Thin Line: Minimalism & Stinginess

Truly, I will say there's a thin line between minimalist-lifestyle and stinginess. Even though most minimalists know what they are doing and why they are doing it, some people who are of contrary opinion to this lifestyle may not. As minimalists, we economize and save resources for better use. The purpose is clear to us from the beginning and the benefits could be for us or any other person. However, the fact that we are minimalists don't stop us from being good to others. Being a minimalist does doesn't make us less of a giver. It does not make us hostile to neighbours nor stop us from eating good food. we don't just like wastage. Stinginess on the other hand is purely hoarding for a selfish purpose. Most times, people take their time to watch and observe us, our behaviour and attitudes over time make people know our purpose of practicing whatever lifestyle we choose and tag us names.

A person can never be too minimalist, it is either the person is a minimalist or stingy. Even though a minimalist economizes and cut cost, the reason for it shouldn't be far-fetched. Even if all people don't know the reason, your beneficiaries should be able to know that you are a giver and caring person that just hates wastage. When our work speak for us , no one will term us as being 'too minimalist '. In fact, I see 'too minimalist ' as an euphemism. It is a term used to package a stingy person. The selfish attitude of some people has made people termed them 'too minimalist ' whereas they were never minimalists in the first place but stingy people.

Imagine, a man at my work place. This man likes to economize and mindful of whatever he has. He has a car (Jeep) that he takes to work However, he will never pick you up if he meets you on the way, no matter what your condition is at the time, come rain; come shine. He will pass by and even wave at you. All he claims is that he doesn't pick other people up because he's maintaining his car. What a life! To some, he is being too minimalist but I will say he's stingy. Never say never! There are occasions, we change our stances, if it will benefit others and not harm us. What is being minimalist in hoarding your old clothes for your children's children, you even arrange them in the wardrobe till they are of age, even when your children are well- to- do, and can easily provide for their family? Whereas, you could give underprivileged who have nothing to clothe their childre. That is not even being too minimalist as people will tag them but stinginess. Those hoarded materials go out of vogue and become useless eventually because their grandchildren will not even wear it.

Without much stress people know who are generous but hate wastage, they will never tag them being 'too minimalist', but will even defend them like 'bring it here, mummy won't want to waste that'. 'Let's buy this, it's not too costly and it is original, dad will like it.' Being too minimalist' is just a term to say an unpleasant thing in a pleasant way. It's high time we started evaluating ourselves as minimalists and know the purpose behind embracing this lifestyle. If it is for selfish reason, if we can't let go of some things that are of more benefits to others, if we're being harsh on ourselves and fail to take good care of ourselves because we want to cut cost, then we are not being too minimalist but stingy people.

Minimalism is a lifestyle of honour, we truly manage well and economize but not at the expense or detriment of ourselves or people living around us. We are not extravagant but we take care of ourselves and put smiles on faces of people around us. Minimalist-lifestyle brings peace and promotes communal living instead of hostility and wickedness in our environment. If we truly practice it well, others are coming to embrace it.

Thanks for reading.
All pictures are mine.