Thank you for being part of the Becoming Minimalist community. In times like these, it is even more essential to focus on things that matter. Minimalism paves that pathway.
By owning fewer possessions, we reserve time, money, and energy for the things that matter most. So take some time to focus on the things you own and what can be removed (today or in the future).
We’ll get through this—and we’ll be better because of it.
To keep your mind focused on simplicity and intentional living, here is a personally selected list of encouraging articles that have been published recently:
Minimalism Could Save You Thousands of Dollars—Here’s How | MSN by Daphne MacDonald. Though we live in a world of constant consumption, we don’t need much to be happy. The accumulation of stuff costs money and can lead to living outside our means and piling on debt.
Minimalism Renewed | The Minimalists by Joshua Fields Millburn. This pandemic is putting things in perspective.
Go Beyond Decluttering to Achieve that Minimalist Lifestyle | Motherly by Elesha Piper. Beyond the physical stuff, we can examine other areas of life for excess as well.
4 Ways to Start Being a More Thoughtful — and Sustainable — Consumer | Popsugar by Christiana Figueres. If you’re interested in lessening your own footprint and breaking free from the consumption trap, here are three easy ways to start rethinking your relationship to buying more, more often.
7 Ways to Help People During This Crisis | Joshua Becker on YouTube
Ola says
Thanks again, this is especially welcome right now.
I really enjoyed the video. I’m taking an online course on The Science of Well Being, and my homework for the week is random acts of kindness and increased social connections. I was a little stumped under the circumstances, but you gave me a few good ideas to explore.
Megan says
Thank you so much for this, Joshua. I’m finally finishing reading your book “The More of Less” with the extra time I have now. I just read the section on generosity and loved it. It was great to see you talking about the same principles and how to apply them during this time in the video you posted on YouTube. Thank you to your dedication to sharing this message. You have a true gift for it. It has blessed my life in countless ways for many years now.
Melissa says
I’ve been slowly but surely removing and not replacing. My house and my mind are being freed from the clutter. Then this pandemic hit, and I see so many small businesses closed, maybe never to reopen, or else to reopen but end up not succeeding. Would it hurt us, after this is thankfully in our past, to maybe pick up a scarf from that small dress shop…not that I need it, but because they do? Would it hurt to bring home a dozen cookies from the small bake shop, not because I need them, but they do? I agree that we do not need to return to lives that are driven by commercialism, but I think it’s okay to compromise with my minimalist ideals in the interest of supporting my community’s livelihoods.
Elizabeth W says
Hello Melissa,
What a thoughtful comment. I think about this as well. If you have the means to use your purchasing power to help those small businesses, but do not wish to accumulate more items for yourself, l suggest being creative in ways to use these purchases to be random acts of kindness. A gift certificate that is donated to your local domestic abuse shelter. A cookie box delivery arranged for your local fire or police station. Creativity and kindness are beautiful companions.
Judy says
These times have reminded me just how very fragile life is. In a New York minute is an expression that life can change just that fast.
Marie says
Overwhelmed with all the extra(and expensive and time consuming) things I have to buy when available—so I don’t risk running out. Just as I’m adjusting to getting rid of extras, I’m bringing them into my home full force. HELP!!!! Any ideas???
Judy says
I think it’s ok to have a cabinet that holds some extras if it brings comfort.
KAY KALDA says
Thank you so much for all your positive statements in our negative world. I’m moving forward slowly but your encouragement helps.