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 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.
Got the Urge to Do Some Spring-Cleaning? Avoid These 5 Classic Mistakes. | Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin. One of the things about happiness that continually surprises me is the degree to which, for most people, outer order contributes to inner calm, and inner self-command.
12 Sneaky Ways Online Retailers Get You To Spend More | Business Insider by Jessica Mai. Online retailers are competing with hundreds of other sites who might be able to offer the same thing for a lower price, so they have to come up with more ways to get us to seal the deal on their site.
How to Get Rid of Practically Anything | Consumer Reports. Reclaim the space in your home with these tips for selling, donating, recycling, and disposing of things you no longer need or want
Exhausted? It’s Time To Focus | The Guardian by Oliver Burkeman. We act as if our attentional capacities are infinite. It turns out they aren’t.
5 Signs It’s Time to Do Less | Marc and Angel Hack Life by Marc Chernoff. Let’s do a little less… and make the less we do count for even more.
Love the list of weekend reads! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing these great articles!
I needed this kick-up-the-backside! I’ve been clearing out all my stuff from childhood and really having a hard time. ‘How to get rid of practically anything’ is great. I hate to see good stuff just get dumped.
The Chernoff article has a great line: “Weakness of the mind is a real dream killer.” The antidote he offers is “daily practice.” Excellent advice!
Hi Joshua,
I’ve been thinking about minimalism and the passing of loved ones. That is, what to do with their stuff, while honoring their memory.
It’s hard to think of giving your mom’s or dad’s favorite ____ to the Goodwill! Ultimately, my brain knows we have to let go of most of it, but my heart is not so sure.
As a hospice social worker, and the daughter of an ill parent, I face these questions daily.
I think we need to anticipate getting rid of or shedding our things, as well as the things we will inherit. Kind of a prep period of letting go period, both on a practical and emotional level.
What do you think of anticipating minimalism? Hmmmm…
You are doing amazing work and I truly appreciate the wisdom you’re putting in the world!
Hoping to see you on your book tour when you come to Seattle!
Danielle
Love the weekend reads.
I’ve missed your regular posting on here. I know you’re busy with the book, and course (which I’am now taking!), but always look forward to your blog posts.
I’ve been becoming a minimalist for a year, and a half now. Your blog changed my life. My boyfriend also participates, and it has made us a happier couple too.
I can’t thank you enough. Whenever people ask me I always “give them permission” to own less, like you did for me.
Happy Memorial Day weekend/ your minimalism anniversary!
Kind Regards,
Jodie
Thank you so much for the “weekend reads”! I find them highly informative and valuable! I really appreciate this post, and find myself looking forward to it now!