Thanks for watching! 🤗🥰 What do you want to accomplish this year, when it comes to minimalism / simplifying your life?

@bumblebee_mrs

Жыл бұрын

Just a note to you Vera, you are NOT boring or predictable, you are dependable and mature. Exactly the type of person I accept.

@patriciafisher3108

Жыл бұрын

This year I want to purge 20% of my papers AND maintain that number. Out of 500 pieces, 100 need to be purged. I will begin this task tomorrow.

@kirsten9323

Жыл бұрын

I want to keep a more 'minimalist' calendar, saying no if it's too much, even when it comes to fun activities :)

@carigl

Жыл бұрын

I want to declutter my bedroom and change the decor and visual clutter to make it a minimalistic room.

@carigl

Жыл бұрын

Your videos are so useful for me, I love how you explain things. You have a tone of voice very friendly and smooth. Thank you for sharing this valuable knowledge ✨

Animal rescue charities/shelters are always grateful for old towels so you could donate them there. Towels are a relatively inexpensive way to brighten up your bathroom and we all need a little extra self-care in January! I use hand towels in place of bath towels and guest towels as hand towels to save on laundry costs/drying time and storage space 🦋 I'd love to see your bathroom Vera, this is definitely the most minimalist room in my home as I can't abide any clutter there at all !!🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! :) I decided to hold on to my towels for now, but if I do want to replace them sometime in the future, I'll check around to see if any animal shelters want them. Also, my bathroom is also the most minimal room hahaha. Zero decor, nothing. I want to make cleaning as easy as possible there :)

Thank you for your content. I went from a home to a small apartment. Which I love. I am older and now alone. I brought my large home pieces with me and for the couple years I have been here I have felt closed in and overwhelmed. Began this year selling almost ALL OF IT!! 😳 sold thre beautiful oversized couch for a white love seat. The table that seats 8 family members for a coffee table and two chairs. Took down the decorations and put them in the room I wasn’t working in. Looked at the blank spaces and decided what my simplistic visual of that space was. Or, if I wanted anything. I have open space now and I mean it when I say this. I feel like I can breath!!! I prepare healthy meals because I don’t feel overwhelmed with STUFF. I stretch and meditate and read go for walks because I’m not taking care of STUFF. Everyone thinks I have lost my mind. I can bring out the light weight folding tables and chairs when all the family comes. Everyone thinks I have lost my mind. Maybe I have. But if being mindless feels this good I have no desire to find it again. 😂😂

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

So happy that's working out for you so well! :) Lovely that getting rid of big furniture items has given you room to explore and breathe :)

I have observed over a lifetime that the desire for material things starts when we are young adults with our new independence. At first it seems so exciting to be able to purchase all of your own things! Then after a few years you look around & all those things are now haunting you by becoming clutter, chaos & dust collectors. The world markets the purchasing of things as a visual sign of success. But it’s very deceptive in that they are really just selling it all trying to make money. I was guilty of overindulging in pretty things. But the years long decluttering process has taught me the best lessons so that all that stuff no longer appeals to me with the exception of fashion bc it’s one of my talents & therapeutic enjoyable forms of art.

I decluttered my social media and stop engaging in comments on news social media, like the NYT for example. Some people made me so angry and frustrated and that was a waste of time trying to talk to small minded people (I'm being nice there 😂). Now I only follow people (and cats 😺) that I like and only leave positive comments (not that I was rude before, but I wasted time talking to rude people) and it makes my social media time more enjoyable. I also don't check social media when I wake up in the morning or before bed, I need silence in the evening and quiet music in the morning to wake up. Anyone else hates morning radio shows? That's my personal hell, listening to people talking loudly, laughing, joking in the morning 😂

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Hahahah yes that makes total sense :D

I did a 'Wear it' challenge in 2022 to see what I wasn't wearing and I was able to get rid of a few items. I began recreating the coffee shop experience over ten years ago. I donate that money to organizations instead. I recently completed the 'Use it up' challenge. I'm going to do this a few times a year with food staples. It keeps things from expiring and being wasted. I agree wholeheartedly about cutting back on the noise. Right after the New Year I did a digital purge: unsubscribed, unfriended and unfollowed. I'm part of the vegan community also and I had to distance myself from some of the groups because of all the judgements and arguments. And it wasn't just vegan groups. It's toxic all over the internet as you well know. I start and end my days in silence. I feel much more relaxed and at peace when it is quiet. I don't take my phone or even a music device when I go on my morning or evening walks. And lastly, I always take a list when I go shopping so that I'm not tempted to buy something that I don't need.

@roseshaw6344

Жыл бұрын

I also like to start my day quiet and in my grade quiet with God and his Word. What better way to start the day.

