For the last nine years, I have been compiling and publishing curated articles that inspire simplicity. 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.
Young Chinese are in Love With “Frugal Living” | Yahoo! by Yvonne Lau. On Douban, a Chinese website that provides information related to current events, music, and more, young Chinese are flocking to groups that offer money-saving tips.
Minimalist Woman Gets Rid of Plates, Her Children’s Toys and Sentimental Wedding Day Decor | Metro by Aidan Milan. A mum who’s adopted a minimalist lifestyle has gotten rid of a whopping 3,500 items from her family’s home.
9 Lessons Minimalist Living Will Teach Your Children | No Sidebar by Julia Ubbenga. I’ve unquestionably seen positive changes in our daughters since transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle a year and half ago.
How Many Pants Should I Own & Other Weird Minimalism Questions | The Fun Sized Life by Renee Benes. While this question makes me smile a little, the truth is, I had similar questions when I was first starting minimalism which is why I thought it might be time to drop some straight forward answers to some of the weirdest questions I have been asked as a minimalist.
10 Choices You Will Regret in 10 Years | Marc and Angel Hack Life by Marc Chernoff. “If only…” These two words paired together create one of the saddest phrases in the English language.
8 Reasons Successful People Wear the Same Thing Every Day | Joshua Becker on YouTube. If you have ever wondered why some successful people choose to wear the same outfit everyday, or better yet, if you are considering adopting a more streamlined wardrobe yourself, here are 8 convincing reasons.
Jill says
The article about the Chinese frugalists was so interesting! Josh, have any of your books been translated into Mandarin? It seems like that country is ripe for some minimalist inspiration from you!!
Tina says
I’m 73. I’ve never had much stuff. My husband(75) and I get rid of stuff all the time. Books go to library sales. I gave rocks, shells, and foreign coins to little
kids we know.
Jewelry I don’t wear goes to a daughter in law, a sister in law or I sell it.
I don’t buy home decor items. We live in a smaller space than most people we
know.
Betsy says
Thank you Joshua for all the articles. Even though I’m an older adult I read all the postings and come away with good information from them all. With the holidays coming I’m wondering if you could address how one ends the gift giving pressure gracefully without hurting someone’s feelings.
Sunshine says
I hope you find a joyful solution to gift giving. Some things that have helped with gift giving: set a price limit, exchange baked/treats/coffee/tea, other consumable items, exchange wish lists with items under $5, gift swap so each person only buys one gift, dessert or dinner celebration, other special event such as a play, theater, or ballet instead of gifts, meet for coffee or dinner. If you do not want to exchange gifts at all, I suggest asking if everyone will meet for a coffee date or outing instead. If you feel you must still exchange gifts, suggest a small handmade/baked item or other consumable item with a low price value. You can buy brand new candles, fancy soaps or lotions at the thrift store. One year we did a thrift store challenge for our family to buy a gift for each person for under $2, and we had change leftover! I got two lovely scented candles (I happen to enjoy them). Children got brand new games and puzzles! Don’t give up. Present graciously and entreat them to come up with a solution everyone can be happy with. We still give gifts to those who didn’t agree with the new plan, but we give smaller gifts that we are comfortable with. In time it will be accepted.
Sunshine says
P.S. Another thing is to announce early that you are simplifying and would like to have more fun together without the pressure of tangible gifts.
Glenda Jackson says
Might you include a few articles written by single 70+year old women regarding their forays into minimalizing their homes.