One of the first books I picked up last year in the midst of change was Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki. The idea of Minimalism can sometimes be over analyzed and seemingly a “trend”. Inherently, I am not a person with minimalistic behaviours. My fridge is stocked with every kind of analog film. I will find myself browsing antique stores for vintage cameras and when I see a SX-70 in mint condition, my inner impulse cannot be silenced. I attribute it to being my vice and not ashamed to admit it!
What struck me after reading the book cover to cover was not the concept of minimalistic living when it comes to material possessions. Of course, this contributes towards leading a minimalistic lifestyle but the fundamental takeaway was how to live with a minimalistic mindset and surrounding myself with an environment of peace and quiet. I immediately tied this back to the desire I had when I was hiding in my room; silencing the noise around me and listening to what my gut tells me. I’ve always wanted to move out of the city and press the reset button. Where was I going to find that damn button though? Ah, thank goodness for my mom who helped fulfill my wishes and within a matter of weeks, we realized our dream of moving out of the city.
Between the hamster wheel I was riding on, weekly calls with my life coach and planning photo shoots my friends so graciously sought my help on, I had 48 hours to pack up my life in boxes. I won’t forget that this was also the first time I’d picked up my camera in a long time and since then, I haven’t been able to put it down. How blessed am I to have friends who not only didn’t judge me but continued to lift me up when I was at my worst. Some may call it unconditional love, others call it clever manipulation, whatever works! Needless to say I was worse for wear but I believe all in good time. Looking back, I’m so grateful to my mother and my friends for going on this crazy journey with me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was time to press reset and restart.
KAIZEN TRUTHHappiness is not dependent upon what you have or what you aim for. You are responsible for your own happiness. Happiness is finding inner peace.
Narrative: Kaizen
Photography: Kaizen