I will be moving across country this year. I need to have everything decluttered by September. These last few months I have been using up items, donating items I was hanging on to "just in case" and giving items to friends who I knew would enjoy what I no longer needed. By the end of all this my husband and I will have decluttered at least 95% of our items. We are looking at this move as a clean slate and a way to start a new. Yes we will have to replace a lot of kitchen stuff but we can then buy the items we love and really enjoy!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Wow, such a big project!! Congrats on everything and wishing you and your husband all the best with your big move this year! :)

“View stores as museums for pretty things”. I just ❤ this statement

I have several goals for 2023 that I’d like to share: 1. Pay off my credit card debt as well as microcredits. I got in a lot of debt last year due to unwise spending habits and I want to fix that. 2. I love reading but buying books seems to have developed into an entirely different “hobby”. This year I want to stop buying new books and focus on my physical tbr instead 📚 3. I’m doing an in/out items challenge I saw in one of your videos, very excited for this, it should be fun! 4. No-buy on clothing items. Another category I’ve spent too much on last year. I have enough clothes. The only thing I might allow myself to buy is a swimsuit - in case the one I have doesn’t fit me by the time we go on vacation. 5. Occasional no buy challenge to help me pay off the debt faster and save some money. It’s a new concept for me so I’m starting with a short term goal - just 5 days in a row. 6. I’ll definitely be doing the use-it-up challenge for skincare products. I used to stock up on skincare products but now I want to buy new products only having used up the ones I already have. I have 2 cleansers, 2 toners, loads of masks and I’ll make sure to use these up before getting anything new. Thanks again for the inspiration! ❤️

I absolutely love the tip about going into stores like they are museums. As a minamist, people ask my why I like to go thrifting and that's why, so exciting to see items and know they where in people's homes for who knows how long or the story behind each item. I love it.

Thank you for acknowledging your sponsor at the beginning of your video. That way, we can focus on your wonderful content without interruptions. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for mentioning this! It's what I think would be the best experience for my viewers, so I'm happy to hear that helped :) Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year too! 🤗💕🌱

Easily and simply admitting that you are burping a lot as you did it's a life goal, so peaceful and zen 💚

This week I bought stationary for my work and decided to clean and declutter my spaces. I ended up getting rid of almost 200 things which was a shock to me that I was ready to part with so many things I thought I needed "just in case". You are rubbing off on me Vera. I'm glad you're back.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Wow 200 items!! That's amazing! 😁

@bumblebee_mrs

Жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen I've added to the pile since then. I'm on a roll.

I did well right before 2022 ended. I used my 2 week Christmas break from working at school to declutter and organize. My goal for 2023 now is mental declutter. I just deleted my Facebook app. I haven’t deleted my acct yet since I haven’t figured out how to save my old videos onto my computer. It has been so peaceful not knowing what everyone is up to and not seeing their highlight reels to make me compare my life. My goal is to focus on me and my family and to be more present. I’m also doing the low spend year. So far I haven’t bought anything unnecessary. I’m doing it one week at a time since it sounds more like it’s something I can accomplish instead of making it no-spend year. I’ve only bought groceries, toiletries, and gas so far. So this means, I have to stay away from Amazon just like FB.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Those sound like really great goals!! :) Wishing you all the best with them this year :)

Entertainment backlog is definitely a thing lol. I am trying to read through all my unread books before I go on a book shopping spree. The exception I am making is new releases to series I already have, or a new release by a favorite author that I know I will read.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

YES! Same :)

I always find a lot of peace in your videos, have a nice year, Dear Vera. 🎊💐😻

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, that's nice to hear :) Wishing you a wonderful 2023 too!

I just got to know that I might be losing my job! So many feelings and emotions right now, I am quite sad actually. Many of your suggestions will be useful, like how to save money and create a good mental climate! I hope to find a new job, but if I have too much time left over, I can always declutter or learn new things from Skillshare! I choose to be positive about this change. Thank you so much Vera for excellent advice, as always!

This year I am working on my spending habits. For January I am tracking everything I spend. I will also keep decluttering throughout the year.

Hi Vera, I am in the process of decluttering clothes, books, decor, inherited clutter from relatives, and too many things to classify in a comment. Wow, just thinking about it is a little overwhelming. But no, I am starting this year decluttering the house bit by bit, taking it slow, and decluttering my body by watching what I eat and being more mindful about food and drink and how much exercise I get. Thank you for your channel, it is very soothing and encouraging, you seem very kind and gentle.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind comment Heather!! Those goals sound awesome. Wishing you all the best in 2023 :)

I change my bath towels every couple of years I could never look at the same ones year after year after year after year unless I just absolutely could not afford it.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Haha we're all different in where we place our priorities. :) For me, new towels aren't really worth it if they're still in good condition, however don't tempt me with a new tea cup :D

Your videos have been very inspirational and this year I have planned to declutter and embark on my journey to minimalism. It is really stressful to see items piling up in each corner of the house and the level of maintenance needed to keep them in shape. I expect minimalism to simplify my life and change the relationship I have with things. Love from India. ❤️

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing Samarpita! Wishing you all the best with your minimalism and decluttering goals this year! Feel free to let me know how it goes :)

I have decluttered about half of my house, Christmas, storage and kitchen for the last 2 years; I also went through old memorabilia. Got rid of things I never thought I would. I am 53 and my children are grown, so maybe I am just in that phase of life. Now I am just maintaining. I still find stuff and I am like, why do I still have this, why didn't I already declutter it?......I have also decluttered activities and things like nails and hair, which I can totally do myself, and even FB.....what a weight that has been lifted.

