By Richard MacTough
Staff Writer

Have you ever been overwhelmed about the amount of junk you have?

If you answered yes, minimalism may be the life style for you.

Imagine a life consuming less and not feeling the need to purchase the latest iPhone. There is financial gain and leads to better quality of life.

The United States is a materialistic society obsessing over expensive technology and looking up to people with money.

During the election many of President Trump’s constituents associated his wealth with his intelligence.

In America, being successful means having a large amount of income or at least a six figure salary.

I remember months back my father had to get a new cell phone.

His current one stopped working and had his for years.

He would ask himself why can’t I just keep the same phone?

Like my dad, I only upgrade my phone when it is absolutely needed.

That means it is not working properly, and not because I need the latest software or features on a cell phone.

I spend only $40 for my service, MetroPCS, and it is worth it.

The service still works and I save hundreds of dollars if my plan was on Verizon.

My sophomore year of college I remember how stressful it was for my mother and I had to pack so much stuff.

We could barely fit in the car.

I had over 20 action figures still in the box for the obsession of how they looked.

I had to carry this gigantic carpet. It became stressful having all this stuff switching back and forth from my house to my dorm.

I spend less time playing video games and looking at screens.

I was able to spend more time with my grandparents.

I felt guilty.

My grandmother texted me, and she understood I was busy.

The truth is I was not though.

If I wasn’t working, I was home playing video games or binge watching a television show on Netflix.

It is not a bad thing and you should not get rid of all your stuff.

It would be good to evaluate what you use and what is sitting around.

Think about what you can do in extra time.

Spend quality time with friends and family.

Enjoy the fresh air.

Experience life outside of the house.

Socialize with people in person, and avoid doing it behind a computer screen.

For more information explore http://www.theminimalists.com/minimalism/.

Keep in mind it does not mean getting rid of your stuff radically.

Just consider less for a more comfortable life.

Email Richard at:
rmactough@live.esu.edu