“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ― Mae West
There is more joy to be found in pursuing less than we can ever find pursuing more. Deep down, this is a message that we already know to be true.
It’s just that, since the day we were born, we have been told something different. We have been told that possessions equal joy.
Every advertisement that has ever been created sets out to convince us that our lives will improve if we buy whatever they’re selling.
And because we hear that message so many times and from so many places, we subtly begin to believe it. As a result, we spend the best years of our lives working long hours to make good money so that we can go buy nice stuff: houses, cars, fashion, technology, toys.
But when we hear the simple message that there is more joy and fulfillment to be found in owning less, it rings true in our hearts and it resonated in our soul.
We know that possessions don’t equal joy. And we know that our life is too valuable to waste chasing them.
It just helps to be reminded from time to time.
So today, remember:
Our lives are short:
And we only get one shot at living them well. The time goes quick. And once we use it up, we can’t get it back. So make the most of it.
Possessions steal our time and energy. They require unending maintenance to be cleaned, maintained, fixed, replaced, and removed. They steal our precious attention, time, and energy and too often, we don’t even notice it—until it’s too late.
Our lives are unique:
Our look, our personality, our talents, and the people who have influenced our lives have made us special. As a result, our life is exactly like no one else.
And just because everyone around us may be chasing material possessions doesn’t mean we have to as well. We get to choose our symbols of success.
Far more than material success, our hearts desire significance because significance lasts. On the other hand, possessions are temporal. They perish, spoil, and fade. And most of them, by design.
Our lives hold opportunity to inspire:
Let’s make footprints worth following because nobody ever changed the world by following someone else.
People who change the world live differently and inspire others to do the same. Possessions may briefly impress, but they never truly inspire.
Our lives are important:
Our heart and soul makes us valuable. Never sacrifice your important role in this world by settling for possessions that can be purchased with a card of plastic.
Our lives are defined by our relationships:
From our closest family members to the strangers we encounter every day, the relationships we cultivate have a profound impact on our lives.
By shifting our focus (and resources) away from physical possessions and investing them into positive relationships, we can build a strong foundation for both ourselves and others.
Our lives deserve better:
Joy, happiness, and fulfillment are found in the invisible things of life: love, hope, peace, and relationships. And they are not on sale at your local department store. Stop looking for them there.
People who live their lives in pursuit of possessions are never content. They always desire newer, faster, or bigger because material possessions can never satisfy our deepest heart desires. Those who always want more, will never find it.
Be reminded today that your life is too valuable to waste chasing material possessions.
And find more joy by choosing to pursue better, rather than more.
Leanna Lane says
I’ve been on my decluttering journey since February of this year, 2023. This weekend I “finished”. I’m ever so grateful to you Joshua! I didn’t find you until 3 months ago but that’s when I started making the most important progress. All that sentimental stuff… I’m finally guilty and heartache free. Thank you so much!!
Linda says
I love Joshua’s poignant message and see a lot of room to improve by paring down my attire and jewelry. My main challenge is parting with my wardrobe from the first long career. I will never wear most of that professional attire again and need to let it go. Now I’m happily in a second career where I meet with my clients on zoom from all over the U.S. and other countries. This article will help me to be courageous with leaving behind what’s no longer used or needed. Thank you!!
Erock Tulsa says
If that’s your outlook . How about due to some criminal sceeming narcissist you end up walking away from your house with the clothes on your back. With food still in the fridge . All tools equipment and every possessions you own can’t be returned to . And all your important documents like house title birthcertificate and more are now in his and her possession since they moved in after breaking to your house . You see him drive by hauling your car trailer with two of your zero turn mowers going bye bye for ever . Oh don’t bother with the cops and law he already has them suspicious of you . How else can you be arrested for trespassing if you try to go home ? Every body has an answer. Oh I would never let that happen to me ! Or you can’t tell me that he’s doing all this to you , what have you done wrong ? This guy just don’t know the law , I woukd have never stepped a foot away from my place ! Right big man . You too smart fo me. Well there are ways to reach out if you truly want results!I Hipe you don’t have to learn the hard way . That is getting repaid with evil fir doing good . Yup I’m grabbing another gear at 62 . I don’t like losing everything especially like thus . I worked very hard to get the things that were once mine . Don’t pity me but I doubt anyone can badmouth a farmer with their mouth stuff full !
John P. Weiss says
My wife and I are selling our big house, pool, and guest house to move into a much smaller house with no pool. We found we seldom use the pool, seldom entertain, and have no desire to impress anyone. We’d rather use the funds required to maintain a big house to travel and have memorable experiences. Less is truly more.
Shawn says
That is great to hear John! I am finally convinced that a smaller home is the way to go for my family but it will take some convincing on my part to bring my wife and kids to feel the same. I was inspired by Joshua’s story and the downsize his family went through years ago. For those contemplating a smaller house Joshua wrote an excellent chapter on it in his book “The Minimalist Home” so check it out.
Nicole Larege says
Smaller is one thing but losing every single thing you own is simply heartbreaking. This what happened to me. I don’t have a single photo of myself either as a child, graduate or bride. I have NOTHING as it was all stolen by criminal movers. All I had left after what they did was a suitcase. I was devastated. I had my beloved dog with me and that was the only piece of “home” I had left. He died recently and now I have nothing but his photos. Everything else was lost. What you did was downsize. Not even in the same category.
Martin says
Acquire what you need; not what you greed.
Simplicity reveals much richness.
Eileen Manganella says
👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Gaylyn Wattman says
This journey has been slow going for me. I have been “peeling my onion” of possessions one day at a time. I am grateful you did not give up on me after my first attempts at decluttering more than 5 years ago. This feeling is marvelous. I am genuine in my appreciation of the “less is more” philosophy. I am enjoying greater freedom in my life. THANK YOU!!!
Teri says
When I moved to a smaller apartment after 30+ years of home ownership, I realized I had not felt those wings of freedom since childhood.
Fewer possessions, many fewer responsibilities, less time spent cleaning, organizing, decorating. More time to go out and enjoy life with those I care about.
Less is truly more! Thank you, Joshua.
Ron Weckerly says
75 years to actualize what’s you are saying. “Possessions mainly clutter our minds and destroy our souls.
“Where is that young lady who smiled at me as tears flowed down my eyes 30 years ago! I will be ever grateful that you branded my heart that day with a smile of love!”
Carole T. says
Wise words! 🔥
I took (and implemented) your Uncluttered course in 2017. The principals in this article have proven to be true over and over again in my life ever since. 🙌
Betsy says
I’m older now and so regret the time wasted accumulating. Younger readers take heed.