My minimalism journey started with a traumatic event. While living in Japan, an arsonist burned down my home. After the trauma healed a bit I realized the connection I had to the memories did not rely on owning an object, the memories existed separately from the object. I still have a cluttered home because of physical challenges, items inherited from loved ones, and a love for creativity, but having that core knowledge has helped me to donate items I don't need or desire so they can find a new person to live with.
Hi Ana - I’ve been a subscriber since the time you were living in Siberia. So happy to see your channel growing! Your content is so thoughtful and relevant even to those of us who are not true minimalists. I believe it’s important to be a minimalist in at least some areas of one’s life to really live consciously and authentically - otherwise we are nothing but mindless consumers.
Oh, I'm so glad you're still here and watching, my friend! It means a lot to me ❤️ I agree with you 100% - minimalist habits don't have to be omnipresent, we just adopt those that feel good for us personally. Have a beautiful week ahead!
I've been followning Ana since she had about 600 subscribers and also happy that her channel is growing. Every video I find interesting and thoughtful. I had the same experience in my life, buy more and consume less and it took me a long time to learn how to live with what I have and what I do not need and not to buy more and more.
Ana, each of your videos offers clarity in this journey you have been following. By you, I can feel totally justified in finding homes for whatever may be in my possession that will not enhance life in its next iteration. What a relief to understand the “what if and just in case” mentality. You are a treasure.
Thanks for sharing your journey to minimalism. I am no where near a minimalist and I don't want be an extreme minimalist. But I do want to radically downsize my possessions. I've had a big change in my thinking about consumerism and mindless spending over the past several years. My change in thinking and doing came about due to family illness and death of several close family members and having to take care of the things left behind. The other major factor was having to move suddenly due to a fire and seeing that I didn't miss anything I had in my home and that I can get by with a lot less possessions. I'm getting much better at buying only what I actually need and will use soon and decluttering what I have. It's taking me forever it seems but I do see progress. Take care Ana. All the best to you.
@@anagoldberg I honestly didn't think it was going to take me so long to downsize and declutter but I'm glad I started when I did! LOL. Wishing you a lovely, peaceful week ahead. Keep smiling.
I have ADHD and a cluttered environment makes my ADHD symptoms worse. I am on a decluttering path to try and simplify my surroundings. I've been working on this for about a year and a half now, and am just beginning to see a real difference. It is a struggle, because my partner has a clutter mindset and does not see why decluttering is beneficial, so some areas of our home are very cluttered still.
You are a mirror to me. You challenge me to reevaluate my way to relate to things.. I think all of us are influenced by cultural and ancestral patterns. At this point in my journey I am pondering and evaluating what really matters to live a life full of gratifying moment without the need to consume or a mentality of scarcity. . Thank you for sharing your thoughts.❤
I had the same kind of thing, due to influences from my grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. I had to realize the same things you did. I do respect the "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" mind set of not wasting or buying in excess, and I think that does still guide a lot of my habits. Now I only buy things in bulk that I know I will actually use - like last year I bought a year's worth of bars of my favourite soap because it was on sale for like $15. I've been using this pile of soap for a year now and haven't had to buy soap bars again yet! But for things that could go bad I don't do that.
I think part of my desire to live out of my car is a desire for minimalism and simplicity. I wish I could incorporate that into my home life. At home I have too much stuff, and have a hard time letting go of it. I try to remember that it isn’t necessary; I don’t need it. But I want it. It has sentimental value. Remnants of my trips, my childhood dolls. Stuff none of my family will ever want. So instead I get in my car and leave it all behind. Hope things are going well for you Ana. Love to you and Brian. ❤
Loved this, "harassed by my environment" is right. I have soooo many clothes. Have started to select a few to give away/sell, but honestly it's so hard to let go of anything, it's crazy. I was also raised in a former communist country. The struggle is real.
Thanks for sharing your struggles Ana. I have found it difficult to acknowledge my need for a simple space. My favourite place in my house is a cushion on the floor in a sunny spot where I can watch the birds in my garden, but I am always embarrassed to have visitors as it is not a conventional set up in my culture. - but that is my space and I like it.
Dearest Ana another wonderful video content. I have decluttered not only physical items but also toxic people & life is so much calmer not having negative “friends” . I have been blessed with another beautiful granddaughter named Giti. Wishing you & Brian a lovely calm week ❤
This video gives me a lot to think about Ana! Buying more but consuming less resonates for me a lot. I don't know where this fear comes from, but I do have an underlying worry of shortages, be it food, clothing, bicycle tubes, you name it. Making a conscious effort to "clean house" after a breakup is not something I've ever been able to do. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and start fresh. I admire those who able to make positive change like that. I share with you how difficult being an HSP can be. The feeling of not fitting in and not being able to enjoy or participate in activities others do easily is so difficult. I struggle with it constantly.
