Minimalism Changed My Life—And I Didn’t Need to Be Rich to Start

How I simplified my room and my life—not as a trend, but as a survival tool. A raw story from a middle-class Indian guy who learned that simplicity is power.

A clean, sunlit, simple Indian room with few belongings

Minimalism was never a trend for me. It was survival.

When I got my first personal room, I felt like a king. I was in class 11, full of excitement. I filled it with speakers, lights, clocks, gadgets, stickers, posters, and things I didn’t really need but felt cool to have.

It was loud—visually, mentally, emotionally.

But now, that same room is painted plain white, with one desk, one chair, and two shirts hanging on the wall. And I’ve never felt more focused.

The Shift: From Decoration to Distraction

I used to think a well-decorated room meant success. Every LED light I bought felt like progress. I even had a locker for my perfumes and secret diaries.

But I realized I wasn't building a space to grow—I was building a space to escape. When things got tough, I’d rearrange my room. That was my therapy.

Minimalism didn’t come from Pinterest boards or aesthetic YouTube videos. It came from failure. From distraction. From clutter that killed my peace.

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“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

— Leonardo da Vinci
”

My Wake-Up Call: Village Evenings

I live in a city that touches the edge of village life. Sometimes, when things got too noisy inside my head, I’d go there.

Village evenings are different. Kids play outside, elders sit on charpoys, no one’s chasing trends. The homes are simple, airy, functional.

It struck me—this is the life people in cities pay to experience through meditation retreats. And here, it’s free. Natural. Normal.

Village evening with people gathering and children playing

The First Real Step

I came back home and looked at my room differently.

I didn’t throw everything away in one go. That’s not how real change works. I started by removing 3 things that added zero value: a broken lamp, an unused speaker, and 10 empty perfume boxes.

That night, my mind felt 10% lighter.

From there, I kept going.

Redesigning Life, Not Just a Room

I repainted my walls—white. I reduced my wardrobe to black and navy only. I sold my chair and got a simpler one.

I replaced late-night phone scrolling with sitting on the balcony and watching birds come to the water pots I placed.

And slowly, my thoughts cleared too.

Minimal wardrobe with only navy and black clothes

Minimalism wasn't just about fewer things. It was about fewer decisions. Fewer triggers. Fewer mental tabs open.

What People Said

Not everyone understood. My parents thought I was overthinking. Friends laughed—"Why are you living like a monk?"

But I knew why.

I was done chasing noise. Done buying things to feel better. I wanted peace that didn’t depend on a product.

A simple balcony with just water pots and birds

The Truth About Minimalism

Minimalism doesn’t need money. It needs intention.

You don’t have to buy fancy minimal furniture or aesthetic lamps. That’s marketing. True minimalism is walking into a room and feeling zero noise in your head.

If you’re constantly stressed, overstimulated, or distracted—start with one thing. One drawer. One shelf. One wall.

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"Minimalism is not about having less. It's about making room for more of what matters."
”

Today

People walk into my room and say: “It feels calm.”

That’s the highest compliment I could receive.

I’m not rich. I didn’t buy peace. I removed the things that were stealing it.

If you relate—let's talk. If you disagree—let’s still talk. We’re all trying to figure this out.

Minimalism is not a luxury. It’s a mindset. And anyone—anyone—can begin.