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.
The Unbearable Heaviness of Clutter | The New York Times by Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi. A cluttered home can be a stressful home, researchers are learning.
‘Throwing Things Out Gives You Time to Look After Yourself’ – How to Get Better at Decluttering | The Guardian by Sally Walford as told to Sirin Kale. You might feel that shedding possessions is difficult, but once you start, you will realize how great it makes you feel.
Seven Decluttering Tips I Discovered in The Minimalist Home | No Sidebar by Caitie Wiersma. Picture your dream home. I bet it’s not filled with clutter.
Why a Minimalist Lifestyle is a Big Win for Creatives | Medium by Cathy Hutchison. “Art lives on constraint and dies of freedom.”
The Ten Best Personal Finance Resolutions for 2019 | Forbes by Joshua Becker. If you are looking for some changes in your financial circumstances, here are the ten best personal finance resolutions to consider.
How To Get Your Partner To Be a Minimalist | Joshua Becker on YouTube. Use the right words. At the right time. With the right attitude.
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Uncluttered. If you’re looking for help trying to keep your resolution to declutter, our 12-week course will help you own less, live more, and discover the life you want. But registrations ends this Sunday, January 13.
Thank you for including my piece in this list. Minimalist living has revolutionized my creativity. I produce so much more now and there is joy in the creating.
I deeply appreciate you and others who paved the way and inspired the rest of us.
Thank you!
Proud to say I took time to actually read all these articles this morning…great reads…thanks, Joshua Becker. Also looking forward to the start of Uncluttered this week. Taking a bit of time this morning, among other things, to grab things as they catch my eye – just “swept” the coat rack in my entryway.
I have gotten rid of tons of stuff, as I am planning on moving into a new home this year. I am staging also. Once I start packing, I am sure I will get rid of even more. It’s very freeing. Sometimes I am hard on myself and I think —WHY!? Why did I buy this, collect this, save this, etc. But the past is the past and each day is a fresh new start to do the right things :)
Judy, yes! The recriminations are the worst. Here’s to fresh starts and new things!
After inheriting my parents’ home and all it’s belongings, I decided to sell my home. Cleaning out possessions collected over forty years as an adult and preparing to sell my home was difficult. Emotionally I didn’t want to get rid of anything that reminded me of my late husband. So I moved almost everything to my parents’ home. After getting my house staged for selling I needed to return to it often. I noticed such a huge change in my stress level as soon as I walked in. I realized then that it was because it was so sparingly decorated compared to my normal style. I have been working on disposing of items over the last five years but 2019 is the big push to create the home I want. Thank you for your book, podcasts and recommendations of other books. I’m on my way!
Ann, this is inspiring! So cool to read about your journey.