Why Minimalism – A Personal Journey
A journey forward…
What do six suitcases, a move halfway around the world, and a basement full of storage boxes have in common?
They all led me to minimalism–or at least, they are part of the journey.
Who am I?
Thirty-seven years ago, my husband and I arrived in Canada with our four-year-old daughter and six suitcases, ready to embrace the North American dream. We climbed the ladder of success, upgrading to larger homes, more powerful cars, and ever-expanding closets. Over time, we found ourselves not only owning too many household gadgets but also carrying an invisible weight—the pressure to keep up with it all.
My career has taken me down multiple paths: I’ve been a certified project manager, registered psychotherapist, consultant, and an agile coach. In many ways, I succeeded by all Western standards. Yet, despite the appearance of material success, one question kept resurfacing: Is this what life is all about?
The Little Seed: Dan-sha-ri 断捨離
In 2013, I traveled to Hong Kong, my hometown. Over dim sum with my old primary school friend (we’ve known each other for five decades!), I heard about a trend that was all the rage—Dan-sha-ri. The name stuck, not because I could pronounce it fluently but because it intrigued me. In Chinese, Dan-sha-ri means to "detach, dispose, and depart from”. My friend described how liberating it was to simplify life by cutting out excess. Ironically, she gifted me her used suitcase—going against the whole concept of Dan-sha-ri—but hey, who turns down a good deal on free luggage, right? I packed it full of clothes and shoes for the return flight to Canada.
Dan-sha-ri, Who Am I? My Life Philosophy
I didn’t even read the book back then. Yet somehow, that conversation planted a little seed. By 2020 that little seed had bloomed into a complete re-evaluation of my life.
Why Change?
So why this big shift toward minimalism? It’s more than just clearing out closets and reducing clutter. It’s also about reflecting on the world I’m leaving for my grandchildren. As political tensions rise and environmental challenges loom, I can’t help but wonder: Will they experience the same prosperity I’ve enjoyed? Will accumulating more be the answer in a world rife with inequality and overshadowed by the climate crisis?
I recall the 2020 pandemic lockdown vividly. During that time, I had the privilege of working remotely. My daily routine would start at 8:30 in the morning, coffee in hand, one eye on my laptop screen and the other on the window. Without fail, by 10 am., five or six delivery trucks would have already dropped off parcels of various sizes to my neighbours. Even a global pandemic couldn’t curb our collective shopping habits. I felt a pang of sadness thinking about the environmental impact of all those trucks on the road and the waste generated by all the packaging. Here in Canada, our online shopping habits thrive, and I couldn’t help but question the sustainability of it all.
Then came a move to Squamish, British Columbia. This wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a life transformation. The wide-open landscapes invited me to reconsider the excess I was dragging around. Nature spoke to me, offering a clear message. During my morning walks along the Estuary trail, I watched people smiling as they jogged by. Birds flew freely, well-fed; flowers sprouted vigorously, beautifully clothed in vibrant colors; trees stood tall, deeply rooted. The birds reminded me to let go of what isn’t needed while the trees’ rootedness reflected the strength of staying grounded in faith, much like the flowers in their simplicity. These lovely thoughts sprinkled a sense of peace over me as I strolled along.
Matthew 6:26
Philosophy of Life: A Minimalist Framework
Minimalism, to me, isn’t some fleeting trend on owning less stuff. It’s about living in alignment with the ancient Chinese wisdom, Christian beliefs, and Indigenous teachings that shaped my worldview all along—whether that’s caring for the environment or consuming just enough.
I’ve come to embrace a life framework guided by these five principles:
Preserve what nature brings.
Cherish what we have.
Share what we love.
Take only what we need.
Contribute what we can.
Simple as they are, these principles require daily practice.
The Big Question: What’s Next?
So, why change now? For me, it’s a journey driven by a commitment to conscious choices that honor both personal and planetary wellbeing. The move to Squamish is more than a change in geography; it’s a step deeper into intentional living and the search for a sustainable balance between growth, fulfillment, and impact. In my professional roles, I see daily how vital it is to cultivate spaces where individuals can thrive. I’m drawn to uncovering how minimalism might just be a key to a life that’s not only simpler but richer in purpose and meaning.
As I embark on this research, I’m excited to learn more from the voices of urban minimalists. Each story offers a unique window into what it means to live simply with intention. What about you? Maybe it’s time to reimagine the possibilities.
So, I ask you:
What vision is guiding your path?
What values shape the life you’re building?
