If you depart today, what would you leave here?
When you hear this question, your first thought might be: “Why should I care? I won’t be here anyway.” However, if you take a moment to reflect, your perspective can shift.
A Trip
Consider a trip you need to take. You likely don’t need to worry about packing items like towels and sheets, as most accommodations provide these. But you may still have to leave some things behind — otherwise, your suitcase won’t close, it will exceed the weight limit, or an extra bag could cost you more.
In this situation, having fewer belongings would be beneficial, as it reduces the number of decisions you face while packing. One advantage of living a simple life is that you won’t waste time and energy on unnecessary items.
A Change
Now, imagine that, due to your job, you have to move every year. The bookshelf you bought, which looked perfect in your previous home, now won’t fit in your new apartment. Your clothes and shoes, once stored comfortably in your closet, now barely make room, forcing you to purchase new furniture for storage.
When we come from a modest background, having money to buy things we’ve always desired can be overwhelming. Often, we rush to buy items that later end up collecting dust in our drawers or on shelves. While not everything falls into this category, most of us have at least one object that serves no purpose other than representing something we longed for but couldn’t have in the past.
However, thanks to the internet and globalization, we can observe people living on the opposite end of the spectrum — individuals who reside in vans, carrying everything they own in a single bag. While I’m not sure I could live that way, it illustrates that it is indeed possible to find happiness with very little.
This reflection has motivated me to pursue a simpler life. It feels freeing to concentrate on the aspects of life that go beyond material possessions.
A Legacy
I once heard a powerful phrase: “Clean up your mess so that, if you leave, no one will have to clean it up for you.” Well, anyone who has lost a loved one understands the weight of entering their home after their passing.
Every object in that space carries memories, and organizing everything can be incredibly difficult for those left behind. Without doing so, how can they possibly move on with their lives?
So, instead of leaving behind objects that lose meaning after your death, aim to create memories. Prioritize enjoying life and cherishing the company of those who support you through tears and laughter, who accept you despite your imperfections.
Ultimately, this shift toward simplicity will yield positive outcomes for you!
