Thank you! I really like the design of your site too. Our views on minimalism are very similar, I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees minimalism as more than just a "style preference". In my experience; minimalism significantly helped with focusing on the actual content by reducing the cognitive load.

Maybe I should write about minimalism, too. It feels like I can talk about this for hours lol

It's a great topic. (I clearly have zero bias.)

I looked into Fossify initially because of the gallery application as I think a lot of other gallery apps try to 'do too much'. They're not minimalistic enough, and they seem to have a lot of bloat. I wish a lot of software would refocus on doing one thing very well as opposed to lots of different things in a relatively mediocre way.

thank you. your site rules!

I can't believe literature girl would do this.

about time.

One personal issue I have with this minimalist framework, however, is that it's often a slippery slope toward neurotic tendencies and compulsive behavior for me. I become intensely critical of the things I decide to keep, and I constantly find myself reevaluating, much to the detriment of the focus I was trying to improve. I wonder if this is something you've experienced as well. (2/2)

I'm glad you found some meaning in the article; whenever I saw the design of your website it resonated with me a lot because of its accessibility and simplicity, yet it still has a distinct aesthetic appeal, which I really appreciate. I think it can be a hard balance to strike. I'm looking forward to seeing what else you add to it and how it grows.

I think a problem I've always struggled with is having a fairly 'black and white' mindset, so I can definitely relate to that risk of falling into compulsive tendencies regarding minimalism. I think over time I've mellowed out and settled into a comfortable, sustainable middle ground, though.

What helps me the most is to define minimalism not simply as the elimination of things, but rather the cultivation of a better environment for focusing on the things that DO matter a great deal to me. This way, my mindset is less about the removal of things and more about finding the best possible ways to enjoy what is truly precious to me. I feel grateful far more often than I do critical.

Thank you for your kind words about the design of my site. I am glad to hear you like it, as I've been rather restlessly indecisive about the direction I want to take it in. I relate strongly to the mindset you describe, and it's reassuring to know that it's not just me. I'll try to follow your advice and focus on what really matters to me, though identifying exactly what that is can be quite challenging.

I guess my main concern is whenever possessions of mine end up collecting dust in a corner somewhere. Whenever I own fewer things, I remember to appreciate and use the things I do have much more. Identifying what brings you joy is definitely a very personal thing, and it's tough in our current age, as I think lots of possessions are designed to bring short-term satisfaction rather than long-term fulfilment.

I try to identify what brings me the latter, for the most part. That's why I prefer a designated portable music player over a phone, a merino wool jumper I'll keep for ten years over a cheap polyester one I'll throw away in a few months, or a brass fountain pen over a cheap ballpoint. Not sure if that helps, but prioritising those things helps me to identify what really improves my quality of life. :^)

Whilst studying my degree in theology, the thing I feel I have learnt the most about is my need for humility, especially in regards to how I navigate discussing my faith with others. I am still very much a Christian, but I am still learning how best to share that with others in a way that does not end up causing more harm than good. I think it requires a very delicate balance.

As a part of my degree I have also spent a lot of time having discussions with people who have had bad experiences with Christianity, and I'm wary about potentially perpetuating negative stereotypes by not being careful in how I speak. I also developed quite severe chronic health issues about a year ago that have made me have to rethink how I discuss navigating suffering and hardship as a Christian with others.

All of that is to say: I'll likely write about religion again at some point, but I'm still rethinking how I want to approach doing so, as I wish to do so in as wise and thoughtful a manner possible. Whenever I wrote those articles for my site before, I didn't really have that in mind, even if I do still value what I wrote in them.

Nice. No, I haven't read any of his work actually but I would like to. That's pretty exciting to study theology. I feel like I spent most of my life avoiding the subject so I'm extremely ignorant, like an elementary school student learning to add single digits. But it's been all positive changes in my mentality since I've started so I guess better late than never.

I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing to feel that way; I often feel that what I have learnt the most about during my degree is my need for humility, as my studies constantly remind me how little I know and how little I can know at all. As for Lewis, I would recommend beginning with A Grief Observed, as it is a short but profound work that reflects on a Christian perspective of navigating suffering.

The Screwtape Letters was also a joy to read for me, and The Four Loves is very insightful and relevant to daily life as a Christian. Mere Christianity is also a solid staple that many people use as a gateway into Lewis' works. I hope you're able to give him a read sometime; I think he's brilliant!

@othala I too recommend C.S Lewis :)

I liked your Life of Pi review a lot too! Your Wuthering Heights review has also inspired me to finally give the book a chance, haha. I really enjoy your review page layout, and your art is lovely. I was actually showing your site to a friend today and they said the same thing about your art - the piece on your home page is especially nice. :]

Thank you that is super sweet! I haven't had a lot of time for drawing lately, so I hope to get back into the flow soon. Wuthering Heights is my number one favourite book. Don't let the language and confusing start scare you off, it's really amazing..