Judging by my experience in life, I understand quite well that change is a powerful catalyst capable of initiating itself even when we become reluctant to initiate it. A lot of times, it just happens and leaves us with only one choice, which is to embrace it and nothing more.
In the last two decades, my life has experienced changes at different points, and I don't dispute them because they are necessary for growth to happen. There are those changes I initiated because I had to and the ones that happened naturally at the least expected time. I experienced some that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and yet, it was for the betterment of my well-being and journey through life.
I can confidently say that one of the easiest paths to stagnancy is resisting change, and it makes zero sense preventing things can make life a lot better for us.
Early last year, the thought of getting a more personal space for myself crossed my mind, but I felt it was unnecessary, and that's normal because I am someone who loves having my family around me. I have spent a good number of years of my life around them, and taking that step away feels like a change I am not willing to embrace.
I actually made a little effort about it and eventually dumped the idea without properly reflecting on what inspired the thought, but as the year progressed, a few things unfolded, and I was forced to have a deep reflection on this space of a thing.
For the start, I realized that every member of my family had grown older, and it's funny how I didn't pay attention to the age thing. It's been five years now since I brought the family together under a roof because it was really necessary then. Five years is really not a small duration, and it's understandable why we have outgrown our small space. In addition, I am married, and the little space I have always fitted into can't handle two adults like I expected. I have tried decluttering, and at this point, there is nothing to push out to create more space anymore.
My current space is not physically bad but mentally, my it feels cluttered, and it's not healthy for me. Sometimes, I spend a good amount of time daily trying to rearrange things, and it's exhausting. There are times I eventually get irritated, and it ruins my mood for the rest of the day, leaving me unproductive in many ways.
Aside from the cluttered feeling, my siblings are growing and just discovering themselves. I see lifestyle changes among them from time to time, which is normal, but sometimes these changes don't work for me, and imposing my lifestyle on them is not my thing.
I really want them to figure out what works best for them so they can live happily and comfortably, just like how I figured out about the minimalist lifestyle.
After thinking back and forth, I decided to embrace the change I had been shying away from, and it came as a surprise to my family when I broke the news to them. I made it clear why the new space was very important to me, but they didn't understand what I really wanted because after they got to my new space, they felt disappointed which is normal because a lot of people feel disappointed at many minimalist choices.
The space was opposite what they expected, but I love the simplicity that comes with it and the environment. It's still a small place physically, but mentally it isn't, and that's satisfying.
Being a minimalist, our well-being is always a priority, but you will agree with me that sometimes we get carried away with the well-being of the people around us, which isn't bad, and it becomes a terrible thing when we refuse to embrace the change that would take us back to prioritizing our well-being. Embracing this change isn't just about changing my physical surroundings. It's more about choosing what aligns with my lifestyle and prioritizing well-being physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I know it's challenging to let go of the familiar to embrace the unknown, but this is also a chance for me to be more intentional about my lifestyle while embracing new experiences, relationships, and even opportunities. Things will feel different henceforth, but I trust the change, so embracing it isn't an issue.
I still have a lot to do at my new space, so in a few days, I will be sharing my minimalist approach to setting up my new space and the surroundings. Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend.