I was traveling out of the country for an extended period of time, when my sub-leaser decided to pull a classic American Psycho on me while he stayed at my perfectly boho-styled furnished home. My landlord eventually kicked him out which meant that all of my precious things had to go too. I had a friend (bless his soul) move me out and put all my of my things in storage. I like to think that the universe arranged for this to happen because I was already headed in that direction anyway. I didn't own a bed as I slept on Moroccan pillows. I didn't have a couch because I used the same pillows to sit on. I also ate on the floor using an antique, brass Persian plate instead of a table. The only furniture I owned was a solid wood book case with a hinged table that flipped down to double as a workspace.
Living out of a luggage then slowly graduating to a backpack for the last six months had me realize the minimum it took to be comfortable. I kept downsizing more of my stuff that I thought were essentials. Did I really need two belt bags, eight pairs of black leggings, and leather boots in Asia? Come on! (But to be fair, I wanted to go to the Himalayas and who knows how cold it can get up there.) Getting rid of my stuff became a slight obsession where I really pushed myself to own 100 things or less. And I discovered that the less stuff I owned, the more liberating it felt. I mean, it's physics--the more bags you drop, the lighter you become.
It was fun to enumerate through all of my belongings asking myself for each item, "Can I live without this? Does this have multiple purposes? Does this make me happy?" I think the biggest challenge for me was resisting the urge to collect more handmade jewelry as souvenirs and finding legitimate reasons why I needed to keep certain shamanic items like the pair of wings I cropped off of a dead bird.
To make inventory easier, I made a list of my things. I found this is also useful for when I'm feeling the itch to downsize again (which I feel is soon) and I could just look at some words versus having to actually go through my stuff. I figure this will serve as good training for when I go back home and have to get rid of what is still in storage which is something I'm not looking forward to.
The 100 (or Less) Things I Own:
Technology for Working Remotely
- MacBook Pro
- Laptop Sleeve
- Apple BT Mouse
- iPhone 7
- Apple and Standard Earphones
- Dual Home Charger
- Charging Cables
- Euro Plug Converter
- Car Charger
- Unlocked Mobile WiFi Modem
- Power Bank 9000 mAh
- Lexar USB Dongle
- BT Speakers
Books and Writing
- Notebook for Writing Notes
- Leather Journal
- Pens x 2
- 3 Books for Reading
Music and Mystical Items
- Mayan Oracle Cards
- Native American Flute
- Filipino Flute
- Mexican Ocarina
- Main Medicine Bag: Copal, Rapé Medicina, Kirupes (Single, Double Barrel, Ceremonial), Lana, Holy Water, Paulo Santo, Lighter, Candles, Charcoal, Incense
- Various Crystals: Tourmaline, Selenite, Kyanite, Amethyst, Labradorite, Carnelian, Rose Quartz, etc.
- Obsidian Yoni Egg
- Feathers: Owl, Swan, Blue Macaw, Rooster Tail, Kingfisher Wings
- Fox Medicine Bag
- Leopard Claw Medicine Bag
Toiletries
- Sunblock
- Salt Deodorant
- Zinc Oxide Cream
- Base Oils: Coconut, Argan
- Essential Oils: Lavender, Citronella, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rose, Orange
- Tooth Brush
- Charcoal Tooth Powder
- Digital Thermometer
- Epilator
- Ear Pick
- Silicon Menstrual Cup
- Reusable Menstrual Pads
- Makeup: Mascara, Bamboo Travel Brushes, Lip Stain
- Stork Scissors
- Nail Clippers
- Tweezers
- Black and White Thread & Needle
Tools and Utilities
- Batangas Knife
- Mini Screwdriver Set
- Bamboo Utensil Set w/ Straw
- Sleep Mask
- Head Torch
- Travel Yoga Mat
- Travel Hammock
Accessories
- Linen Scarf
- Wool Scarf
- Batik Blanket
- Sarong
- Wool Hat
- Sunglasses
- Batik Sling Bag
- Leather Belt Bag
- Dakine 25L Backpack
- Deuter 60L Backpack
- Deuter Water Bag
- Glass Water Bottle
- Jewelry
- Turquoise Mala Beads
- A Bunch of Underwear
- Socks
Footwear
- Birkenstocks
- Nike Running Shoes
- Mexican Leather Slip Ons
- Havaianas
Clothes
- Black Bikini
- Blue Bikini
- Brown Bikini Bottom
- Crochet Bikini Top x 2
- Shell Bikini Top
- Black Bikini Top
- Dark Jean Shorts
- White Jean Shorts
- Light Black Shorts
- Light White Shorts
- Yoga Shorts
- Purple Tank Top
- Black Tank Top
- Burgundy Tank Top
- Brown Tank Top
- Purple Blouse
- Black Leggings x 3
- Thai Pants x 2
- Harem Pants and Shirt
- Grey Long Dress
- Green Long Dress
- Romper x 2
- Jean Jacket
- Favorite Flannel Shirt
- Blue sweater
- Jedi Hoodie Pullover
- Free People Shawl
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