Hi Ted! I think, so many people have this "shortage" fear, maybe it's "programmed" in us evolutionally... And yes to HSP struggles, it's hard to fit in any crowd/gathering.
Ana, you are a person who enriches our world with your video essays and your creative arts, and you bring a sense of peace and order to me (and to others, I’m sure) and I thank you for that.
Belief system of "spiritual minimalism" is accepting others and nurturing yourself with unconditional love, meditation. XO We all have our own path & experience.
Oh Ana! With your first struggle, you could be telling my life! Yes! Unloading all the memories was really clarifying and lifted that horrible cloud off my shoulders! I didn't know anyone else who did this. I was always told how much I would regret it, but it's been over 30 years now, and I haven't regretted a thing! Thank you for your perspective!
Hi Betty! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it's inedeed important to tell others how this approach can be helpful in overcoming pain and moving on. Lots of love ❤️
Я была в Турции в 2018 и купила там два кусочка оливкового мыла. Одно я до сих пор использую по праздникам, второе не распакованное лежит. Как начать позволять себе иметь хорошие вещи каждый день, а не только по особым случаям (которые еще часто не достаточно особые). Этот страх, что кончится-сломается и больше никогда не будет - неистребим, можно подумать, это последняя хорошая вещь на земле. Пойду открою вторую пачку мыла😅
Thank you Ana :)! Similar to you, I have grown up with scarcity mindset and striving to change it in my 40s. I can't really call myself a minimalist but i'm working on creating healthy consumer habits
I don't have a scarcity mindset instead I tend to buy random things that I like for example clothes and keep them in my closet for my future self who's healthy and better looking than I am now. I have been doing since from a very young age and sadly I don't seem to become that perfect self of mine that I'm waiting for.
Hi Kyra! Thank you so much for sharing your story. It struck a cord in me... It's such a complex experience and the only thing I can suggest is that you treat yourself with much love and compassion 🤗❤️
Good topic, Ana. It's interesting how history shapes our lifestyles. My mother also kept the 'good things' for only occasional use, and bought up big whenever the stores had sales. Our house was very crammed! I moved around a lot after leaving home, so never accumulated much. Upon later learning about minimalism, I got more intentional about it. I now share a house with a clutterbug, but as I have my own rooms, it works out.
Hi Ana, I hadn't seen your vieos for some time and wondered how you were doing. I love the way you have let your hair grow more freely (I think). I don't know what ISP is but maybe I am rather ISPish myself because I can't stand noisy places, like crowded restaurants. IMininamlism has never been an issue with me because I simply cannot afford anything in excess., so there you are, reality helping you with some issues. =) Be well Ana! Both of you.
I always look forward to your videos. This one specially spoke to my heart. Coming also from a family where one side was Mormon, which because of its history of my ancestors being driven out of their homes at the very end of winter, when stores were scarce to non existent, part of Mormon culture involves being prepared with food and other necessities for a year. Also living through flooding and two wildfires where you are evacuated from your home, and the pandemic, I find triggered what was already a generational scarcity thought pattern. So I really appreciated that you talk about this not just in material terms, which is unfortunately the way a lot of minimalist channels exclusively speak of it, but also in terms of what feels comfortable to our souls and minds. It is impossible, in my view to declutter material things if they are filling an emotional need. Examining those emotional needs and looking at how we use stuff to fulfill them, is the real work.
I think that having even a small space or corner of a room that soothes our senses is essential. A retreat. A sanctuary.
My minimalism journey started with a traumatic event. While living in Japan, an arsonist burned down my home. After the trauma healed a bit I realized the connection I had to the memories did not rely on owning an object, the memories existed separately from the object. I still have a cluttered home because of physical challenges, items inherited from loved ones, and a love for creativity, but having that core knowledge has helped me to donate items I don't need or desire so they can find a new person to live with.
Hi Ana - I’ve been a subscriber since the time you were living in Siberia. So happy to see your channel growing! Your content is so thoughtful and relevant even to those of us who are not true minimalists. I believe it’s important to be a minimalist in at least some areas of one’s life to really live consciously and authentically - otherwise we are nothing but mindless consumers.
Oh, I'm so glad you're still here and watching, my friend! It means a lot to me ❤️ I agree with you 100% - minimalist habits don't have to be omnipresent, we just adopt those that feel good for us personally. Have a beautiful week ahead!
I've been followning Ana since she had about 600 subscribers and also happy that her channel is growing. Every video I find interesting and thoughtful. I had the same experience in my life, buy more and consume less and it took me a long time to learn how to live with what I have and what I do not need and not to buy more and more.