@rebeccabaron1348

Жыл бұрын

YES!!! You sound just like me. Deactivated Facebook and Instagram. Going through 59 years worth of stuff. Feels so good.

My main goal this year is to find a job which is a better fit for me. I am not enjoying my current job at all, which casts a big shadow over everything else, and a different one would make my life more simple and reduce all the mental clutter that it causes. Then I feel like I could tackle my bigger physical decluttering projects, like one of our storage cupboards with all the random home bits and bobs!

@user-jm8wl7mw6s

Жыл бұрын

Hello, who can help me? I will be brief for you. I want some clothes to protect myself from the cold, and I will prove to you that I am honest in my words. Who volunteers and helps me? Life is very difficult. Not everyone has luck. The lucky one is the one who helps people and loves good for people.

I like window shopping and once home realizing how many things I don’t need 😊😊

I definetely agree about mental clutter , noise … 🤯

View the stores as a museum ….. 👌 👏👏👏👏👏 PS : Yes , there’s “ summer decor “

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Hahahaha thanks :D:D

Good tips. We are doing a use-it up challenge at my house. Luckily my entire family is on board, even my 14-year old, who was feeling stressed out by the number of shelves in his room. We've been able to remove one so far just decluttering and reorganizing. My goal is to get his room the way he wants it, declutter and organize my office and my bedroom.

A shopping trick that I have is to try and find something in my closet similar to the item that I am drawn to purchase. Chances are I have something very similar already hanging in my closet. Since I am drawn to a certain style, I keep myself from buying similar things again and again 😅

I’ve come so far, but I still have some stubborn paper clutter ( put away, at least, but still there! ). I have diligently tossed , or filed / scrapbooked a ton of this over the years. But itz time to finish !

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Haha paper clutter, the monster :D Good luck with it! :)

Mental minimalism sounds so good, I need to stay off my iPad more to achieve this:)

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

It's really nice :) Hope it'll be helpful for you too!

As a quilter I have lots of fabric and I want to use what I have rather than buy more. I have been decluttering and new to my minimal journey so its slow and steady for me. I would like to end the year clutter free so my home can be cleaned quickly and easily and leave me more time to do things I want to do like sewing or spending time with family and friends

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great goal! :)

I like to use window shopping’ to inspire ideas for using items (clothing or decor) that I already have in new and different ways. For example… maybe recover a couple cushions for an updated look.

I frequently do the “use it up” approach, with the pantry, toiletries, cleaning supplies. It feels SO good to use up a bottle of something and toss it in the recycling bin. But then inevitably, I start feeling panicked that I don’t have enough in reserve (is that the scarcity mindset?), or go searching for the perfect hand soap or dish soap that doesn’t irritate my hands (just an example) and end up with 4 new bottles. I guess it’s all part of the journey.

@mariona8569

Жыл бұрын

I do this too, get tired of too much stuff trying to use it up and then suddenly feeling like I don’t have enough back up just in case and filling it up again 😂

@xxcnd83xx

Жыл бұрын

same here 😂at some point I had a full drawer for my skincare/hygiene back ups, I was always scared of not having enough, or my favourites being discontinued, or things were on sale and I ended up buying more than one. Also sometimes when you buy online you have to spend a certain amount of money to have free shipping so I'll buy more than what I need.

Thank you for your videos and great suggestions Vera. I am taking January, or however long it takes, to do one of the most difficult decluttering tasks: keepsakes and mementos. I will be 67 in February so there's a quantity to tackle. I began in December by gifting my three children each with a stack of their old drawings, school report cards, newspaper clippings, etc. as well as some small objects that have been around forever. Things that belonged to my grandmother and mother. They were quite happy to receive these things and we had fun on Christmas morning going through these items. I made it clear that they didn't have to keep any of it. A little got left behind. Now I will do a little whenever I can and hope to end up with one bin at most that we can pull out once in a while and have a trip down memory lane.

My tactics for minimalism is to stay out of the (online) shops. And menuplan before I go shopping for groceries. I feel that what I don't see I don't want or need. I declutter and reorganise one drawer, shelf or cupboard at a time. Have a great week and hope you had a good start of 2023. I am going to sip on some fresh steeped tea🫖.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Yes, those are great! :)

My big goals for this year are to build up some savings. And to have more equal relationships. I find I tend to chase people and over give. This year I want relationships that are a bit easier to maintain.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Those sound like really valuable goals :) Wishing you all the best this year!

