I mentioned in my previous phlog some of the challenges of
trying to lead a minimalist lifestyle. Today, I feel like
talking a bit about what kind of existence I'm currently
leading and if there's anything that I'd change voluntarily.
The first thing to get out of the way is that I do not have a
job, and have not for the last two years. This is by choice,
and is my little way to protest against the unfairness of
capitalism. My ability to do so is a clear privelege which I
have "earned" through that very unfairness, as I was being
paid quite well before I walked away from the system.
Obviously, everyone can't do what I'm doing, but I wish that
they could. Working in our modern world should be a choice,
not a requirement for survival.
Another part of living small for me is having as few expenses
as possible. Everything which I purchase contributes to the
system that I'm trying to avoid, and I try to be aware of
that fact when making choices. I have to eat. I try to grow
what food I can for myself and my partner, but we only have
about 10m2 of land so there are limits to what I can do. We
try to purchase most of our food from our city's weekly
market, and make up the rest through the grocery store.
Other things: I need health insurance in the country where we
reside, it's required. Living without joy is not really
living, so I do spend some money on "fun" things: books,
video games, camping, my bouldering membership. Public
transportation is a needed expense because I do not have a
car, which is a real blessing after a lifetime of living
somewhere where that is simply not possible.
And...that's about it! I try very hard to keep other
discretionary spending to a minimum. I'm even working on
sewing a bit to mend old clothing and make new items every
now and then. Is this way of living perfect? No, of course
not, but real life never is. If I had a choice I would live
on a larger plot of land and grow more food. I'd like to find
a few more ways to give back to the community through my
labor as well. There are charity opportunities around but I
should take part in more of them.
