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.
The White Envelope by Nancy W. Gavin. This inspirational story needs to be read and shared a million times.
7 Simple Strategies to Avoid Overspending this Holiday Season | Forbes. Americans spend 9X the amount of money retail shopping during the Christmas season than any other season of the year.
My Year of No Spending is Over—Here’s How I Got Through It | The Guardian by Michelle McGagh. The first six months were hard, but I found a new way of living and the challenge has left me wealthier and wiser.
John says
The White Envelope story carries with it everything that Christmas should be about. Namely, helping others. As Mother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Let’s pray for a whole lot more peace this Christmas.
Gina de Groote says
Amen.
Krista O'Reilly-Davi-Digui says
Thank you for The White Emvelope story:)
Lauri says
Seconded! Such a nice story.
AGS says
Appreciated your emphasis on humility in the YouTube interview.
laura ann says
I went to “early” black Fri sale on Wed. day before Thanksgiving @ major dept store (Belk). Store not crowded at 10am. Got all lost liter stuff. two bedspreads, blanket, latex pillow , 3 sets sheets, two non stick 10″ skillets, two Izod shirts 13.49 ea all top brand stuff. Donated items replaced to group home, threw out scratched skillet. Used cash, and savings was over $300. Today, they just sent me a gift card for the 7th Dec thru Sat. will go and may not buy anything. Best time for gifts and self gifting, when stuff is lost liter. I do food boxes for gifts (pastor and close friends) with gourmet foods, etc. Stuff that will be used up and not end up clutter. I won’t pay full price, there will be more sales leading thru Jan. ’17. Tax time Jan., what a drag always hated math, even w/ a calculator. Friends and I will hit Cracker B. gift store this week, getting things that will be eaten/used up over time.
Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
Wow, I love the white envelope tradition. What a beautiful story. I wonder if those children have white envelopes on their own trees these days? Maybe grandchildren!
I think this is why many of us feel “grinchy” about Christmas – it’s all about gifts, but not necessarily generosity.
Gina de Groote says
It is a difficult season to get through and I am a Grinch. The spending that never ends and the fake joviality that commercials tell us we should feel make it, for me, almost unbearable. Finally at 56 years old, I do what I want for Christmas. My niece and nephew get their Christmas Eve pjs. My three sisters all get the same book sometime during the year. No other presents. On Christmas Eve I have a wonderful, inexpensive dinner with friends. And then I close the door and spend the rest on the Holiday in solitude. It was a hard earned fight to get here, but so worth it for me.
Sarah says
As always I am encouraged and inspired by this community. I feel so different this Christmas with paring down everything associated with the commercialism and really focusing on what is important to me and it always comes back to exchanging stuff for time…shared experiences and quality time. These are some of my favourites, I love waking up early each morning, getting a cup of tea brewing lighting the candles and Christmas tree lights and just sitting, reading and having some time before the day begins. I love spending time playing board games with my children and seeing all the grown ups laughing their socks off as they get into the games more than the kids! I love getting together with my girlfriends for a craft afternoon making Christmas wreaths and having a bring and share Christmas tea ( yes I am from the uk I’ve mentioned tea twice!! ) carols by candlelight and mince pies with neighbours and just having the time to be grateful and appreciate this amazing and precious life we have. Thank you Joshua for all that you do, Happy Christmas everyone xx
Finja says
Hi Joshua. Thanks for putting this list together, loved the mix of articles and video. It’s always great to go for a good curry!!
Cheers,
Finja / http://www.effcaa.com
Jean French-Turner says
By the time I finished reading The White Envelope that you included in your Weekend Reads, I was choked up with emotion- thank you so very much for including it… this is the true spirit of giving.
Loretta Brooks says
I look forward to this weekly email. It’s so helpful!
Thank you and Merry minimalist Christmas!