Heeeyho Readers! In the spirit to support new communities, let's explore minimalism.
I've recently discovered that 
Being fully conscious of a minimalistic life or pursuing it as a goal has never been my priority, even though I've become — depending on the definition — a minimalist person over the years. Since this is a topic I don't often talk about, and because I like to expand my mind, a contest came just about at the right time.
She gives us three topic options to choose from, but I think option one can't be answered without touching option three. Sooooo, let's approach both.
Living with the basic in Patagonia
I can't start without explaining what I perceive as a minimalistic lifestyle, which comes through the lens of a person who finds happiness on adventures, travels, challenges, sports, and different outdoor activities.
What does minimalism mean to you? And why did you decide to apply minimalism to your life?
Minimalism is directly linked to freedom; it's one mean to achieve that end. Freedom comes in four shapes: geographical freedom, spiritual freedom, financial freedom, and freedom of time.
There’s the geographical freedom to roam and explore every corner of this world without being locked in one place. The spiritual freedom that permits us to exist as an independent and confident individual without bothering about the perceptions others might have of us. Financial freedom, serving to ease life. Lastly, the ever-important and scarce freedom of time, the only one we can’t get back once we lose it. — from Tales of a Patagonian Journey by Arthur Oliveira.
Geographical freedom can't exist without a minimalistic approach regarding our tangible possessions. A car, house, and loads of useless stuff that we only remember when the dust becomes unbearable are anchors to a person pursuing the freedom to roam the world. In this sense, minimalism means having less. It hit me naturally since I began traveling with only the essentials to sustain life on the road, and then continued as a principle whenever I came home, to the realization that most of my possessions were useless.
Everything I need is on this bicycle
Spiritual and financial freedom are also linked to minimalism. To be spiritually free one needs to avoid overly-complex relationships; needs to be an independent soul without forgetting to value those who are important to us.
Financial freedom is the product of less consumerism. When we are minimalistic with our expenses we can invest more, thus resulting in an optimized passive income. Cutting living costs to the bare minimum and making the most of our income (without selling the soul on a crossroad) is what I understand as being minimalistic.
Doing nothing somewhere
Lastly, freedom of time, of living without worrying about surviving. Freedom of time is the end goal of a minimalistic lifestyle. When we master the art of living with the essentials, maximizing our passive income, and getting rid of negative people, we discover the wonders of free time. Our relationship with loved ones becomes brighter, more intense. We live. We ditch the rat's race.
How has minimalism impacted your overall quality of life and well-being?
It's interesting to think about the impacts of minimalism in my life. I've always been a "low-profile" guy. One who never pursued a materialistic living. The type who runs away from complex relationships. Am I a mimalistic person? I don't know. Some say I am; traveling has surely taught me to naturally be one.
The impacts are many. I have less to worry about, and not having the latest smartphone bothers me not. I also have more time to eat proper food, which wasn't possible when I had a... let's say, more complex lifestyle. I certainly don't see myself surrounded by technology, doubtful friends, possessions, etc.
Are you a minimalist?
Given my perception on the subject, I'd like to hear what my friends 
I hope you have enjoyed this post, and don't forget to check The Minimalistic community.
Peace.
Did you know that I have a book out? Check this!
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
If you enjoyed this post consider leaving your upvote for a hot coffee.
Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrprofessor_
~Love ya all,
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