I started minimilism and I didn't know there was a word for it back 21 years and decided to buy my property wanted to save to down a deposit. Just now in Feb/Mar 2020 with covid I was bored. I discover so many channels and discover yours as well. Many I unsubscribe. Yours Im still here. Thank you

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! :)

@shehnazahmad5213

Жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen You are so welcome⚘️

I love your minimalism videos…. I can’t imagine living any other way. I just brought to the thrift store all. Christmas decor I didn’t use the last two years, a wreath, tree skirt, and a few figurines, it always feels good to donate the things you no longer want Vera 190k subscribers I’m so happy for you, well deserved 🎉🎉🎉🎉

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

That's great, congrats!! Also, thank you so much hihi 🥰🥰 So excited now that we're getting close to the 200k. It's crazy to think about :)

@rosywilson3076

Жыл бұрын

My local charity shops won’t accept Xmas stuff after Xmas 🙁

@christined2495

Жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen soon, and I am so happy for you ❤️

It's amazing how much I've found that I've been able to declutter since the start of January... I've been pretty good about logging everything that I'm letting go of in my journal, and when looking at things that way, I'm at a total of 44 items- plus one item that I've listed for sale on Poshmark. 😄

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

WOW 44 already!!! That's great! 😁🌺

I decided that once a week I spend a little money at a local coffee shop on library day (Wednesdays). This improves my mood. Kathy B P. S. I'm retired so it helps me get out of the house.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

That sounds like a lovely weekly tradition :) Definitely something to enjoy

Your english is impeccable. I am in awe. And by the way, your hair is very pretty natural. I am a beginner for minimalism. Your channel is very inspiring for me.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much!! 🤗💕❤️

Lots of good suggestions! I recently retired and one of my goals this first year has been to purge all my closets. I don’t like visual clutter so I tend to put things in closets and cupboards. I’ve been working on it a little at a time and have made good progress. It’s a good way to start the new year.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Ah so nice!! Must feel amazing haha :)

Great tips! Love that you mentioned window shopping. A lot of people think of it as a bad thing, and if you’re a compulsive shopper who’s just started trying to change your habits, it might be too tempting. But after a few years of working on my spending habits, I have found that it’s been really valuable for me to learn how to go into a store, see things I want, and leave them behind. The trick with taking a picture of the item and saying “I’ll think about it” helps me a lot, too. You get the dopamine hit from finding something cool, but you don’t have to commit to something the first time you see it. I find that I forget about most of these things pretty quickly!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Ah yes! I think it can really work for some people, and not so much for others. If it does tempt people to shop more, then maybe it's not such a good idea haha. For me though, it really works :)

Thank you so much for your sensitivity in relaying the meanings of what having too much of anything effects our lives. Consumerism fills voids with things, many things. And it's sad how we all keep going back for more. I am everyday looking for things to leave my house. I donate or leave it somewhere where another can find and hopefully it fills an actual real need for them. The problem is all my small antique furniture I've acquired throughout the years. Now I see that I would like the empty space instead. I feel kinda confused because I love the age of the pieces and to just give a few away (I'd probably settle on a price if I could find a buyer who's as interested as I am on the beauty and stories each piece has), is like giving my story away with it. So I guess that's the real power of it all. We all can learn a lot by listening to you. You are here to help whoever wants it, but most of all needs it.

Another inspirational video, thank you. As well as decluttering my life both physically and mentally this year, I have decided to make it a no buy year unless important items need replacing.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! :) Wishing you all the best with your goals for this year!

Hi Vera! I have been watching other videos on minimalism and decluttering but could not relate to their content. But then I found your channel, and you cannot imagine how inspirational and helpful it has been. Your lack of judgemental positions and your common sense struck a chord. Thank you! Hopefully I will be sharing with you(albeit virtually) this journey. Gracias!😊

Hiya Vera, I loved the idea as you described it so well , on how to sort decor items. This year I am on a No buy Low Buy year. Using up my pantry and cosmetics items. I am also concentrating on getting my personal information spit-spot, like my will, my credit card records, the beneficiaries all in line for the house, insurance policies etc. I want to be prepared and confident for the unplanned things we try to avoid. Thank you! Happy new year 🎉

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Those sound like really good goals! :) We also did some of that (getting personal info in order) and it's really comforting to know that things are taken care of :) Also, Happy New Year to you too! :)

I'm sure you already know her, but if you don't : pick up limes here on youtube. She makes vegan recipes without the whole fuss around it. My minimalism goal this year is allowing myself more rest and white space (in my calendar/planner). It wasn't even that I was that busy/productive but the feeling that I had to be. Even hobbies had to be productive. I'm picking up sketching in my sketchbook again and reading. Both things that I don't' feel an urge to share and can do just for me.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Ah yes! I definitely know her and I make several of her recipes frequently :) Also, your goals sound really great!

