Living the simple life aka Minimalism

Ok so ive always classed myself as a minimalism, as i don't like clutter or mess, I'm also a tad OcD, I like objects in their place, yes everything has its place in my house! But over years , 48 to be precise, yes im that old😜,  like most people Ive collected 'stuff', the normal bits, celebration cards, magazines-ooh i like that picture or article, ill read it again! (NO I WONT), Books, mobile phones, chargers, they are in 'the man drawer', etc etc. as my friends know we have moved a few times, lost count really, so each time we have 'de-cluttered', but always holding onto sentimental items. Everyone has them, stored in pretty boxes under the bed, or in wardrobes, do we really need them?
Just before I started my blog I became obsessed with pintrest, for those who don't know what it is, (its an age thing!) its an app with lots of pictures, quotes & ideas, for whatever your interest, you can build mood boards, with the click of your phone or tablet, i'm a tad addicted got to admit!
I started reading about Minimalism, And capsule wardrobes, it made me rethink my meaning of this way of living, and doing further research, I listened to bloggers on you tube telling me how it feels to be a minimalist, how it changed there lives, I thought to myself...'am I too old to change my thought process', do I need all my 'stuff' to be happy, and why do I hold onto sentimental objects?
I began looking in my drawers, wardrobe, cupboards, seeing everything I own and re-evaluating its worth, questions to ask yourself when doing this process...
. Do I NEED this?
. Do I WANT it?
. Does it give VALUE to my life?
. Does it hold MEMORIES?

Obviously these are not straightforward and it may be a struggle answering them honestly, its ok to feel like this we are human and have been conditioned over years of advertising and brainwashing, to believe we NEED 'stuff' to feel complete, Happy and satisfied with our life!
If you want to change and follow this route, No its not a cult following, you wont become a 'hippy' & feel the need to live in a shed and sell your house!
For me personally the hardest one is sentimental items, items that hold memories,  I read a blog by www.jessicarosewilliams.com And she suggests taking photos of the items, which is a fab idea, although i admit, Im still holding onto a couple of small objects from my Mum, her handbag mirror, and a shirt that she loved, which is absolutely fine , there is no right or wrong way to become minimalistic, its personal and should suit your lifestyle.   For me its about trying to create a 'clutter free' home, develop my Sanctuary, and produce a stress-free life. One where I can enjoy the simple things, walking on the beach...

enjoying my garden, and visiting beautiful places,
and have the time to do so, with my Hubby, and pooch Miss Darcy

An inspiring quote to get you started

I hope this helps you evaluate your life and decide if minimalism is for you, maybe you can give me some tips on what helped you? And together we can become Minimalistic