How I Came to Own 100 Things (or Less) as I Became Minimalist Gypsy

I was traveling out of the country for an extended period of time, when my sub-leaser decided to pull a classic American Psycho on me while he stayed at my perfectly boho-styled furnished home. My landlord eventually kicked him out which meant that all of my precious things had to go too. I had a friend (bless his soul) move me out and put all my of my things in storage. I like to think that the universe arranged for this to happen because I was already headed in that direction anyway. I didn't own a bed as I slept on Moroccan pillows. I didn't have a couch because I used the same pillows to sit on. I also ate on the floor using an antique, brass Persian plate instead of a table. The only furniture I owned was a solid wood book case with a hinged table that flipped down to double as a workspace.

Living out of a luggage then slowly graduating to a backpack for the last six months had me realize the minimum it took to be comfortable. I kept downsizing more of my stuff that I thought were essentials. Did I really need two belt bags, eight pairs of black leggings, and leather boots in Asia? Come on! (But to be fair, I wanted to go to the Himalayas and who knows how cold it can get up there.) Getting rid of my stuff became a slight obsession where I really pushed myself to own 100 things or less. And I discovered that the less stuff I owned, the more liberating it felt. I mean, it's physics--the more bags you drop, the lighter you become.

It was fun to enumerate through all of my belongings asking myself for each item, "Can I live without this? Does this have multiple purposes? Does this make me happy?" I think the biggest challenge for me was resisting the urge to collect more handmade jewelry as souvenirs and finding legitimate reasons why I needed to keep certain shamanic items like the pair of wings I cropped off of a dead bird.

To make inventory easier, I made a list of my things. I found this is also useful for when I'm feeling the itch to downsize again (which I feel is soon) and I could just look at some words versus having to actually go through my stuff. I figure this will serve as good training for when I go back home and have to get rid of what is still in storage which is something I'm not looking forward to.

The 100 (or Less) Things I Own:

Technology for Working Remotely

• MacBook Pro
• Laptop Sleeve
• Apple BT Mouse
• iPhone 7
• Apple and Standard Earphones
• Dual Home Charger
• Charging Cables
• Euro Plug Converter
• Car Charger
• Unlocked Mobile WiFi Modem
• Power Bank 9000 mAh
• Lexar USB Dongle
• BT Speakers

Books and Writing

• Notebook for Writing Notes
• Leather Journal
• Pens x 2
• 3 Books for Reading

Music and Mystical Items

• Mayan Oracle Cards
• Native American Flute
• Filipino Flute
• Mexican Ocarina
• Main Medicine Bag: Copal, Rapé Medicina, Kirupes (Single, Double Barrel, Ceremonial), Lana, Holy Water, Paulo Santo, Lighter, Candles, Charcoal, Incense
• Various Crystals: Tourmaline, Selenite, Kyanite, Amethyst, Labradorite, Carnelian, Rose Quartz, etc.
• Obsidian Yoni Egg
• Feathers: Owl, Swan, Blue Macaw, Rooster Tail, Kingfisher Wings
• Fox Medicine Bag
• Leopard Claw Medicine Bag

Toiletries

• Sunblock
• Salt Deodorant
• Zinc Oxide Cream
• Base Oils: Coconut, Argan
• Essential Oils: Lavender, Citronella, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rose, Orange
• Tooth Brush
• Charcoal Tooth Powder
• Digital Thermometer
• Epilator
• Ear Pick
• Silicon Menstrual Cup
• Reusable Menstrual Pads
• Makeup: Mascara, Bamboo Travel Brushes, Lip Stain
• Stork Scissors
• Nail Clippers
• Tweezers
• Black and White Thread & Needle

Tools and Utilities

• Batangas Knife
• Mini Screwdriver Set
• Bamboo Utensil Set w/ Straw
• Sleep Mask
• Head Torch
• Travel Yoga Mat
• Travel Hammock

Accessories

• Linen Scarf
• Wool Scarf
• Batik Blanket
• Sarong
• Wool Hat
• Sunglasses
• Batik Sling Bag
• Leather Belt Bag
• Dakine 25L Backpack
• Deuter 60L Backpack
• Deuter Water Bag
• Glass Water Bottle
• Jewelry
• Turquoise Mala Beads
• A Bunch of Underwear
• Socks

Footwear

• Birkenstocks
• Nike Running Shoes
• Mexican Leather Slip Ons
• Havaianas

Clothes

• Black Bikini
• Blue Bikini
• Brown Bikini Bottom
• Crochet Bikini Top x 2
• Shell Bikini Top
• Black Bikini Top
• Dark Jean Shorts
• White Jean Shorts
• Light Black Shorts
• Light White Shorts
• Yoga Shorts
• Purple Tank Top
• Black Tank Top
• Burgundy Tank Top
• Brown Tank Top
• Purple Blouse
• Black Leggings x 3
• Thai Pants x 2
• Harem Pants and Shirt
• Grey Long Dress
• Green Long Dress
• Romper x 2
• Jean Jacket
• Favorite Flannel Shirt
• Blue sweater
• Jedi Hoodie Pullover
• Free People Shawl

_{Please upvote, resteem, and follow @ghostofisis to support my mystical musings! ♡}

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