Minimalism: Deep and no turning back

To be very honest, I can't remember how many times I have been cautioned with words like, "You're economizing too much," or "You're being too stingy." All these remarks were made simply because of the minimalist lifestyle I live.

They see it as being too deep, but for me, it isn't—it is the best life because it saves a whole lot of things. Should something that makes life easier be considered excessive? No!

Imagine if I am always looking for ways to buy a high-quality, long-lasting item rather than going for a flashy, easy-to-spoil alternative, and someone tells me I am overdoing it—does that make sense?
Last year, I wanted to buy a new pair of shoes, and the best decision I made was tagging along with a neighbor who shares the same minimalist lifestyle as I do. The plan was to spot a very original yet affordable pair. We moved from one boutique to another, but I couldn't find one within the price range I had in mind.

Then, I decided to call a friend who had recently bought a new pair of shoes to ask where he got them, hoping for a good deal. But guess what? His response put me off completely. He boldly said that I economize too much and should just buy the ones I see instead of moving around the city searching for cheap-quality one. I didn't bother asking him any further questions—I just ended the call. That was the most recent example, but this kind of reaction happens all the time.

I know a lot of people who believe that my habit of simplicity and cost-cutting, while still living well, is excessive. But I don’t care. I am very unapologetic about it!

I remember a particular time when one piece of my AirPods got spoiled. It was something fixable because it was still working fine...the problem was just a wire that pulled off. I decided to open it up and fix it myself. While doing so, a guy walked in and saw me working on it. He was in complete disbelief.

"You're fixing AirPods? AirPods that you can just go and buy another one and throw this away?" he said in shock.

I laughed and replied, "This AirPod is expensive, and besides, the fault is fixable. I don't see any reason to throw it away when I can just repair it and continue using it."

I continued reconnecting the detached wire, and I could hear him muttering "You're too stingy" under his breath, but I didn't care. It is very funny how people easily associate a minimalist lifestyle with stinginess. It sucks! Simple repairs, recycling, and DIY fixes are all core practices of minimalism.

There are countless instances where the act of minimalism is seen as extreme and likened to being stingy or overly economical. But despite all of this, once a minimalist is truly immersed in the lifestyle, they will never give an ear to what people say or how they feel about it.

Thanks for reading.

This is my entry to #KISS prompt.

All photos are mine