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.
If You Own One Thing in the World, Let It Be This | No Sidebar by Kerry Ogden. Minimalism is less about the quantity of items you have than it is the quality of life you create.
Being Debt-Free for the Holidays is a Feeling You Can’t Buy in a Store | The Washington Post* by Michelle Singletary. If someone close to you adores giving gifts and you know he or she may be struggling financially, let the person know you’re good this year and that you don’t want anything.
8 Simple Steps You Can Take To Make Your Lifestyle More Minimalist | This is Insider by Lindsay Mack. Owning less stuff can be daunting at first but it can help you focus on what’s important.
Too Many Toys Are Bad For Children, Study Suggests | The Telegraph by Sarah Knapton. It’s what parents have suspected all along. Children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime, a new study suggests.
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*Editor’s note: The Washington Post limits the number of free Post articles nonsubscribers can read to 10 per month.
I really enjoy the weekend reads. Slowly I am able to begin the sorting that comes with reducing and passing on the wealth. In the middle though of reading your blog and others connected we began to build a workshop barn, so my husband has a place to do his projects. I am choosing less in so many ways so thank you.
Owning yourself !
Thanks for another great article :)
Love the No Sidebar article! Thanks for your awesome blog and taking the time to find these weekend reads.
Thank you so much for your book and the time you put into your website. I really appreciate your weekend reads too. They are a good reminder to stay on course.
Walden says it as well as any book I’ve read so far.
Thank you for your wonderful blog and inspiration! This post was very helpful to me as it furthers helps support me on finding out what matters most to me and it’s time to spend with loved ones and enjoy nature, and that’s just the beginning!
Distraction is the real enemy to solitude, amen i think thats why so many of us are fraught with anxiety, trying to find peace and quiet, when all around are so demanding, exhausts me, funny used to laugh at people wanting to live on an island by on their own with simple living, well not any more, i,m signing up heehee
lv Jacqueline
There’s a line in the Kerry Ogden piece that resonates: “Distraction is the enemy of solitude.” We are deluged with digital distractions and real life distractions. No wonder we’re all frazzled. Do yourself a favor. Grab your hiking shoes and get out in nature. Listen to birds. Feel the breeze. Return to a place of peace!
Thanks for another great round up of articles! I especially appreciated Kerry Ogden’s thoughts on what is important in life and how to get there.
Curious if anyone has seen articles discussing Minimalism in the context if Sustainability. One of the means through which humanity will achieve Sustainability is through a less resource-intensive lifestyle, although that is not the only change to be made.