Why are minimalists sad?

May 06, 2025

🎬 "Minimalism Doesn’t Have to Be Sad—Let’s Make It Joyful!" 

Why do minimalist You Tubers always look so dower. They speak low and calmly, everything is so peaceful and serine. But it all looks lonely and sad. So many come off as if minimalism is a punishment.   

Let’s figure out how to make minimalism less sad and more vibrant. 

🎬 Minimalism Doesn't Have to Be Sad—How to Actually Enjoy Living with Less 

Seriously, minimalism doesn’t mean giving up joy, comfort, or even humor. You can simplify your life without looking like you're permanently in mourning.  

🙅‍♀️ Minimalism Misunderstood: The Gloomy Myth 

Minimalism gets a bad rap because it's always portrayed as strict, serious, and downright depressing. So, it comes across as a bit gloomy because minimalism content tends to focus heavily on restriction, sacrifice, and the things they're giving up. It can sometimes lack joy or humor because they're emphasizing the starkness and seriousness of living with less. 

You know, empty rooms, white walls, minimal decorations, and somehow everyone wears the same exact black shirt from the Steve Jobs collection every single day. Decision fatigue is real but come on. A heather grey tee shirt will also match with the jeans you wear every day. I own about 7 different black cardigans, each one is different. 

Every one of the straight white dudes have the hair that takes a bunch of products to make it look natural. Then they throw out these bible quotes making me feel like I'm going to spend an eternity in hell unless I get rid of all my throw pillows. 

Who made those strict rules and picked out the uniform?  

Maybe they're sad because they tossed their sense of humor along with their 37 identical black t-shirts? 😉 

My question is what if minimalism isn’t actually about stripping all the joy from your life—but about creating space for it? 

🌟 Let’s Flip the Script: Minimalism Means More 

"Minimalism isn't just about owning fewer things. It's about giving yourself more: 

  • More Freedom: 
    Less stuff equals fewer obligations. Imagine cleaning less, shopping less, and finally having time and energy for things you actually love doing. 
  • More Joy & Less Stress: 
    Clutter isn’t just visual noise—it’s emotional and mental baggage. Letting go of things that don’t bring you joy is actually liberating, not punishing. I know I personally start feeling anxiety when I’m in a room with too much clutter. 
  • More Money (Hello Abundance!): 
    When you buy intentionally, you stop wasting money on impulse buys, duplicates, or things you don't truly love. That means more money for experiences, travel, or whatever lights you up.  

🎉 Minimalism Should Reflect YOU 

It should never erase your personality—it should amplify it. Love bright colors? Keep them! Love books or art or cozy blankets? Hold onto them intentionally.  

I think one of the mistakes people make is believing that it’s about owning as little as humanly possible. 

It’s about being intentional and joyful with what you choose to keep. My version of minimalism is filled with humor, personality, and—shockingly—happiness. Crazy concept, right? 

🧠 The Mental Shift—Minimalism as Self-Care 

Think about it: when you're surrounded only by things you truly love, you're practicing genuine self-care. Your environment becomes nurturing, energizing, and a reflection of what matters most to you, not a sterile space that screams 'I'm sad and minimalist.'" 

Decluttering isn't punishment; it’s a gift to yourself. It frees up mental and emotional space so you can thrive. 

Easy Tips to Create Joyful Minimalism: 

  • Start Small & Celebrate: 
    Tackle clutter in tiny bites—one drawer, one closet, even one shelf. Celebrate each win and notice how good it feels. 
  • Ask Joyful Questions: 
    Not just "Does this spark joy?" but also, "Does this fit my dream life?" "Does this help me grow?" 
  • Make Your Own Rules: 
    Forget what minimalist 'gurus' say you must do or get rid of. Your minimalism can still have personality, warmth, and humor—just less clutter. I love my pink chair. This winter I would sit with my cup of tea, candles going, my blanket covering me. That’s what’s calming to me. 

 

🌈 Real Minimalism is Vibrant—Not Sad 

Let's ditch this stereotype of gloomy people sitting in their living room on a yoga mat with their one mug and a lonely succulent in a taupe pot. Minimalism can—and should—be vibrant, fun, freeing, and totally you. 

Ready to create space for more joy, freedom, and abundance? Then you're already a minimalist—in the best possible way." 


"I'd love to hear from you! What's one thing you're holding onto that actually makes you happy, even if it's 'not minimalist' according to traditional rules? Let me know below!" 

"Hit subscribe and ring that bell if you're into minimalism that’s fierce, fun, and free from rules. See you next time!"