I have a bunch of things stored in my shopping app wish list, I try to forget them and not look into it to avoid impulsive buying, but still reluctant to remove them from wish list
My mom was never really religious but she told me that it would be a sin to hold onto something that someone else could use. She'd give someone the shirt off her back or kitchen stuff to someone moving into their first apartment. I never thought of her as a minimalist but she only had clothes for about a week because she said she didn't need anymore than that. She lived with me when she passed away and I had very little to donate which certainly made it easier on me because she gave things away while she was living. :)
Thank you so much for sharing. So lovely. It reminds me of my mom. She must have been a minimalist too 😄. She is for sure living forever in your heart ❤️
I’m still hanging onto old routines that don’t serve me anymore. Purely because they feel comfortable. I didn’t realise how simple it can be untill I put into words.
The biggest form of clutter is people! Some people are holding you back. You just want to keep them because we feel, the more people we know or the more friends we have, the better off we are. But no. Clear out your phone contact list and your personal social media spaces (not your business or network spaces) and get rid of toxicity or those who don't or won't reach out. Those people you made friends with, in school, you didn't choose. You naturally got to know each other because you spent 25+ hours a week with them. Now, those people at the conference, those at the coffee shop, those at the football game, those at the movie club... they're valuable people.
I never felt so relieved after stopped logging into facebook, I felt pressured to share superficial things and experiences to people that don't really matter to me. Now I live my life peacefully wholeheartedly and have real human interactions with the few people that truly matter to me.
@@pinkcichlid I do agree that social media adds a bit of pressure, maybe anxiety even. However, I now use it solely for networking. I wouldn't completely give up on Facebook etc unless it truly is getting in the way of your mental health. You just never know when you may need to post that status reaching out for someone when you need it. Whether it's your car breaking down and you need the closest person available or you need help with something and you happen to have the exact person you need for that purpose on your friends list. That's networking though. I do fully agree with the friendship aspect
A lot ofmy friends collects things because they believe the stuff they collect will be valuable in the future. I just shake my head and think yeah maybe in 200 yrs...maybe. Minimalism for me has made life so simple and focused that I no longer want. Therefore I get to enjoy what I need. The basics of love. Thanks Ron ❤ much love & laughter 💞🌈
It depends what they are collecting. If it is say, rare maps, then the collection itself becomes impressive as well as it's natural value. Then it's a legacy for a museum or gallery,.with your name attached. But I am guessing your friends are not collecting something that becomes a valuable collection?! I watch a RUclipsr who has an antique store and buys a lot of collections and sells stuff men like eg old oil cans and porcelain petrol station signage. Men use it to decorate their man spaces. But I guess all this is very different from the ethos of Ron Banks' youtubing, which I also enjoy watching.
Nope not valuable at all. Just a deep fear of scarcity. My grandparents lived through the Great Depression both ww 1 & 2. The Fear of scarcity was passed onto their children spilling out into the late fifties, sixties & seventies. Those people rebelled against scarcity right through the eighties with materialism. And in 90's tech age birthed & now its a lifestyle. Kids today don't want plastic toys or paper books or maps. Why when one can Google anything and soon will be obsolete too. Why? Because the universe is still expanding and we're connected to the universe which means we're expanding too. To infinity and beyond - Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story 1- 4. Watch any sci tv show and you'll realize all that surrounds them is technology. Where the future is going they won't need "stuff".
@@maureen8745 Interesting. Yes, it's a bit of a scourge - that depression hangover. My ex was born in the 1960s and kept all sorts of junk - then when we split up, he left a garage full for me to dispose of! His father was such a keeper of old stuff, they kept spices that looked like they were packaged in the '40s from the grandma's house! Just glad that kind of person no longer touches my life, but feel I could do better - sentimental odds and ends still hanging about, and I loathe clearing old computers.
Two words: Beanie Babies. Even as a kid, I could not believe grown adults were being bamboozled into believing those things were investments. All that polyfill could have bought an Index fund. 🙄
Always think on ROI when buying something new. Remember the way you went through decluttering unnecessary items that lead you to think twice before next purchase.
My husband and i downsized recently, and while I’ve never been a collector of stuff, i do have items that i couldn’t seem to part with. As i continued to ponder why i brought several items to our new place, i realized it was because my mother had given me all these particular items. Lately i have been playing the “am i only keeping this because of guilt” game and i’ve been able to part with multiple items. Now please don’t think i’m ungrateful but i never really loved these items. They were never my taste/style but getting rid of them felt heavy on me. Now that they are gone, there is a lightness about not having that feeling of having to do something with or to them.
Target used to be the worst for impulse buying.... T.T But after going minimal, I've gotten so much better at listening to the voice of reason whilst shopping.
Excellent video. Here's what might be starting to happen now: people feel guilty because the restaurant, stores, etc have been closed so they feel guilty and start purchasing items to fill the void of the past few months of not spending... things, feelings, the media want you to believe you just have to have or be.
I agree. His comments are insightful, but the way he speaks is soothing. It motivates me because I don't feel bad about it. He acknowledges our good intentions and explains why it is ok to let go.
