The definition of minimalism varies from person to person, but I believe that all minimalists share a common goal: a minimalist intentionally focuses on what truly matters. Therefore, minimalism, without mincing words, isn't necessarily having a small number of things, but rather shifting focus to priorities.
So, if your character fits that description, you may have been a minimalist without realizing it.

I'm writing candidly about one significant characteristic of mine that minimalism has created which is contentment.

I used to be a lousy spender and made unneeded purchases before I adopted the minimalist lifestyle. I yearned for everything fashionable, hip, and nice. The most perplexing part of it was how I managed to acquire whatever I desired despite the expense. It's important to establish the fact that I couldn't afford to buy these things. It took long days of saving my transport fare which had me trekking home from school almost everyday. Then, rather than using the money to buy many necessities, I would spend it all on one thing. It might be a stylish shoe, meanwhile I could just as easily spend the same amount of money on a shoe that costs less, as well as on underwear and deodorant.

I was always stretching. By stretching, I mean spending more than I have planned, putting money aside for things I know I can't afford normally, and ignoring other smaller but vital needs I have. Anyone who knows me well understands that I could never maintain a certain hairdo for longer than two weeks. If I braided my hair, I would lose it a week and a few days later and begin looking for ways to obtain money to make a new one. Absolutely nothing is wrong with constantly switching up your hair styles. If you can afford it and your current hairdo is worn out, it is acceptable to do that. My attitude was bad because, although my hairstyle was oftentimes still excellent, I was simply greedy for what I saw others having done and constantly wanted to have it done myself.

Then I had an experience that changed my life.
I bought dresses on credit. The lady allowed me to buy and I deposited a little amount in the hopes that I would pay the rest of the money over the weekend because I was working and the month was coming to an end. Unfortunately, for the first time my monthly payment got delayed much longer than expected. The lady who sold the dresses began to ask me for her money. Initially, she made jokes while asking me, but one day as I was returning from work, she just asked me out loud. I felt so embarrassed. I quickly went home and I took money from somewhere to pay her. The money wasn't mine. From that day, I learnt to cut my coat according to my size.

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Though I learnt contentment the hard way, I've been living happily since then. I didn't only adopt the minimalist lifestyle because of the circumstances but because I got to see all the positivity that minimalism brings which includes discipline, contentment, excellent managing skills, peace, zero competition with others, self confidence and a ton more that I'm probably yet to discover.

Therefore, for me, contentment is the most significant quality I have that I have acquired through minimalism, especially considering how bad I used to be when it comes to my spending habits and all the unnecessary stuff I desired to have. Now I have the understanding that I could have less and still be at my best. I could make do with the little I have and still do everything excellently. I could be myself with all my simplicity and not have to stretch, compete or try to be like someone else when I can't even afford to. Truly less is more, we should all cut our coats according to our sizes. To me, I am magic and so are you! 💋

Original image by Olesia 🇺🇦 Buyar

Edited by me using photo collage.