Back to Basic: Using Minimalism to Simplify Your Life

Jan 20, 2017, 16:54 PM
We all love stuff. We enjoy acquiring things that we like. Whether it’s knickknacks that have found a home on a shelf, assorted novels, or the latest trendy clothing items, the amount of things that we own is pretty astonishing! There are numerous reasons for our need to collect, but we won’t get into that. What we will get into is the fascinating minimalism movement that is taking the world by storm!

Knicknacks

Bianca Osbourne, a professionally trained private chef, certified holistic nutritionist and minimalism expert helps people live a delicious life of more, with less! Bianca will be on the Main Stage at the Edmonton Renovation Show all weekend long, but for now, she’s given us a bit of insight into the minimalist movement!

Q: What is minimalist living?
Bianca: "Minimalism is different for everyone, but the governing tenant to me is living a life of more with less. Minimalism is often dismissed as a fad by some, or too extreme by others. So I like to tell people that minimalism is essentialism. A focus on what is essential in your life and a continued effort to reduce excess."

Q: Why should people be open minded about adopting a minimalist lifestyle?
Bianca: "Minimalism really is a path to true freedom and joy in life. When you begin to focus on the right things then you can start finding true happiness in relationships and experiences with yourself and others, not stuff. We live in a society of overconsumption where we put our personal value in our valuables, but when a new model comes out, then what?"

Q: Where can people start? More importantly how do they get started?
Bianca: "I believe that minimalism is a process and it starts in one place and weaves throughout your life. For me it started in my home, as I was de-cluttering and preparing to move. Then it extended to my business and then to the people around me. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t happen all at once, but the very first step is determining your values. If you value going on vacation with your family, what non-essential clutter in your home can you sell to help you do that? If your goal is to get and stay out of debt, which habits need to be minimized from your life to get you there? Start asking yourself questions. I have a podcast about the questions to ask when getting into minimalism, you can listen to here.

They can also talk to me at the Edmonton Renovation Show! I’ve gotten really good at this minimalism thing, and my goal is to help people make a sustainable transition, because it’s not about having nothing, it’s about having less to live more."

The Edmonton Renovation Show takes over the Edmonton Expo Centre January 27-29, 2017. Catch Bianca on the Main Stage January 27 and 28. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to a day at the show.

Edmonton Renovation Show

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE
JANUARY 27-29, 2017.