I have been on the minimal path about 2 years now and boy has it changed me. I had some life things happen that made me want to change my wardrobe to feel better about myself, but, I designed a wardrobe that didn’t suit my actual needs, trying to fill a void that can never be filled again. I recently sold almost all of the items from that stint and invested the earnings into a more minimal wardrobe that works well with my stay at home/ outdoor and yoga teacher student needs (I bought a lot of Patagonia with my earnings). Now I truly learned the lesson for myself that owning a beautiful object can never bring me to a point where I feel full where I am empty, I can’t be pretty to fill that void because I feel so robbed inside (a hurt someone gave me), I am doing all the work to fill my void. Me. It’s scary to see my closet come to what I actually need and use, in the same, it helps me to honor that awesome things that I DO get to do in my life which is be a mom with no real boundaries (floor, dirt, etc), run, teach yoga soon and hike non stop. Those things bring me so much joy.
I only own 29 regular wear, 6 outerwear (PnW is a rainy, cold place) 25 workout pieces- I only do laundry once a week and I am working out 6 days a week, and 12 shoes from fancy, workout, snow and hike! So that’s as bare as I can get it and truly function. Still having pieces for interviewing in xray if covid ever let’s childcare reopen.
Thank you, Ron, for reminding us that we are worth so much more than our stuff! When we say no to the things that don't matter, we say yes to what really does matter.
Thank you, Young Black King 👑🖤. At 43, on a debt free journey, it took me a long time to wake up and become more intentional. Watching this just gave me an activity for the next few days. I'm going through my house again before the new year. I know for a fact that I have a box of items from a previous relationship that need to just go. That part about holding on to the past hit at the right spot. 🙏🏽 Continued blessings to you and your family for the New Year and beyond.
My clutter has Definitely defined me the past 4 years. If I am a "planner" then I need allllll the stickers, washi, papers, binders etc. I would get Everything I could get my hands on. Watching Haul RUclips's of people I looked up to was the worst. I watched them and LOVED racing out to find that same item. I was at Michael's so much and helped so many customers make their way around, that I was offered a job there! I am still working on letting go but not watching Haul videos makes a world of difference
So many of your videos and emails that I have viewed recently have really hit hard for me, I really needed to hear them and have written them all down to refer to when I struggle to let go of item's, this video's was 'I am worth more than my items ' because just before watching this I realised that I am keeping an overload of clothes because of they make me feel in some way like they add to my value but they in reality completely overwhelm me and its an ongoing battle to let go of something that makes me feel 'good' when you wear it or use it so im hoping this comment will really help me. Id love more on how to let go of items like this though as I know it will still be hard to part with items like this! The issue is simply I have too many items I love and make me feel good to the point they make me feel bad 🤯 Thankyou so much for all of your videos and emails because they really are thought provoking and inspiring! Definitely my favourite influencer right now!! Much appreciated 💖
My aspirational clutter happens to be dresses with pockets. I don't even wear dresses but I love the idea of being one of those super feminine women who always wears dresses. For that reason, I keep buying them. It's definitely a cycle I'm working on breaking. I have been able to go into the store and admire them lately and leave them there so I'm making progress.
Maybe you should designate one day a week and let that be your “dress” day? Even during the lockdown, I’ll still have a day where I dress up, even if there’s nowhere to go. And maybe you’ll fall in love with them again or gets you to stop buying new ones?
I do not have any aspirational clutter. Actually, I think I need to control my decluttering moments in order not to go too far hahaha. Every time I think of buying something, I ask myself: isn't it a fantasy self purchasing? If the answer is yes, I just do not buy the item. However, what I continue struggling with here is regarding perfect aesthetics. Even during this social distancing period, when we do not have family or friends over, I continue believing that an "imaginary design supervisor" will enter our home and check if everything matches. Crazy, I know...
I also strive for perfect aesthetics, but not because of what someone else will think. It truly makes me happy when I achieve the perfect look, but I definitely tend towards letting “perfect be the enemy of good,” which is stressful in and of itself.
Actually perfection is also dangerous, I have a friend whose husband is putting their near perfect marriage in danger because he wants his home to be crazy neat, like the one he grew up in...with two small children and both working, sometimes from home in these crazy times.....never thought you could be too neat.
Much of my clutter represents a dream or project that I wanted (or still want) to do. Letting go of these things involves lost hope, guilt, failure and sadness. And now as I am getting older and am having trouble with my eyesight, the feelings of loss and being useless are making decluttering even harder. Each item of these unfulfilled dreams is a loss of hope and self-worth. I know that I shouldn’t associate myself with my clutter, but the feelings still exist.
KSLassie457, there is some of that but very near retirement and telling myself the time to do this is now - before my health deteriorates and so if/when I need to move the heavy work will be done. I had a health scare about 3 wks ago and was regretting I hadn’t done more. So after I heal from surgery I will get back to it with purpose again.
