There’s more to life than buying stuff.
There are many wonderful people pursuing and promoting simplicity. Fortunately, some of them are gifted in communication and choose to encourage and inspire us with their words. I enjoy reading their unique perspective. I’m sure you will too.
So fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea on this beautiful weekend. Find a quiet moment. And enjoy some encouraging words about finding more simplicity in your life today.
The Small, Happy Life | The New York Times by David Brooks. This scale of purpose is not for everyone, but there is something beautiful and concrete and well-proportioned about tending that size of a garden.
Fall Of The Mall? | Forbes by Bryan Pearson. Mergers and millennials are changing an American Icon.
The Secret Life of a Wedding Gift List Adviser | The Guardian by Anonymous. I often think of the good we could do with all the money spent on presents.
This Kid Calls Out America’s Addiction to Materialism | ATTN: Video (1:05).
Mary says
My favorite date ever was when my husband told me we had to go a formal event that was his work related. I dressed up as requested and he took me to an interstate rest stop! He unpacked a white tablecloth, candles, our china, silver and crystal (just two place settings) and a simple casserole plus cranberry juice. We dined there on a picnic table all dressed up and enjoyed the stares. It was such a fun evening and the cost was literally $0.
I just had to share that in response to “There’s more to life than buying stuff.” We’ve had some wonderful meals in fine restaurants, attended concerts, etc. but that evening was the best. There was nothing else to do except really talk and something about it made us connect as never before.
John P. Weiss says
I loved the wedding gift list adviser’s approach- she gifts experiences (like a restaurant gift certificate) so that memories are made. Wine glasses break, but memories last. Beautiful!
Md. Taslimuzzaman Fakir says
I love the David Brooks article, thank you! I know what is important and it’s not material possessions. I have to want a money freedom.
rosie says
The Gaurdian article is quite shocking. I sometimes forget just how materialistic people can be.
http://www.rosieleizrowice.com
Noel says
I love the David Brooks article, thank you! I have lost a son, I know what is important and it’s not material possessions. I have returned from a nice vacation and am enjoying my small, ordinary, random life. Loving it… making my own coffee, sleeping in my own bed, admiring my small garden. Being able to unpack in just a few minutes flat. I found minimalism through KonMari about 18 months ago and it is such a joy. I look forward to your feature articles every Saturday morning. Again, many thanks!
Betsy says
Thank you Joshua. Please continue to post articles from David Brooks. This one really hit home. Have a good weekend.
Betsy says
I should have waited to reply…..the video on the young man calling out materialism is a treasure. He is on the right track. I wish I was that smart when I was his age.
Nancy says
I’ve been slowly and continuously embracing downsizing/minimalizing. My biggest challenge is…getting my husband on board.
Dana says
We discussed it for two years before starting. He wasn’t on board, so I started with my own stuff first. It didn’t take long for him to notice that I wasn’t bringing things in and I kept taking things out, and then start on his own stuff. Good luck to you!
Love says
I also encourage you to do your own decluttering and do not make him feel judged. As he sees how happy you are, how much more time and space you open up, and money you’re saving, he might also really enjoy the new way things look. Keep it as clean and cheery and calm or invigorating as you both enjoy, and it might just inspire him to join in. Don’t say I told you so when he does. ;) Just enjoy (and help him only if asked to.)
Lola says
Unfortunately here in Europe it’s mall mania, I hate them, I like being en plain air knowing if it’s raining, it’s windy, it’s sunny or not, it’s a claustrophobic experience for me, aseptic and impersonal, like going to McDonald’s.
Iga Berry says
Another great suggestions!