Hi Vera❤ Have a great day! It was so nice to see you again. I loved this video. I love all of your videos. I have spent my whole life feeling like I’m not good enough or accomplishing enough. I really appreciate the messages in this video. I’m going to try telling myself that “I am enough”.

@SimpleHappyZen

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Deborah, glad you enjoyed the video! :) Definitely 'I am enough' could be a great affirmation to practice with I think :)

I really needed this video. Thank you! I resolve to be debt free and clutter free this year.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Amazing, wishing you all the best with your goals Katherin! You can do it 🤗

Dear Vera, I just had to stop the video at the „regarding clothes in shops as if they were in a museum“-tip to thank you!!! This is such a great idea. A few years ago I went to an antique fair. I was on a no-buy then and therefore was able to cherish the things for their beauty, thinking about how much love was invested in making those things. I was not on the hunt for new decor for my home, and it was such a peaceful experience. But I never thought of applying that technique to my main problem area, my want for new clothes. Now I will!❤

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Happy to hear that tip resonated with you!! :) I also like to use it on vacation when it comes to souvenirs. Definitely decreases the stress of figuring out which ones to buy (and how to cram them into my suitcase for the trip back, haha)

Great Video... I have recently started to declutter my life and reduce clutter, be mindful and budget as I am now on my own after my 30 year marriage ended... I am finding that the more I move towards minimalism, the happier and less burdened I feel... Thank you for your inspiring and clear/concise tips. Happy New Year to you, Vera.

Ty for sharing time with with me. I'm Lisa, I'm an empath. Thank you for the safe space. Namaste

I decluttered my house last year and am now working with the one-in-one-out rule, which is working well for me.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Yes! Sounds great :)

Live hearing everyone’s intentions and goals.

First off, Happy New Year, Vera! I minimize my life by shopping only once a month. Then when I walk in a park I don't bring any gadget with me. The park is not exactly quiet and when you're preoccupied with your phone you're going to miss, say, a rustle in the leaves made by small animals-something that is rare and priceless...Thanks for the video!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Love that! Also, happy new year to you too Bernadette! 🤗✨🌺🥂

You looked good in the black turtleneck 🙂

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Kathryn! :) I look forward to wearing it again when the weather heats up a little :)

Thanks for the tips. If I might add one: I always go through my admin at the end of the year and get rid of tax returns that are older than 5 years, receipts and other papers that I can also use in an electronic format, for instance. Gives me so much satisfaction!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Oh yes!!! Such a good one 😁

Only if a good amount of folks do what you guys teach, just imagine how many millionaires we already have or will have in the future. Not the sad statistics where at least 50% of people are living paycheck to paycheck, even for high income earners. Great contents as always!

Hi Vera. I enjoyed these tips and relate to all of them 🐱. I've sorted my seasonal stuff and have been decluttering some items today to donate. I've given up selling online and send everything, valuable or not so valuable, to the charity shop. I like your point about mental clutter and I'm determined to keep going on this one. Thanks again and happy New Year xx

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing and congrats on the decluttering! :) Also, Happy New Year to you too!

This year I would like to continue decluttering and making my home more visually peaceful and simple. I want to discover how I can incorporate simple living into my busy mum schedule and see if I can make some small changes that help me feel and actually be more present with my children. I've only been watching simple living videos for a month but it is something I can see would be incredibly beneficial to me.

I thought of a few things that could count for summer seasonal decor since you were like 'idk if people have summer things' (in the US): -"summer things" like lights, napkins/table runners/placemats, especially those intended for outdoors, cookout themed items, foldable tables or camping equipment you expect to use seasonally that lives in the garage - Fourth of July/presidents day/nationalistic holidays start in summer - School graduations/events (My mom would hold onto that stuff for years to avoid buying it a second time, it's not necessarily worth it for a bunch of cheap things like napkins) - mother's day and father's day (I'm including May because a lot of people start getting out summer things this time of year) - back to school things

I did unsubscribe to fifty emails yesterday ! (not yours though ! They have value for me). Felt great. Most were merchants.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Wow that's amazing!! It will save you so much time and energy

Thank you for this Vera. I honestly didn't think it was going to be of any use to me but I was wrong! You've made me realise the mental clutter in my life ie books I own and need to read, the list of things I want to watch, list of websites I want to checkout etc are all part of the process of decluttering. I just keep adding to the lists but now - after watching your video - I'm going to clear those lists before I add anything new. That way I won't have that anxious feeling popping up about having so much to do! Object wise I have too much stuff I guess but I still love my 'pieces' and to avoid clutter I manage them by keeping those not on display in a cupboard and I use rotation to change them up/swap them around a few times a year. That way I get pleasure from everything still but they're not all on show at the same time. Anyway ... this comment is too long but thanks again ..from the UK 🇬🇧

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing Deborah! Glad you also found a helpful tip in the video :) It's also one of my personal favorites, because it also makes a big difference for me personally :) So I love talking about it

Definitely agree about the mental clutter and cutting back on the noise - not just with my own thoughts but the opinions of other people too. The nuance seems to disappear in some discussions and it's two extremes instead of listening to each other and meeting in the middle. Need to declutter some of my social media accounts this year that I don't even go on anymore like Tiktok and Instagram and just save photos or memories from the accounts instead that mean something to me. This year is about stillness with my own thoughts and myself and hopefully clarity on what's really important to me outside of my work will follow.😊

I would like to develop more simple, healthy dinner options. I do meal plan and generally purchase just the groceries I need for the coming week. Breakfast and lunches are generally the same each day, but I want more variety for dinners

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

I can relate :) Good luck!!

