Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff you don’t need.
Encouragement provides us with motivation to persevere. It invites us to dream dreams of significance for our lives. And it begs us to work diligently with optimism and promise.
Overcoming the pull of consumerism is a difficult challenge regardless of our stage in life. Simplicity requires encouragement. To that end, I hope you will find motivation in these articles below.
Each post was intentionally chosen to inspire simplicity in your life. For maximum effect, find a quiet moment this weekend and enjoy them with a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
Why You Shouldn’t Give Gifts To Adults | USA Today by N’dea Yancey-Bragg. Eschewing gift-giving doesn’t make you a Grinch, some say — it might make you more of a savvy Santa. Here are reasons not to buy gifts and what to do instead.
Our Family Of 4 Downsized To A 200-Square-Foot Home | Scary Mommy by Brynn Burger. Tiny living has given us permission to say yes to what matters to us and to say no to what we just no longer have space for anymore.
An alarming number of shoppers are still paying off debt from last Christmas | CNBC by Emmie Martin. Create a budget this holiday season. And then stick to it.
The White Envelope | Becoming Minimalist by Nancy W. Gavin. Holiday inspiration for your reading pleasure.
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Issue 003: Stress and Overwhelm | Simplify Magazine. The most recent issue of Simplify Magazine focuses specifically on healthy responses to stress and overwhelm in our lives. As an added bonus, for the month of December, the magazine is offering a “Buy One, Gift One” lifetime subscription for only $20. Buy one lifetime subscription for yourself, and receive one complimentary subscription you can give to a friend or family member. It’s our special way of celebrating the holiday season.
Penny Timmons says
I so enjoy my quiet moments with Weekend Reads.
The White Envelope story was truly moving and inspiring.
Laura says
I simply LOVE the article, THE WHITE ENVELOPE. Thank you!
Jacqueline says
hi josh thanks for the weekend reads i love them so much, i may not agree with it all but then as an adult i can choose, regarding photo,s i think families love to pass photo,s around to each other and sometimes i think if we sort them out too much we can throw the priceless photo or photo,s away, may i suggest people keep a small memento box with a mixture of favourites, i knw digital certainly has its benefits but there is also something special about holding a photo in your hand and passing it along to someone else.
hope you and yr family have a lovely christmas love Jacqueline
Trying to simplify says
Thank you for your articles. I am Enjoying them. I have a question that may or may not have been covered in previous articles.
What does a minimalist do with printed photos? Surely they treasure those memories?! Or do they not print them and keep them stored in clouds?? Thank you for any replies.
joshua becker says
I don’t speak for all minimalists—nobody does. No doubt a minimalist photographer may have a different opinion than me. But I usually encourage people to consider the fact that printed photos are never permanent in nature, they will inevitably face or curl, and are always at danger of fire or flood. On the other hand, digital photos are permanent—they will never fade. If you intend to keep photos in the family for generations to come, a digital copy is required. After that, the decision is up to you about how best to use or display physical photos.
Tim Fleming says
Digital pics may never fade, but they can disappear. Make sure your precious photos are backed up, preferably off-site.
N says
Hi there, I really wanted to investigate your latest magazine issue, and the lifetime subscription offer – but none of the links are working.
I’m trying to decide whether to quit my ultra stressful high paying executive position…..
Loved your book, which I purchased & Read quite some time ago.
Cheers, N
joshua becker says
The links to the magazine are working for me. You should probably try again.
Cindy says
Thank you for these articles. I really love the weekend reads email. Such relevant information and inspiring.
The link to the magazine isn’t working for me either. I tried on my phone and desktop today. Thanks! Looking forward to reading it.
John says
Loved the “White envelope” story. Especially after seeing black Friday TV footage of the usual mayhem and fighting shoppers! Thanks for taking the time to compile these weekend reads. Always up lifting and/or thoughtful.
joshua becker says
Thanks for the encouraging words John.
Luke says
Really hate that you continue to link to websites that use spammy advisements that hijack the browser.
joshua becker says
Thanks for the feedback Luke. If I refrained from linking to websites that use advertisements, these weekend posts would be pretty short… I don’t get to control the Internet, I can only control my small little corner of it.
Tammy says
Those sites make me appreciate yours (and others like yours) all the more! Thank you!
Iki says
Hi Joshua
This year I have decided to give my time to my close friends. I am going to spend a weekend with one of my friends so she can go out and have some ‘me’ time as she has been caring for her sick husband in and out of hospital 24 hours a day . My present to her is my presence- looking after her husband to give her a bit of a break. Can’t buy that in a store.