“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” – G.B. Stern
If you didn’t get a chance to notice, Becoming Minimalist made a brief appearance on CBS News last week. (Just to be clear, by brief, I mean “fly-by-brief… don’t-blink-brief… and I-think-that-was-it-right?-brief.”). But the interesting thing was that the news story had nothing to do with me. The news story was about Everett Bogue’s minimalist lifestyle of living with less than 100 things. It was entirely about him (and some nice young lady who owns 500 shoe strings).
Everett e-mailed me that afternoon and gave me the head’s-up that Becoming Minimalist might make an appearance on the broadcast. Apparently, they were hoping to show a few screen shots from minimalist-lifestyle websites and Everett had given them this address. When they chose to use it, I sent Everett a private message just to thank him for the extra publicity.
And as soon as I sent him the message, I regretted it…
Everett had just helped this website be seen by 5 million viewers worldwide… and I sent him a private message of gratitude that would be seen by exactly 1 other person? How unfair was that? As I considered the irony of the private message, I was reminded of countless other bloggers who have helped Becoming Minimalist over the years become what it is today… most of which also received private messages of gratitude.
So to help set the record straight, here are 7 Bloggers I Would Like to Thank Publicly:
1. Leo Babauta, Zen Habits.
It was Leo’s post titled “A Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home” that inspired me to embrace minimalism. It was Leo’s link on August 12, 2009 that helped put this site on the map. He allowed me to introduce myself to his audience with a guest post, “The Lost Practice of Resting One Day Each Week.” And his support for both of my e-books have been extraordinary. His blog was named as Time Magazine’s #1 blog of 2010 and is outclassed only by his humility. Leo, thank you for helping readers find Becoming Minimalist and for being a shining example for all of us.
2. Tammy Strobel. Rowdy Kittens.
Tammy’s amazing story hit the nation in grand style on Sunday, August 08, 2010 when it was featured in the New York Times. The following Monday, she was on MSNBC. Tuesday was AOL. Wednesday was the Today Show. And on Thursday of that week, she published an article featuring an interview with me discussing my second book, Inside-Out Simplicity. That interview led to Becoming Minimalist’s busiest day ever. Earlier this summer, Tammy became the first minimalist blogger that I talked to on the phone. I sent her an email with some technical questions. Her response was “Give me a call. Here’s my number.” It was a pleasure. Thanks Tammy for living a minimalist lifestyle and including me in your success.
3. Everett Bogue. Far Beyond the Stars.
As mentioned previously, Everett graciously included Becoming Minimalist in his conversations with CBS News. Also deserving of a public thank-you, Everett’s first book, The Art of Minimalism, inspired me to write my first e-book: Simplify (keen observers will notice my book launched 1 month after his e-book launched). Everett has promoted both of my e-books with interviews. And I have learned more about blogging by watching him than from anyone else. Also, I shouldn’t forget to mention the fact that it was Everett’s personal editing of my photo that has led to my on-line face for the past 10 months. Thanks Everett for the publicity, inspiration, and support.
4. Mandi Ehman. Organizing Your Way.
Mandi was the first to offer me a guest post opportunity. To be sure, it brought me plenty of new traffic and readers. But more than that, receiving an e-mail from a full-time blogger asking for a guest post gave me unparalleled confidence and inspiration to continue in my blogging journey. Since then, our relationship has continued. When she launched her brand new Life… Your Way blog, I enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to become a regular contributor (to get a taste, check out 10 Minutes to a Clutter-Free Morning). Imagine my surprise months later when I was back-stage waiting to give a presentation to a roomful of preschool mothers on the joys of simplicity and the organizers showed a YouTube video of Mandi organizing her toy room. It was almost too ironic. Thanks Mandi for believing in the ability of a new-blogger and for continuing to include me in your present endeavors.
5. Joshua Griffin. More Than Dodgeball.
Years ago, Joshua Griffin taught me the most important lesson about blogging that I have ever learned. He said, “The most important step in blogging is to find your voice.” At the time, I had no idea what that meant… until I found my voice. And now, I both understand and agree. The most important step in being a successful blogger is learning to find your voice. And once you do, you’ll notice it. Thanks Joshua for challenging me to find my voice… even if you don’t remember the quiet guy sitting in the back of the room that evening.
6. Karol Gajda. Ridiculously Extraordinary.
One month ago, Karol laid the foundation and did all the legwork for the 3-Day Minimalist Book Sale. Through his brilliant idea, my e-book found its way into 1,600+ new readers’ hands. In addition, through affiliate commissions and other sales, I made $11,000 over the course of those 72 hours. It was my most profitable week by a long-shot. And while the motivation for this blog continues to lie in inspiration rather than monetization, it still feels good to know your hard work is worthy of compensation. Thanks Karol for the brilliant idea and for including me in it.
