“Minimalism is not about having less. It’s about making room for more of what matters.”

There is a school of thought that in eliminating the unnecessary you can find true happiness. Cinta Manis has put together a list to get you started on your journey to living the simple life.

1. Clear your mind 

There are many ways to begin clearing your mind. One example is doing morning and evening rituals allowing for regular rhythms of clearing the mind. Yoga, reading, meditating, even exercise to get the blood pumping, centers your mind and gives you a sense of simple purpose.

2. Channel your energy

It’s important to have an outlet for self-expression, to keep the good energy coming. Whether its dance, art, writing, music etc. if you can find a way channel your positive energy, you clear up space for the power to move mountains.

3. Small closet 

Your closet is a good reflection of living the simple life. You can start small, getting rid of one or two pieces you haven’t worn in a year. Another good policy to keeping your closet small is to donate an old piece of clothing for every new piece of clothing you buy. It’s a good way to declutter and keep those staple pieces in rotation.

4. Clean eating

There’s something very liberating about eating food you can actually pronounce all the ingredients for. It’s important to fuel your hustle with energy that lifts you up instead of bringing you down. Listen to your body, as everyone responds differently to different foods, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

5. Saying no 

Too much now, people suffer from what is called “the fear of missing out.” When we stay constantly busy, we get bogged down in trivial discontent instead of pausing to appreciate what is right in front of us. By saying no, you give yourself the freedom to choose. Clear your schedule and revel in the simplicity of doing nothing.

6. Quality, not quantity 

Instead of filling your house with lots and lots of things, spend your money on less, but on things that will last. That way, you have to shop less often and make more memories with the things you have. Plus, it saves money for more adventures.

7. Pack light 

Whether it’s just going out for the night or going on a world tour, pack light. If you just take the basics, you’ll be surprised how much you can live without. Instead of digging through your bag looking for this or that, you’ll be able to actually be a part of the adventures passing you by. You can simply be.

8. Travel 

Travel is the cure for “things.” You bring back only memories and you learn about different ways people live. This allows you to evaluate your own lifestyle and really think about what “things” you actually need in your life. Travel combines a lot of the other things on this list: it’s a way to clear your mind, and then simplify when you get back home.

The world has become unraveled with the complexity of options that are available to us, what to eat, what to wear, where to go, what to do, how to get there. In baring things back down to the simple life – we really can find an inner peace.

-With Sweet Love