One of the reasons why I love being a digital nomad is the opportunity to embrace minimalism.
Several years ago, I trekked around the world for 1.5 years with just two backpacks; a 65L for clothing and a 25L for tech. I skipped the colder climates, so there was no need for thick jackets and accessories. If there was something missing, it’s easy to buy something local.
Upon returning home after this long journey, I looked around my apartment and all the extra crap I didn’t use or even need for the last couple of years.
As humans, it’s amazing how much stuff we accumulate. Most of us keep buying things until our home is full, whether that’s a 1 bedroom or a full house. Our things just fill up whatever space we have, like a slowly inflating balloon.
Having only a few items on your back makes you realize you don’t need most of these things to be happy. You realize how freeing it is to only have what you need, not what you want. And you realize the more things you have, the more they own you.
While not everyone has the opportunity to travel extensively, the lessons learned along the way can be applied by everyone.
The takeaway
Take a moment to look around your space. Do you really need all of it? Would you really miss it if it were not there? Challenge yourself to reduce your clutter. A clear space frees your mind.