7. All the Guest Bloggers that have written for Becoming Minimalist.
This blog is what it is today because of the fellow bloggers who have supported me and offered me opportunities to connect with their readers. In return, I love offering minimalist bloggers an opportunity to spread their work by guest posting on this site. Because of their contributions, this blog is better. So, a special public thank you to Tammy Strobel, Jeffrey Tang, Daniel Richard, Sam Spurlin, Brett Oblack, Lynn Fang, Robyn Devine, Courtney Carver, Bill Gerlach, Mike Donghia, Faith Janes, and Matt Madeiro. With any luck, this list will continue to grow…
All of us are who we are today because of the foundation laid by others. Who do you need to thank today?
Pierre Bastien says
It is cool to see all you minimalist bloggers supporting each other. Rock on.
-Pierre
joshua becker says
I can’t take credit for the culture of mutual admiration, respect, and cooperation that is found in the minimalist niche, but I sure love being a part of it!
Courtney Carver says
Oh wow! I could write a full post thanking you for the opportunity to guest post on this site. Not only have you helped my blog to grow, but one of my guest posts turned into a full series, and will likely develop into a book.
More importantly, Thank you for your words of wisdom. Your blog has been an inspiration and connecting with you personally has meant so much. With your help, I am learning more and experiencing more than I ever thought possible.
So…Thank you Joshua!
joshua becker says
Back at you, Courtney. Keep being awesome.
Meg says
Hey, Joshua, I need to thank YOU! Your June post on “7 New Blogs on Minimalism/Simplicity” still sends me lots of traffic and terrifically interactive readers.
You are definitely my hands-down favorite Blogging Dad, and I still hope to see you write a guide to simple parenting :)
joshua becker says
Thanks Meg. I agree: Becoming Minimalist readers are the best!
And your suggestion cotinues to intrigue me. There is definitely nothing in the works these days, but who knows what’ll happen in the future…
Rick says
Your post today is another example of the sincerity that comes through with your writing. You and the people you refer to are the new leaders in the inspirational and motivational genre. One of the reasons you are now important in my life is the life you actually live. Living the talk has always been essential. Previously it was difficult to see on a daily basis that this was the case. Leadership by example provides the answers I seek and you, and those you honor, are definitely in the forefront.
Thank-you Joshua. I expect you will continue to be successful in your personal life and with the results you desire.
joshua becker says
I think we’re all just trying to the best we can with the life we’ve been given. And maybe that’s the best inspiration anyone can ever give.
Steve Griffin says
Joshua – What you’ve done here on Becoming Minimalist is not only shown your readers ways they can improve their lives by embracing a minimalist philosophy, but you also lead by example.
As a father myself, your articles and insights have shown me that the path towards simplicity can still be followed even with a family. But you haven’t done it simply by writing a few thought-provoking posts, but by walking the walk first. This post is a great example of that.
Thanks for all the great information you provide, but more importantly, thanks for leading by example.
joshua becker says
Thanks for the kind words Steve. And thanks for being a faithful reader too.
Mandi @ Life Your Way says
When you first mentioned that I was the first person to offer you a guest posting opportunity, I’ll admit it threw me for a loop. To be clear, I wasn’t intentionally trying to give you a hand up because you already conducted yourself as a professional, “successful” blogger. I just knew you had something to say that my readers needed to hear.
That said, it has been incredible to watch Becoming Minimalist grow, and I love that it hasn’t lost anything along the way. It’s still real & authentic, which I think is why it continues to capture the attention of so many people!
joshua becker says
I think the fact that I googled, “How to do a guest post” after I got your email about sums it all up. Thanks again.
Leo says
Thank you, Joshua. I might have helped, but your blog has grown into a constant source of inspiration and wisdom for many, myself included.
joshua becker says
Thanks… and there you go again with the humility.
Karol Gajda says
Thank you Joshua, for rocking and for inspiring others to lead a minimalist lifestyle. :)
joshua becker says
I enjoy being on the same team Karol.
Olive says
It was actually that news story that sent me here, so I would also like to thank both Everett Bogue and CBS news. That brief clip has opened me up to a new way of thinking, and it’s already changing me. Thanks to you too, Joshua. I’m really enjoying your blog!
joshua becker says
Good luck with your journey, Olive. Keep us posted. And be sure to read Adam Baker’s story at http://www.manvsdebt.com. It’s very similar to yours!
Faith @ Minimalist Moms says
Well, I need to thank you, Joshua. The opportunity to guest post made me do the happy dance for two straight days!! So thanks again for the opportunity and for showing me that minimalism was possible within all the craziness of family life. :-) Keep up the great work!
joshua becker says
You are welcome.