essentialism for highly sensitive people. I had a friend at one of the pediatric ICUs I used to work with that was a minimalist.

Essentialism for highly sensitive people: Over Minimalism

Essentialism for highly sensitive people. I’m all about creating our own calm, and one of the ways we can do that is to simplify our life. Typically, when we think about this simplification, we come across the concept of minimalism. However, minimalism may not be quite as effective as essentialism for highly sensitive people.

I had a friend at one of the pediatric ICUs I used to work with that was a minimalist. She literally had one chair at her counter to eat, two sets of dishes, one piece of art hanging on her wall, and all of her other possessions were very minimal. I do enjoy simplicity and less clutter for sure – but instead of minimalism, I follow the concept of essentialism.

And if you’re not sure what the difference is, or haven’t heard about essentialism before – let’s talk about it. For highly sensitive high achievers like us, the distinction can make a significant difference in how we experience and manage stress in our daily lives.

Essentialism feels like minimalism without the guilt – it’s about adding joy and meaning, not just subtracting clutter. Essentialism for highly sensitive people.

Essentialism for highly sensitive people: Understanding Minimalism

Minimalism is often characterized by the intentional reduction of material possessions and distractions. It’s about decluttering our physical and mental spaces while it focuses on what truly matters. 

I try to keep my computer desktop minimalist – only having the folders I need, making sure that I’m putting things away to avoid clutter. The same goes for around my actual desk. The less things I have here, the less cleaning I’ll have to do while having less distractions I’ll have.

While the idea of applying minimalism to every aspect of my life is appealing to me, to be honest, it doesn’t work for me in practice at all. In my experience, it actually doesn’t work for a lot of people in practice. That being said, there are definitely some good reasons to give minimalism a try!

Pros of Minimalism:

    • Clarity: By removing unnecessary items and commitments, we create space for clarity and focus.

    • Calm: A minimalist environment can reduce overstimulation, which is particularly beneficial for highly sensitive individuals.

    • Financial Freedom: Owning less often means spending less, leading to potential financial stability.

Cons of Minimalism:

    • Rigidity: Minimalism can sometimes feel restrictive, as if there’s a pressure to constantly pare down.

    • Lack of Personal Touch: In striving for minimalism, we might strip away items that hold sentimental value or nonetheless, bring us joy.

    • Overemphasis on Less: The focus on owning fewer things can become an obsession, detracting from the actual purpose of simplifying life.

Essentialism is about intentionality – every choice we make should align with our deepest values and bring us true joy. Essentialism for highly sensitive people.

Essentialism for highly sensitive people: The Shift to Essentialism

Essentialism, on the other hand, is something I can get behind! It’s about deciding what is truly essential and eliminating the rest. It’s not just about having less or doing less; it’s about being more intentional with what we have and what we do. Essentialism encourages us to invest our time, energy, and resources in things that genuinely align with our values and bring us joy.

For me, this means minimalism without guilt. Basically essentialism feels like minimalism without expectations or judgement. Yes, I know the judgement mostly comes from myself, but here are a few other reasons why I prefer essentialism (and also the limitations that are important to be aware of)

Pros of Essentialism:

    • Intentionality: Every choice is made with purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and aligned life.

    • Flexibility: Essentialism isn’t about a specific number of items or commitments; it’s about quality over quantity.

    • Deeper Satisfaction: By focusing on what is essential, we cultivate deeper satisfaction and meaning in our lives. This goes way beyond gratitude, by the way.

Cons of Essentialism:

    • It Can Be Time-Consuming: Identifying what is truly essential requires reflection and ongoing evaluation. If you’re feeling burnt out, this can seem like just one more thing piled onto your already massive to-do list.

    • Potential for Overwhelm: The process of continually assessing what is essential can feel overwhelming at times, especially when we’re feeling low on energy or burnt out in some way.

    • Boundary Setting: Essentialism often requires saying no to many things, which can be challenging for highly sensitive individuals while they may struggle with setting boundaries.

Minimalism can feel restrictive, but essentialism offers the freedom to create a life filled with what truly matters. Essentialism for highly sensitive people.

My Personal Journey Towards Essentialism

This year, I found myself drawn more towards essentialism, particularly in my garden. Traditionally, I’ve approached gardening with a minimalist mindset—planting only vegetables, keeping everything functional and straightforward. However, this year I decided to make a shift. I introduced a variety of potted flowers and strawberries around our gazebo area, creating a calming and welcoming space.

My friend, the difference between my backyard this year and last year is pretty huge. It’s become an oasis!

Sitting in this space now, surrounded by the colors and fragrances of the flowers, I feel a sense of peace and joy that goes beyond mere functionality. 

This small change exemplifies the essence of essentialism—choosing what brings us joy and enhances our lives, even if it means adding rather than subtracting.

Essentialism for highly sensitive people: Why I Choose Essentialism

For me, essentialism resonates deeply because it aligns with my values and needs as a highly sensitive person. It allows for flexibility and personal expression without the rigidity of minimalism. By focusing on what is truly essential, I find that I can create spaces and experiences that make me feel alive and support my well-being by helping me create more calm.

Essentialism also acknowledges the complexity of  life! It understands that what is essential can change over time and that our environments should evolve with us. This approach feels more sustainable and compassionate, recognizing that sometimes we need more, not less, to feel complete.

Essentialism acknowledges life's complexity, allowing us to evolve and adapt our spaces and commitments over time.

Embracing Essentialism in Our Lives

Wondering how to embrace essentialism as a highly sensitive high achiever to create more calm and fulfillment? Here are a few steps to get started:

  1. Reflect on Values: Take time to identify what truly matters to you. What brings you joy? What aligns with your core values?
  2. Evaluate Commitments: Look at your schedule and responsibilities. Are there areas where you can let go of or delegate non-essential tasks or obligations?
  3. Curate Your Space: Consider how your environment can better reflect what is essential. This might mean adding elements that bring beauty and joy or removing items that no longer serve you.
  4. Practice Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that do not align with your essential priorities. This can be challenging, but it’s crucial for maintaining focus and well-being.
  5. Embrace Flexibility: Remember that what is essential can change. Be open to evolving your space while committing as your needs and values shift.

The journey towards essentialism is a deeply personal one. It’s about finding what truly resonates with us and creating a life that reflects our values and brings us joy. For those of us who are highly sensitive high achievers, this approach offers a compassionate and sustainable way to cultivate calm and fulfillment in our lives. 

Ready to take your first step to creating your own calm oasis without the guilt? Start by discovering your core values here.

Creating calm isn't about owning fewer things; it's about curating our lives to reflect our true essence and values.

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Golden - Jill Scott