The Journey from Materialism to Minimalism: Insights from a Construction Novice

As we age, conventional wisdom tells us that our desires for material possessions may dwindle. Yet, in my personal experience, the journey from materialism to minimalism has been a fascinating and enlightening one. After decades of collection, I've found that simplicity and contentment are the keys to enjoying life to the fullest.

Less is More: My Shift in Perspective

Definitely, I am getting less materialistic as I age. Gone are the days when a small house, a working car, and a TV were enough. Now, I realize that 'less is more.' Weeks turn into months, and I find myself actively getting rid of stuff, not accumulating more.

The accumulation of 'stuff' was the focus of my early life, while my golden years have been about decluttering. My wife and I often laugh at how we spent most of our youth gathering things and the majority of our later years getting rid of them. With each item I dispose of, I shed more weight and stress.

Less clutter means fewer distractions and more time for quality relationships and hobbies. As I age, I place greater value on spending time with loved ones and doing the things I enjoy, rather than being bogged down by the pursuit of material possessions.

The Cranky Old Man Myth

It's commonly believed that as one ages, they become cranky or grumpy. However, this stereotype often rings true. We stop trying to be everyone's friend and let go of relationships that don't contribute to our happiness. We discard unnecessary things and focus on what truly matters.

Another significant shift is the acceptance of who we are. We stop striving to be someone we're not and become content with our true selves. This realization often comes when we've achieved our life goals and have only a short time left to enjoy the fruits of our labor. No longer are we concerned about what others think; we've finally become 'us.'

A Life of Reuse and Ingenuity

I have been a construction materials hoarder for about 15 years now, after a fire in 2005 that destroyed my home. I have been rebuilding my house on my own, relying on ingenuity and collecting materials from various sources like reuse centers, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even from the side of the road.

Over the years, I have been involved in several large projects, such as laying a 2000 square foot flagstone courtyard, building a 68' by 13' covered front porch/deck, and painting trim and stripping doors. These efforts have been time-consuming and rewarding, but the time has come to divest myself of leftover materials.

Divesting oneself of leftover materials is a difficult but necessary mindset. I have done what I planned, and it looks fabulous. In this true sense of materialism, I am becoming less. However, this shift extends beyond material possessions—materialism in the sense of caring about things has significantly reduced.

A Moment of Clarity

The journey towards minimalism has not been without its challenges. A traumatic moment during a house fire forced me to prioritize the value of life over material possessions. I walked out of the house with a laptop and some medications, knowing that these were all I needed. My husband had already taken our pets to the emergency vet, and three of our beloved cats and one of my husband's mom's Golden Retrievers did not survive the smoke inhalation.

This incident taught me that material possessions are ultimately meaningless when the ones we love are in danger. In that moment, the crutch of materialism was no longer a priority. What matters most is the safety and happiness of those we love.

In conclusion, as we age, the journey from materialism to minimalism brings clarity and contentment. It allows us to focus on what truly matters—our relationships and what we enjoy doing. Embracing minimalism does not mean a return to a life devoid of joy; rather, it opens up a new realm of possibility to live more intentionally and authentically.