The Art of Choosing Better — Reconnecting with the Essentials

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of objects and distractions?

That’s exactly how I felt before embarking on a quest for less, but better.

In a world often saturated with possessions, noise, and visual clutter, minimalism, for me, is a way of returning to the essentials. It is a universe where every element matters, where simplicity becomes synonymous with beauty, and where space, emptiness, and silence play a central role.

My minimalist world is a constant source of inspiration, nurtured by clean lines, neutral tones, and carefully considered forms.

Yet minimalism is not limited to objects — it has become, for me, a way of thinking.

By embracing this philosophy, I realized that minimalism is not just about aesthetics, but also about the way we approach every aspect of life.

In this article, I invite you to explore the aesthetic influences that have shaped my vision — and how they translate into my everyday life.

What Does Minimalism Mean to Me?

At first, minimalism was mainly about physical decluttering.

But over time, I understood that it is a much deeper journey, one that also touches the way we live, interact, and think.

I noticed that the less material possessions I had, the clearer my mind became.

Minimalism is not just about aesthetics; it is a form of meditation — a way to free ourselves from the distractions that weigh on our minds every day.

How I Began Thinking About Minimalism

Nearly two years ago, I left my daily life in France to move abroad.

This departure forced me to make choices: which objects to keep and which to leave behind. With only a backpack, my options were limited — there was no way to bring along my favorite coffee table. That’s when my journey toward minimalism truly began.

Since that day, I’ve stopped burdening myself with things that don’t genuinely align with my deeper values. This process of analyzing and choosing each object also taught me to be more mindful in other areas of life, focusing on what truly matters to me.

Traveling with a minimalist mindset has allowed me to experience each destination differently. By eliminating what is nonessential, there is more room for discovery, for the unknown, and for all that life can offer. It keeps the eyes and the heart open — ready to see everything, discover everything, and welcome everything. By freeing ourselves both mentally and materially, we stay ready for adventure — at any moment.

- Being free from clutter has allowed me to fully open myself to new experiences, cultures, and encounters. -

Making thoughtful choices requires inspiration from our surroundings — it demands questioning, analyzing, and comparing, to ensure that what we choose is truly meaningful. When I select an object, I want it to accompany me for the long term. This is the essence of choosing better.

Other Aspects of Simplicity

1. Objects

Living abroad forced me to rethink my entire interior from scratch — which, I admit, was a perfect opportunity to start fresh.

In my kitchen, I only keep utensils that I use daily. In my bathroom, I only have products that are currently in use — no stockpiles, no “just in case” items. In my wardrobe, only pieces that are easy, pleasant to wear, and of beautiful quality.

To focus on what truly matters, it’s essential to preserve what holds the most value. Today, when I choose an object, I know the value it holds for me and what it will genuinely bring to my everyday life. Conversely, when I part with something, I try — always in this pursuit of an ideal minimalism — to do so without regret, redirecting my energy elsewhere.

If you’re just starting your journey into minimalism, begin with a single room in your home. Choose a shelf or a drawer, and ask yourself what truly holds meaning for you. The rest can be donated, recycled, or sold.

2. Digital

In a world dominated by screens, digital minimalism means reducing screen time, sorting through subscriptions, and using only digital tools that bring real added value. Recently, I challenged myself to use social media solely as a source of inspiration and for messaging.

No more wasting time watching videos or scrolling through photos that no longer resonate with me.

Turning off non-essential notifications was a key step in my digital minimalism process. I also set a daily limit of one hour maximum on social media to avoid losing time without realizing it.

Beyond social networks, I simplified my inbox by unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters and organizing my files so that only the essentials are readily accessible.

Today, I want every piece of content I consume to be simple, meaningful, and enriching.

3. Relationships and Social Life

Traveling with a minimalist philosophy hasn’t just changed the way I pack — it has transformed the way I perceive relationships and encounters along the journey.

Minimalist travel is about much more than packing light.

It’s about opening yourself to experiences and people who truly enrich your life, and knowing how to step away from distractions to be fully present for what truly matters.

Traveling with a minimalist mindset has also allowed me to approach my social relationships differently.

On the road, you meet countless people, but I’ve learned not to burden myself with fleeting connections that don’t truly resonate with me.

That doesn’t mean I refuse spontaneous friendships — quite the opposite.

Minimalism has taught me to be more open, but also to focus on deeper connections, the ones that truly leave a mark.

Sometimes, in the whirlwind of encounters, it’s easy to get lost in superficial relationships, especially when everything feels temporary.

Minimalism has helped me become more selective in my interactions, investing time in authentic relationships that offer genuine cultural or human exchange.

It has allowed me to build more meaningful bonds with people who share similar values, rather than scattering my energy across social commitments that don’t align with who I am.

Minimalist travel has taught me to cultivate sincere relationships, to prioritize the quality of human connections over quantity. By being present and truly listening, relationships become richer — even when brief. It’s a way of approaching social life with the same clarity and intention that minimalism brings to every other aspect of life.

Concrete Benefits of Minimalism

By adopting a minimalist lifestyle, you quickly notice improved focus, better time management, and a reduction in stress caused by clutter.

With less visual and mental clutter, I can now clearly see what is essential and what is not — a shift that has radically improved the quality of my days.

Since embracing this way of living, I have noticed a significant decrease in my daily stress and a greater sense of mental clarity.

I can focus more easily on the tasks that truly matter, without constantly being distracted by unnecessary objects or notifications.

Becoming minimalist – a process

It’s important to remember that minimalism is a journey, not a destination.

You don’t have to change everything overnight. It’s a process that evolves over time, as you gradually discover what truly brings you value.

This quest for better continues every day: working in spaces that reflect who we are, visiting inspiring exhibitions, reading thought-provoking books, choosing meaningful objects, seeing things differently, surrounding ourselves with inspiring people, and using our time with intention.

Minimalism is not about deprivation — it’s a gift we give ourselves to reconnect with what truly matters. Every small step counts, and you may be surprised by the transformation it can bring to your life.

Through this blog, I want to share with you my vision of simplicity: where my inspirations come from, what ignites my passion, and how I see the world.

It’s a true philosophy of life that guides me every day. A constant quest for the essential, a process of elimination to focus on what truly matters. This pursuit shapes the way I consume, the way I perceive the world, and the way I create.

And you, what would be the first steps of your own journey toward simplicity?