Patrick
Rhone, writing in his email newsletter, tells the story of
minimalists and maximalists, puzzles and preconceptions. It is smart and
exactly what I needed, especially the last part.
The difference between the puzzle being a soul-draining burden or
something that brought me peace was all in how I chose to see and engage
with it. The “problem” with being a minimalist living with those who are
not is that way too. I can’t change who my wife and daughter are or the
stuff that brings them joy. All I can do is accept them as they are. By
accepting them as they are I am also accepting all the stuff that they
bring. But what I can change is me. I can grumble less about it all and
open my heart to the possibility that not all the stuff is useless. That
some of it might actually be a benefit to me. And only through
compassion, acceptance, and love will I ever know.
