This is a guest post by Lan Thach, born in Khleang and raised in America. She loves mushrooms and running up the mountains behind her home.

It was a hot summer day. As I lay under the shade of the cashew nut trees, I looked up at the sky. I saw a fluffy cloud and thought to myself, “America is there”. I would let my imagination run wild, with thoughts and dreams of a land where there were  plenty of food and beautiful clothes. A big house filled with gorgeous furniture. I was nine and in Kampuchea-Krom,  living with the bare essentials.  The desire to want more was never lost on me. 

I remember the night that we escaped on a boat, putting our lives on the line to chase our dream for better things.  A story to be told for another day and an article. 

We left with just the clothes on our back and some jewelry, which mom sold along the way; mostly in  Malaysia and the Philippine to provide us with extra food. Throughout our journey we survived on donation, resew our torn clothes and refit all that was given. 

We finally reached America in 1987 and twelve year old me was completely heartbroken. It was a struggle. A four bedroom house and ten of us, forced to share once again. At this stage of my life, the seed of ‘WANT” was set aflame.

When my financial circumstances finally improved, I made up for all the wants I wanted in the world. I bought things at my heart’s desire. It wasn’t until four years ago, that I realized having more does not bring happiness.Trading time to have more wasn’t an option to me. 

And so the goal to own less was ignited and here I am on the journey, to live with bare essentials.  I had come to full circle and would have never imagined myself to be a  minimalist.

Minimalism is a concept of living with essential quality and achieving  simplicity. So what is quality and simplicity? Well, it can mean anything to each individual. What is quality or simple to others might not be for you. 

It is important to ask yourself what do you want most in life? Simple question right? The answer you seek might begin with ‘MORE’ .

More money. More time. More freedom. More travel.

And so it goes on.

So again the word “more” is not minimalism but bear with me. I like to clarify that I hold no degree in Architect, Interior Design or am I a Life Style Guru. But I know one thing for sure. I wanted “MORE TIME”.  

I want more quality time with family, to focus on my health and to do all the things that I love.  And what was I doing then?  I would spend hours and hours, organizing and cleaning  stuff that I have accumulated to satisfy my twelve year old self. 

My pride and joy was three closets full of clothes that I can only wear one at a time.  It was only fitting that my journey started with my closet. I decided to donate 90 percent of my clothing. The process was difficult and heart wrenching.  What got me through was repeating to myself “When you were a  refugee, someone donated their clothes. Now it is your turn.”

I can now proudly say I own a capsule wardrobe. I mend and replace with second hand clothing. Yes I can afford new but this journey made me feel sentimental about wearing second-handed clothes.  I would also like to think I am saving the landfill. 

Minimalism doesn’t happen overnight and there is no strict code or rules. If you are looking to embark on this journey,  start with one room in your house. It could be a  living room, an office or kitchen. Ask yourself this question, do you absolutely love the object in this space  and is it serving a functional purpose? If the answer is ‘NO”  then it is time to get rid of it.

I think it’s important to own things that speak of its quality, functionality and love. Less clutter leads to less cleaning, less spending and less time consuming in making decisions. 

Give minimalism a try and see where the journey will lead  you. 

Minimalism