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.
How My Financial Adviser Completely Changed My Perspective on Money | Business Insider by Sarah Von Bargen. There are basically three approaches to saving: You can work more. You can save more. Or you can want less.
25 Things I Learned Selling My Life Possessions | Medium by Adam Jowett. The most precious things have no correlation to how expensive they were when bought.
Compared to… | Seth’s Blog by Seth Godin. Just because a thing can be noticed, or compared, or fretted over doesn’t mean it’s important, or even relevant.
Why I’ve Chosen to Buy Nothing New for 8 Years | Money Saving Mom by Katy Wolk-Stanley. Often, the urge to buy something new is a fleeting impulse.
NFL Wide Receiver, Ryan Broyles and wife live on $60,000/year. Invest the Remaining Millions. | ESPN by Michael Rothstein. By being frugal financially, Ryan has set up future.
Jill D says
Excellent selection of articles, as always. You’re a gifted curator! Thank you.
Kariane says
Thanks for sharing these, Joshua. Your article selections are always thought provoking.
I love the thematic ribbon of figuring out what is truly important to you, and then leaving the rest as noise. I’ve been working through similar sentiments myself (you can read about it here, if interested: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/simplify-saturday-finding-your-why/ ).
And as I thought about what might actually be valuable if I sold everything I own, the answer is not much. What’s worthwhile to me is the functionality or the beauty or the memories associated with a particular thing. The possessions themselves: I don’t think anyone will see much monetary value in our 1992 Corolla. ;-)
Lori in Prescott says
#12 in “25 things I learned by selling all my possessions”. Exactly! My ‘thing’ I overpaid for new is only worth what the current market will bear. That’s why eBay is so realistic. That ‘thing’ is only worth anything at all if someone wants to buy it. (Not counting sentimental items I have no intention of selling) I read this and edited my price on my leather sofa posted on craigslist. The purpose is to get it out of the house; not squeeze every penny I can out of it. After all, what does $1700 10 years ago translate into used goods today anyway? Enjoyed all of these posts this morning!
Carolyn says
Good point Lori.I just sold a chaise on Craigslist that I had paid
$ 850 for, for $500.I am pleased to have thee extra space as we are downsizing, and enjoy having less to clean and dust. It was huge, and makes cleaning the floor easier, and we feel like we have breathing room…I was able to pay some bills with the money that I made…
Lori in Prescott says
So you have to tell yourself it is a GAIN, not a LOSS. And if mine doesn’t sell, I will donate.
Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
Exactly Lori. I think the key is training yourself to remember that you lose/waste/let go of that money when you make the initial purchase, not at the time of any subsequent sale. Otherwise you just end up holding onto things that aren’t serving you well.
During a recent decluttering, I came to the realisation early on that it was better for me to donate excess possessions as trying to sell was just another barrier for me: http://moretimethanmoney.co.nz/2015/06/07/the-week-of-the-wii-the-minimalist-game-days-1-to-7/
Betsy says
I’m a teacher, and I’m curious about minimalism in the classroom. Have you ever come across research in that area?
From a professional standpoint, I’m moving to reduce paper clutter by making parent forms available to submit online, and posting links rather than giving handouts to my students. It’s helpful from the environmental standpoint, of course, but I’m hoping it also helps me mentally.
Another thing I’d like to try this year is to avoid using my desk in the traditional sense. I’m buying stools to put around it for students to use. I’m hoping this creates a more student-centered place of learning.
I’m curious about what your insights are on this topic, and if there’s anything you think of that I could try.
Judy says
What grade do you teach? For younger students it’s important to have lots of visual, and bright, fun colors. Sometimes too much is done online. Remember also, that getting back to basics can be a good thing. There’s nothing like the feel and smell of a “real” book, for example. And who’s gonna make a paper airplane if there’s no actual forms laying around?! :)
Judy says
Hi, Joshua. Thank you for being here for all of us. I agree with Carolyn, in that it’s so nice to have this regular community here on your website. I enjoy reading everyone’s comments as much as I do the articles. —God has placed such an awareness, an empathy in my heart for the suffering of others. I have to purposely turn it off at times in order to enjoy MY blessings. So I don’t do a whole lot of comparing…I mostly whisper a prayer each day for the suffering…and I always feel extremely blessed beyond measure. Innocent children (and animals) — I can’t imagine the the pain and fright they feel when being abused. The hopelessness. No one deserves to ever be the brunt of someones evil acts or neglect. Therefore, why would I ever complain about something so foolish as not having the latest fashion, for example. I often hear others complain over silly stuff—with never a thought that someone, somewhere, is suffering…big time. Selfish society! I want, I want, I want!
ren says
I read something on this site every day, it keeps me motivated. I have had a busy morning, have really been thoughtfully going thru my day thinking of ways to streamline.
Example, we have a breezeway with a cement floor. I have 3 small rugs and one larger rug, cuz the floor is UGLY. So I vacuum this area a few times a month, including this a.m. and got thinking if I got rid of rugs, (save one for winter snow slop) I could paint the floor with the rough paint for cement floors and then a simple sweep once a week. No dragging out the vacuum cleaner. I could actually get rid of my vacuum cleaner cuz that only carpet I have. We have shop vacs in basement and garage.
This is more than getting rid of stuff, more than organizing what I have, this is life changing way of thinking.
Making room for what you want to keep and streamlining so you have time to enjoy what you have.
Judy says
Great idea Ren! I would do the same :)
Carolyn Bostic says
Good morning. I like the Weekend recommendations. Always good to get another perspective. You are one of the ones I like best though for having a regular community of commenters from whom I can get even more insight. Thanks, Joshua.
Danielle says
Why I’ve Chosen to Buy Nothing New for 8 Years- Wow!
I did the not buying clothes for a year. I see a new challenge in my future!
Thanks for the excellent articles as always!
Stephanie L says
I’m grateful for the Von Bargen article. I have a career opportunity that is, as they often are, a case of trading more of my time for more of their money. It’s one thing to turn it down in the abstract/hypothetical, and it’s another to be faced with the decision. There’s a lot to think about and I’m in prayer, discussion with my husband, and a thorough examination of what we want.
Kathy Fannon says
As a tired Lions fan (“There’s always next year”) I love the article about Ryan Broyles.
And as always, challenged by Seth Godin.
Thank you for these articles each week, Joshua!
Linda Katherine Baker says
Joshua: I just happened to read your blog: “Everything is 100% off when you don’t buy anything.
My husband Dan and I just moved for busy lives in Southern California, serving in Ministry and I wrote a book “Faith Lessons in a Changing World.” We made a commitment to simplify our life, and our belongings.
Instead of focusing on “Success” we now are focusing on living a life of “Significance.”
Keep those pearls of wisdom coming.. They are wonderful.
Linda Katherine Baker