Why I No Longer Live Like a Minimalist | A Maximalist Simple Living

Slow and simple maximalist living - perhaps that would be a perfect definition of what my countryside life currently is. I'm no longer a minimalist, despite how much I tried to become one back in the city. I simply couldn't fit myself, with all my creative endeavours and inspiration into the box I tried to push myself into.
Although both are right for different people, I'm talking about why I'm no longer a minimalist, and how embracing a maximalist life changed me.

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Filmed on: Panasonic GH5
Edited with: Premiere Pro CC
Music: Epidemic Sound

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Key words: slow living, minimalism, rural living, rural cottage life, cottagecore, maximalism, simple living, how to live simply, what is maximalism, cottage aesthetic, silent vlog

[IamDaria]

Hi friends. I noticed some of you questioned the meaning which I give the word "maximalism". When I refer to myself as being a "maximalist", I don't really talk about it in a material sense. To me maximalism comes in a form of art, nature, interiors, any other creative expression - my eye gravitates to interesting details, I like to search for meanings and poetry in such things. That is not to say that I'm not attracted to clean and simple lines, but they don't inspire me as much.
Then, when it comes to hoarding - in general I think it's okay to own things if they bring you joy. But also, if eventually you grow tired of them, they can be recycled or repurposed. For example, I like to collect books, mostly hard cover. They are timeless, and I do believe that they will never lose their value. In case (though unlikely) I won't need them anymore, there will always be someone who will. But having said that, I don't actually own many things at all. I'm minimal in my belongings both by choice and by necessity. I don't own a home, I can only utilise the space I temporarily rent. I like to move around, so I try not to own many things for that reason too. But everything I own - it's not "minimalist" in a form of expression.
Now about labels - I reserve the right to define things that hold a certain meaning to me in my own way. 😀After all, these are all such vague terms. I don't believe in hard labels. We all give meaning to our own lives and define things according to our own experience. And I'm okay with that. I'm also always open to healthy discussions.
Therefore I don't actually call myself a minimalist or maximalist in real life. But if I had to choose to call myself one - I'm definitely more maximalist than not.

[pnwalternativebeauty]

I’m a maximalist as well. I felt guilty for so long but recently realized I am not a hoarder I just love my things and I keep it clean and organized but I cherish my things and that’s ok

[AS]

This video put to words my inner struggle lately. What you said about staying in tune with one’s nature hit me. I am a former minimalist who has recently let that life style go. I have felt so guilty like I’m not being efficient…like now that I have more inventory, that my peace will be gone and chaos will ensue. That the only way to live a good and organized life is to be minimal.
I feel my creative soul was being caged by being minimal. I had barely any personality in my home which I grieved. I felt stressed all the time trying to figure out what I didn’t need and could get rid of instead of just sitting in my home and enjoying it. I’m an artist to my core and I love to make my home “me” which is eclectic, magical, and colorful.
I want everything in my home to tell a story and to be cozy. I was more stressed trying to figure out what I could live without instead of just being intentional, keeping my favorite things…even if it didn’t look minimal.
Thank you for this video! I subscribed.

[ChrisNeptuneMusic]

I would not call this “maximalism, ” but simply “mindful and passionate living.” Being self-aware, knowing what you have, what you need, and what you want in life…being creative, and using your material possessions to help achieve your goals. You’re efficient, but you’re not obsessed with efficiency. You consume things, but you don’t consume so much that you lose track of what matters most.

[cyndyfabian]

Hi. Grannie Cyndy from South Australia here. I 'm almost 72yo and just found your channel. I just loved it.
I really loved your suggestion that nature isn't minimalist. Soooo true. If you give a garden it's right conditions it will fill every available empty spot with something new in no time at all. And then come the insects and birds to flit amongst it.