Ooooo! I feel ya. So many years collecting stuff for projects I would eventually do, getting rid of stuff is an admission that I am getting older and that I wasted time and money. I am getting rid of things in layers, pealing it off like an onion. As I sell/ give stuff away I am comforted by the happy people that recieve the stuff.....just the thought of my poor kids cleaning out my house when I'm gone sends me chills, glad I woke up while I am still up to the job.
About 18 years ago I took a night class on calligraphy. I had bought a set of the pens to take the class, but haven’t used them in probably 17 years. I came across them yesterday as I was cleaning through stuff, and I decided that was one of those fantasy people that I thought I would become, an aspirational purchase, and something that no longer need to be in my house. It didn’t take up a lot of room, I hadn’t spent a lot on it, but yet again, it’s probably something that someone else will love and get something out of now. This is all a process, and I’m glad to have advice like yours to bolster my decision making as I’ll make my house larger by having less in it!
We’ve over come ‘’It’s not hurting anything.” Unfortunately, any clutter does hurt me and my sense of how my home and life need to be. Striving to have the things in my home and life be only the things that are contributing to my best life.
Your right - clutter is sneaky! I hv decluttered , and found my habits changed form. But I realize it now and back up and declutter or stop the new form of clutter sooner than I did in the past . I hope one day I can just be , without the stuff . U are such a good speaker, teaching. Thank u
I think Ronald has many great points he definitely makes a lot of sense. After listening to him I am going to start right now going through unnecessary items . Thanks again Ronald have a great day 😇😷
Thank you for your videos. They have truly helped me. I am now helping my boyfriend go through car parts he has stored in his garage. He hasn't had this car in years but feels guilty because of all the money he has spent on these parts. I agree with what you said about keeping it prevents others from enjoying. For example, he just sold a car hood that he held on to for 5 years. Thank you!
Kha Ki you will feel liberated when you let go. I am speaking from experience- I had to let go of the memories of my ex husband/ divorce in order to move on. The minute I let go; I started to excel. I went back to school and earned two degrees- Nursing and Psychology. Let go my friend. Let go. It will do you good. Good luck.
We do get comfortable with clutter and if we think about it at all then we don’t want to deal with it. At least until we start down the addictive path of getting rid of stuff. It happens to a lot of people like myself who had to deal with our parents accumulation of a lifetime. Then a bell dings in our mind and we don’t want to leave our kids with all those things. Good video.
My parents in their 80’s have so much. I wish I could decluttering them but they will not allow me. Thanks for your videos. I have a tough task ahead with them.
Thank you for everything. You help me preventing my depression which makes me more uncomfortable in life. Then before when I first time started to watching your videos. I had too much afraid and fear about other peoples in my area. Social distancing and Disgusting was prevalent of my life. You’re such as great men who makes the people are truly happier for them life. I’ve been appreciate. Thanks.
When I was going through a "memory tote" I found so many papers that had zero value to me. I don't know why I put them away in the first place, but I threw it all out and was able to go from two full totes to just one of things that still held some value to me. Maybe I'll go through my room again later on and get rid of more :)
I used to be defined by stuff: "flossetes"- keeping up with what I thought was adult. I also used to buy a lot of crap which would break and be useless fast. I also had a giant mortgage on a big apartment that I lived in alone, a nightmare to clean.
I enjoy you allowing us to bare witness to your journey as well as sharing your wisdom! I will admit my feelings about clutter and too many things has been a source of friction my whole life... I try to own it... but a disorganized environment makes me feel crazy!
Love your videos. I definitely have some outdoor gear aspirational clutter :) Such as an inflatable kayak and camping tent I haven’t used in several years! (But every year I think I’m going to use them again, haha)
The point about outdoor gear is a good one, especially since I found out recently you can always rent outdoor gear at REI! Use it when you want to, but you don't have to store it at your home :-)
I don’t know that I’ve ever felt any type of guilt but I think I just use to think you should hold on to things. My thinking has changed. I’m definitely not afraid of change. I just want to find what makes me happy. I was holding on to things from the past like photos because I do enjoy going back and looking at them, however I got rid of the loose photos but kept the small album.
For my mom she holds onto stuff because she grew up with nothing. She is from Mexico and the poverty there doesn’t compare to the poverty in the U.S., here people at least have food stamps and such, there at her time there were no resources so now as an adult she keeps everything because she might need it. Even though she has a lot of stuff she is super organized with it and doesn’t hesitant in giving someone something she has that they need.
Another fine video, my friend. Guilty of many of the excuses you pointed out. Still working on my journey but it's going oh so very very slow now that I care 24/7 for my mother, a Alzheimer/Dimentia sufferer. But I still do what I can in microscopic baby steps. Your videos keep me inspired and hopeful. Thank you.( Loved you on The Minimalist interview) 👍🙏✌️
Welcome to the community my friend! Definitely happy you’re here and I hope you continue to find value in my content. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
I hold on to things because of living in extreme poverty and losing my home etc. But I was my best when I had a little stuff but at this point I have hoard some stuff now. In the process of decluttering.
