Memorial Day is a holiday in the United States where we pause to remember those who died in active military service. May nothing I write in this article overshadow that fact…
On a purely personal level, readers of this blog will know that Memorial Day weekend signifies something completely different in my life and my family’s life.
It was on Memorial Day weekend, 12 years ago, that I was first introduced to the concept of minimalism and my life changed forever. You can read my story here or watch it here.
In the last 12 years, my life has changed dramatically because of minimalism. As I sit down to reflect, here are some of the most significant changes that have taken place.
12 Ways My Life Has Changed After 12 Years of Minimalism:
1. I own less.
I have never counted my things—never wanted to actually. But when we first made the decision to become minimalist, we easily got rid of 60-70% of our things.
A lot has changed since then. We’re in a different season of life. Most significantly, my kids are now 17 and 14 (rather than 5 and 2) and with their growing bodies and growing independence, different possessions have come and gone over the years. So I would never try to guess on a % at this point.
But we still own much less than when we started this journey—and I can’t even begin to imagine how much stuff we would own if we hadn’t been pursuing minimalism these last 12 years.
2. I live in a smaller home.
We moved 9 years ago from Vermont (where my minimalism story began) to Phoenix, AZ. When we did, we bought a smaller home than we lived in before. We knew the neighborhood where wanted to live and waited for the smallest model of home to become available.
We bought a smaller home for numerous reasons and have never regretted that decision—even as our children have grown.
3. I have more money in savings.
I suppose, as you grow older, it would be expected that you would have more money saved and more money in your retirement accounts. But that is clearly not the case for every American. For us, however, it is.
While my income has increased from 12 years ago (as would be expected), my expenses have significantly decreased (see Point 1 and 2 above). Because of that, we’ve been able to save more than if our expenses had remained the same.
4. I am more generous.
Somewhere along this journey, someone thought our story should be put into a book. So 5 years ago, we signed a book contract to write two books (The More of Less & The Minimalist Home).
Because this blog was covering our modest financial needs, we used the book money to start The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization changing how the world cares for orphans that is currently working in 5 cities around the world to make a difference for orphaned children.
Earlier this year, we exceeded $1M raised to help orphaned children find families. This is something that would never have happened had it not been for minimalism 12 years ago.
5. I have better habits in my life.
Minimalism in my possessions resulted in countless other lifestyle changes in my life. When I became intentional with my belongings, I also became intentional with other daily practices: how I spend my time, how I care for my body, and how I seek to make the most of my life.
Would some of these habits of eating healthier, exercising more, and writing more have happened anyway in my life? Possibly, I suppose. But minimalism certainly brought them about sooner.
6. I don’t try to impress people with the things that I own.
12 years ago, I had three bookcases full of books in my office, even though I read less than half of them.
I remember one afternoon after finding minimalism looking at the shelves and realizing, “I keep these books only because they look impressive. I’m literally using unread books to impress people when they come in my office.”
It was a lightbulb moment for me.
I also realized, as I looked around my office, I had hung my diplomas on the wall behind me for that exact same reason. Now, I realize there are other people who have those items in their office for reasons other than the ones I recognized in myself.
But it was a significant changing point in my life when I recognized how I was trying to use stuff to impress others… rather than trying to impress people with the life that I lived.
I no longer try to impress people with the things that I own—whether it be books, clothes, cars, houses, or technology. There are much better, and more fulfilling ways to make an impression on peoples’ lives.
7. I have more time.
Excess possessions are a burden on our lives and schedules. They require cleaning and maintenance and organizing and repairing and replacing.
And that doesn’t even begin to mention all the time we spend working, just to make the money, to spend the time shopping, to buy the things that we bring home to clean and organize and manage and maintain and ultimately replace.
Owning fewer possessions has freed up my life for more important uses of my time. And removing the pursuit of accumulating possessions has freed up even more time.
8. I see the entire world differently.
I see culture differently. I see society differently. I see advertisements differently. I see marketing differently. I see shopping differently. I see money differently. I see work differently. I see people differently.
The way I see the entire world has changed dramatically since beginning to live a minimalist lifestyle. And that is no exaggeration. The way you see the world will change as well.
9. I have a new career.
12 years ago, I was a pastor and loving every minute of it. I had not chosen the job to get rich, I had chosen the career to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
As this blog grew and the time demands continued to increase, I was faced with a choice: choose one or the other. So seven years ago, I changed my job and the good I try to bring into this world.
BecomingMinimalist.com has been my full-time career for the last seven years. And I have no intention of quitting anytime soon. I love what I do.
10. I have seen much growth in the minimalist movement over the last 12 years.
When I started Becoming Minimalist 12 years ago, I don’t know of any other blogs or websites dedicated solely to minimalism. There were people writing about minimalism (Leo Babauta comes to mind), but nobody writing about it solely.
But over the last 12 years, things have changed dramatically. There are now countless blogs dedicated to minimalism. There are also countless YouTube channels, books, and social media accounts. You can even find a documentary on Netflix.
