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#BLKMINCHAT: May Recap

#BLKMINCHAT: May Recap

This month's chat was focused on minimalist travel, how to travel simply and inexpensively. Our host, Charmaine Griffin shared lots of useful information based on her experiences living abroad in South Korea and traveling around the globe. We saw many new participants in this month's chat and dare I say, it was our best chat yet! Check out some of the highlights below. 

blkminchattravel

To open, where have you traveled:

Traveling + packing minimally:

Travel hacks + tips:

Tips on saving for travel:

Traveling solo or with others:

Inspiration for traveling:

Be sure to go to Twitter and search "#blkminchat" to see the full conversation which includes more info about flights, accommodations, where we're traveling to next, and much more. I have listed some of the sites mentioned below.

Skyscanner

Agoda

Hopper

Airfare Watchdog

The Flight Deal

Hostel World

Join us for our next #blkminchat on minimalist eating with guest host, Charl of That Girl Cooks Healthy.

blkminchatfood

Catch up on the other Black Minimalists twitter chats. 

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Black Minimalists: Niambi Wilson

Black Minimalists: Niambi Wilson

Niambi was featured in Black Minimalists on the Web Part Two. 

What drew you to minimalism and what are your goals in living simply?

I have always been drawn to minimalism, but I would have to say that my interest in minimalism peaked when I entered college. I would have to move everything that I owned in my tiny little Mazda that I had at the time. This forced me to only bring the things that I valued the most or the things that were of the most importance.

After a while the things that I left at home I totally forgot about and that showed I didn't really need them. At that point I began to get rid of anything that I could go without using for months at a time.

My goal for living simply is to utilize everything that I own. I never want to own something that is of no use. I do not like having excess when there are people who are in need and who are lacking the basic necessities of life. My goal for living simply is to use any excess funds, clothing or time I have to serve and enrich the lives of others.

You have lived and worked in the Dominican Republic, and now you're in Ecuador, what advice can you share about how to travel abroad inexpensively?

My advice for how to travel inexpensively is to basically teach English abroad or volunteer. Doing so will ensure that your housing is taken care of and food is provided for you. I would absolutely advise you to avoid any program that forces you to pay copious amounts of money for your services. I believe those programs turn into poverty porn for the wealthy so that they feel like they have done humanity a service by paying to witness the hardship of others.

Make sure you save up for a plane ticket and if you want to fly rather inexpensively, you may have to travel during the weekday and you may have to deal with long layovers but it's worth it. If you're low on cash make sure you go to a country where the exchange rate is favorable to your dollar. Stay away from touristy areas as the prices are ridiculous and the atmosphere is purely artificial. If you're looking for an authentic experience I suggest that you go to an area with a very small or no expat community. 

What are your top tips for traveling minimally as a solo adventurer?

My top tips for traveling minimally are to basically travel with a carry-on only and enjoy. I usually purchase heavier items such as sheets, bedding, towels, and other bulky items when I get to the country I will be residing in. Also, be sure to check the weather. You do not want to bring clothing that is inappropriate for the weather or the culture.

Speaking of packing light, what are your thoughts on avoiding "Bag Lady" syndrome a la Erykah Badu, on your life journey? Has minimalism influenced your spirituality and worldview?

How to avoid bag lady syndrome. Wow. This is a tough one, but this is how I avoid bag lady syndrome. As a minimalist I make sure that I do not carry baggage both physically and emotionally. If there is anyone or anything in my life that does not serve me then I get rid of it.

If there are any unresolved issues in my life with family or friends I make sure to address them and move forward. I make sure to live each day like it is my last day because I have seen the fragility of life. I have learned that most of the things that we worry about or ponder incessantly really don't  help us in any way.

Minimalism has influenced my spirituality and worldview in ways that I couldn't have imagined. I can see through the veil that I call the matrix. I can see how personal human interaction is being replaced by technology. I can see clearly how the news perpetuates propaganda and feeds the public whatever it sees fit. I can see how consumerism is being glamorized. I can see these Europeanized standards of beauty being pushed.

I could go on an on but these things are so crystal clear since I've cut the excess from my life and focused on the essence of life which are positive relationships, giving to those in need, connecting with nature and connecting with the most high to name a few things.

Experiences and relationships are very important to minimalists. How do you enjoy your time abroad while maintaining a strong relationship with your husband and family who are stateside?

