Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff 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.
11 Ways Clutter Is Messing With Your Health & Relationships | Mind Body Green by Karen Kingston. Most people have no idea how much their clutter affects them. It is only when you start clearing it out that you realize how much better you feel without it.
Simplifying Childhood May Protect Against Mental Health Issues | Raised Good by Tracy Gillett. Too many choices erodes happiness, robbing kids of the gift of boredom which encourages creativity and self-directed learning. And most importantly “too much” steals precious time.
Americans Basically Agree that Shopping is “A Great Cure for Boredom” | QZ by Marc Bain. “Shopping has become a hugely popular leisure activity that often has nothing to do with need.”
The Secret to Spring Cleaning: Don’t Just Organize Your Stuff – Get Rid Of It | The Guardian by Madeleine Somerville. Our surroundings have an incredible impact on how we feel, and clutter can make us feel depressed—so spring cleaning doesn’t just look good, it feels good.
Think Outside The Subscription Box | Frugaling by Sam Lustgarten. Subscription services know that once they have someone on the trial, they’re more likely to continue using their product and/or try it again at a later date.
Mikala says
Thank you Joshua, these emails have inspired a weekly habit for me that I have come to treasure. Throughout the week I move all the blog post emails I receive (on minimalism, productivity & intentional living) to a reading folder and then every Sunday morning I sit with my coffee and do what I call my PD reading. Once that’s done I turn off all screens and devices and spend the rest of the day in a digital detox often discussing, thinking and journaling about what I have read. Even my kids love hearing and talking about what I have learned!