Fill your life with stories to tell, not stuff to show.
The simplicity/minimalism movement is a beautiful community. And I enjoy any opportunity to promote writing that encourages people to live more by owning less.
So fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. Find a quiet moment this weekend. And enjoy some encouraging words to inspire more simplicity in your life today.
How Quarantine Decluttering Can Increase Productivity, Lower Stress and Save You Money | The Washington Post by Nicole Anzia. August is a good time to get your house in order. This can empower you and your family to take control of your immediate surroundings; ideally, it will increase productivity, lower stress levels and save money.
Your Belongings Should Help You Live in the Present | Nourishing Minimalism by Rachel Jones. Many times we make decisions on what to keep based on the past or the future, without considering too much the effect our things have on our present life.
The Case For Digital Minimalism In A Quarantining Age | Study Breaks by Juliana Fujii. While tech can be healthy and helpful in moderation, it’s a misconception to think that our time online becomes more valuable in quarantine.
You Are Not Defined By Your Possessions | No Sidebar by Somrita Sen. The five most important lessons about minimalism I learned pursuing it.
How to Have a Healthier Body Image | Joshua Becker on YouTube
Gail says
being a huge bookworm I have a difficult problem with letting go. No organizers tools has ever helped to resolve it. Now I buy less shelves and put all in boxes or folder or binder from my printout. Then years later found out I have never touched any as much longer. Then recently I discarded5 boxes of junkies and notes that are now in digital. Some few useless notes are thrown out. There are so many more in boxes and I am so hopeful I will free some sometimes soon. Thanks , great post, Josh.
Heidi says
I really like Somrira Sen article. Many facts that all make sense. I have found enjoying myself more on relaxing with friends and lesser on my hobbies. Painting and creating is not a solitary activity as one could. It is using colors, shapes, forms and tones. I wish I could draw so well. No patience here. I admire artists who can exhibit those talents as I can’t myself do it might self. So thankful for your sharing those articles.
Rachel Jones says
Thank you for the mention Joshua!
joshua becker says
You got it Rachel.
Helen McCollum but eveyone calls me Lynn says
I have been working the past two weeks or so on decluttering my home. I sure have learned a lot in the process and I am living in way more JOY!! I love the emails , great time to sit and relax in my favorite chair with a cup of tea and learn more.
Lynn Eldridge says
I learned about minimalism in a most unusual place: a minimum-security incarceration facility in a northern state. Active alcoholism brought me there; I had so much to learn!
Transferring to the state-run facility from higher custody was a blessing. We were four to a room, bunk beds, with a small closet/desk unit for personal things. Oddly enough, I had all I needed in that little cubby, for six long months! Three drawers and a narrow closet for clothes: just enough for a week’s worth with careful rotation. One drawer for papers, etc., and a fold down surface for writing. The top of the closet was room enough for a few knick-knacks and if you were lucky, a little TV. Just enough!
But mental clutter was absent, too. Even in custody. We had rules and a routine; we ate in shifts and were assigned chores. We attended 12 step meetings, read books, got actual sleep, held actual conversations and interacted with others with card games, puzzles and board games. It was way before cell phones and tablets; my biggest prize was a 12-inch Black n white TV that got three channels. Just enough!
I look back with nothing but gratitude that I did not injure or kill someone behind the wheel, and that I was able by the grace of God to grasp sobriety and change my downward spiral.
Now packing to move to a new home, I have tried to pare down my “stuff” but can go much more when I unpack, too! Thanks for listening!
Jennifer says
I have followed your blog for a long time and have enjoyed it immensely. I always find the entries to be inspiring and helpful on many levels. I am not yet where I would like to be on my minimalist journey but it is constantly evolving. I would greatly appreciate an article on how to deal with paper clutter, (all types of this kind of clutter). It is something that I struggle with from time to time and would appreciate any suggestions on how to better handle it. Thank you.