You explained it so real and in depth in such a simple way .. great video 👍🏻 I have one doubt .. if everything we own .. clutter or our exterior defines our interior then how can things @4:43 do not define us ? I know here you mean they can’t decide our value .. it’s higher than anything we own .. but still I need some more insight on this
Sometimes we just keep just because we like it and the "what if" is a huge weakness if you already have the item, said item CAN be useful if and when needed, and having to buy it again if needed would just be a waste of money when you already have it. Was nice to move to just having the common basic tools, repair, and fix-it items. Aspirational clutter? yep. Got some art and crafts items for free or really cheap and a year goes by then another and it just sits there so I got to the point to hand it off and if I ever change my mind I will start slow and cheap to see if I am serious about it. Used to collect comics, movies and other random items. Sold the comics well over a decade ago and the movies many years ago as it ends up turning into "what to buy next" that becomes less fun over time and all that takes up too much room. Digtal is so much eaiser for read, watch it and move on. Personally, items need to be useful or have some type of meaning........maybe a couple items just because they are cool. I am thrilled that I have no furniture that holds any personal value (other then my desk chair being really nice and useful) nothing passed down over the decades. Then people make you feel you are suppose to keep it forever.
I’ve been a minimalist since 2016, but the thing I have the most difficult time parting with is my children’s clothes and toys. My oldest is 16 and my youngest is 4 (only have the two). I get so emotional knowing they are growing up. I’ve grown my declutter muscle, but those two things are still a struggle.
You make excellent points. I would like to add one item to your comments regarding fear. I have found I have been holding on to items from the point of fear of making a mistake i.e. what if I get rid of this item and can’t replace it such as family photos or a gift from someone. I find it’s easier to get rid of things that can be easily replaced such as coffee mugs or tools. Would love to hear your thoughts on this idea.
![In Case Decluttering Is Hard For You [Minimalism Series]](/img/1.gif)
Do you have any aspirational clutter you’re holding on to? If so, what is it?
I probably have half the house with this clutter... ugh... I need to really cut back from getting more.
Old Fench grammer books -- some mine, some my grandmother's. Will I ever study French language again?!&$#
I have a bunch of things stored in my shopping app wish list, I try to forget them and not look into it to avoid impulsive buying, but still reluctant to remove them from wish list
Ooops, I meant grammar!
Kids memories, school things, even baby clothes
My mom was never really religious but she told me that it would be a sin to hold onto something that someone else could use. She'd give someone the shirt off her back or kitchen stuff to someone moving into their first apartment. I never thought of her as a minimalist but she only had clothes for about a week because she said she didn't need anymore than that. She lived with me when she passed away and I had very little to donate which certainly made it easier on me because she gave things away while she was living. :)
@@PrairieGirlio Thanks! I have nothing but fond memories and I know she's still watching over me because she was a control freak (in a good way) :)
Thank you so much for sharing. So lovely. It reminds me of my mom. She must have been a minimalist too 😄.
She is for sure living forever in your heart ❤️
Wowwww! 🙌🙌
What a beautiful way to have lived. May her soul rest in peace
@@sunshineysideoflife Thanks!
“If every thing is valuable then nothing truly holds value to you.” Needed to hear that!
I’m still hanging onto old routines that don’t serve me anymore. Purely because they feel comfortable. I didn’t realise how simple it can be untill I put into words.
“Our lives are only cluttered if they are filled with things, thoughts and emotions that we don’t want, need or use” this really spoke to me.
I’m happy that resonated with you Cecilie! Keep growing on your journey!
The biggest form of clutter is people! Some people are holding you back. You just want to keep them because we feel, the more people we know or the more friends we have, the better off we are. But no. Clear out your phone contact list and your personal social media spaces (not your business or network spaces) and get rid of toxicity or those who don't or won't reach out. Those people you made friends with, in school, you didn't choose. You naturally got to know each other because you spent 25+ hours a week with them. Now, those people at the conference, those at the coffee shop, those at the football game, those at the movie club... they're valuable people.
We definitely need to be mindful of our relationships and friendships for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Omg so true Sean!!
I never felt so relieved after stopped logging into facebook, I felt pressured to share superficial things and experiences to people that don't really matter to me. Now I live my life peacefully wholeheartedly and have real human interactions with the few people that truly matter to me.
@@pinkcichlid I do agree that social media adds a bit of pressure, maybe anxiety even. However, I now use it solely for networking. I wouldn't completely give up on Facebook etc unless it truly is getting in the way of your mental health. You just never know when you may need to post that status reaching out for someone when you need it. Whether it's your car breaking down and you need the closest person available or you need help with something and you happen to have the exact person you need for that purpose on your friends list.
That's networking though. I do fully agree with the friendship aspect
Read recently, as you age your circle of friends should shrink,so you have only the people that truly matter in your life.
Yes, I would have to agree! “ Using the things that I own to define the person that I am”
My things must be used regularly
and I enjoy using them, or out they
go. Have no mental clutter either.
Just release things Great points
covered Ron.
