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.
Simplicity Leads To Happiness In Children (And Here’s How to Do It) | Raised Good by Tracy Gillett. Slowing down feeds our souls and nurtures our families. No matter what parenting style we practice, this topic unites us.
Anger, Hunger, The Thrill Of The Hunt: What’s Your Spending Trigger? | Forbes by Maggie McGrath. Here’s a list of the nine most common—and costly—spending triggers.
How Your Insecurity is Bought and Sold | Mark Manson by Mark Manson. The vast majority of information that we’re exposed to is some form of marketing.
4 Absurdly Easy Things I Do That Make Life Disproportionately Better | Raptitude by David Cain. Lots of the things we spend our energy on are worthwhile, but some are a better deal than others.
Redefining Happiness | Huffington Post Video (2:52). Jay Shetty urges us to redefine happiness.
Hannah Grace says
Interestingly, the second article (at the Forbes website) did not allow me on unless I removed Adblocker for the website. I didn’t, so didn’t get to read the article. However, not being exposed to ads is incredibly important to me. While none of us think we are affected by ads, of course, we all are. Thanks for all the other reads though!
julie says
Joshua, I loved this by David Cain on Raptitude. I read a few of his other posts too and signed up to receive e-mails. I really love the Simplicity Weekend Reads. Thank you for all your writings too as I’m leaning so much.
Julie @ HappinessSavouredHot says
Thank you so much for sharing these. Shopping has been called the best antidote to boredom, so it takes a lot of strength to resist. Not mentioning the other reasons why we like to acquire stuff. It’s a constant effort!
girl C says
Sometimes simple fills out heart more than fancy and plenty. I can’t wait to try out some of these books…
girl C
https://fromgirlc.wordpress.com
Jane Powell says
I too look forward to the ” coffee cup” on Saturday mornings. I have been encouraged so often by your blog and the articles. The articles have actually helped me change. Thank you Joshua.
John & Judy says
We backed into m-ism by selling our house & becoming full-time RVers. 1st the exhilaration of yard & moving sales – gotchkas, antiques, tools, etc. Then getting accustomed to small space & it’s restrictions. 1 thing in. 1 thing out. No duplication. Nothing for every occasion. Hard at 1st but now part of us. Not only doing more with less, but doing less. No regrets. Forgive us, tho. We still have a 10×5 storage unit for when we settle down. Not purist, but very happy.
Elaine says
I have been simplifying for about 5 years now- it took me awhile to realize how my stuff was controlling me. I’m still working at it- but sold enough stuff to add to my down payment 0f a house, purchase new appliances for the house and more- Instead if filling my house with useless items- I now have a growing savings account and buy to replace or increase my home value ( I just replaced old Ageing windows and doors). It’s freeing in ways I can’t explain. I love your fb page.
Diana Maria says
This is a great post, with so much truth! Once I began trying to live consciously I realized how difficult it is to step outside of this world of consumption and the values it constantly promotes. It takes a lot of work, but I’m sure inspirational reads such as these help as well. I will definitely look into them! Sending love and light your way,
http://mylovelierdays.com
Matt ryan says
I can’t think of a better way to start my Saturday than to read through the stories you select each week. Thank you Joshua.
Judy says
“Children need at least one person in their life who thinks the sun rises and sets on them, someone who delights in their existence and loves them unconditionally.” – Pam Leo
Eleanor Lebrecht says
Thanks for the weekend reads. Since I cleared out the extra stuff in my home and have no more anxiety about how I need to declutter. I stopped bringing in things I don’t need, cut almost all meats out of my diet, eat simpler I have more free time on my hands. It is time to get out that sewing machine, ukulele and work with plants.