You're doing your very best to live with less, yet the possibility of a once in a blue moon occasion pops into your head.  How many items are you holding onto just in case you need them in the future?  I've found that the best way to enjoy the journey to living light is to stay in the present moment.  What do you actually use and love right now?  Here are four conscious living tips that help me release those "just in case" items and free myself of clutter.

Stop Romanticizing The Past

There are countless times where I briefly thought that it may have been nice to have had something that I gave away after decluttering.  This moment lasts for a minute or two before remembering why I had given it away in the first place.  Most of the time I was romanticizing the item not remembering that it was broken, made poorly, or that I really did not feel that good in it while wearing it.  Romanticizing the past is an ego based technique to simply distract you from the current moment.

Embody An Abundance Consciousness

If there is something that you need that you decluttered, know that you can always get it again.  When we keep things in fear that we don't even use, we are unconsciously affirming lack in our lives.  A better mindset is knowing that if you ever need anything, your need will be met even if you don't know how.

In 2010 I donated a tripod that I wasn't using.  Now six years later I realized that it would be beneficial to have one again.  I then remembered that I had $50 credit at a local camera supply store from a few years back that had no expiration date.

When I first got this credit I had no idea exactly what I would use it for.  The tripod that I have now is much better quality than my previous one.  There was actually no need to hold onto a tripod I wouldn’t need for six years.

Live In The Present

I remember when I felt wearing leather wasn't the best route for my environmental efforts, so I purchased vegan leather products and donated or sold every leather item I owned except one pair of boots.  Then after doing some research, I learned about the toxicity of PVC and vegan leather.  I then decided to focus on only purchasing second hand leather products.

There have been days when I think of all the amazing high quality leather shoes that I donated/sold that actually fit my narrow feet.  Then I wake up to the fact that most of those shoes where actually high heels.  I don't even want to wear high heels anymore like I used to.  Our desires in life change as we grow and change.  Realizing what our present desires are should 100% coorelate with everything we decide to keep or donate when decluttering.

Define Minimalist Living For Yourself

Everyone embarks on the minimalist lifestyle for different reasons.  My initial goal was to pay off $20,000 of debt which I did. I’ve remained debt-free with my conscious lifestyle conditioning.  Others choose this path to have the freedom to travel year round with minimal possessions.  Some desire to save for a tiny house and only have the true necessities to put in it.  Then there are those who just want to enjoy the beauty of a serene decluttered home.

No matter what your reason is, don't compare your journey to others.  Minimalist living isn't a race. It has absolutely nothing to do with what others show you on a screen.  Minimalist living should cater to your most innate goals and no one else's.  Living with only what you love is the best way to get one step closer to the serene life you want to live.

Free yourself of the notion of "just in case"!

Image by Dawn Michelle