I love the Internet, and yet I hate it, too, because I find you're setting yourself up for a lot of scrutiny... even when you're trying to do something positive.
The whole point of "minimalism" is not about deprivation, but living more purposefully and intentionally. It's about simplifying your life and doing more with less.
My own take on minimalism goes a step further: Doing the best you can within your means — and that's what I want to focus on this Minimalist Monday.
Recently, I saw a woman post a picture of her groceries on Facebook. She was so excited to start eating healthy. She had committed to a plant-based diet and was sharing her pride and excitement. Most people were ultra-supportive and encouraging with their comments, but then there were the people who started hitting her over the head because she shopped at Wal-Mart.
Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't care for Wal-Mart, BUT I also respect that sometimes it's the only option. It's the only store for 50 miles, or it's the only place where someone can afford to shop.
Point is, instead of getting all bent out of shape about how much I hate Wal-Mart, I'm thankful that even if someone is limited to shopping at Wal-Mart, they can eat a healthy, whole foods, plant-based diet. That eating and living well really is available to everyone.
Similarly, a few weeks ago I ran a post about cooking all your meals for the week in 2-3 hours. I shared a picture of my food stored in plastic Tupperware. At the time the picture was taken, I was living on a small island in the Caribbean and there was simply no other option. Of course, I was blasted for it. All I could think was, I'd rather store my food in plastic, even if it's less than ideal, if it means I will be eating healthy, home-cooked food, instead of fast food served to me on paper.
My point is, we all have to do the best we can within the limits of our circumstances — and remember that other people may not have the same limits (or privileges) that we do.
We all need to strive to do what's best for us. We all need to find our own balance. We all have to do the best we can within our limits — whether those limits are financial, availability or something else entirely.
When someone is making a positive step, encourage them. Don't point out where they might be falling short. That will only discourage.
Be careful when you educate. Be kind. Be compassionate. You can share information without sounding preachy or judgmental .
Focus on doing the best right now, in the situation you are in — not utopia.
Keep up the good work, Herbies!