Being a minimalist is not my greatest goal in life. It is not my greatest obsession. I dream much bigger dreams for my life.
I am passionate about my soul, my wife, my kids, my friends, solving problems, and influencing others for good. I want to live a significant life that makes the most of the potential and opportunities I have been given.
I will focus on these priorities above everything else. They are the most important to me and the most important for the world around me.
In short: I am a husband, a father, and a human being first. I am a minimalist second.
This is not to discount the lifestyle I have chosen and have dedicated the last ten years of my life to promoting.
Minimalism is a means to that very end.
Minimalism removes physical distractions so my greatest priorities can be elevated. It allows my life to be defined by eternal pursuits, those dreams that will long outlast me, not by the physical possessions in my home.
Minimalism is a means to an end, but it is not the end itself.
Minimalism simplifies life. It focuses our energies on things that matter. But obsessing about minimalism begins to complicate it again. And I refuse to allow possessions to define my life—not the collection of them or the removal of them. My desire is that my possessions will never be a burden to me, whether in abundance or lack.
At the end of my life, I want to hear my children say, “You were a good father,” not “you were good at being a minimalist.” I want people to remember me as a friend and servant and someone who stayed focused on the needs of others, not as “a minimalist.”
Therefore, I choose minimalism. But it will never become an obsession. It will define my lifestyle, but not my life.
I invite you: Dream big dreams with your life. Dream bigger dreams than minimalism. Pursue greater achievements with your newfound time, energy, and money.
Minimalism is not the finish line. It is only a manner of arriving there.
Sheryl says
So very well said, and such a good reminder. I often get caught up in the weeds of minimalism…but knowing it is just a means to an end of living for the eternal and not the temporal is so important to keep in front of me.
Penny Timmons says
My dream to achieve abundance of peace and contentment is blurred by the need to survive. If only I could find that passion that eludes me in every dark corner of my imagination. If only I discover the purpose for which I am called and equipped to do in this world. That would truly be contentment and peace.
Mike Wanek says
The purpose for each of us, in my opinion, is to live each day to the fullest extent possible with or hearts focused on sharing the love we have in our hearts. Nothing else matters. The rest will take care of itself as we live.
Erica S. says
Thank you for this reminder! I really needed it this right now. I was starting to obsess again over “To-Do” lists to declutter and be more minimalist. I think I will take a much more relaxed and patient approach to minimalism in the future.
Annabelle esguerra says
I am going back to minimalism and I need constant reminders for me to hang on..as I’m about to partake (my family as well) to a one year-no-shopping for anything new like shoes, clothes and bags for me ( well except groceries, toiletries, school supplies and things for the kids that they have outgrown)..in order to pay the debt that we’ve had from my father-in-law for more than a decade now!! We’re pursuing our goal of paying off the entire debt all together during the first half of next year hence my need for minimalism.. realizing that it is a tool needed for us to get to our goal ..that of being debt-free and to be able to do what we’ve really wanted to do for a long time– travel, being able to help more people..we’re looking forward to being with you in our journey.. thanks
Mike Wanek says
Removing clutter is an ongoing process, just like all the other tasks we pod each day. It is important to remember that the outside clutter is just a symptom of the clutter inside our hearts and souls. That is the basic issue for me. Removing the inside clutter. I have pack rat tendencies. Once the process of removal has begun it gives time to focus on why the clutter happened in the first place. Each of us is on a journey. We are affected by what goes on in the world around us. When we are free of ” things”, we are free to look at ourselves and our world and focus our energies on adding love to the chaos around us and maybe, just maybe, when we leave this vale of tears there will be some smiles instead.
Ian says
A great reminder that minimalism should be for a reason… It cannot be a reason in its own right. Thank you
brett says
and yet I choose not to live as an austere monk. I need my bike for excersise…my camera for photography…my pc for–well, you know. these are tools and yes we can stop from being hoarders. but things exist to give us pleasure in doing the things we enjoy. play soccer with the kids? you bet! get the goals and ball…tennis anyone? how about canoeing?
Robin Peeler says
Joshua, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for this very important reminder. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of minimalism but so important to look beyond it, into the potential of what it creates. Huzzah from Tennessee!
Mary Phillips says
Well said!
a simple living journey says
So much yes to this post.
I have been feeling a little disappointed recently about our house not being quite as pared back as I would like, but then I am not the only one who is living here.
Living simply and minimizing is not the end goal, but it can be easy to get lost in the beautiful, minimalist Instagram photos, but they are just a single moment of someones day. Minimalism is simply the means to get to the goal, the things we truly value.
xx
Erica S. says
Well said! I was feeling the same way. This post and your comment really made me realize that my minimalism journey should not be inviting more stress in. That is the opposite effect I am looking for!