Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff you don’t need.
Encouragement provides us with motivation to persevere. It invites us to dream dreams of significance for our lives. And it begs us to work diligently with optimism and promise.
Overcoming the pull of consumerism is a difficult challenge regardless of our stage in life. Simplicity requires encouragement. To that end, I hope you will find motivation in these articles below.
Each post was intentionally chosen to inspire simplicity in your life. For maximum effect, find a quiet moment this weekend and enjoy them with a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
Are We Trading Our Happiness for Modern Comforts? | The Atlantic by Arthur C. Brooks. One of the greatest paradoxes in American life is that while, on average, existence has gotten more comfortable over time, happiness has fallen.
11 Things You Should Get Rid of Right Now, According to Professional Organizers | The Kitchn by Ashley Abramson. Whether you’re extremely low on cabinet real estate or you just want to get things tidier than they have been, here are 11 things you should get rid of right now.
The Ultimate Guide To A No-Buy Year | Forbes by Joshua Becker. With a new year approaching, it’s the perfect time to think about adopting a no-buy year challenge.
Save Money This Christmas with Minimalist Principles | Meg Nordmann by Meg Nordmann. There are many principles in minimalism that hold true year-round and at any stage of the process. But there are several that I wanted to focus on in particular in regards to Christmas, which can be a tricky season with its societal emphasis on busyness and consumption.
We Don’t Buy Things with Money, We Buy Them with Hours from our Life | Joshua Becker on YouTube
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Also, it was fun to see our app, Clutterfree, included in this article: 9 Must-Have Apps That Act Like Your Mummy
Hi, Joshua:
I started to become a minimalist few years ago, but find that this is a process need to be keep going and need to be remind myself all the time, sometime I did found it is so hard, now I am so happy found your website which have so many encourage advises and tips to help me keep going for minimalist, thanks!
Joshua, you are doing simply great job by spreading the value of simplicity in this capitalism world where people used to give respect based on your looks and what you have, what you spend, etc… rather than the true value of life. I started reading regularly all of your content from last few weeks, and I am really enjoying the way you keeping things in frame. Keep it up the great work Joshua!
Thank you!
Excellent “reads” this weekend. Thank you!
I am having trouble with stopping myself from buying all the paper goods! I feel I have to stockpile or a better word is hoard. Last March, I had no toilet paper or paper towel back up. I was kindly given some by my neighbors. I’m thankful!
But now I have developed fears of being without. And I’m spending my money on a well stocked pantry.
How do I stop this?
The Article by Arthur C. Brooks is good. To think that governments can or should make us happy is foolish. Happiness comes from within and should be natural. I think sometimes happiness is fleeting. For me I can say I have been happy at times in my life but I think content is a better word. It is like reaching for the brass ring you can never quit grab.
Interesting also about how the average size of the family home increased. My Father was a veteran of WW2, and then a Union Man. There were 6 kids growing up in a modest 3 bedroom house with one bathroom (can you imagine). I always tell people in our house you did your duty, no fooling around.(LOL) but we were comfortable and content. Nowadays it is sad to see some of these mega mansions with X number of bedrooms & everyone has their own bathroom, and tv, and computer. It boggles the mind.
As a youngster I suppose I always interpreted the command “Store not up for yourselves treasures on earth where thieves break in and steal, and where moth and rust doth corrupt” as a privation.
Nowadays, thanks to sources like you, I see such commands as a formula for blessing and happiness.
Your You Tube video on hours of work needed to buy specific items was a real eye opener.
Also Joshua—- if we charge those purchases and end up paying interest, we work even longer for an item.