Finding Joy in Owning Less: Essentialism

Let’s be honest: most of us have a drawer (or three) jammed full of stuff we forgot we owned, a calendar that looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt. If your life feels like a game of Jenga teetering on the brink, allow me to introduce you to the magical concept of essentialism.

What Exactly Is Essentialism?

Essentialism is the art (and some say science) of figuring out what’s most important, and then channeling your energy, time, and resources into just those things. In other words, it’s about saying “no” to the non-essentials so you can say an enthusiastic “heck yes!” to the things that light you up.

Why Essentialism Isn’t Just for Neat Freaks

Contrary to popular belief, essentialism doesn’t mean moving to a tiny house or folding your socks into perfect origami swans. It’s about simplifying your choices, so you have more freedom and fun. Essentialists aren’t trying to impress anyone with how little they own—they’re just tired of tripping over stuff (literally and figuratively) that doesn’t bring them joy.

The Lighthearted Path to Less

Adopting essentialism can actually be a lot of fun. Here are some playful ways to dip your toes into the “less is more” pool:

· Play ‘Keep or Toss’: Host a game-show-style purge in your closet. Winner is the one with the most empty hangers!

· The ‘One-In, One-Out’ Rule: For every new thing you bring home, something old must leave. It’s like musical chairs for your stuff.

· Schedule Your Joy: Block out time for things that make you happy, not just things that make you busy. Things like reading a book outside, watching a sunset, playing with your kids, or volunteering in your community.

Essentialism in Everyday Life

Imagine waking up and knowing you only have a handful of things to do—and that you actually want to do them. That's the magic of essentialism: less clutter, fewer obligations, more room for silliness, creativity, and genuine connections.

A Little Less, A Lot More

So next time you feel overwhelmed, try asking yourself: What’s truly essential here? Whether it’s choosing which party to attend, which project to tackle, or even which socks to wear, essentialism lets you focus on what matters and let go of the rest. And in the end, isn’t life more enjoyable when you have space for what makes you smile (and maybe a little extra room in your junk drawer)?