There’s more to life than buying stuff.
There are many wonderful people pursuing and promoting simplicity. Fortunately, some of them are gifted in communication and choose to encourage and inspire us with their words. I enjoy reading their unique perspective. I’m sure you will too.
So fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea on this beautiful weekend. Find a quiet moment. And enjoy some encouraging words about finding more simplicity in your life today.
A Rallying Cry To End The Overwhelm of Toys | Raised Good by Tracy Gillett. There is more at stake than a few too many toys.
When Too Much Stuff Gets in the Way of All the Good Stuff | Tiny Buddha by Jennifer Bailey. We began to realize we wanted less. Less space and less stuff. Less housework and less upkeep. Less overhead and less oversight.
Five Reasons To Wear The Same Thing Every Day | Forbes by Joshua Becker. Whether you’re thinking about minimizing your wardrobe, adopting a life uniform, or simply wanting to consume less, here are five reasons why you should try a one-week experiment.
Less Really Is More: How To Parent Like A Minimalist | Motherly by Denaye Barahona. “Trying to be everything and do everything for my children left me depleted.”
Also, this is the final week to get a lifetime subscription to Simplify Magazine for $20—the introductory offer ends June 30th. Download the first issue for free today.
Beth Penn says
I have been wearing the same thing each time I’ve had to go out and be ‘presentable’ since my baby was born. It makes for a very quick and easy exit. No one has blinked an eye or asked about my repeating wardrobe. The key is to pick things that look good on me and that fit well (and have a little give) just in case I’m down or up a size.
Lotsofcloth says
I enjoy the weekly digest of articles, but I’m tired by the articles on parenting that all suggest scaling back to spend more time at home. While this may be practical advice for parents of young children or only children, as a mother of three, all of whom are involved in competitive sports, I find it frustrating advice. You can argue til you turn blue in the face that we’re all better off eating dinner together and that kids need enough rest – and those are true. But we’re also encouraged to keep our kids physically active, and by the time a child is a tween or teen, being a competitive athlete means evening practices at least a couple nights per week and regular, long weekend obligations. Multiply that by multiple children, and it’s easy to have to be out of the house til 9 or 10pm every night, with dinner as whatever and wherever we happen to be. Yes, we can force them not to play, but is that really the answer? I’d love to read advice on minimalist parenting that embraces many types of families and many types of kids – including those who love and thrive and live and breathe competitive sports. Families like ours don’t need to be told what we’re doing wrong. We would love to know how to work within the time and structures we’ve got, to help our families thrive without pulling our kids from the things they love.
Abbie says
I downloaded the first issue of Simplify and read. In spite of the wonderful content and lovely writers, I couldn’t finish it. I don’t like digital magazines – not on my laptop, tablet or phone.
Of course, as an aspiring minimalist, I also don’t want to own a print magazine! I use the library for all of the books I and my family read.
This is not a criticism – I understand the advantages of digital production – but an observation about myself. For me, part of minimalism is less time with electronic devices. And what I do read digitally, I would rather read on a blog. Which is one reason I read here at Becoming Minimalism.
Thank you, Joshua, for your content, thoughts, ideas, resources and willingness to facilitate discussion about these ideas.
Abbie says
Thanks again for the great list of reads! A few thoughts:
– I also go against mainstream by living in 1,100 sqf with five others and find it lovely.
– My kids play best with few or no toys and our space facilitates limiting toys.
– Minimalist parenting is my thing: I regularly tell my kids it is good for them to be bored. And rest (sleep and downtime) is important.
Abbie says
– Also, I am still working (after years!) on getting my wardrobe to something workable, easy and limited, but with room for being creative with my clothes because I find I really do enjoy that. I think the answer for me is a rotating wardrobe sort of like the 333 project.
Karen says
I just turned 69, my husband is out of town for a week, and I realize I am still “burning the daylight” of my life trying to keep up with our mutually acquired minutiae. Husband of 48 years is a hoarder; I am not. While he has never agreed with the logic of simplicity, I’ve focused on putting my own stuff in order. Nope, not perfect, but who is? Today’s read from Jennifer Bailey inspires me to initiate yet another thoughtful “less is more” conversation when he returns. Thanks.
Chris says
Tea – check. Corner spot in cafe – check. Commence reading wonderful list. Thanks for the weekend update.
littleblackdomicile says
Indeed! I look forward to the weekend update with a favorite beverage as you suggest. Not all of our clients are ready to live with less, however, we do promote the philosophy that there is a Perfect LBD for everyone’s home and encourage acceptance and contentment.-Laurel
John says
Regarding your Forbes piece- During the last ten years that I served as Chief of Police, I wore my uniform or only two suits. Off duty, jeans and dark t-shirt. I travel with one backpack and quick drying underwear, so I can wash in hotel sink. It’s amazing how simplifying your wardrobe simplifies your life.
Brandy Acord says
I was trying to subscribe using the lifetime deal, but during the confirmation process the website kept sending me in a perpetual loop. Is there anyway you could see if it went through? I hate to miss that price.
Thank you!
joshua becker says
Brandy, there is a Contact Us link at the top of the Simplify Magazine webpage. They will be able to help you better over there. I’m sure they’ll be able to get everything figured out for you quickly.
Chlo says
Thank you so much for sharing this :) Reading in itself is such a relaxing and calming thing to do, it’s such a good method for clearing your head. I love this list of books that you’ve included though, because they seem like they will really open my mind to everything around me and give me a clearer perspective.
Have a great weekend :)
Chloe @ https://girllgonerogue.blogspot.co.uk/