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 intentionality 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.
The Thinking Belle: Why I’m Cleaning Out My Closets for Shelters | Midlands Anchor by Allison Willingham. There are so many things in your house that you never touch, look at, or use at all. But those items could make a huge difference in someone else’s life.
Please, No More Toys—if you want to give a gift, try this | Motherly by Elizabeth Tenety. Why we’re asking for experiences, not toys.
Happiness From Being Generous Has a Neural Basis Within the Brain | Seeker. MRI scans revealed that an area of the brain linked to generosity triggered a response in another part related to happiness.
Five Life-Giving Truths About Living Simply And Saving Money | Forbes by Joshua Becker. The best gifts don’t take up room in your home.
I just published my very own blog article about minimalism – would love to read your feedback!
Joshua, I appreciate all the work you do, from the very inspiring articles that you write yourself, to your useful “weekend reads” sharing other great minimalist posts from around the web. The dedication of your time and talent is very valuable to me — thank you!
Wonderful words and articles. With 2 small children to run after, I am attempting to re-inspire myself to simplify our lives. Thank you for the inspirations, I greatly enjoy your blog!
Joshua, thank you for the inspiring articles. I have noticed the Weekend Reads do not get as many comments as most of your other posts. I hope you will continue the encouragement though. Over the last two weeks, I have spent twenty hours going through a big backlog of paper in our home. The words you share with us encourage me to keep going. Thanks again!
I can definitely relate to the toys article, except with animal toys. I know one to many people with an entire box full of dog toys or cat toys. Having worked with animals for 7 years, I know for a fact that they don’t need that many. It’s just clutter, physically and mentally.
Nicolette
The useless crap article made me smile. Our family is moving from California to Nevada. We were already organized but moving has a way of amplifying the benefits of minimalism!
I have been looking for a Melita cone to fit over my coffee cup. Stores here sell the coffee and my. 2 filters, but no cone. Any idea of a grocery chain that may carry it. Thank You.
I don’t like to insult my stuff and in turn myself with words like “useless crap.” I get rid of stuff that was once useful, that was a bad call – learned from that!, a wrong size, good news or bad, and that might be of great fun and/or value to someone else. I don’t give them my “crap, my useless crap,” insulting them for being dumb or poor enough to take “useless crap.” Words matter.
Your points in your article, Joshua are spot on. I love reading your insights. I also am inspired by the article that donates to shelters. I already do that but could do it for more places. I love thinking how the things I don’t need will provide value to someone else. Thanks for finding these inspiring articles for us.