This guys voice and speech is like listening to poetry
A lot ofmy friends collects things because they believe the stuff they collect will be valuable in the future. I just shake my head and think yeah maybe in 200 yrs...maybe. Minimalism for me has made life so simple and focused that I no longer want. Therefore I get to enjoy what I need. The basics of love. Thanks Ron ❤ much love & laughter 💞🌈
It depends what they are collecting. If it is say, rare maps, then the collection itself becomes impressive as well as it's natural value. Then it's a legacy for a museum or gallery,.with your name attached. But I am guessing your friends are not collecting something that becomes a valuable collection?!
I watch a RUclipsr who has an antique store and buys a lot of collections and sells stuff men like eg old oil cans and porcelain petrol station signage. Men use it to decorate their man spaces.
But I guess all this is very different from the ethos of Ron Banks' youtubing, which I also enjoy watching.
Nope not valuable at all. Just a deep fear of scarcity. My grandparents lived through the Great Depression both ww 1 & 2. The Fear of scarcity was passed onto their children spilling out into the late fifties, sixties & seventies. Those people rebelled against scarcity right through the eighties with materialism. And in 90's tech age birthed & now its a lifestyle. Kids today don't want plastic toys or paper books or maps. Why when one can Google anything and soon will be obsolete too. Why? Because the universe is still expanding and we're connected to the universe which means we're expanding too. To infinity and beyond - Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story 1- 4.
Watch any sci tv show and you'll realize all that surrounds them is technology. Where the future is going they won't need "stuff".
@@maureen8745 Interesting. Yes, it's a bit of a scourge - that depression hangover. My ex was born in the 1960s and kept all sorts of junk - then when we split up, he left a garage full for me to dispose of! His father was such a keeper of old stuff, they kept spices that looked like they were packaged in the '40s from the grandma's house! Just glad that kind of person no longer touches my life, but feel I could do better - sentimental odds and ends still hanging about, and I loathe clearing old computers.
Two words: Beanie Babies. Even as a kid, I could not believe grown adults were being bamboozled into believing those things were investments. All that polyfill could have bought an Index fund. 🙄
Always think on ROI when buying something new. Remember the way you went through decluttering unnecessary items that lead you to think twice before next purchase.
My husband and i downsized recently, and while I’ve never been a collector of stuff, i do have items that i couldn’t seem to part with. As i continued to ponder why i brought several items to our new place, i realized it was because my mother had given me all these particular items. Lately i have been playing the “am i only keeping this because of guilt” game and i’ve been able to part with multiple items. Now please don’t think i’m ungrateful but i never really loved these items. They were never my taste/style but getting rid of them felt heavy on me. Now that they are gone, there is a lightness about not having that feeling of having to do something with or to them.
Target used to be the worst for impulse buying.... T.T But after going minimal, I've gotten so much better at listening to the voice of reason whilst shopping.
Excellent video. Here's what might be starting to happen now: people feel guilty because the restaurant, stores, etc have been closed so they feel guilty and start purchasing items to fill the void of the past few months of not spending... things, feelings, the media want you to believe you just have to have or be.
This is a form of therapy more people need.
Bear Necessities: Chicago Bears Podcast so true!!!
I agree. His comments are insightful, but the way he speaks is soothing. It motivates me because I don't feel bad about it. He acknowledges our good intentions and explains why it is ok to let go.
Exactly! 😊 🙌🏾
Agreed
I have been on the minimal path about 2 years now and boy has it changed me. I had some life things happen that made me want to change my wardrobe to feel better about myself, but, I designed a wardrobe that didn’t suit my actual needs, trying to fill a void that can never be filled again. I recently sold almost all of the items from that stint and invested the earnings into a more minimal wardrobe that works well with my stay at home/ outdoor and yoga teacher student needs (I bought a lot of Patagonia with my earnings). Now I truly learned the lesson for myself that owning a beautiful object can never bring me to a point where I feel full where I am empty, I can’t be pretty to fill that void because I feel so robbed inside (a hurt someone gave me), I am doing all the work to fill my void. Me. It’s scary to see my closet come to what I actually need and use, in the same, it helps me to honor that awesome things that I DO get to do in my life which is be a mom with no real boundaries (floor, dirt, etc), run, teach yoga soon and hike non stop. Those things bring me so much joy.
I only own 29 regular wear, 6 outerwear (PnW is a rainy, cold place) 25 workout pieces- I only do laundry once a week and I am working out 6 days a week, and 12 shoes from fancy, workout, snow and hike! So that’s as bare as I can get it and truly function. Still having pieces for interviewing in xray if covid ever let’s childcare reopen.
Thank you, Ron, for reminding us that we are worth so much more than our stuff! When we say no to the things that don't matter, we say yes to what really does matter.
Thank you, Young Black King 👑🖤. At 43, on a debt free journey, it took me a long time to wake up and become more intentional. Watching this just gave me an activity for the next few days. I'm going through my house again before the new year. I know for a fact that I have a box of items from a previous relationship that need to just go. That part about holding on to the past hit at the right spot. 🙏🏽 Continued blessings to you and your family for the New Year and beyond.