I am grateful that the movement continues to grow and stand proud with all the other writers and creators who have helped proclaim the message of living more by owning less.
11. My faith has grown.
My faith has always been important to me. As I explain in The More of Less, my spirituality has greatly influenced my understanding and practice of minimalism. But equally so, minimalism has influenced and grown my personal faith.
I have learned lessons about the intersection of faith and myself, the world, money, and possessions that I could not have learned through any path other than minimalism.
12. I love helping others own less.
Minimalism, at first, was just a personal journey. In fact, this blog, that now reaches 1-2M readers every month was started as just a personal diary. I wrote about cleaning out my office and closet, and the time I threw out my wife’s Jell-O molds.
But along the way, my focus changed. Rather than writing about my own journey, I began using this space and my experience to help others own less and live more.
Over the last 12 years, I’ve written four books, engaged with social media, started a magazine, created an app, and launched a YouTube channel. Always with one goal in mind: help others discover and embrace minimalism.
I love the work that I do. And none of it would have happened without discovering minimalism, 12 years ago today.
Thank you so much for being a part of it.
These words from section #5 really struck a cord in me and have triggered some deep reflection.
I definitely have more possessions than I need and am earning more money than ever before, so the temptation to buy and consume more is there. I would really like to take this article into consideration and challenge myself to live with less, but live more fully.
I have a big motivator, because I want to reduce expenses, save for retirement and enjoy the benefits you mention:
“Minimalism has affected
“how I spend my time, how I care for my body, and how I seek to make the most of my life.”
5. I have better habits in my life.
Minimalism in my possessions resulted in countless other lifestyle changes in my life. When I became intentional with my belongings, I also became intentional with other daily practices: how I spend my time, how I care for my body, and how I seek to make the most of my life.
Would some of these habits of eating healthier, exercising more, and writing more.
Thank you for being so insightful and approaching minimalism not as something austere and restrictive, but as an invite to a specialty enjoyable, freedom lifestyle an intentional choice.
I do appreciate this and look forward to this journey.
I have been trained as a traditional interior designer, but maybe I can specialize as a minimalist interior designer, with your help.
Pat
A 21 days de-cluttering could change you. It was either for me talking to my doctor, or I have set this date to change my habits of snacking during work. I am a help desk assistant and in my work, I have time between breaks and browse. I know it takes this much time to change my habits. My office desk is clean and only laptop and may be notepads, and pencils handy from now on.
I’ve just discovered minimalism and started by journey. I think I was one of the ones who had kind of leaned towards it naturally (I actually need to buy a few things for my wardrobe) but I had a dream of eventually travelling and owning very little. (missionary) I’m loving minimalism and it is literally changing my whole life already, and I’m so happy there are so many others who have adapted this lifestyle. Thanks for your blog and channel, watching it religiously.
Good advice. I would surely do the same. This is the last year before we move . I can think of many places to give away. Can’t wait. You’ve been an inspiration . Thank you.
Indeed! If covid has taught us anything it’s that we should cut out unnecessary travel. There’s no place like home to truely relax.
I can… see myself riding down the hill on my bicycle and saying to myself, this is a great life. What more simplistic than this as going down the hill, in the wind, feeling the fresh air, and saving so much on gasoline AND a big war! It is a big deal! Let’s stop this!
I learned your story about 7 years ago and have slowly incorporated minimalism in every part if my life. At first it was only in my head but slowly has filtered throughout my whole being. It was a slow, gradual process. And like you, today I see everything differently. I am very thankful to you for shining a light on my overconsumption problem ❤️ and getting my ball rolling!
Thank you, Joshua! I learned of you when I watched The Minimalists’ first documentary a couple of years ago (which is what started my husband and my minimalism journey). I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book The More of Less and I enjoy your various articles and videos. (I also love that you share about your faith in your writing – my husband and I are believers, too.) Thank you for sharing about your experiences and using your experiences to inspire others. Minimalism has changed my life for the better – and you’ve been part of that, so thank you! :)
Powerful article. Thank you so much. I grew up in the church and have always felt for the most part, it’s no different than the world. I truly believe you’ve caught the vision of how we’re suppose to live. Not attached to THINGS.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I found your blog years ago, I couldn’t say when, but I have very much enjoyed as I followed along and am now in a fairly settled place in minimalism as you are. Thank you. It’s been a pleasure. ♥️
Happy for you and happy to be a part of the community.
Less means happiness.
Am a teacher in Ghana and running a charity for orphans and widows called Happy Orphans and Widows (HOW for short) I wish we could partner in this direction. More orphans and widows from numberless communities needs our minutest help. Cheers up.
“next time you decide to minimalize your wife’s football shaped jello molds that she was planning to use for your son’s birthday party… don’t!”
Lol!!! ?
Yup.
I hate clutter so much! It’s disgusting—- The thought of pushing, shuffling, dropping, losing… etc. No way to live!
As always, I found what you wrote uplifting and inspiring. Thank you so much.
