Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.
The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.
For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.
Five Types of Habits That Will Radically Change Your Life | The Simplicity Habit by Julianna Poplin. Habits effectively automate our lives in a positive way and take the effort out of performing a task; when something is a habit, it’s virtually automatic.
How to Stop Shopping Impulsively in 2023: 23 Frugal Tips! | No Sidebar by Barefoot Minimalists. Impulse shopping to any extent can lead to serious financial stress. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to be more intentional with the things that you buy.
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Downsizing for 2023, According to a Minimalist Lifestyle Coach | Apartment Therapy by Dara Zycherman. Before you get going, explore your overarching priorities and your emotional connection to different facets of your life.
Seeing the Gift | Zen Habits by Leo Babauta. The Gift is what it has to teach you, how it changes you, how it connects you to the divine, to yourself, to everything around you. The Gift is the sacredness of the moment and of you.
All I Really Need to Know About Minimalism I Learned in the ’60s | No Sidebar by Karen Trefzger. I don’t think our lifestyle was considered “minimalist.” It wasn’t remotely extravagant, but we had everything we needed and more. It only sounds minimalist compared to what’s considered normal and necessary in 2022.
Recently Released Inspiring Videos
7 Tips to Help Keep Your Resolution to Declutter | YouTube by Joshua Becker. My hope is that your resolution to declutter will not fade away. But instead, that you and your family will enjoy all the benefits of owning less.
Jump While You Can | YouTube by Joshua Becker. I want to jump while I can. Because there will come a day when I cannot. And I don’t want to regret missing my opportunity to do it while I could.
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Thanks for sharing personal experiences..part of life’s journey. Kudos to your free & unhibited perspective.
Feels nice to be with such minded human beings
A great list of articles but the Karen Trefzger’s article had me fondly remembering how my parents lived. I guess we were lower middle class but we never realized we were missing anything. We were given an allowance for doing chores, 50 cents a week and out of that we were expected to save for things we wanted. I guess what I miss most of those days was the simplicity of our lives. We’ve fallen into a trap of thinking we need all the stuff. I’m so over stuff. I’m much happier with less.
Karen Trefzger’s childhood sounds much like mine , but my Dad drove bus and sold cars and we didn’t get braces , but both my brother and I took piano lessons and I wore uniforms to a private Catholic girls school while my brother went to public school . We had what we needed and wanted . Our parents were frugal yet generous . Years later my brother , sister in law and I were able to clean out their home of more than 50 years in one day , giving almost everything away except for a few sentimental items for ourselves and our children .
Dad had all their paperwork condensed to one accordion file , and all their photos were in albums .
I’m thankful I take after my parents and my husband is 100% supportive. While we can afford a more luxurious lifestyle ( we are retired professionals ) we choose simplicity .
Elaine, bless your parents for being so organized. I’m trying my best to get to that point so when the time comes I won’t be a burden to my children.