I enjoy my time abroad while maintaining strong relationships by using FaceTime and WhatsApp. It's like I never left. Most, if not all the friends I have, I have had for many years so the bond is strong. I could probably not speak to anyone for a few months and we could reconnect like we always do. If you have a lot of weak ties and new friendships I do think that distance would sever the relationship.

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Traveling while black can be an eye-opening experience. I know my time in Cuba and Mexico were interesting socio-cultural experiences, can you share your experience as a black American woman in Latin America?

My experience being a black woman in Latin America has been a mixed bag. Let's start with my experience living in the Dominican Republic. Honestly this place felt like home. I was surrounded by other individuals who were just as loud, friendly, and talkative as my family back home.

I experienced a sense of community and belonging that I had never felt before. For once I didn't feel like the minority. Everyone assumed that I was Dominican until I began to speak. Something interesting was that people would look very perplexed when they realized that I could speak English. I realized that they had never been exposed to a black American. Living in the Dominican Republic, I got to see other members of the Diaspora and I realized how similar we are and how we all have a spiritual bond.

Let's go on to my experience in Ecuador. My experience here in Ecuador has been the contrary to my experience in Dominican Republic. Here most of the people are fair skinned or they are native Ecuadorians. There are only a few Afro Ecuadorians. So I do get many stares and I have been made to feel uncomfortable by the intensity of the stares.

I have been blatantly disrespected in some instances. For example, I have been asked when inquiring about something if I am there to sell something and I have also been jumped in line at the grocery store. The native Ecuadorians are awesome though! I love their style, their brown skin, and their spirit. Also, they treat me like a human being instead of a spectacle.

The colonization of the minds of many is so apparent here and it's refreshing to see that some people aren't tainted with negative propensities to make others feel less than. However my encounters with Afro Ecuadorians has been extremely pleasant. Whenever I run into an Afro Ecuadorian it's an instantaneous love and an instantaneous connection. There are greetings and there are smiles.

Overall I really love my people and I would love to travel all over the world just to connect with those of the Diaspora. To encourage them and to take part in their way of life and to see how they have made the best of what they have.  

You made a video about skipping Christmas and encouraged people to do something to improve the conditions of their community. How has minimalism influenced your perception of and involvement in your community?

The less I have the more time and effort I can put into building up the morale of my people and treating those who are having a hard time like true kings and queens. 

What does being a black minimalist mean to you?

Being a black minimalist means getting back to my true essence, getting back to my core and honoring my ancestors. I want to be a reflection of what those before me worked hard for. I want to reflect true love, inner beauty, connection with the most high and a spirit that is pure.

Being a black minimalist represents the peeling off of these negative stereotypes that have been allotted to my people. It means stripping away consumerism. it means stripping away useless technology. it means fostering positive relationships. It means using the gifts that we have all been given and sharing that with our community.

Is there anything you would like to add and where can we learn more about you?

Make your life count. Much love, peace and prosperity 🏿️.

YouTube: Niambi Wilson

 

Learn more about Black Minimalists.

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Black Minimalists: Charmaine Griffin

Black Minimalists: Charmaine Griffin

Charmaine is the founder of Hello Charmaine and Kollective Koils. You can also find her writing around the web. She is hosting the May #blkminchat Twitter chat on minimalist travel over at Black Minimalists on Thursday, May 5th.

What propelled you into a minimalist lifestyle?

So minimalism kinda found me three years ago when I didn't even know there was a name for it. I started cleaning out my closet because at the time I was stressed, unhappy, and I felt like I needed to do something to start fresh. I started with my closet because I had a beautiful walk-in that I couldn't walk into! I had clothes and shoes literally busting out of the door, which was a clear indicator that it was time to let some things go. I bagged up clothes I hadn't worn in at least 6 months, took them to my favorite thrift store in Long Beach called Tattered, and after doing that I realized this was not the only area of my life I needed to "clean up". So my closet was just the beginning. My bedroom was a hot mess, my car, and then to get even bigger than that my finances needed desperate help. That year I made it a point to get things in order after literally just starting with my closet.

You recently returned from South Korea after teaching abroad for a year. What life lessons did you learn from your experience? How did living abroad impact your minimalist journey?