My clutter has Definitely defined me the past 4 years. If I am a "planner" then I need allllll the stickers, washi, papers, binders etc. I would get Everything I could get my hands on. Watching Haul RUclips's of people I looked up to was the worst. I watched them and LOVED racing out to find that same item. I was at Michael's so much and helped so many customers make their way around, that I was offered a job there! I am still working on letting go but not watching Haul videos makes a world of difference
So many of your videos and emails that I have viewed recently have really hit hard for me, I really needed to hear them and have written them all down to refer to when I struggle to let go of item's, this video's was 'I am worth more than my items ' because just before watching this I realised that I am keeping an overload of clothes because of they make me feel in some way like they add to my value but they in reality completely overwhelm me and its an ongoing battle to let go of something that makes me feel 'good' when you wear it or use it so im hoping this comment will really help me.
Id love more on how to let go of items like this though as I know it will still be hard to part with items like this! The issue is simply I have too many items I love and make me feel good to the point they make me feel bad 🤯
Thankyou so much for all of your videos and emails because they really are thought provoking and inspiring!
Definitely my favourite influencer right now!! Much appreciated 💖
My aspirational clutter happens to be dresses with pockets. I don't even wear dresses but I love the idea of being one of those super feminine women who always wears dresses. For that reason, I keep buying them. It's definitely a cycle I'm working on breaking. I have been able to go into the store and admire them lately and leave them there so I'm making progress.
Maybe you should designate one day a week and let that be your “dress” day? Even during the lockdown, I’ll still have a day where I dress up, even if there’s nowhere to go. And maybe you’ll fall in love with them again or gets you to stop buying new ones?
@@status101-danielho6 that's actually a good idea.
I do not have any aspirational clutter. Actually, I think I need to control my decluttering moments in order not to go too far hahaha. Every time I think of buying something, I ask myself: isn't it a fantasy self purchasing? If the answer is yes, I just do not buy the item. However, what I continue struggling with here is regarding perfect aesthetics. Even during this social distancing period, when we do not have family or friends over, I continue believing that an "imaginary design supervisor" will enter our home and check if everything matches. Crazy, I know...
I also strive for perfect aesthetics, but not because of what someone else will think. It truly makes me happy when I achieve the perfect look, but I definitely tend towards letting “perfect be the enemy of good,” which is stressful in and of itself.
@@username00009 I Totally resonate with you about perfect aesthetics. I have been wasting a lot of time with that.
Actually perfection is also dangerous, I have a friend whose husband is putting their near perfect marriage in danger because he wants his home to be crazy neat, like the one he grew up in...with two small children and both working, sometimes from home in these crazy times.....never thought you could be too neat.
Much of my clutter represents a dream or project that I wanted (or still want) to do. Letting go of these things involves lost hope, guilt, failure and sadness.
And now as I am getting older and am having trouble with my eyesight, the feelings of loss and being useless are making decluttering even harder. Each item of these unfulfilled dreams is a loss of hope and self-worth. I know that I shouldn’t associate myself with my clutter, but the feelings still exist.
KSLassie457, there is some of that but very near retirement and telling myself the time to do this is now - before my health deteriorates and so if/when I need to move the heavy work will be done. I had a health scare about 3 wks ago and was regretting I hadn’t done more. So after I heal from surgery I will get back to it with purpose again.
Ooooo! I feel ya. So many years collecting stuff for projects I would eventually do, getting rid of stuff is an admission that I am getting older and that I wasted time and money. I am getting rid of things in layers, pealing it off like an onion. As I sell/ give stuff away I am comforted by the happy people that recieve the stuff.....just the thought of my poor kids cleaning out my house when I'm gone sends me chills, glad I woke up while I am still up to the job.
Yes I used to hang on to a lot of things but now I think like who can used this item and I’m more at ease about releasing things now, great message
About 18 years ago I took a night class on calligraphy. I had bought a set of the pens to take the class, but haven’t used them in probably 17 years. I came across them yesterday as I was cleaning through stuff, and I decided that was one of those fantasy people that I thought I would become, an aspirational purchase, and something that no longer need to be in my house. It didn’t take up a lot of room, I hadn’t spent a lot on it, but yet again, it’s probably something that someone else will love and get something out of now. This is all a process, and I’m glad to have advice like yours to bolster my decision making as I’ll make my house larger by having less in it!
We’ve over come ‘’It’s not hurting anything.” Unfortunately, any clutter does hurt me and my sense of how my home and life need to be. Striving to have the things in my home and life be only the things that are contributing to my best life.
Brilliant. Emotional & Intellectual Clutter Compelling Concepts rarely explored
Your right - clutter is sneaky! I hv decluttered , and found my habits changed form. But I realize it now and back up and declutter or stop the new form of clutter sooner than I did in the past . I hope one day I can just be , without the stuff . U are such a good speaker, teaching. Thank u
Oooh! I will be watching this one again and again...just to keep me on track. Thanks, Ron! Such clarifying information!
Great video! There's definitely a lot of underlying reasons that we hang on to clutter.
Really loving your content man! Keep it up! Wishing you all the success in RUclips!
