“The universe is made of stories, not atoms.” — Muriel Rukeyser
Our world needs good stories. Stories of life change encourage us, inspire us, and challenge us. They make this world better. They remind us that life can be improved… and new joy can be discovered.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of people discovering minimalism. Some found it through their parents. Some were introduced through disaster (fire, burglary, downsizing). Some were introduced by a friend. Others were looking for a new way to live and discovered it themselves. But each time, I am encouraged by their example.
No story is the same and each is told from a unique perspective with a unique voice. Know that your story of overcoming obstacles, developing discipline, changing habits, finding significance, or discovering new joy holds wonderful, life-giving potential. And the world needs to hear it.
Your story…
- is unique.
- is entertaining.
- is easy to listen to.
- is hard to interrupt.
- cannot be argued with.
- takes only minutes to tell.
- illustrates that change is possible.
- provides anecdotal evidence for truth.
So share your story with your friends, your family members, your co-workers, and your neighbors. Look for opportunities to retell it over coffee, during a meal, or around the water cooler. If you need help, a simple sentence to get you started is this, “Have I ever told you about the time I changed/overcame/discovered _____________? For me, it all started…”
Be bold with this truth. Don’t be afraid of the questions or the rejection of the message. No matter how your story is received in the moment, it will always spark a new thought-process in the mind of your listener. And for some, it will become the first step in their own personal journey of discovering a better life.
Our world desperately needs to rediscover joy, potential, and opportunity. They can find it in your story. And that is why we all need to hear it.
Martin Brezak says
Hi.. My name is Martin, I’m from Croatia. My story begins 2006.y. when i got gigantocelular tumor on my vertical spine. I had 2 rods a plate with 16 screws in my neck. My health condition is everyday more worse. I went to 17 different doctors and noone helped me..
I would like to get in touch with someone who could help me. I realy need emergency health help because my neck is falling toward my left colar bone. I hope someone would help me..
Joy @ Joyfully Green says
Funny you should mention it–I was thinking today that the best way to calm down my kids and get their attention refocused (away from something negative, such as arguing with each other) is to tell them a funny story about when I was around their age. Then they like to take turns telling it back to me. It’s really amazing what little sponges they are–they remember every little detail in their retelling!
Jenni C says
Thanks so much for inspiring the extra confidence I needed to begin documenting my own personal challenge to give more and spend less. I’m hoping to find the joy you convey so beautifully from living a minimalist lifestyle, while discovering my own purpose to serve others. You have a new follower!
Oshow says
In the hardest of times we carry the cross. Along the way I found minimalism, faith and learned to love and appreciate the simple things in life. My misfortune was not what it seemed. He does work in mysterious ways…..
Kelsi says
I could not agree more, Joshua! In my journey towards minimalism, I decided to go on a spending fast. I have been writing about my journey in a blog for the past year. Sharing my story has held me accountable to the goals I set for myself. It also is a great way to chronicle my changing relationships with money and stuff. It has already inspired a few friends to de-clutter and to try spending fasts. I’m so grateful to be an ambassador for this life-changing process!
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