Living and teaching in South Korea taught me that life could be a whole lot more simple than what I made it. I suffer from anxiety. My anxiety was taking over my life. Even though I slowly started getting rid of my stuff when I got too anxious or stressed my living space would turn into a tornado. That battle ended in Korea. I started reading The Essential Essays by The Minimalists, who opened me up to authors such as Leo Babauta, Courtney Carver of Project 333, and Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist. It also put a name and structure to what I needed to consistently do in my life... minimize. I learned to only focus on what I needed, get rid of the excess. This helped with my anxiety because I no longer had a bunch of stuff, I stayed organized and I maintained simplicity.

How do you manage your professional and personal obligations, along with your blog, social media, and desire to travel?

I'm a planner. I try not to plan too too far ahead, but I at least have a idea of what my goals are for the next 6 months. I make sure to tackle small goals on a daily basis (usually no more than 3) related to my blog, social media and personal obligations.

One of your goals is writing full-time. How has writing transformed the way you understand your world and the world around you?

Writing gave me a voice when I didn't have a way to share my story. So in that, I'll always have a connection to writing. I use it as a tool to help connect me with different communities. Because of my writing I've learned to pay more attention to the relationships I have, stories I hear and the commitment of staying authentic.

blackminimalistscharmaine2

Your piece on For Harriet about being tired of already successful white men teaching others how to become rich resonated with me. It's something I've struggled to articulate since I entered the realm of online entrepreneurship. What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs struggling to find their place and identity in the business world?

Consistency is the key. Without consistency you'll get caught up in the struggles of the present and it can deter you from doing the work. Make the commitment to do the work and watch your business flourish. It takes time for anything that you want to succeed and grow. I've learned this from living in Korea, it took almost a year before I saw real growth to my blog or Kollective Koils. I toughed it out by continuing to do the work.

Similarly, I experienced the same exhaustion from reading about privileged, white men share their stories of embracing minimalism. Giving everything up and living simply with a thriving business or severance package in hand is a lot different from many of our stories. The reason why I started Black Minimalists was because something was missing between their stories of our stories. What is your take on black minimalism and how we can influence our community by living simply?

Black minimalism is necessary. It embraces the idea that the "American Dream" we once sought after can look different. By living with less we are encouraging ourselves to focus on what's most important in our lives. We also get to save money! Which is an awesome perk. Right now the opportunities are endless for Black people, so living simply will just give us the chance to pursue them.

Tell us about your brand Kollective Koils. Was this a passion project and how does it fit into your message (if it does at all) of "living life simply"?

Kollective Koils was 100% a passion project. I saw a need for promotion of natural hair bloggers. There are tons of natural hair bloggers out there, most of them putting tireless hours to get exposure like the top bloggers. I love natural hair and as a big YouTube viewer I realized instead of starting another natural hair blog, I'd dedicate a brand solely for natural hair bloggers. It doesn't fit into the idea of "living life simply" because it's a different entity but I've definitely incorporated minimalist practices in running the brand.

Where can we learn more about you?

I offer minimalism life coaching, it's great because you can book one hour with me to start your capsule wardrobe or to plan out simplifying your finances, we aren't limited to where we simplify. To do so send me an email to hellocharmaine@hellocharmaine.com. Also, you can reach me directly on twitter. I love answering questions about minimalism. So tweet me @_hellocharmaine.

 

Learn more about Black Minimalists.

 

 

 

 

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Black Minimalists: Yvonne Wallace

Black Minimalists: Yvonne Wallace

I was fortunate to meet up with Yvonne back in March. We talked for hours and if you need someone to give you a strong push, she is your coach. It's so refreshing to connect with like-minded people and I look forward to meeting up and collaborating with Yvonne in the future. 

What drew you to minimalism and what are your goals in living simply?

I think the main thing that drew me to minimalism is having my daughter and realizing that everything (that's needed with a baby) was multiplying faster than ever.  Babies come with a lot of stuff so I realized that if I don’t do anything about it then sooner than later, clutter was going to take over my house and my mind. 

This started my journey of minimalism.  I had a “free” garage sale when leaving my first house and never looked back.  The most important thing is to take one day at a time.  I do not beat myself up about NOT doing everything.  I take one day at a time and try to focus on one business task and one personal task each day.  Then I celebrate small victories of completing these two tasks along the way. 

