For the last seven years, I have been compiling and publishing curated articles that inspire simplicity in life. At first, it was an exercise in communicating to Becoming Minimalist readers the most popular articles I sent out on Twitter.
But over the years, it has become more than that. It has become a place where people (every other week) come for a dose of inspiration. And it has become a place to promote and encourage writers around the world who are publishing content about minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living.
I think you will enjoy this collection of articles hand-selected for you this weekend. Grab some coffee, tea, or lemonade and be inspired to live a simpler life today:
My Secret to Good Hospitality: Having Less | Open Hearted Home by Lilly Neubauer. “This home may never be in a magazine, but it will be remembered by good people for being a space that values community and love – thanks to me changing my focus from ‘what else do I need to acquire to be worthy?’ to ‘what do I already have that’s worth sharing?'”
Competing with the Paltrows: ‘Hamptons Anxiety’ is No Joke | New York Post by Stephanie Krikorian. Being ungrateful is contagious.
Why I Choose to Live Within My Means | Forbes by Joshua Becker. Because I live within my means, I enjoy a significant level of freedom that others do not. It allows me to sleep better, carry less stress, and live a more calm, relaxed life.
Claiming Quiet in a Loud World | No Sidebar by Heidi Barr. Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak.
What to Do When You Get Stuck Decluttering | Joshua Becker on YouTube
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I enjoyed reading the living within your means post. Honestly, I generally enjoy your suggested reading selection, or at least respect it. However, I am left questioning your stratosphere and relatability having been definitely off-put by the Keeping Up with the Paltrows post….it is so in your face, against simplicity and speaks to a very small percent WITHIN the top 20% in our country, because let’s face it that who is buying in the Hamptons, and of those in the Hampton’s how many truly….well you get the point. I have no idea the cost of a sub zero fridge, I am sure it is more than my whole kitchen is worth! and i am struggling to find a way out of debt while my kids orthodontist has raised his costs by 50% (after all he has a beach house to pay for!) (and in case you are wondering, all 3 children need braces for sever structural reasons, not merely aesthetic)
Can you do a post with the names of the minimalist books you’ve read or at least the ones you’d recommend? I find them encouraging, also, but have had a hard time finding new ones that sound worth reading. I don’t want to undue my minimalism progress by buying all the books I see, either.
Thankyou for the living within my means article. I accepted a promotion with a good salary with the intention of saving it never happened. After 18 months I have decided to change jobs to cut my hours and to have less responsiblty. Recently in preparing my spending to christmas, I have gone into panic mode, can I afford all this on a much smaller salary. I was so tempted to pick up overtime justifying that it will only be in the short term -when it never is.
But I was reminded myself its not the answer cutting back and talking to people about expectations is.
Thankyou
I grew up in a small house, lounge/diner, kitchen, two bedrooms, I shared mine with my cousin and a bathroom, toilet in this room.
My dear Dad told me when I was grown up that if he had had plenty of money he wouldn’t have over indulged me as it wouldn’t have been good for me.
I’m grateful for my wise Dad.
Now I also live in a small house, similar to the one I grew up in, only it has three bedrooms and we added a conservatory to enjoy the garden in the often unsettled uk weather.
We could afford something more elaborate, we prefer it here.
Thanks for your posts Joshua, enjoy them very much.
I moved from a big house… where I rarely entertained— because it didn’t function well, to a much smaller home that is very welcoming to guests. Bigger and more doesn’t mean better. I actually have more space here because I donated all the clutter before I moved. So easy to clean here. I am blessed for sure, with less.
Now here’s a sticky question:
I like to read the ‘Becoming Minimalist’ posts, they are bery encouraging. But… how many posts do I really need coming into my email and facebook feed? I’m pretty sure 3 a day is too many for me. Maybe 1 a week so I get a chance to really digest what I’ve read rather than feeling slightly bombarded.
I am loving what you’re doing, but I can’t figure a way of tempering the amount of input. Yes it’s up to me to choose what and when I read, but… my addictove qualities get in the way. Hmmm. Tricky.
I always find it ironic that minimalism articles and posts often recommend withdrawing from social media as a way to claim more time for your life yet I’m getting these recommendations from social media. It’s a balancing act for sure. I have one social media account and unsubscribed emails from those I follow on Facebook to cut down on duplicates. Like everything in life, it’s a work in process.
We don’t have to read everything available on minimalism. It can be a pick-me-up, or periodical reminder and encouragement. The important thing is that we incorporate an idea to our life at a doable pace.
Hmmm I wonder how I’m signed up in email. I only get an email once in a while, not every day. I don’t have a feed either. I just bookmark sites I love to read and come back to them.
I grew up on the Hampton in a modest home and was a “local”. As a teenager, i babysit in these homes being described in the article and catered parties. It is an elite life they are chasing. Its funny to read that article as a person that doesn’t care about that stuff. Living with less is my preference.
I have to say…it is one one of the prettiest places though.