A Journey Around the World to Find Minimalism with Margaret Henney | Part I
For three years, I have wanted to share this story with you guys! Meet Marge…my best friend, world traveler, aspiring minimalist and ridiculously talented writer. She left life as she knows it back in 2015 to spend an entire year traveling the world. I’m talking five continents traveled with a single backpack.
You will LOVE reading her story, her philosophy on life and the happiness she has found with living with less (but amping up all of the experiences she enjoys). Let’s just dig in, shall we?
Becoming a minimalist is a huge undertaking and I’m so curious what the inspiration was to head in this direction?
The genesis of my minimalist lifestyle came from my time abroad. I had quit my job, was subletting my apartment, and heading off for a year of solo travel. Planning/packing took immense preparation (see everything I brought along below). At first, I was a bit overwhelmed at having to pack everything I would require for 365 days, accounting for different climates, cultures, and adventures. But I loved how the experience forced me to be incredibly thoughtful about what I truly needed and what I could do without. As it turns out, I don’t need much at all to be perfectly happy.
In fact, I found there were plenty of times while traveling that I was like, “why do I have all of this stuff?! I don’t need all of this.” There was less to take care of, worry about, lug around. Less ended up being more. More money, more time, more contentedness, more freedom. This mindset shift ending up influencing not just the way that I travel, but the way I live.
Was there a specific moment where you knew you were going to simplify everything or was it a gradual process?
The concept was something I was attracted to and curious about for years. But the consumer-driven culture of America (and the West in general) made me feel like it wasn’t possible. Here, “things” define or represent your success (or lack thereof). But when I traveled my eyes were opened that this doesn’t have to be the case. It was refreshing. It turns out that having less made me feel so much freer. So, it started there and then when I came home, I ended up expanding upon that.
How did you approach the process? Did you hire anyone to help or go at it alone?
I was forced into the process for my year of travel and during that preparation period I relied heavily on travel bloggers to know how/what to pack. But when I returned I was turned onto the Ted-Talk-turned documentary, Minimalism, and The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. These resources inspired me immensely and it didn’t take me long to decide I wanted a permanent change. I didn’t hire anyone – although that was have been incredibly helpful!
Miss Marge at Large traveling trading stuff for experiences across the globe.
How long did the process take? And what all did it involve?
The process itself didn’t take long – maybe a weekend. At that point I was all in and trashing/donating things was easy. In fact, I found that I felt a rush from it – I still do! It’s exhilarating to shed “stuff” and it makes me feel physically, emotionally and mentally lighter.
I must admit that the first go around I went a little too far. I was so bought in after watching the Minimalism doc that I got rid of art, pictures, throw pillows, extra dishware. My place was practically barren! It felt orderly and light, but maybe a little too sterile for my taste. I’ve since found a greater balance.
I mostly followed the Marie Kondo process of pulling everything out and going through it item by item. I found I had a lot of the same scattered throughout my apartment (clothes here and there, cleaning supplies in this cabinet and that closet). It was really helpful to group them and assign a designated space for all “like” items. I don’t go quite as far as MK in terms of holding items and determining if it brings me happiness or whatever… but bringing everything out and grouping “like with like” is a great place to start.
Because I live in a relatively small apartment (about 900 square feet), I can’t have too much. It’s just the nature of the space. This keeps me from holding onto items that no longer serve me or – the cardinal sin of minimalism – buying in bulk. It’s so unnecessary! It takes up too much space, creates clutter, and I can replace any essentials in under 20 minutes.
What is your life like now? What are the top three benefits that you can see in your daily life?
Before I started practicing minimalism I was never satisfied. Having more resulted in wanting more. It was this endless, empty cycle that never fulfilled me and continued to drain my spirit (and my bank account). I’m by no means satisfied 100% of the time, but I no longer look to “things” to bring me fulfillment. Now, I find that in my relationships, faith, health, and passions.
“Having more resulted in wanting more.”
But minimalism is a choice I have to make every day. It’s not something you do once, in a big purge. I have to ask myself, “Do I really want this? Why do I feel like I want it? Do I have something else like it? How is it useful to me?” It encourages mindfulness and that’s always a good thing in my book.
Look at this care-free spirit | Croatia, 2018
Gosh, isn’t this just the chalk full of of inspiration and actionable ways to get started? I love the path Marge took and can’t wait to share the second part of our conversation next week.
The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. She is currently packing for a week away in Anguilla and can’t wait to sit poolside with a book…and a drink in hand. ;)
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