Not A Minimalist

nurture

Nov 8

By way of necessity and desire, we live in a house with fewer square feet. By way of fewer square feet, we have fewer things. By way of having fewer things, we are sometimes thought of as minimalists.

It may surprise you that I don’t describe us this way.

Probably because I’m curious. Curious about what’s beyond a label. Curious about the ways and means of a life well lived. Curious about things that I see in other’s lives that spark, then illuminate an idea, a shift, a purpose in mine. Curious about what will happen when that happens.

We are made better by one another. We discover ourselves in reflection of those we see. Our life experience deepens and develops because of the life experience of others. We’re influencers, all of us, waking up the best life in each other. Think about this: When the work, words, home, style, or talents of someone else makes your breath catch, stirs a longing, or causes you to lean in with curiosity, this is simply part of them reflecting part of you. Their life is not a prescription or formula, but an invitation for you to live fully yours. Take that awakening, that curiosity, and see what it becomes in your unique life.

No, I’m not a minimalist, but I’ve been inspired by those who are. I’ve been awakened by those who write, by those who design, by those who dream. I’ve been influenced by those who make homes, by those who make do, by those who make well. I’ve been encouraged by those who take naps. I’ve been inspired by those who love nature, by those who love heirlooms, by those who love margin. I’ve been enlightened by those who choose fewer, by those who choose better, by those who choose simpler. I’ve been influenced by those who sew, by those who garden, by those who run. I’ve been inspired by those who wait. I’ve been taken by those who cook, by those who read, by those who listen. I’ve been encouraged by the intentional ones, the mindful ones, the quiet ones.

Take these things, add the rest of me, and there you go.

That’s who I am.

Loves? Next time you see an inspiring human, let them wake up the best in you. No inferiority or lack. No inadequacy or comparison. Just inspired curiosity, discovery, passion. You.

I’m cheering us on.

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