I wonder what is your view about filling your weekends constantly with activities away from home. It used to annoy me when people asked me every Monday at work what did I do for fun meaning where did I go over the weekend. I was often flabbergasted about the question as I was perfectly happy spending my time working on improving and enjoying my property. I didn’t have a need or desire to go anywhere. Once in a while, though I do enjoy exploring my world near and far – but not on a regular basis every weekend.
I think people should spend their free time doing whatever brings them the most life.
I had no idea you were a Pastor before! I’m in a different style of minimalism right now- building a one storey home that will be more expensive than my two storey home – but it will have less of a yard to maintain and be less maintenance for us as we are both getting to the big 5-0.
My husband can also spend more time with a volunteer organization ( Australian Rural Fire Service )….it’s a relief to know we will all be doing what we love.
Indeed! If covid has taught us anything it’s that we should cut out unnecessary travel. There’s no place like home to truely relax.
I hope you are reading this Livia. I can relate to what you are saying from my own past when I was working. My husband and I never traveled much, and most vacations were at home. Every time I would come back to work people would always ask me “So where did you go on vacation”? and have that funny look on their faces when I would usually say I stayed home with my husband and critters! In the same breath some would tell me also that as much as they liked going away sometimes the fun was overshadowed by what they had to buy, how much time to prepare for a trip, and then coming back to work feeling exhausted, like they needed another vacation to recuperate from the last one. lol.
Thank you Joshua for your beautiful commitment to this way of life and service to others. I have happily followed your work for many years. I have been a practicing minimalist for the last eight years, though I can connect back many years to a knowing that this way of life would lead me to many gifts. I have watched minimalism grow and absolutely love that there is not just a one size fits all way to live this way of freedom. Thank you!
I sure wish to have had a pastor like this before, one who was a true shepherd to the flock [benevolent] rather than manipulating us [malevolent] to tithe and give our inheritances and etc so that he and his wife could have a lifestyle of the rich, very showy and self-aggrandizing. He claimed to be blessed and chosen even as people went into bankruptcy financing his scam… one man even signed over his restaurant and then no longer had a way to make a living.
Is there a way you can help these flocks? And the pushing of consumerism and debt?
I appreciate all you efforts over the years. Enjoy you weekly reading articles online. Hope you continue for a long time.
In your list of accomplishments you forgot to list created and funded a foundation that does wonderful work in Mexico.
I included The Hope Effect in Point #4.
Wow! It is just amazing how much you have helped children in orphanages! And all due to your decision to minimize! You are making the world a better place!
This was an absolutely wonderful read. I am so proud of you for what you have accomplished. I am on my way but feel almost trapped!!! What do I do with all this stuff? The great news is that I am. a giver. I have given away lots of clothes and shoes to the shelter and the key, NOT buying new ones. I’ve cleared out rooms of furniture and not bought anything because I really don’t need or want anyTHING. It really does feel good and empowering. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Kaye P.
Today is a new day! I’ve been a semi-practicing minimalist for my whole life. I’m not a fan of clutter and stuff as a general rule. But these 12 “axioms” really put it into perspective. Thanks for outlining these so succinctly such that I can share with my family the value not of minimalism in and of itself but the value of our time, our work, our habits, our generosity, and all the other points you have here. Kudos and thank you!
Nearly four years ago I retired early from my police chief job to become a full-time writer and artist. We moved to a more affordable area, downsized many possessions, and simplified our lives. My wife, a nurse, only works three days a week now, because we have fewer bills and more savings. Simplifying one’s life is the way to go, as your post ably points out!
We back the blue! ?
Very interesting. Always enjoy reading your articles .
Any suggestions about corona pandemic.
I feel people are hoarding more.
I became somewhat minimalist after my first wife left. Started with backpacking in South America. Realized I could live 3 months from what I can carry. Eventually didn’t even have it full. I now live with my second wife in less than 700 sq ft. We have room to spare. I still cut down and give stuff away
I love your story & eternal perspective. I also appreciate that you don’t preach a one size fits all for owning less. Your posts encourage me to continue taking baby steps in simplifying.
Thank you, Joshua! I discovered your blog six years ago and it changed my life. As a single mom with a meaningful but low paying career, I have been able to simplify to the point that I no longer feel constant financial stress and I have more time to spend with my daughter. I am so grateful to you!
Your Facebook posts and subsequent discovery of your blog have greatly influenced my life and lifestyle choices. My minimalist journey is ever evolving and still a great work in progress. Thank you for sharing your experiences and encouragement.
Great stuff! Continue the inspiration.
I’m so glad you made all these changes! You’ve been the main influence on my pursuit of minimalism and I’m so grateful! Keep up the good work <3
I cleaned houses for 6 years and it was astonishing the amount of items I saw in homes. If everyone followed a minimalist mindset I would’ve been out of a job. It’s sickening to think of all the precious time we spend shuffling, fixing and cleaning our “things”.. I’m so happy to know you’re helping people get their time back!!!