There’s a local Denver Minimalists Meetup group that was formed out of The Minimalists and their “movement.” I started attending this meetup earlier this year, trying to connect with others who shared the desire to become minimalists. One thing I’ve learned is that minimalism looks different for everyone. An excerpt from The Minimalists’ website that I took to heart was this:

“Minimalists don’t focus on having less, less, less; rather, we focus on making room for more: more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth, more contribution, more contentment. More freedom. Clearing the clutter from life’s path helps us make that room.”

One of the folks in our group expressed how he was afraid to become successful and to have more money. The group reassured him that having money was okay. Living minimalistic doesn’t mean you have to live on nothing. Contrastly, there was another person who lived out of his car and thought every institution and organization in the world was out to take advantage of humankind (the minimalist one-upper). The guy tried to tell me that I didn’t need to own a bed. He was an interesting person to say the least.

For the most part the group is comprised of people that are open to hear what others are doing, constantly looking for ideas on how we can live intentionally, and supporting each other in the way we want to live minimalistically. Members even exchange and lend out items, something The Minimalists call “minimizing” something. When you’re done with an item and no longer need it, give it to someone who will find value in it. We’ve also gone beyond discussing minimalism to organizing mini-experience outings – picnics, hiking, sushi, you name it.

The Minimalists are on tour and coming to Denver in October, and yes I bought tickets to see them. Mostly because I want to thank them personally for the impact and inspiration they’ve given me to make the positive changes in my life, but also to learn from others and their journey into minimalism.

I invited one of my friends to go with me, and right away the response I got was “Is this some cult thing?” and “Is it even plausible to be minimalists with kids?” I laughed. No, it’s not a cult. It’s just a bunch of people who have similar values – looking to learn and share…and if you have kids, it may even be more impactful to live a life of intention. No one is trying to force their beliefs and values upon you. You take what you want from it and apply what you want in your own life.

My journey into minimalism keeps evolving. Although I’ve downsized by over 50% in my living space and belongings, I’m not headed down a path where I’ll end up living in a tiny house or just with a suitcase sleeping in my car. I still have much decluttering to do both with physical items and obligations. Slowly I’m making room for more experiences, and right now that just happens to be with my new bike. Yes, it’s okay for a minimalist to own multiple bikes…and least it is for me. 🙂

So tell me, what is it that you would like to do…to live a life of intention?