@cynthiajohnston424

Жыл бұрын

Perhaps try a recipes from other countries / make your restaurant favorites at home / variations on your tried-and-true favorites ( like meatloaf / baked chicken , etc. ) Personally , I'm changing up soups & salads , trying a few vegan meals , buying more organic , trying recipes from India , etc. I'm not a cook by any means , but enjoy a " cooking adventure " !

Two of the things I'm applying minimalistic principles to this year, are free courses (I cannot stop signing up to these and then I don't do them!) and social media (even LinkedIn). I just feel like there is so much discussion out there, and reading other people's opinions and comments about topics literally add nothing to my life. It just makes me feel overwhelmed.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

I think those two are really good examples of things to minimize :) Thanks for sharing Erica!

My main goal for the coming year in terms of minimalism is try to find they things I enjoy and continue to try to figure out where I could be happier if I just replaced something. My most recent thing is that I have realised I want to declutter and replace some of my towels as I have sensitive skin (especially in winter) and there's actually a big difference between different towels in softness and how well they dry off me. It's such a easy thing to overlook, but it really changes my mood when I have towels that doesn't upset my skin. I'm usually a very use-what-you-already-have type of minimalist but I'm trying to let go of the idea that I HAVE TO use up stuff just because, and allowing myself to replace things if I'm actively making my life less enjoyable by using the (bad) stuff I already have.

I have recently moved into a much smaller apartment. I can't fit all my stuff in it so what I couldn't fit in my new apartment is in a storage unit. My goal is to go through and get rid of what I don't use at my new apartment. However, I have noticed there is actually stuff that I have in the apartment that I don't use or want anymore. So I have been slowly going through and decluttering. I have already gotten rid of 8 medium sized boxes of stuff. But still have a long way to go. I have stuff from when I was a kid and also inherited stuff from when my grandparents and parents passed away. Watching your videos really help me to stay on track. So thank you!!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Wow amazing, that sounds like a big project! Wishing you lots of luck with everything :)

I have been working on a use it up approach on hair care and showering products for over a year it has been wonderful. I am trying to get it to where I have one of each type of product I actually use and love

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Love that!! Feels so much better, doesn't it :)

I did a huge declutter during the pandemic, but recently I got more critical and have already taken 2 loads to the donation center. Decluttering at this point in my life is ongoing. I always have boxes available to put donations in. I also am more conscious of what I’m buying. I don’t want to turn around and donate it in a few years. I also had a moment similar to your towel story. I wanted to buy new art for our bathroom, and I realized there’s nothing wrong with what’s in there, and I’d rather spend that money on something else, or not at all.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing Julie! Sounds like you've already made great progress with decluttering and stuff :)

I love your style very simple and pretty. simplifying my stuff has helped to simplify other things in my life so I have more time doing the things I love to do or have been wanting to do.

Hey Vera! Great video as usual! My goal this year for minimalism is to enjoy more of what I already have.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! That sounds like a great goal :)

I had same filling about my sheets and pillowcases as you have with your towels, but than i realized i can just dye them. I started dying them every so often an i love them so much more.

Great video Vera! My goal this year is essentials. Use up before I buy again. I’m doing a low buy year too. I did declutter my Christmas decorations! WooHoo! It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be! Thanks for all you do!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

That's great Debbie!! :) Happy to hear it, wishing you all the best with your low buy year! :)

My biggest goal thos year is buying my own home. I'm trying to a. save the money and live as though I'm already paying the mortgage/utilities/etc, b. declutter current belongings so I only take with me what I will actually need/want because I will have to purchase furniture/appliances/etc and c. determine what I want my home to say about me and how I really want to live in it, so I don't get a too-big or too small house. 🙂

I loved the question, "what will this change for me for the better?"

