Aligning my values and minimalism for a greater good.

You will agree with me. It's better to live today and perhaps resort to fate tomorrow rather than die today and pile up abundance for tomorrow. There is no harm in satisfying one's desires and longings; however, a minute diversion can come into place, and that is where I built my values.

My life and future goals are simple: have a clinic specially for geriatric (aged) and sickle cell disease patients. Then, have a spacious compound with a house in it, varieties of greens like vegetables and fruit trees in it, and perhaps a garden I can admire its view and tend to at old age. My dream is simple, right? But it would not materialize through wishful thinking, and this brings me to a self-assessment, which focuses on where I am coming from, where I am, and where I want to be.

WHERE I AM COMING FROM

My values are basically tied to my humble background, one where I have experienced life at its toughest and had to embrace courage when I could have consoled myself with giving up. I grew up in a neighborhood where children my age played with sand and, occasionally, hide-and-seek games. Little wonder I never got to learn how to ride a bicycle until three decades later.

CONTENTMENT and MODERATION

Since I could not have the world at my beckon because we lived from hand to mouth, most times I skipped lunch, while other times I appreciated the luxury of a balanced meal of protein, carbohydrate, and perhaps fruits. Private schools were for the rich kids, and I contended myself with the common and public. I learned contentment as a core value right from childhood, which has made me live a life of contentment as a great gain. This lifestyle moderates my desires, appreciating the progress I have made so far with respect to where I am coming from rather than trouble myself over the wealth desired.

MOTIVATION

I have a colleague who beats himself every day in pursuit of wealth, sometimes through unconventional or perhaps unethical means, which I strongly disapprove of. Of course, he has his house built for himself, but to the detriment of avoidable hunger for his wife and kid, I had to intervene financially without his knowledge. Thus, I am not influenced by the acquisitions of my contemporary; rather, I ascertain that my path is legit and for the greater goal. I am my constant motivation, working to ensure the present and future are better compared to the past. I am constantly reminded of my long term goals and am working towards them to impart humanity rather than stock up wealth for generations that may not know I exist. This is my constant dream and motivation, thus living minimally for an imparted future.

I am bound by my timing and not by others'

WHERE I AM

My position is such that I am thankful for the little wins and losses in life. I have survived debt by having to cut down on expenses that would otherwise impact my finances hugely. Living modestly has made me less pronounced in society and protected me from the prey of friends and relatives wanting to rain down financial obligations on me. Other than my professional status, I am a simple young man who lives a simple lifestyle while investing and saving for long-term goals. I have the choice of affluence, but that would mean me closing my eyes to the urgent needs of family and friends, which I attend to prudently. I feel satisfied even if life is whisked away, a consolation that I've beyond average been useful to life. Yet again, I'm able to align my values with a minimalist lifestyle.

WHERE I DESIRE TO BE

Unfortunately, we cannot all be pleased with the world. Life throws at us lemons; we have the choice to make lemonades out of them or accept the lemons as they are. And who does not want to own the world's possessions? Dare I say that not all rich people are happy? Everyone has a battle or two ongoing. Thus, I want to live long but not to be a liability, and irrespective of the years I live, I want to leave legacies of goodwill behind. This still brings me back to a geriatric home and a safe heaven for those with sickle cell disease. I want my garden in my compound and amenities such as those found in gyms to be readily available. All these dreams can be achieved gradually with a frugal and minimalist lifestyle. My start point has been to avail myself for medical outreaches targeted especially to the aged and little children. I do not have to have it big yet to be impactful.

SPATIAL PREFERENCES

Quality is good and appreciable, but durability can be found in items that are not necessarily labeled as expensive. A good maintenance culture would suffice when choices are to be made for less costly items that maintain their durability and culture. My possessions do not have to please people around me. Once I am satisfied with my conscience, my core values of contentment, moderation, and long-term goals are retained.

ALL IMAGES ARE MINE

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.