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.
Americans Aren’t Buying Stuff Anymore | TIME by Alicia Adamczyk. After aggregating data on consumers’ credit and debit purchases, researchers found that people are spending much less on things and spending more on experiences.
Two Years Without Shopping: What I Bought, Donated and Learned to Be True | Cait Flanders by Cait Flanders. Now that I know how much I need/use in a year, I have no reason to go back to mindlessly consuming things just for the sake of consuming them.
The No-Brainer Purge: 20 Items to Get Rid of Right Now Without a Second Thought | Apartment Therapy by Shifrah Combiths. If you’ve got the urge to get some stuff out of the house, start with this list of items you can say goodbye to right now with little thought and no impunity.
12 YouTube Channels All Minimalists Will Love | The Blissful Mind by Catherine Beard. If you need some inspiration to declutter your life or are intrigued and want to learn more about what other people are doing, I highly recommend you subscribe to some of these channels.
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker. If you want more inspiration and a practical guide to owning less, my book, The More of Less, has helped over 20,000 people discover the life they want by removing the possessions they don’t. The hardcover edition is less than $11.
Thank you for sharing all recommendations! It’s Sunday evening and with a little bit too much time on my hands this is exactly what I was looking for. Best wishes, Iga x http://www.igaberry.com
Oh, Apartment Therapy, it pains me to think people need to be told to throw out expired coupons.
I actually will definitely read these this weekend! I love the idea of becoming more minimalist in my life. Thank you for sharing these!!
I found it interesting that the Time article puts both restaurants and travel in the “experiences rather than things” category. This makes perfect sense to me with travel but I am not sure how Starbucks or going out to dinner rather than cooking at home are considered experiences. I go to restaurants and do not have a problem with choosing to eat out but I would not consider it an experience, rather an alternative way to feed oneself (and a rather pricey one at that). Most of the time, I would put meals eaten out in the “things” category but am wondering how others feel about the article’s characterization.
Eating out is considered an experience.
Hi, Debbie, that’s an intriguing question.
For me, eating out can be either an experience or an alternative way of refueling. If I go to a restaurant where the food is actually cooked for me, and savour it in a leisurely way, often with friends, it’s an experience. If I dash in somewhere and eat a fastish-food sandwich while checking my e-mail, it’s strictly fuel. Once I make the distinction, I can decide what kind of consuming I’m doing.
Great Post! I will definitely be checking all those articles out! Minimalism has definitely opened my eyes to the world we live in. Instead of going out and purchasing, why not try a walk, hike, see the sunset, or take photos. Its a very refreshing way of life to think of over ways to consume our energy.
Thank you for this, some great weekend reading. I really liked the Cait Flanders article.
I am sitting down now with a 52 oz Bubba mug of ice tea with lemon, ready to read the articles. I encouraged a relative who is having a b’day, to do what I did several month’s back. Go thru the kitchen and pull out items not being used incl small appliances, any useable linens like towels, etc. and donate to a group home. Things may be obsolete to you that others can use . for ex: I got some silicone serving/stir spoons and donated the metal ones, extra mugs, plates,etc. Mari Kondo’s downsizing method by categories is motivating.
Hi Cait!!! It’s always nice to see you here :)
Seems you’ve carved out a great life for yourself…and I know that nothing comes easy, so I applaud you for the dedication it takes to achieve your dreams. You are an inspiration, for sure :)
I’ve recently started a new job, and I’ve had to muster-up every ounce of courage I had to make it through the first few weeks. I’m still struggling—but refuse to give up, because I know one day it’ll all click and things will get easier. Truthfully, Cait…I’m so proud of myself. No one knows how hard it’s been.
I’ve had to purchase new clothes (as this job requires proper work attire) but I’ve picked up beautiful things at Goodwill for a fraction of the cost had I gone retail.
Anyway—good luck with everything! Girl power! :)
God bless.
It’s good to hear that people aren’t buying as much stuff anymore. Out of interest, do you think that tattoos fit into minimalism?
http://www.rosieleizrowice.com
If tattoos bring you joy and value, why not?
Rosie, absolutely! It’s like carrying your art with you in a simplistic manor.
Yes!
The first article about people buying experiences instead of things reflects our summer. We spent two weeks in Ireland. The memories definttely trump buying more stuff!
Love it John! I hear ya, in more ways than one!!!