I think the easiest step is starting with the bathroom n beauty products/makeup :D

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

I agree! :)

My goal is to go through all my stuff and declutter, only to things I really use or they bring me right energy, also organize my wardrobe and make it look nice. I want to be intentionally adding new clothes and find alternatives to black. Also my goal is to make space for self care, so mind declutter and focus on the present time. Another goal is to notice how I feel, what would I REALLY need and communicate that honesty. I’ve noticed the tendency to please, for example when ive been tired I was agreeing to see people instead making the space to recharge and then meet up. Such an inspirational video!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your goals!! Wishing you an amazing 2023 :)

thank you for a great video; recently moved house so we have decluttered quite a lot, but some things are still here; onwards and upwards; thank you for the inspiration

Great tips! This year I want to spend at least 25% less on wardrobe items than last year. I'm keeping a wish list with costs so that I know the tentative total throughout the year. I recently went into a store and once I had the item I needed, I went straight to check out. No browsing! ♥

My minimal goals are to 1) track what is coming in and what is going out each month so that I have a baseline for next year when I want to try and cut it down even further. And 2) to only shop for clothes twice this year, in April and September when the seasons change, and buy only to fill gaps in my carefully planned capsule wardrobes for the whole family.

These are such great tips. I’ve started implementing a few already. Regarding the small expenses add up- so true! I went through my spending habits for 2022 and saw that I spent over $500 on Starbucks drinks in one year!! So my goal this year is to cut that in half and put the other half in savings! Also love your tip about mental clutter. This is something I didn’t even think about, but it’s what I really need to work on. Thanks so much for this video!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Ah yes that sounds very smart!! :) Thanks for sharing Joy

Hi, Vera! Such great suggestions in this video. I particularly love that one about noise and useless discussions. In fact, silence is a wonderful way to declutter the mind, in my opinion, and discussions may be useless in most of the times, because people are not willing to change their mind easily, so why waste time, that could be used in something that makes us happy, trying to convince others we’re right? I’m in the process of changing my wardrobe, because for personal reasons I wore a particular colour that I no longer feel good in. I buy everything in a secondhand shop that has awesome clothes. So I can’t wait to decide if I want to buy something the next day or the next week, because there’s only one item of each. So I do the following: if I buy a skirt, a skirt has to be donated; if I buy a coat, a coat has to be donated, and so on. If I buy 5 items, I donate 5 items. It’s difficult to donate first, because I might not find what I need, so I do this. It has been working well and my wardrobe isn’t cluttered. I also always keep a list when I go to the supermarket and I follow it strictly. As to decorative objects, I believe that going slowly in giving them away is wise. That’s what I did over the years. I didn’t just donate all or most of them, because I really had a lot, and, as I did that slowly and mindfully, I don’t regret donating them. Thanks for another great video 💙💜❤️🖤💛💗🧡♥️💚

Slow and steady wins the race. ✌🏻💚💗

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

I agree! :)

I have been watching videos for almost a year now on Minimalism. I have longed to simplify my life and you have done the most to inspirer me. You are gentle with you approach to the best ways and you give options that allow for my own individuality. I have managed to do some of this work through the “season” of giving and getting. We did a no gift Christmas and focused on the time spent with each other. We played games. I made seafood chowder and laughed till our ribs hurt. It was one of the best Christmas ever. Even though it was a 180° from all that I was use too and from all the stress that was taking over, I was able to find the “Joy”. So grateful that I found you and your KZread space. God seems to find ways for what it is I Need to show up in the most unusual places. When I wasn’t even searching for it. But my heart was. Thank you Vera, you are Awesomely Amazing!!❤

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much for your kind words Rufina!! 💕❤️

I am also a fan of nuance, veganism, mental stillness. Thank you for your insights 😊

I just “finished” my whole house(4 bedroom, 1 bath, living room, family room, kitchen)… it took a year. So I went back to the bedroom and went through all the closets, drawers, shoes. I ended up with two garage bags to donate. (These we’re all mine, my husband keeps his clothes in another room) to be fair I have lost 50 pounds so this needed to be done as they didn’t fit. I will be going back through each room, it takes much less time this time!!! I have over 200 plants, so I’m really considering downsizing. Plants in every room! They are my hobby and some income. It’s a balancing act there. I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for the time you put in.

I feel like I want to do a no buy year but then when it comes to specific things, like going back to swimming then I need a good pair of goggles to feel comfortable, and stuff like that make me rethink if I can actually do the no buy...

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

My recommendation would always be to try a low-buy, rather than a no-buy. It shouldn't stand in the way of fun things like hobbies, activities, exercise, etc :)

@w.w.w.w.w

Жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen thank you! Are there recommendations or rules to reference for a low buy year? I'm on it, for the first time so might need some guide to avoid temptation

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

I actually have a (rather old 😁) video specifically about this: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mWaFs9KLpM6apqQ.html

@w.w.w.w.w

Жыл бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen thanks for sharing, I'll start right here! 💖 from Canada

Number 8 is one I want to practice more. It's a fine line for me between motivation and irritation. Getting motivated to (for example) clean or decluter by listening to something I like. And sometimes listening to long and then get irritated by the chatter😅.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Hahahaha yes I can relate 😁

Hi Vera, I am becoming very good at decluttering and finding tranquility in having less and being organized. You are a large part of that for me, you are so fresh and real. Thank you for your videos!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Wow, amazing!! Congrats Peggy! 🤗🌱💕✨

