Erika Lugo

Minimalist Me Erika Lugo

Minimalist Me by Erika Lugo is a children's book intended for children between the ages of 5 to 10 years old. Although, the suggested ages are from 5 to 10 years old, this book can be used for younger or older ages as long as the message of minimalism is expressed appropriately. Minimalist Me was created based on the concept of minimalism. Minimalism is the idea that one only owns or buys objects that are useful, practical and that one will truly enjoy. I was inspired to become a striving minimalist after watching Minimalism: a documentary about the important things by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nocodemus. Minimalist Me was written to introduce the concept of less is more for young children. Henry is a young child who with the guidance of his mother begins to practice the art of decluttering and keeping his play and space meaningful. Through the practice of having less, Henry begins to see how meaningful life can be without objects. As a school counselor, I often meet students and adults who believe that objects bring them happiness. Often, this concept keeps them striving for more things but still unhappy. My goal through minimalism is that students and adults begin to question the idea that objects make them happy and why objects continue to not fill their emotional gaps. The concept of minimalism is often hard to understand given the ideas that society has created for most consumers. Not only can minimalism change beliefs of consumerism but also helps lower our environmental footprint.