I admire you Ana. You are simple yet beautiful and intelligent. I wish you peace and happiness throughout your new life. ❤
Thank you, dear friend 🌿
Lynn here .loved your video .after 73 years I’m realizing that less is more and I don’t have to be perfect.
Ana, each of your videos offers clarity in this journey you have been following. By you, I can feel totally justified in finding homes for whatever may be in my possession that will not enhance life in its next iteration. What a relief to understand the “what if and just in case” mentality. You are a treasure.
It's so sweet of you to say this. Thank you ❤️
Thanks for sharing your journey to minimalism. I am no where near a minimalist and I don't want be an extreme minimalist. But I do want to radically downsize my possessions. I've had a big change in my thinking about consumerism and mindless spending over the past several years. My change in thinking and doing came about due to family illness and death of several close family members and having to take care of the things left behind. The other major factor was having to move suddenly due to a fire and seeing that I didn't miss anything I had in my home and that I can get by with a lot less possessions. I'm getting much better at buying only what I actually need and will use soon and decluttering what I have. It's taking me forever it seems but I do see progress. Take care Ana. All the best to you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, my friend ❤️ Indeed, changing our habits takes time, but it's so worth it.
@@anagoldberg I honestly didn't think it was going to take me so long to downsize and declutter but I'm glad I started when I did! LOL. Wishing you a lovely, peaceful week ahead. Keep smiling.
I have ADHD and a cluttered environment makes my ADHD symptoms worse. I am on a decluttering path to try and simplify my surroundings. I've been working on this for about a year and a half now, and am just beginning to see a real difference. It is a struggle, because my partner has a clutter mindset and does not see why decluttering is beneficial, so some areas of our home are very cluttered still.
You are a mirror to me. You challenge me to reevaluate my way to relate to things.. I think all of us are influenced by cultural and ancestral patterns. At this point in my journey I am pondering and evaluating what really matters to live a life full of gratifying moment without the need to consume or a mentality of scarcity. . Thank you for sharing your thoughts.❤
I'm so glad we resonate, dear Maria ❤️ "A life full of gratifying moment" - what a beautiful way to express this....
I had the same kind of thing, due to influences from my grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. I had to realize the same things you did. I do respect the "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" mind set of not wasting or buying in excess, and I think that does still guide a lot of my habits. Now I only buy things in bulk that I know I will actually use - like last year I bought a year's worth of bars of my favourite soap because it was on sale for like $15. I've been using this pile of soap for a year now and haven't had to buy soap bars again yet! But for things that could go bad I don't do that.
I think part of my desire to live out of my car is a desire for minimalism and simplicity. I wish I could incorporate that into my home life. At home I have too much stuff, and have a hard time letting go of it. I try to remember that it isn’t necessary; I don’t need it. But I want it. It has sentimental value. Remnants of my trips, my childhood dolls. Stuff none of my family will ever want. So instead I get in my car and leave it all behind.
Hope things are going well for you Ana. Love to you and Brian. ❤
Loved this, "harassed by my environment" is right. I have soooo many clothes. Have started to select a few to give away/sell, but honestly it's so hard to let go of anything, it's crazy. I was also raised in a former communist country. The struggle is real.
Thanks for sharing your struggles Ana. I have found it difficult to acknowledge my need for a simple space. My favourite place in my house is a cushion on the floor in a sunny spot where I can watch the birds in my garden, but I am always embarrassed to have visitors as it is not a conventional set up in my culture. - but that is my space and I like it.
Hi Marion! Oh, your favorite home nook sounds so cosy and comforting 😍
Dearest Ana another wonderful video content. I have decluttered not only physical items but also toxic people & life is so much calmer not having negative “friends” . I have been blessed with another beautiful granddaughter named Giti. Wishing you & Brian a lovely calm week ❤
That is a lovely name for your granddaughter!
Congratulations, Sharon! This is amazing news ❤️
@@raggedblossom508 so kind thank you 👶🏼
@@anagoldberg thank you so much - she is my 18th grandchild !
This video gives me a lot to think about Ana! Buying more but consuming less resonates for me a lot. I don't know where this fear comes from, but I do have an underlying worry of shortages, be it food, clothing, bicycle tubes, you name it. Making a conscious effort to "clean house" after a breakup is not something I've ever been able to do. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and start fresh. I admire those who able to make positive change like that. I share with you how difficult being an HSP can be. The feeling of not fitting in and not being able to enjoy or participate in activities others do easily is so difficult. I struggle with it constantly.
Hi Ted! I think, so many people have this "shortage" fear, maybe it's "programmed" in us evolutionally... And yes to HSP struggles, it's hard to fit in any crowd/gathering.