Hi Vera, happy New Year to you, too! 🌻 This was a really helpful video (as your videos usually are), thank you for that. "What is it that you like about it?" is a fantastic question. I never thought of it but it makes a lot of sense. Since prices are so high for everything atm I will try to ask myself that question more often. Also, the wear it challenge could be helpful. I do not really plan on getting many new clothes this year but sometimes get tempted when I see all of the stylish people around me. And what I found was that I tend to buy summer clothes because that is my favourite season. But I live in northern Germany where those pieces usually only get to be worn a few months and most of the time you need warmer clothing. So if I don't pay attention, my closet would be 80% summer clothes and 20% rest but the weather would be quite the opposite of that. 😂 My minimalism goals for 2023 would be: - getting back to more plant-based lifestyle. Last year I started a new job which requires me to travel to the South of Germany a lot. While Berlin is basically vegan paradise the situation is very different in Bavaria. You cannot get a vegan option at most restaurants but I still want to try my best because I care about animals and also it is much healthier than "just" being vegetarian - creating a sanctuary in my flat. I moved into my first appartment that is not a shared flat last year. One deal to get the appartment was taking quite a number of big furniture pieces from the person that was living here before me. Due to the new job (which I started after 1,5 years of not working because of Burnout) I did not have time and energy to do much to make the appartment a real cozy home. This year I want to get rid of the furniture I don't like and paint the walls (white) and also clean out the balcony and get some plants. Just reduce everything to the minimum because I feel much better if there is not so much "visual noise" around me. Just today I started by taking apart the huge bed because I prefer to sleep on a matress on the floor. - Reactivate old hobbies instead of starting new ones. Basically to try to calm down my fantasy self and use the hobby equipment I already have but haven't touched in years because that can bring me just as much joy as starting too many new things and then failing to actually stick to them like I have so many times in the past. I hope you have a great year ahead of you with lots of fun and also lots of calm and relaxation. To be honest, I am super happy about each video you post but please also take care of yourself and take frequent breaks to relax and recover. Us viewers always come back to you even if you don't post for a week or two. It can be quite difficult for someone who is self-employed to maintain a good work-life-balance so please take good care of yourself. Us viewers value you as a person and not just your content. So I hope the New Year will be a joyful one for you, full of love, peace and happiness. 💕

❤I'm so glad to have videos like yours to go to when I'm just so overloaded by life. It's so nice to remember to not feel guilty about slowing down & letting things go & living more simply😊

The other day I went into a store. I am TOUR GUIDE and one of my service is to do shopping. I seen this lovey set clothe I really like it. Bless my heart I had left my credit card at home. I do this for a purpose. I don't take credit cards. Very little cash. To help me control my purchases😃to trick my own self🤣

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Haha that sounds like a handy trick :)

Your content is always so fresh, and it never gets old! The "goal" I have this year (2023) is to read all of the books that I have loaded onto my Kindle and to listen to all of the books that I have loaded onto my Audible app before I buy anymore of either! I have SO MANY!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much!!! Also, I love that goal :)

We did a major re-model and I really did a purge when it was all done. There was sooooo much stuff I was hanging on to because it was going to fix, paint, reupholster, etc. I am still trying to do more. I feel good that I inspired my daughter and older sister which have also started purging.

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Wonderful :) Congrats!

One large minimalist goal I have for this year is to declutter some furniture items. Having been indoors so much over the past few years I really came to realise that we have furniture items which we never ever use but originally bought because of the sense that a house is supposed to have these items. I'm really looking forward to the extra space we'll have once they've been decluttered. Your first and last tips made me smile; the first because decluttering surface clutter was exactly how I started with minimalism and it was what first gave me a powerful insight into how beneficial it would be for me, the last because I have just decluttered some Christmas decorations that we just don't use but each year somehow convince ourselves that 'we'll use them next year' lol. For me the start of a new year and minimalism have a very similar feel. Living a minimalist lifestyle makes me feel light and the new year does too, as if I've left a whole bunch of unwanted stuff behind in the previous year and started afresh in this one. One thing I'm super grateful to have from one year to the next however is of course Simple Happy Zen!

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

I love that!!! Enjoy all the extra space this year :)

I guess Easter, Memorial/Remembrance days, 4th of July and birthdays would fall under summer type decor. I like faux roses with that rainy dewey look and lavender then but even that can add up. I enjoyed your list. 💝

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Ah yes! :)

Looking around my room right now I see my books on many of the surfaces. I will purge a few and corral the rest. Thanks for the motivation!

Another fantastic video! Especially with your “use it up” idea. I’ve done that with items this past year and really enjoyed it but I’ve been struggling with the things in my “watch later/read later/play later” list. It was actually giving me anxiety at times! Thank you for your practical and gentle ideas to combat this! You are a blessing in my life! ❤

@SimpleHappyZen

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind comment!! Happy those ideas resonated with you :)