My Exceptions to Minimalism

While this may not be the best habit to have, I have already discovered that I will have exceptions to what most minimalists live with. This is okay because I understand that minimalism in and of itself will not solve all of my problems. Yet, I am setting up boundaries so I can still restrict my exceptions and accept most of the minimalist systems. So, I allow myself 10 exceptions (including the sub-exceptions), which I will list here: 

1. My care comes first. If I choose to splurge on about three (3) products at one time to help my physical care, this is okay. For example, right now these are my three: 

    a) Toothpaste: I want to spend a little more on better quality toothpaste to take care of my teeth. This one will probably not last, as I have learned from my research that whitening toothpaste is not that accurate or effective. While I did not mind splurging so I could feel better about my teeth, I am understanding that it is more than simply the brand or type of toothpaste I use that leads to successfully cleaning teeth. 

Edit: As of 2/7/22 I have just finished my last bottle of "Teeth Whitening" toothpaste. I have slowly been realizing that it did not do much, and most of that was in my head. I can take good care of my teeth without spending a fortune on toothpaste. While it is not a big splurge in the moment, it for sure adds up as time goes on. 

Edit: Here I am (3/17/24) and I have purchased it twice since I decided I was done with it at the beginning of 2022. It lasts me a few months and I have found some coupons so I can still be wise with my money as I choose to spend it on something that matters to me and I really do think makes a difference in the long run. 

    b) Shampoo & Conditioner: I want to take good care of my hair. I am still currently researching what brands are best for my type of hair. Considering I have issues with dandruff as well as oily hair, I need a specific concoction that will help one problem without worsening the other. 

Edit: (3/17/24) I am still working on researching this, but what I have found works best for my hair is to not stick to one brand and to make sure that I am rinsing it out well. When I wrote this blog post back in 2021, I did not have amazing hair habits even if I did not need to spent money on products to change my hair. It is so cool to understand how much about my hair is in my control and it does not cost my anything extra. 

    c) Hair Care: I want to chop my hair to take care of the rest of it. So, this means that I am splurging on paying for someone to cut my hair in order for the look to turn out as I want it and in order to understand how to properly take care of my hair. I also care about what other products I might want to start putting into it. If hair masks are effective, would it be worth my money to buy some? 

    d) Face Care: While for (b) and (c) I have not taken steps to actually splurge on yet, I chose to invest about $25 on face care products at the beginning of 2024. The "minimalism" face care routine, according to the internet, was facial cleanser, a serum, and a facial sunscreen. So, I have that an facial lotion. Most of those products I have decided I will not purchase again, but I am enjoying them as I do still have them for now. 

2. Some possessions do not cost me anything monetarily. There are a few belongings that many minimalists will not own, but I allow them because it did not cost me anything to keep. I think about 3-5 of those exceptions are reasonable. 

    a) Makeup: I have never spent a penny on makeup. I do not use it much or own a ton, but from what I have I will keep some or all of it for when I do choose to use it. The quality is not the best, but considering it was nothing out of pocket and most of it is gifts it is difficult for me to part with and to understand whether it would be worth it if I never owned it again. 

    b) Food: If someone is going to offer me food at the moment, or food that I can take home with me, I will not turn it down unless I know I will not use it. Food is good because it helps me stay alive, and free food is always a win for me. 

    c) Gifts: As a whole, there have been a variety of possessions I have collected as gifts. They now hold sentimental value and I cannot bring myself to part with them. I am slowly realizing, though, that there is no advantage to keeping the possession if I hid it in a corner unless it is older and/or holds more sentimental value. For example, if I have a special water bottle, why hold onto it if I am not going to use it? Would it help me if I just had a picture of it? 

I will probably be adding to this list, and removing some as my understanding of wise budgeting and minimalism continues.