On average, we see 5,000 advertisements every day calling us to buy more and more. And I want to be just one voice inviting us to buy less.
From the very beginning, Becoming Minimalist has had one goal: inspire others to live more by owning less. When I write, I write for those who have never been introduced to the minimalism lifestyle—those are the people I want to reach.
I write books and blog posts for those who are beginning their journey or have not begun…
…and also for those who are looking for encouragement and inspiration to follow through with their desire to own less.
I have discovered, after all these years, that owning less is countercultural, encouragement is essential, community is important, and there are significant truths about minimalism we need to be frequently reminded of. Even in my own life, I need to remind myself often of the core truths of minimalism.
Here are 5 Truths About Minimalism I Remind Myself Often:
1. Excess possessions are a burden and a distraction. Every thing we own requires time, money, energy, and focus to maintain. And every increased possessions adds increased anxiety on to our lives. This exchange would make sense if possessions made us happy. Unfortunately, they do not. Instead, they only distract us from the things that do.
Read more: 21 Life-Giving Benefits of Owning Less
2. Our society is built on excessive consumption. Our economy thrives on artificially manufactured needs and wants. As a result, we are constantly bombarded with messages claiming we are not as happy as we could be and the quickest remedy is to “buy their product.” Discontent is sown into our soul at every turn—and on every billboard. But their messaging is carefully crafted for their own selfish gain. And there is a wonderful joy available to those who reject it.
Read more: 10 Reasons to Escape Excessive Consumerism
3. My life is too valuable to waste chasing material possessions. We each get one life to live and we each get to determine what our life is going to be focused on. Some will use it to pursue money, fame, or power. Others will use it to passionately pursue bigger houses, nicer cars, and fuller closets. But not me. My one life is too valuable to waste chasing things that will never last. I will pursue love and hope, impact and significance. And I will seek to live a life that benefits others above all other things.
Read more: Life is Too Valuable to Waste Chasing Possessions
4. There is no right way to do minimalism. Minimalism is always going to look different from one person to another. And well it should—each of us have different passions and values and gifts that we can offer to the world. For example, a minimalist writer is always going to own different things than a minimalist farmer or a minimalist carpenter. And someone who desires to use their newfound freedom to travel the world is going to own something different than a minimalist who desires to use their freedom to host beautiful dinner parties. Find freedom in this reminder. And refrain from comparing your version of minimalism to anyone else’s.
Read more: Find a Rational Minimalism that Works For You
5. Minimalism is the pathway, not the goal. Owning the fewest number of things possible is not the greatest goal for your life or mine. Minimalism is not our greatest obsession. Minimalism is simply a means to an end. It removes physical distractions so our greatest priorities can be elevated. It allows our lives to be defined by things that matter. If minimalism has allowed you the opportunity to pursue those things in life you most desire, you have succeeded.
Read more: Live with Less. Pursue Your Passions. Finally.
Minimalism, as a way of life, holds benefit for all. Regardless of gender, religion, race, or socio-economic class, there are life-giving benefits to intentionally owning fewer possessions and removing the pursuit of empty consumerism. This is a message that must be proclaimed and shared often and widely. And for that reason, I will continue to do what I do: inspiring others to live more by owning less.
I will lend my voice to the movement and I hope you will too.
Kalie @ Pretend to Be Poor says
I think #5 is the most important point and the one that sometimes gets missed. I’m sure it’s always been your message and mission but as the practical aspects of minimalism get proclaimed far and wide, the purpose behind it can become forgotten. And really, the purpose is individual. People need to decide that for themselves.
Lorie says
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ec. 4:6
Moira says
Thank you, this was beautiful. I have found so much peace through living this way, and I am definitely trying to do my bit to lend a voice to the movement.
Google Maps Street View says
Thanks for sharing.Is as a peacemaker. I find debating painful. I am not good at it. plain and simple. I admire those who can do it well.
Vincent says
5 more great guidelines to achieve a better life and very well explained. Thank you!
Loretta Ferguson says
This is the best articles I have read it gave me lots of inspiration I don’t need those bargins they just clutter up my house
MICHELLE TO says
Thumbs up brother!
Jamie says
Awesome job on this piece, I love the way you write.
Angie says
Amen! I am only about two months into my journey, but I already have a greater sense of peace. I have a large family, and one of our boys was recently diagnosed with autism. Thankfully, I had already started simplifying at the beginning of 2016 (stuff and schedule), but all of a sudden, I was taking him to regular appointments four times a week. One day my anxiety was so high, I was feeling so depressed and hopeless. Then by chance, I heard about minimalism. It has been life changing. I am daily discarding the excess stuff, and we only say yes to things we really want to do. I shop differently, and I am much more able to be in the present moment with my family. Joshua, your writings have been hugely influential, and I thank you for that. I have requested More with Less on hold (there was a long line for that one) at the library, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Dana says
Wow. This is very likely one of the best posts I’ve read by you. It is SO encouraging–each and every point. I am ever so slowly getting into this mindset. One small victory was yesterday, Sunday, when the dollar store chain was having its “customer appreciation” event where you’d save 10% (i.e., a whole dollar!) off 10 or more items. I had saved that flier for a week or more and been planning to visit the store that day, but then I thought, “I don’t really want to have to choose 10 items to bring home–just to save a whole buck!” And on a Sunday too. No, thank you. I resisted and changed what I’d been planning to do. A small victory toward minimalism…but I’ll take it! I hope to build upon it.
Jane says
Good job Dana!
It is funny when we see there is a special or something is on sale. Suddenly something you didn’t really need becomes very appealing to buy.
I also have to stop myself from getting sucked in by advertising.
Karolina says
That’s really great! I know how hard it was (and still sometimes is)for me, not go buy stuff just because it was on ‘sale’ or cheaper if I bought more. And every step, big or small is another in the direction you want to go :)
Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
Good job. I am so susceptible to getting sucked into this kind of thing! As I adopted a minimalist perspective on things, I found that my focus on bargain-hunting was actually frustrating my efforts to save money as well as live with less. I share my experience, and how I’ve made changes, here – https://moretimethanmoney.co.nz/2015/05/17/is-fomo-ruining-your-money-mojo/
Marie says
Bravo, you save money and time and space not buying stuff they you can live without.
shano says
studies found 87% of the items at Dollar stores and similar stores are full of toxic plastics, toxic metals and toxic chemicals. Stop poisoning yourself and never shop there.
Please, buy from local people to support your local economy.
Barbara Certain says
I’m glad to know your philosophy is not just about empty rooms but all facets of our life, thank you for that.