Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.
The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.
For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.
When Mommy and Daddy Took the Toys Away | Narrative.ly by Gina Ciliberto. A growing number of Americans are rethinking the urge to pamper their kids with playthings.
Stockpiling Treasures in My Junk Closet | Christianity Today by Margot Starbuck. How I got rid of 1,000 things and finally found peace.
Debt is the Illusion of Success | Frugaling by Sam Lustgarten. We need to reevaluate both success and reality.
12 Ways to Stop Wasting Money and Take Control of Your Stuff | TIME Money by Kit Yarrow. If you’re swimming in stuff, not to mention debt, check out this list of a dozen tips to stop the madness and streamline your lifestyle.
jill britz says
when mommy & daddy take the toys away was an amazing, insightful read. I so appreciate the details of your kids’ possessions, Joshua. not that minimalism is about attaining a number, certainly, but knowing that a couple of regularish kids are thriving in life on truly a simple handful is inspiring.
thank you for a clear, straight-up look at your take on childhood possessions.
Molly says
Thanks so much for this post every week. I always look forward to it and have found some great blogs through it! I’m planning on starting my own minimalism posts soon and hope that they inspire people as much as your blog & others have inspired me. :)
Erral & Jenna says
Hi Josh. Loved the reminders that jumped out of your post. I read Kit Yarrow’s article. My friend has an ongoing method of dealing with the accumulation of “stuff”. The family began this system by having a clean out in the house generally as well as in each person’s wardrobe. Now, when they make a purchase, something similar is disposed of. For example, buy a new dress, remove one from the wardrobe. Kit’s paragraph about Counting Your Blessings is a fantastic way of reducing clutter. Being grateful certainly creates a sense of abundance and therefore is an antidote to impulse buying. Thanks, Josh, for encouraging more simplicity in my life.
jill britz says
“being grateful certainly creates a sense of abundance.”
yes. just that, exactly.
Sam @ Frugaling.org says
Honored to be included on Becoming Minimalist and a round-up full of terrific articles. Thanks so much for linking to it! Really appreciate the kind feedback of your readers, too. :) -Sam
Andrew says
Debt is the illusion of success – that pretty much sums up the natural tendency most of us are fighting. Very good read…
Nancy says
Maybe debt is also the illusion that your job is secure. I always disliked being in debt….
Judy says
Thanks, Joshua. I especially enjoyed the article by Sam Lustgarten. So true! I see it everyday…thankfully not in my own life. BTW—hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas! :) I can’t wait to spend time with my family. It’s not about what’s under the tree, but about those who surround it! :)