Never underestimate the importance of abandoning crap you don’t need.
Encouragement is important in all areas of life, but especially when trying to live a life different than those around us.
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 intentionality 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.
How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need | LifeHacker by Patrick Allan. If you struggle with clutter, impulse buys, and buyer’s remorse, here’s how to put your mind in the right place before you even set foot in a store.
The Cost of Paying Attention | The New York Times by Matthew B. Crawford. Attention is a resource; a person has only so much of it. And yet we’ve auctioned off more and more of our public space to the highest commercial bidder.
Why I Put My Closet On A Diet (In 6 Simple Steps) | Refinery 29 by Drew Barrymore. “We have to make space in our minds for bigger and better things.”
I Bought Nothing New For a Year | ABC Open by Sash Milne. “It occurred to me this project was actually about something bigger. It was about building community.”
A Brewing Problem | The Atlantic by James Hamblin. “I don’t have one. They’re kind of expensive to use” —John Sylvan, K-Cup inventor.
Wesley says
Thanks for the links especially liked How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need | LifeHacker by Patrick Allan im always buying too much rubbish online
cheers
Absolutely Tara says
I laughed out loud when I read:
“Never underestimate the importance of abandoning crap you don’t need.”
I think that says it all.
Thanks for the great list of inspirational blog posts.
-Tara
Jessica says
I look forward to this post every weekend. Thank you for sharing :)
JudyToo says
Finally…someone I can really relate to. I am constantly shedding more of the clutter that has kept me caretaking 24 hours a day it seemed. Sold house, sold furnishings, bought small RV and just go where the wind takes me. Books…I had a ton but who needs them? Internet provides all the necessary information one needs plus novels…same with CD’s. It is amazing how little one needs to survive. I find the more I shed, the happier I am and have so much freedom to just do what I want to…not what I need to. I am so much happier with this way of life. I had it all at one time (materially) but it sure did not make me happy…maybe just for instant gratification…but that lasted just that long ….an instant.
Anh Phan says
I’m guilty of impulse buying way too often. It’s as if I’m using all the things I want in my life to justify why my life is incomplete. We need to all stop doing this because it only makes us buy and buy and then get us into a spiral of debt way too often. It’s an endless cycle!
Thanks for reminding us to cut the crap out of our lives and that we can fully function just the way we are.
Deb says
Mothering Sunday here in the Uk; having breakfast in bed made by my lovely daughter and ‘Weekend Reads’ – perfect. Thank you for taking the time to research and share these articles always inspiring.
Jacqueline says
Yes i enjoyed stop buying crap, i go onto a site, bought stuff and wow so easy just press a button, had to pay up front but wait weeks for the items to be delivered, when they arrived what a load of crap, not like the picture on the screen, hassle to send them back and wondering if they have received the parcel etc etc etc more cost and expense, so in truth its not that easy, wasted my time browsing and buying utter rubbish, i hoped i had passed all that deception but clearly not, i am still as gullible as ever, decided to take money out of my account and pay hand to hand and see a real transaction, paypal and visa well see ya, way tooooooo easy love Jacqueline
Judy says
Hi Joshua! How was Sweden? I’m so glad you had that opportunity. Judging from some of the comments flying around here lately…seems like the message of minimalism and living with gratitude really hits a nerve with some people and brings out the ugly in them. Like we talked about, they are the minority though. I wanted to tell you that God has answered a prayer of mine today! There was something I’ve been praying about with earnest for years…and this morning I got the phone call…my prayers have been answered! :) I praise God for His faithfulness. I’m so happy! Wishing you and your family a beautiful weekend.
Judy says
Also wanted to add—I really enjoyed your last guest Cait Flanders! What a lovely and kind lady. She has the unique gift of instantly making everyone feel like a friend. :)
Cait Flanders says
I came across this comment by accident, Judy, but am so glad I did. You made my entire weekend. Thanks for putting a smile on my face. :)
Kelvin says
Good stuff!
I really enjoyed Patrick’s article How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need on Lifehacker. Making a list of the non-material things in life that makes me happy is key for me.
Thanks for sharing Josh!