I think Ronald has many great points he definitely makes a lot of sense. After listening to him I am going to start right now going through unnecessary items . Thanks again Ronald have a great day 😇😷
Thank you for your videos. They have truly helped me. I am now helping my boyfriend go through car parts he has stored in his garage. He hasn't had this car in years but feels guilty because of all the money he has spent on these parts. I agree with what you said about keeping it prevents others from enjoying. For example, he just sold a car hood that he held on to for 5 years. Thank you!
I’m really glad this helped you Caroline. I’m also glad that you’re sharing it with your boyfriend. I’m excited for you both. Keep growing!
Great video man! “Being use to it” is good point!
this is so smooth like spoken word poetry
My problem is holding on to the past... Maybe your points will help - tomorrow i will try again to declutter my past. Really good video 👍🍁☀️
Kha Ki you will feel liberated when you let go. I am speaking from experience- I had to let go of the memories of my ex husband/ divorce in order to move on. The minute I let go; I started to excel. I went back to school and earned two degrees- Nursing and Psychology. Let go my friend. Let go. It will do you good. Good luck.
@@queentinadoire6931 Thanks so much! ✨✨✨ I will try. Today was the start. Finally. 😊
@@KhaJani16 You can do this. Take it one day at a time.🙏🙏for you.
@@queentinadoire6931 Thank you 😊😊✨Wish you all the best! ☀️🍀🍁
We do get comfortable with clutter and if we think about it at all then we don’t want to deal with it. At least until we start down the addictive path of getting rid of stuff. It happens to a lot of people like myself who had to deal with our parents accumulation of a lifetime. Then a bell dings in our mind and we don’t want to leave our kids with all those things. Good video.
Man I’m glad I found you, I’m going through this and some more little things, you’re very helpful bro I Thank the Lord for you!
I’m glad we crossed paths my man. I definitely hope my content continues to help you! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. Keep growing!!
Making a small tweak in our thinking will change our feeling of guilt
I appreciate your honesty.🙏🙏🙏
Holding on to the past. Yep, that is me. But I’m working on it consistently and great making progress. Great video!
My parents in their 80’s have so much. I wish I could decluttering them but they will not allow me. Thanks for your videos. I have a tough task ahead with them.
This was incredibly insightful! I’ve been losing focus lately on my journey to minimalism and this will really help me get back on track. Thank you!
Thank you for everything. You help me preventing my depression which makes me more uncomfortable in life. Then before when I first time started to watching your videos. I had too much afraid and fear about other peoples in my area. Social distancing and Disgusting was prevalent of my life. You’re such as great men who makes the people are truly happier for them life. I’ve been appreciate. Thanks.
Your voice is calming. It makes me slow down and think
If I could scream through this phone. You are amazing !!!!!
Thank you!! I’m really happy this resonated with you Cassandra! Keep growing on your journey!
I hope that your channel will grow bigger and have lots of subscribers because each of your videos are really amazing. I never regretted subscribing.
You are one of my favorite you tubers. You add value to people's lives.
I needed you today, you wouldn’t even BELIEVE how mufuggin apropos this was. Thank from my HEART SPACE!
wonderful video again
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
When I was going through a "memory tote" I found so many papers that had zero value to me. I don't know why I put them away in the first place, but I threw it all out and was able to go from two full totes to just one of things that still held some value to me. Maybe I'll go through my room again later on and get rid of more :)
You are such an inspiration Ron. Thank you for your insights.
Thank you Eunice! I’m glad this resonated with you!
I used to be defined by stuff: "flossetes"- keeping up with what I thought was adult. I also used to buy a lot of crap which would break and be useless fast. I also had a giant mortgage on a big apartment that I lived in alone, a nightmare to clean.
I needed this today!!
Glad I could share this with you!
I enjoy you allowing us to bare witness to your journey as well as sharing your wisdom! I will admit my feelings about clutter and too many things has been a source of friction my whole life... I try to own it... but a disorganized environment makes me feel crazy!
Love your videos. I definitely have some outdoor gear aspirational clutter :) Such as an inflatable kayak and camping tent I haven’t used in several years! (But every year I think I’m going to use them again, haha)
your words always touch my soul
BTW, re: "Peace Among Chaos". --- I could feel your virtual hug and your smile as always brings comfort. Yes, these times too will pass. 💓
Funny how I bump into this video after a decluttering day. Thank u! 💖
The point about outdoor gear is a good one, especially since I found out recently you can always rent outdoor gear at REI! Use it when you want to, but you don't have to store it at your home :-)
Thank you Ronald! God bless you.
I like the way you reason on dealing with clutter and how to rid it on a regular basis(just in case you fall back into that trap).🙋🏾♀️
Lovely video, some wise words here, i will certainly make note of them, thankyou x
Art supplies! I think maybe when I have more time, I’ll use them. :( Helpful video! Ty!
Thank you for these inspirational videos 😊
I’m glad you’re enjoying them!
