Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision. It is a counter-cultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption we live in.
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 Generosity Boomerang | Seth Godin by Seth Godin. One of the most important truths any of us can ever learn.
The Top 10 Tips I’ve Learned From Minimalists | The ExtraOrdinary Simple Life by Lara Blair. There is not one formula for choosing a simple life—it is not a one-size-fits all t-shirt.
Put Down The Phone, Parents | CBS Minnesota by Kate Raddatz. It’s not just our kids getting too much screen time these days. Parents are also guilty of spending too much time on their electronic devices.
Being ‘Good’ Isn’t the Only Way to Go | The New York Times by Aaron Hurst. 70% of Americans are disengaged at work. I agree with this post: it is important we begin to find meaning in our present work.
For many of us, spring has finally sprung. If you are in need of extra decluttering motivation while spring cleaning, our book, Simplify may provide just the inspiration you need. Or, if you have kids, try reading our newest book, Clutterfree with Kids.
Image: Giulia Mulè
I have been flirting with becoming a minimalist for some time. I have a move coming up soon and hope to really thin out my stuff. I came across your website today and am looking forward to reading the many articles. I just find issue with the picture at the top of this page. Does it not glamorize a pretty complicated drink that requires preparation equipment, a saucer, a matching cup, a silver spoon… Seems against the principals of simplicity.
“It requires a *conscious* decision..”
Yup. Thanks.
I look forward to your weekly weekend reads. They are one of my favourite Saturday morning activities: along with the coffee of course!
I am arrived to your page after having a link from BBC world website and felt plenty of happiness to get know about this being on the web. Proude to be not alone and look forward to have updates after joining this email list.
Cheers. Khurram
I may be a 24, but I have already started my journey to have a simple life with minimal “wants”. That is why I love reading you posts because you are probably the first person I have encountered on the internet who lives a life that I wish to have. You must be a very wise man to make such a life changing decision, to go against the “normal” way of living and to sustain with your decision. You are truly inspiring. Now I know, I am not alone.
Well hello Joshua, love reading your thoughts on minimalism, and the first line of this post pretty much reflects the daily battle we all have with the commercialised world around us.
Of course it all starts with clarifying what we want in our lives, whether it is to maintain our health through eating only what we need or removing the clutter in our lives in the quickest time possible. That could be achieved by forgoing the profit of selling unwanted items and instead getting rid of them instantly by sticking them outside our residence with a notice, free to take.
I look forward to reading and following the writers you recommend in this post.
igor
Joshua – thank you so much for curating and sharing. What a wonderful way to spend my leisurely Saturday morning time before the family gets up. I really enjoyed all of these, but especially the first three. Thanks for all you do.