Lifestyle Evolution: Back to Basics
Decluttering is probably one of the hardest things I've done in my life. When you think it's simply disposing of things you don't need and keeping what you THINK is important, it is not. More often than not, you tend to buy more. It's like you dispose of something and then you will later realize you will need it, and so buy again. It seems like a cycle. But I knew that's only in the beginning. Later on, you'll know which to value and which to let go.
When I first read about this KonMari method, I knew it would be a big challenge to me. I did a similar thing few years ago when I left with my 45L bag, literally a capsule wardrobe that lasted for about 8 months. Little did I know that my style has changed drastically. And it’s not just a fashion evolution, but a lifestyle towards sustainability.
I’m not a fashion blogger,and way too far becoming one. But I’ve been having a lifestyle evolution recently. I’d like to call it: Project Minimalism. And Slow Fashion is somehow attached to it. You could go on and google the definition of Slow Fashion and trust me, you’ll find tons and will tackle from one issue to another. But to put simply, or at least from what I understand, it’s embracing ethically, eco-friendly, and lasting products. Suffice it to say, it’s sustainable fashion. The “movement” is still young in the Philippines but slowly growing. More and more independent brands are shifting on to the greener pasteur. I feel somehow inspired to write about it but let me tell you a story first.
I hadn’t realizeI was already doing it until one day I decided to go over my stuff and found the clothes I had planned on donating, was still in a big brown box. Then everything started to kick in: how I survived 8 months with just my 45L backpack. I was definitely reusing my clothes more than ever. Prior to that, I was already using the same clothes over and over again. I had my favorites and it almost seemed I had a ghost wardrobe. I admit I was a bit of a hoarder. Merely the reason why I was never able to save. Then I went completely broke and that’s when everything in my life changed.
Fast forward to now, year 2020, 3 years after I started this journey, I'd say I'm pretty happy with my progress and stuff I own. If you’d ask me what’s in my cabin bag, I have about 10 interchangeably clothes in neutral colours, essentials, toiletries, laptop, earphones, small speaker and chargers, a pair of flip flops, and emergency kit. This could last for months. However, I travel indefinitely and with no fixed destinations and sometimes I may end up needing and buying something depending on the season and jobs I do on the road. And if that happens, I make sure I choose meticulously.
You see, there's no formula to this. As we go through with it, eventually we will learn what works best for us. It's always different for everyone. But as long as we are committed in doing it, everything will follow. If we feel it's right, then maybe it is right.
Keep Smiling :)