Your mission is "to help make people wealthy, financially, mentally, and physically, from the inside out", How do you accomplish that in your work?

I like to think that coaching is at the root of many areas in life.  Whether it’s dieting, exercising, playing a sport, financially, or learning the skills for a new job, it always starts with a coach who is there to train, teach, inspire, mentor, and be a cheerleader.  This being said, I think one thing I help people with is figuring out their values before making any major life decisions.

If we can figure out how they are doing mentally, it makes it easier to deal with harder subjects like money and finances.  In addition to my 1:1 coaching, I’m in the process of creating a travel course that will help families plan almost free trips.  I want to help families simplify based on values and create experiences instead of collecting stuff. 

Visit Yvonne's new site: Simple Travel Hacking and get a free quick sheet with tips for how to travel nearly free!

You focus on simplicity in your coaching, What drew you in this direction professionally?

Professionally, I always had people come up to me and ask me how I was able to accomplish something or how to create easy systems to follow.  So I think that it was only natural I fell into this role.  Simply put, a clear mind will result in a happier life. I saw this improve over the years in my life and I wanted to be apart of this on a larger scale. 

Can you offer a few quick tips to bring more simplicity into our lives right now?

a. One thing I always ask myself is do I NEED or WANT this before every purchase.  I think that it keeps things in perspective when shopping in a store like Target when it’s easy to go in for one thing and come out with 20 extra items.  

b. Once a week, go through your home and choose one thing to donate or recycle...do this until you feel happy to walk in the doorway because the clutter is gone. 

c. For a clearer mind, use the Calm App.  This will give your a few minutes of peace each day. 

d. Set your intentions at the beginning of each day so you will be more clear and focused and you will also put things into action faster. 

Having lived in DC for a few years, I know it's about movement. How do you find your zen in the city in addition to your roles as a coach, writer, speaker, mother, and wife?

Consistent breaks is key in my life.  Taking a walk in a new neighborhood, going to a temporary art exhibit to see something beautiful brings me joy. I try to see one new thing each week that’s different and specific to DC.  It’s important to collect experiences rather than stuff.  Check out Twitter or Google for ideas. Turn your surrounding environment into positive energy. 

blackminimalistsyvonne2

You offer a free happiness tracker on your site, what are some things you do to find your happiness on a daily basis?

Being grateful for 3 items each day is so important.  At one point, I would text my friend every day three things I loved about life and she would do the same thing.  We were grateful accountability buddies!  It puts things into perspective. 

Another thing I do is my own version of meditation...it’s saying mantras over and over again in the morning so I can focus my day with the things I want to accomplish.  This goes back to setting intention.  I do not read the newspaper because I noticed that my energy would be drained from tons of bad things happening in the world so I use the daily Skimm email to learn about current world events.  Therefore, I can still have a conversation with others but I’m not constantly upset either.  It’s a balance.

What's your take on the black minimalist movement?

I think that it’s important to realize that we, especially women in our community, become caregivers and helpers very early on.  We take care of our grandparents, parents, children, family, and friends.  A lot of the time, we give so much, we might not have a lot left for ourselves.  That being said, we need to take care of ourselves and I think by simplifying and being minimalist, we will not only take care of ourselves but will also be better people for others who depend on us.

Where can we learn more about you?

I hang out on Twitter (@itsyvonnenicole) and will be scoping daily simple travel, financial, and mindset tips on Periscope (@itsyvonnenicole) in April.

 

Learn more about other Black Minimalists.

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#BLKMINCHAT: April Recap

Earlier this month, we chatted about all things style with wardrobe stylist, Darron Leake (a.k.a @lemar_moda_ on Twitter). We discussed our style perspectives, essential items, and tips for defining your style and decluttering your closet.

The questions:

Highlights from our chat:

On personal style:

On essential items:

Tips for decluttering your closet:

On staying stylish within a budget:

Thanks to everyone who joined in the chat and thanks to Darron Leake who guest hosted. Everyone offered a lot of great tips and we got some good questions about decluttering also.  To read the full conversation and all the #blkminchat tweets, click here.

Our next chat will be on Minimalist Travel in May and our guest host will be Charmaine Griffin of hellocharmaine.com. Also, stay tuned for my Black Minimalists interview with Charmaine coming out in May.

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