Embracing Imperfection
Minimalism and perfection are incompatible. I don’t refrain from shopping because my life is perfect and nothing will make it better. I refrain from shopping because I can find contentment with what I have. With minimalism, I’m learning to embrace imperfection so I won’t shop my way out of problems. This is exemplified in a few categories of my belongings.
Clothes
I don’t have very many clothes and I don’t plan on shopping for much more. This means I won’t have the perfect outfit for every occasion. For example, I have three dresses that must cover all weddings, work days, date nights, and other occasions. I don’t need a wardrobe that prepares me for every event, filled with items I’ll only wear once or twice. I much prefer a wardrobe that makes me feel stylish and relaxed all the time.
Skin care
I was sold this LIE that acne was a puberty problem. Yet at 24 I still have breakouts similar to those I had at 14. Before minimalism, I was constantly trying out new products and feeling frustrated when they didn’t work. Not only was I wasting money, but I was getting more angry at my skin for not cooperating and myself for not adhering to complicated regimens. The more we resist our flaws the worse they make us feel. Now, I’ve accepted that I’ll always have some acne. I’ve settled on a very simple skin care routine that doesn’t completely address my blemishes but is good enough. Of course I still have insecurities, but they’re much less pervasive and no longer dictate my purchases.
Makeup
Similar to skin care, my makeup routine is quite simple. Most notably, I don’t own any foundation or concealer. It’s not for a lack of blemishes to cover. Really, I don’t feel I can adequately hide my pimples even with those products. And when I do wear them, my skin feels pretty gross by the end of the day. I’ve found I feel better about my skin when I have accepted it for what it is, imperfect.
In conclusion
A simple life won’t lead to a perfect life, but it will lead to a happy life. I challenge you to pick one thing about yourself you regularly try to fix by shopping, and accepting it as it is. You may be surprised at how freeing it feels.
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