Ana, you are a person who enriches our world with your video essays and your creative arts, and you bring a sense of peace and order to me (and to others, I’m sure) and I thank you for that.
Thank you for your kindest words, my friend ❤️
Belief system of "spiritual minimalism" is accepting others and nurturing yourself with unconditional love, meditation. XO We all have our own path & experience.
Yours is beautifully different…. You are so lovely. Love your honest and logical approach
Oh Ana! With your first struggle, you could be telling my life! Yes! Unloading all the memories was really clarifying and lifted that horrible cloud off my shoulders! I didn't know anyone else who did this. I was always told how much I would regret it, but it's been over 30 years now, and I haven't regretted a thing! Thank you for your perspective!
@@AAyres-ie8sf yes! A constant reminder of the trauma.
Hi Betty! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it's inedeed important to tell others how this approach can be helpful in overcoming pain and moving on. Lots of love ❤️
It was the normal behaviour. And in some way, it made sense to appreciate things for years and to decide better what to do with those materials.
Ana, thanks for sharing your story, it's precious! I'm inspiring by it 🙏 Have a great time!
Я была в Турции в 2018 и купила там два кусочка оливкового мыла. Одно я до сих пор использую по праздникам, второе не распакованное лежит. Как начать позволять себе иметь хорошие вещи каждый день, а не только по особым случаям (которые еще часто не достаточно особые). Этот страх, что кончится-сломается и больше никогда не будет - неистребим, можно подумать, это последняя хорошая вещь на земле. Пойду открою вторую пачку мыла😅
Ура использованию лучшего и особого! ❤️
I always feel so happy when I notice you just posted a new video 😌
Great topic ana have a great week ahead
Thanks, Ana, for sharing your journey. ✌🏾❤️
Thank you Ana :)! Similar to you, I have grown up with scarcity mindset and striving to change it in my 40s. I can't really call myself a minimalist but i'm working on creating healthy consumer habits
Hi Ana! From my own experience, I can say that changing consumer habits is challenging but absolutely possible 😊 Wishing you all the best!
I don't have a scarcity mindset instead I tend to buy random things that I like for example clothes and keep them in my closet for my future self who's healthy and better looking than I am now. I have been doing since from a very young age and sadly I don't seem to become that perfect self of mine that I'm waiting for.
Hi Kyra! Thank you so much for sharing your story. It struck a cord in me... It's such a complex experience and the only thing I can suggest is that you treat yourself with much love and compassion 🤗❤️
Good topic, Ana. It's interesting how history shapes our lifestyles. My mother also kept the 'good things' for only occasional use, and bought up big whenever the stores had sales. Our house was very crammed! I moved around a lot after leaving home, so never accumulated much. Upon later learning about minimalism, I got more intentional about it. I now share a house with a clutterbug, but as I have my own rooms, it works out.
Writing is so important! But then what do I do with all those very personal notebooks? 😅
Wonderful Ana, exactly how I feel and lovely to hear you put it so succinctly.
Hi Ana, thank you for your video🙏thank you for sharing your journey. I value everything you talk about and grow with you. Big hug Gale❤
Thank you, Ana. 🙂
great video!
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Hi Ana, I hadn't seen your vieos for some time and wondered how you were doing. I love the way you have let your hair grow more freely (I think). I don't know what ISP is but maybe I am rather ISPish myself because I can't stand noisy places, like crowded restaurants. IMininamlism has never been an issue with me because I simply cannot afford anything in excess., so there you are, reality helping you with some issues. =) Be well Ana! Both of you.
Hi Lidia! I've been posting videos every week, and not to miss them, you can turn on the notification bell 😊
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I always look forward to your videos. This one specially spoke to my heart. Coming also from a family where one side was Mormon, which because of its history of my ancestors being driven out of their homes at the very end of winter, when stores were scarce to non existent, part of Mormon culture involves being prepared with food and other necessities for a year. Also living through flooding and two wildfires where you are evacuated from your home, and the pandemic, I find triggered what was already a generational scarcity thought pattern. So I really appreciated that you talk about this not just in material terms, which is unfortunately the way a lot of minimalist channels exclusively speak of it, but also in terms of what feels comfortable to our souls and minds. It is impossible, in my view to declutter material things if they are filling an emotional need. Examining those emotional needs and looking at how we use stuff to fulfill them, is the real work.
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.My little elf,finally another video❤you are so feminine and sweet more than ever,now that you are with your husband,I'm so happy for you 2
Oh, you are so sweet ❤️ Thank you! Sending love.
Forgive me if you have answered this question before, but can I ask how you and your husband found one another?😊
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