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.
Seneca says
Thank you for sharing Josh
Ali Enza says
Beautifully said!!
Sandra says
That is so true! Thanks for the reminder!
Bianca Rainford-West says
This is a great post. Minimalism is very much a lifestyle which allows us to become better in different aspects of life.
Angela Christian Pope says
It can be difficult to embrace minimalism without allowing it to completely take over your thoughts and lifestyle. I agree that it should be kept in perspective. And as always, it is a work in progress…
Sara says
I just found you. Love these words, they are of great importance. Thank you. :)
Mustafa Abdur Razzaq says
An inspiring read really!
Liane says
Since my mother died 3 years ago and had to deal with decluttering a six bedroom home with a lifetime of hoarding, I became a minimalist. I didn’t want to leave all this for my children. I immediately went home and got rid of most everything that I don’t use either daily or monthly. I now scan every paper that I needed to keep and put on a thumb drive. If I need anything, it is right there. All important deeds, warranties, ownership papers, marriage cert, passports go into my bank safety deposit box. I no longer carry a purse, just my cell phone with credit card pockets attached and put cash in my pocket. I only shop once a week for groceries and toiletries and buy only what I will eat or use in a week. I never run out of items that way, and my refrigerator and cupboards are much cleaner. When I go home, the only thing waiting for me is my dog. Life is so much easier.
Janifer Unruh says
Your post is encouraging. I have just lost my Mother on June 16th and now we have went through her things. My dream is to be more orderly, own less etc. Now I own a large China cabinet from my Mother that my Dad built and it’s full of beautiful dishes and items. Part of brining in more things goes against me and part of me is thrilled to have more room now for dishes etc and to have what my Father built I know I will never be a full minimalist but I so enjoy Joshua’s posts and the comments they bring.
Emily Guerry says
I’m trying to find out if anyone is thinking about life’s unnecessary fusses — doing business online when it’s simpler to write a check and put it in the mail, phone plans that never offer the minimal service I need, things like that. Is there a way for all of us to get together to exchange stories and maybe do something about it? This may not be exactly something you deal with, but if you can tell me where to start looking, I’d be so grateful.
Karen T. says
Emily, I agree with you. I just write the check and ignore the pleas to “do it faster” by going online. And I keep what I call a “dumb phone” (no internet access, just used for calls, texts, and occasional picture-taking) and get the cheapest phone plan I can. I NEVER use anywhere near all the data I’m offered on the plan, but I figure who cares! It works for me. I’m not interested in taking the time or the fuss to search for something else that’s exactly as I would have it – I just make do with what’s available. Good luck to you!
And Joshua, as always an important and well-stated message!
Dianne Oliver says
Please pursue this! It’s a great idea that could really be of service
Ashley Logsdon, Marriage/Family coach says
Beautiful, and so true. There are these components that make our journey sweeter, lighter, and more involved…but the essence of it all is the present moment, the relationships, and the memories we bring with us. And that can look very different for everyone. Minimalism is a tool, yet not the finished product. Thanks for sharing and putting it into perspective yet again!