An Influence Into Minimalism

When change occurs we try our best to adapt to the situation at hand. Not adapting at that point could lead to certain things that might cause a bigger problem. Change they say is the most constant thing in life and most times with a blink of an eye things could change, from living a comfortable life to going down, or sometimes the reverse could be the case.

Growing up, I and my siblings lived a very comfortable life, we weren’t rich but I think we were able to get everything we wanted. We attended private schools, had whatever we felt like eating and I think my dad played a major role in giving us everything we wanted. Most times if were to eat a meal for the second time and there was no protein (meat or fish) we would end up not eating it.

My mom was always telling us how we were growing up to spoilt and we couldn’t manage at all. She will always say “There are children with little or no food and they can manage life as it is.” We were okay until something happened and then we had to cut down on some expenses. We had to cut down on the regular snacks and buy whatever we wanted.

It happened that my dad's pay in his workplace was withheld due to some issues in his workplace and they were given options to either continue to work with no pay or resign. Instead of my dad opting out and going for another work, he decided to stay put and act "all faithful" to the company in which He was working without payment, and hey, our flexible way of living fled before our eyes. My mom became everything in the house. She became harsh on us especially when we threw away leftovers... I can't count the number of days I got hit by her in shunning my lifestyle.

This lasted for many months and when my dad regained himself, our lives had adjusted already. It took me a while to adjust to this kind of lifestyle but I already had my mom’s great influence.

This helped me When I was in tertiary school, I had to learn to be a minimalist so I don’t go around starving or in debt. Because my mom turned out to be incharge of the home as well as my school life. I don't know why my dad made her his account manager, my dad would give her my school money while she disburses based on her calculations. Whatever wasn’t needed, I was able to control myself in order not to get it. I controlled my cravings and finally, I was able to become a minimalist and this has helped me so well.

Apart from the fact that my mom influenced my minimalist lifestyle. I think another way I grew up to be a minimalist is fear of poverty. I saw how my dad was brought down and that scares me anytime I think of it. If there is one thing I fear is not being financially stable enough to get the things I need. This fear made me live life in simplicity. I only buy things that are of importance to me and align with my values.

Being a minimalist didn’t start from a day, started step by step and I am thankful my mom influenced me into being one. This has made me adapt so well even in an economy that gets worse daily.

_{All images used are mine except otherwise stated}

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