I don’t know that I’ve ever felt any type of guilt but I think I just use to think you should hold on to things. My thinking has changed. I’m definitely not afraid of change. I just want to find what makes me happy. I was holding on to things from the past like photos because I do enjoy going back and looking at them, however I got rid of the loose photos but kept the small album.
There's a saying man made money
Money never made the man.
Things don't define us. We define us.
Wowza. One of your most powerful, concise videos! I'm getting so much out of your messages. Thank you!
For my mom she holds onto stuff because she grew up with nothing. She is from Mexico and the poverty there doesn’t compare to the poverty in the U.S., here people at least have food stamps and such, there at her time there were no resources so now as an adult she keeps everything because she might need it. Even though she has a lot of stuff she is super organized with it and doesn’t hesitant in giving someone something she has that they need.
I'm glad I clicked on this video. 🙂
I’m happy you enjoyed this Nancy!
Another fine video, my friend. Guilty of many of the excuses you pointed out. Still working on my journey but it's going oh so very very slow now that I care 24/7 for my mother, a Alzheimer/Dimentia sufferer. But I still do what I can in microscopic baby steps. Your videos keep me inspired and hopeful. Thank you.( Loved you on The Minimalist interview) 👍🙏✌️
Proud for you man!
This is so good. Thank you so much!!
Wow, I needed this!! Thank you ❤️
I’m happy this message reached you Marsha! Keep growing on your journey!
Really enjoined this video. Thank you!
I’m really happy you enjoyed this Sonia!!
Thank you I needed this! Your videos are motivational and inspirational
I've seen you a few times but this video made me subscribe :)
I’m happy you decided to subscribe Amy. I hope you continue to find value in my content!
Love your talks Ron. so necessary, thank you
I’m glad you’re truly enjoying them Juliana! Keep growing on your journey!
Great content sir!
Aspirational clutter, wow that hit and if everything is sentimental then nothing truly holds sentiment oof
Great tips, thanks for sharing them. :-) I am unpacking from a move and needed to hear this.
This is the second time (a few months later) I'm watching the video and I hold on to stuff because I spent my money on it.
#4 hits home for me
Clinging to the past is a big one I think many of us can relate to. Keep growing on your journey Emily!
Your points are so true!
I’m glad this resonated with you Dale!!
keeping it real I love this
I just subscribed to your channel and I'm learning a lot and loving it. I"m going to unclutter my space so I can unclutter my mind.
Welcome to our online family. I have been following Ronald for some time now- he is a wise young man.
@@queentinadoire6931 thanks
Welcome to the community my friend! Definitely happy you’re here and I hope you continue to find value in my content. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Ronald L. Banks can you do more videos on plant base eating?
Aspirational clutter. Aaaahhh! Yep. Bye bye, Cricket machine. I have no idea what I was thinking when I bought you!
I hold on to things because of living in extreme poverty and losing my home etc. But I was my best when I had a little stuff but at this point I have hoard some stuff now. In the process of decluttering.
Seeing this video right after decluttering. I feel lighter.
Very Insightful video!👍👏💪💪
You explained it so real and in depth in such a simple way .. great video 👍🏻
I have one doubt .. if everything we own .. clutter or our exterior defines our interior then how can things @4:43 do not define us ?
I know here you mean they can’t decide our value .. it’s higher than anything we own ..
but still I need some more insight on this
Sometimes we just keep just because we like it and the "what if" is a huge weakness if you already have the item, said item CAN be useful if and when needed, and having to buy it again if needed would just be a waste of money when you already have it. Was nice to move to just having the common basic tools, repair, and fix-it items. Aspirational clutter? yep. Got some art and crafts items for free or really cheap and a year goes by then another and it just sits there so I got to the point to hand it off and if I ever change my mind I will start slow and cheap to see if I am serious about it.
Used to collect comics, movies and other random items. Sold the comics well over a decade ago and the movies many years ago as it ends up turning into "what to buy next" that becomes less fun over time and all that takes up too much room. Digtal is so much eaiser for read, watch it and move on. Personally, items need to be useful or have some type of meaning........maybe a couple items just because they are cool.
I am thrilled that I have no furniture that holds any personal value (other then my desk chair being really nice and useful) nothing passed down over the decades. Then people make you feel you are suppose to keep it forever.
Aspirational clutter. Uh, yeppers. I can see that now.
I’ve been a minimalist since 2016, but the thing I have the most difficult time parting with is my children’s clothes and toys. My oldest is 16 and my youngest is 4 (only have the two). I get so emotional knowing they are growing up. I’ve grown my declutter muscle, but those two things are still a struggle.
Ron love this message!
You make excellent points. I would like to add one item to your comments regarding fear. I have found I have been holding on to items from the point of fear of making a mistake i.e. what if I get rid of this item and can’t replace it such as family photos or a gift from someone. I find it’s easier to get rid of things that can be easily replaced such as coffee mugs or tools. Would love to hear your thoughts on this idea.
Thank you.
3k likes to 11 dislikes. You're doing something right!!!
Aspirational clutter clothes a size smaller than I am, art supplies to “start” painting or clay or knitting.
All this makes sense 😁