Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff you don’t need.
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 intentionally 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.
Dear Messy People, Minimalism is Especially For You | Abundant Life with Less by Rachelle Crawford. Minimalism works for me because I’m kind of a slob. Messy people need minimalism most of all!
Giving Myself A Dress Code Changed My Dang Life | Buzzfeed by Rachel Wilkerson Miller. Arbitrary wardrobe rules can be oppressive and terrible… unless you’re the one setting them.
Why Dave Ramsey Thinks You Should Keep Living Like ‘A Broke College Kid’ | CNBC by Emmie Martin. Here’s how to set yourself up for a financially successful adulthood.
Here’s How To Stop Overspending When Hanging Out With Friends | Forbes by Joshua Becker. Nearly 40% overspend to keep up with friends. And two-thirds of us feel buyer’s remorse after spending more than we had planned to on a social situation.
Also, here are 8 Books to Inspire You to do Life on Purpose.
Erica Layne says
Thanks so much for including my book list, Joshua!
Brenda Laurence says
I was surprised to read such foul language on your blog. Although I appreciate your Minimalist approach and have employed many of your suggestions, I hesitate to read articles written by others. Could you not edit these articles, or present guidelines for language acceptable by your audience?
Abbie says
Thanks for yet another great roundup of reads! I especially enjoyed Dave Ramsey’s advice to live in (or under) your means – good advice for any of us and the detailed, practical view of a minimalism wardrobe – hearing her story made me think about my own clothing choices, especially related to my personal style and comfort and how to better embrace those.
Ivaylo Durmonski says
“Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff you don’t need.” – Indeed, the less you have around you the more focused and determined you will be towards your goals!
Janna says
I may not personally agree with your religious beliefs, but I definitely respect them. This is what Jesus actually preached, and you are the kind of Christian that people should try to be like. I’m an atheist, but I try to live in this manner, too. :)
Elizabeth says
I very much enjoyed Rachel’s perspective on a dress code and would hate to have missed it because she cursed. If we find ourselves terribly distraught over someone else’s writing choices we are free to stop reading at any time. Lighten up!
Emma says
I’ve never commented here before but was pretty shocked at the reaction to Rachel’s article! I wasn’t going to read it until I read the comments here… I found the language to be extremely benign. The title of her piece suggests that she’ll use a less formal tone AND it was published on buzzfeed– those two things alone should tell a cautious reader all they need to know.
Lori says
Agreed. I honestly didn’t even notice anything off about the language until I read the comments. I was just reading the article looking for information.
MMcD says
I loved Rachel’s article and quickly forwarded it to my mom – a classy lady with a shopping impulse, high bar for quality writing but also a sense of humor. Wasn’t bothered by the casual tone at all. As Emma rightly points out, a discerning reader should recognize the news source. This was my favorite article out of the weekend reads. If you’re accepting enough to look beyond someone’s word choice, the substance of the article was inspiring and insightful.
John P. Weiss says
The Dave Ramsey piece reminded me of my college and grad school years. The studio apartment and limited funds. Unencumbered by possessions. And yet, I was a happy camper. Maybe more so than later in life, when I acquired more possessions.
Kay says
Rachel Wilkerson Miller’s article on her dress code was interesting, but it was hugely disappointing for me because I had to wade through her frequent foul language! Why a woman who can otherwise express her opinion in a coherent fashion feels she must use the f-word, etc. to get her point across is beyond me! Is this really how she speaks in everyday life? What a shame. Please, Joshua, when you choose these weekend reads for us, pick those that don’t need filthy language to supposedly inspire us! YOU have never needed to resort to such distasteful words in your articles and books. Don’t give such a writer a platform! Thanks.
joshua becker says
Thanks for the comment Kay. There’s not a writer in the world with whom I agree 100% on word choice (or worldview for that matter). But that doesn’t mean their writing doesn’t resonate or inspire people, just because I would have personally made the point in a different way. I am happy to hear you found it interesting. I found it to be helpful in rethinking the value of a limited wardrobe as well.
Betsy says
Agreed! I got past the words I wouldn’t use myself because her message was worth reading. Thank you for the posting Joshua.
Candi @ min hus says
They’re just words. Why people get so upset about certain words is beyond me. Sometimes you do need them to truly express yourself.
MrsMc says
Kay I agree 100% with your opinion on the use of offensive words in Rachel’s article. Care to start our own minimalism group for good manners? Alas, we may be in the minority.
Lynda says
Agree! The language was unnecessary, unprofessional and distracting from the message.
Claudea says
Well I’d be happy to join! I’m also distracted by the disturbing language that this generations seems to find completely acceptable. Like one of the commenters mentioned, they didn’t even notice it. Here’s the thing, yes folks can express themselves however they please, but just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD. There is such thing as respect. The piece would be perfect for me to forward to my teen daughter but I wouldn’t because of the language. Social responsibility is a real thing, and should be practiced young people!
Kirstin says
I agree with you, Kay. Too many f-bombs and exclamation points. Maybe it was a slow week for posts on minimalism.