now softening my stance on the value of buying new things that can make you smile, help you feel pretty, or take a photo that will bring you joy for years to come. Having a baby is part of this change of heart, but also struggling with depression and career choices.

I guess the word “minimalism” just sounds too radical, too definitive, I need more flexibility in my life. It’s all about finding the right balance and I might just be getting closer to the perfect combination of consumerism and consciousness.

I never smile in photos. Here is one exception.