Influences for a minimalist lifestyle

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I grew up as a mommy's boy. I was like her handbag, and almost everywhere she went, she said, Why would my mom make a list of items to buy at the market from home and even attach prices? I could excuse her for the sake of memory, but I noticed my mom hardly deviated from the list whenever we went to the market. In fact, we could spend almost an hour at a spot when she begins to bargain, all because she wants to stick with the price she had in mind or even go lower. This attitude has helped me plan more, as I make a list of items I need to buy before entering the market. This way, I have a budget, and as much as possible, I do not overshoot the budget by making spontaneous purchases.

In early 2022, I sought a senior colleague's opinion about the choice of car to buy, and he asked me a relevant question: "Can you afford and maintain the car you have in mind and the luxury attached therein?" My choice was between a 2013 Toyota Camry and either a Pontiac Vibe or Matrix. The latter were cheaper by about ₦600, 000. He made me realize the public would be of the opinion that the rider of the Camry was an important personality, not minding or knowing the actual struggles behind the wheels. On the other hand, the Pontiac ot Matrix would not draw too much attention.

I thought it through and, without regrets, settled for the Camry, even though I almost emptied my pockets to procure it. Recently, though worsened by the terrible economic state in Nigeria, I was telling a friend that I did not have money and I was broke. He hushed me immediately, saying I could not tell him that. When I asked why, he said I should look at the car I was driving; it was an executive car. The truth also is that to buy a similar car at this moment would mean having three times the amount I bought it for. That's how much inflation has eaten it up. This was my consolation that I didn't regret buying the Camry, but then, the public's opinions are difficult to diffuse, especially in this economic reality. You will agree with me that the average mind wants to own the world, or at least a large portion of it. Do I want another car? Yes, but a smaller one that would be less fuel-consuming and probably not attract much attention. However, owning the Camry was a good choice for me, as I could not imagine buying a car worth above ₦10, 000,000 now when we barely have enough to eat.

In life, we will continually have wants and desires, and sometimes we just have to weigh our choices and take calculated risks.

IMAGE CREDIT IS MINE

The average African man often prides himself on abundance, and even in the number of children, we would want to have many surrounding us. But amongst all, how many can be boasted of having a quality education and life? Thankfully, my thoughts have also been rewired to appreciate the value of less over excess. My house, for example, is spacious, and you could as well throw a party and walk within it comfortably. This is due to the limited home appliances I have. The more properties I acquire, the greater my responsibility for those items, which oftentimes get neglected. I have learned to own the world based on what my arms can reach and not what my eyes can see. I don't go for everything I see; I stick to what can frequently traverse my hands, such that they're often used.

Here in Nigeria, we often settle for what we can afford and not what's convenient. I made a mistake in 2021 by buying a Nigerian used car for a relatively cheap price. While trying to save money by settling for a cheap product, I ended up spending so much on fixing the car that I sold it barely five months later. Cheap is good, but not at the expense of quality, as it has a way of draining the little reserves that would leave us empty and with inferior procurement.

I used to think a million naira could solve most of my problems, or at least all of them. I used to ask myself how much exactly was needed to live a life of comfort, even if not the abundant-resources type. But growing much older now, I have come to terms with the fact that man's needs are insatiable, and reaching a height or peak would only expose us to a farther horizon that would probably prompt us to want more. As much as the human mind desires to own many, being intentional for me fuels contentment as my driver for living a minimalist lifestyle. I believe we'll keep wanting more from life, but we must first learn to appreciate the little tangible and intangible things of life.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.