Fill your life with stories to tell, not stuff to show.
The simplicity/minimalism movement is a beautiful community. It is friendly, encouraging, and helpful. There is a genuine understanding that any promotion of simplicity is good for society—and there is little concern over who gets the credit.
It is a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful group of people. And I enjoy every 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.
Every Thing You Own is a Relationship You’re In | Raptitude by David Cain. Much of this process is about deciding who you are and who you’re not going to be.
Why Depriving Your Kids of Toys is a Great Idea | The Guardian by Madeleine Somerville. It’s not just science that recommends you say yes to less; your wallet and the natural world outside your door agree.
People who donate to charity are much happier — and healthier | NY Post by Reuters. Giving is not just “heartwarming,” it may be literally good for our hearts as well.
Rethinking Work | New York Times by Barry Schwartz. Work that is adequately compensated is an important social good. But so is work that is worth doing.
Joshua, I have been following your blog and truly enjoyed reading your posts. I just had to share it in my blog. Thank you for the encouraging posts. Keep up the great work! Together, we can clean up this world by de-cluttering our homes, and our hearts.- Anna from Delaware
Joshua, I love your blog. My only suggestion is to not have a comments section. It detracts from the essence of your posts. I am really interested in reading everyone’s comment anyway.
Not I mean ☺️
That article on depriving children of toys is FANTASTIC. It’s something I’ve struggled with this last year since having my son. I’ve been very much in the camp of “fewer the better” but grandparents go overboard and our “play room” (which doubles as a library and piano room) is now overrun. That bit about kids not playing with something long enough to really learn from it – sad to say, I’ve already noticed that with my ONE year old. I can’t imagine enduring 4 more years of this. So I’m definitely going to go look for more articles about this less toys thing and start boxing up most of his toys.
Marie, I hear you on the grandparent front (well, only one of the grandparents refuses to understand our lifestyle). And you are so right about the pre-school years… We’ve been on a minimalist journey for 3 years now and the toys by far are the hardest. My almost 4 year old talks about Christmas lists to unending lengths and it’s only October. We are about to halve our living space (4 to 2 bedrooms) and despite protests I have hidden half her already brutally curated collection. Apart from a small number of dress ups, blocks, softies, books, craft and puzzles, it’s all hidden and soon to be gone.
I feel like the meanest mother in the world, but as an only child she never lacks anything, especially quality time. The hardest bit is her understanding and being willing to forego the nice, for the better. She’s beginning to grasp the concept but the emotional attachment is still strong, something I’m at a loss in find balance between fulfilling family goals and picking the right battles to fight with her. I find that I have to be wise in honouring her autonomy and letting go of my perfectionistic “all or nothing” approach to things.
It takes bravery to do what you’re doing, I wish you all the best (sincerely).
“Anti-pants” has been the story of my clutter since I can remember…. So nice to put a name on that and purge them!
The article about People who Donate to Charity had it wrong about happiness, at least in my opinion. I was at least twice as happy at age 40 than at age 20. Now at 50, I am more happy than ever with my life. I have a few causes to which I donate monetarily, but my donated time to causes gives me greater joy than writing a check. Thanks for all of the articles! I am gradually minimizing sorrows and maximizing joys.
I enjoyed the Cain article. I read Marie Kondo’s book as well, and asking yourself if a possession brings you “joy” is a great way to thin things out. So much of our stuff is held for psychological reasons that, upon closer scrutiny, do not really bring us joy! Thanks!
Another great collection of articles. I loved the one about toys, I have always been thinking along these lines but didn’t implement a lot, but it’s great to read there are people wth similar views.
One of the best parts of my weekend. Thanks so much!
I loved the first article. my family is moving country in 3 weeks. 3 yr old, 3 month old and the grown ups. after 5 years, we will have 1 suitcase for the kid toys and kid books, and one for everything else. and while we will have to buy a lot when we get home, buying things that bring joy will be so much better. just purged my saved up gifts, mementos, greeting cards and antipants. damn that feels good. and giving many things away to people I k ow will appreciate them makes the process feel even better. less is more FTW!
What IS that orange sludge in the coffee cup?
Pumpkin Latte?
The Cain article is wonderful. As I keep peeling off yet another layer of clutter I’m finding joy in empty spaces. Maybe not truly “empty”, but my closet is at the point where I can pretty much see what’s in there by opening the door without shoving anything aside.
I really enjoy reading your posts and suggested reads. I always walk away with something. Keep on keeping on….
“Anti-pants!!” (Laughed out loud at that one as I got rid of some anti-pants just yesterday) Loved Cain’s piece. So many gems in that one and what a brilliant method of pairing down.
I really enjoyed this article, in fact, I loved it! Your photography skills are great! If you would be so kid as to check my blog out too, the address is: http://www.laurelella.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed the first article – very helpful!
I’m glad I’ll be making memories with my granddaughter this weekend…and not be out shopping. Because I work retail, I see mindless consumerism firsthand! The stories I could share! :) Every season here in Illinois, people rush in to buy new clothes. I never understood that. I could see one or two pieces, but customers shop as if they need a whole new wardrobe every time the weather changes! lol