[gazels]

Your video really resonates with me. I appreciate minimalism. But "living in color" brings me such joy. Most of my stuff has meaning and sentiment behind it. And touches my heart. I try to be sensible in my purchases and the environment is ever present in my mind. Although I am far from perfect in this regard, I honestly do my best. I'm following your channel now. Thanks for your content sweetie.🌹

[pinkroses]

Both and anything in between are all valid choices. 😊 I don't know what title I'd be given but I like to anxiety proof my home and make it feel like a simple bed and breakfast. Whatever tools it takes to get there I'm all for them.

[trudysenglishvictorianhome]

I so enjoyed this video!! I am not a minimalist. Some say I am a maximist. I love being surrounded with pretty things that "Speak Joy" to me! Every piece has a story! I don't shop big stores as often, but find delight in Thrift Shopping. When I get tired of it, I donate it. I am getting better at decluttering and I too tend to move frequently. We just downsized from a 650 sq foot apartment to a 400 sq foot Studio Apartment and I couldn't be happier!! It gave me a opportunity to purge and rethink how I want to live! New subscriber here 🤗

[lydiasbookshopcafe]

I am a maximalist messy creature at heart, just trying to learn not to hoard and over spend. Loved this video, so cinematic and beautiful x

[tinam]

So beautiful!!! Years ago I prayed that I would appreciate the little things where ever I was and where ever I went - day to day. It worked!! Sometimes I feel like I need to tone it down, but why??? Why tone down expressing joy in all the beauty and good things around us?!!! It’s a privilege not afforded to everyone. So, do it! And enjoy! ❤️

[sanjidayesminshuvra]

In just one video, I have got so many answers that I was looking for! Thank you so much for making this video! I'm glad that I found this in the middle of the night.
Take love from Bangladesh!

[IamDaria]

Dried Rose Tea:
I completely forgot to add that I was making a dried rose tea in this video! You simply collect rose petals from fragrant roses (preferably bright pink or red, as lighter ones will lose colour), wash them and dry between sheets of kitchen towel until completely dry. It took me approximately 5 days to have them completely dried. I love mixing rose with fresh mint, but you can also add it to desserts.

[maikenmilter]

I have come to the same conclusion 😊 Love collecting beautiful and useful things when owning a home.

[txspacemom]

I was a minimalist for over 30 years. I consider myself and my life more impeccably curated now.

[naomifreya]

It’s a misconception that minimalism is deprivation. While it can lead to that, it’s also not the “rule". I have learned a lot about Minimalism, and I always thought it meant I had to get rid of everything, all worldly possessions, but I've come to realise that it's about letting go of the excess, the items that you don't get value from, to make room for the things that you love and bring you joy. It's about giving yourself boundaries, as to not over spend and accumulate stuff you don't need or simply regret after a short time. It's about being intentional with the items you welcome into your life, that truly light up your soul and space. They are tools to help you do the things you love, like hobbies. Or they are pieces of beauty that you choose to surround yourself with, to make your space your own. If you love and desire those trinkets, then you should have them in your home. But going crazy and wasting money on overconsumption is wasteful, and being a harder of things is not a healthy mindset. I think we need to find a healthy middle ground, not either ends of the extreme lifestyle, of extreme Minimalism or Minimalism/hoarding. A balance. We need to find our happy place. And at the end of the day, we don't own these things, we are merely borrowing them from our children. Oneday we will leave a big mess for them to clean up, and I'd rather not be a hoarder or maximalist when that day comes. Having less stuff is freedom.

[briannemorna]

I have always been a maximalist. I love being surrounded by beautiful things.

[kaitlinmeadows]

Thank you for this…the best of attempting to simplify, deepen, appreciate, be resourceful, consume less, and enjoy more.

[slowlivingwithsnehal]

I loved the cinematography of this video. Cheers! For someone who has recently gotten into Slow Living, this video absolutely resonated with me.

[mountaingirl]

Creatives usually never succeed in being a minimalist. Only "steady" personalities. I have nine children and a big farm. The more the merrier I say! More plates for more people to love! :)

[littleoneadventures]

I could listen to you talking for hours, and watch your slow living for hours. I really liked what you said and agree, nature is not a minimalist and I think its better to live consciously than minimally. We have to fill up our souls with beautiful things.