“Something deep in the human heart breaks at the thought of a life of mediocrity.” —C.S. Lewis
At the time, I was just looking for a little relief. I was weary of living paycheck-to-paycheck. I was weary of spending so much money on myself knowing there were others that needed it more. And I was weary of the time and energy being wasted on cleaning, organizing, repairing, and maintaining our home.
Our decision to intentionally live with fewer possessions was motivated by discontent. But regardless of our motivation, shortly after the decision was made, we found countless life benefits: freedom, productivity, rest, and a whole bunch more.
Though not expected, we also discovered intentionality in some very valuable places.
We found intentionality in our values and passions. Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. And while this looks different for each person, it always requires its pursuer to further define his/her passions—and discover intentionality because of it.
We found intentionality in our finances. Owning less did not provide us with more money (except for the items we sold), but it did provide us with more opportunities for our money. Once we became attracted to living with less and the hold of consumerism on our checkbook was broken, our money could be used for more valuable purposes than the clearance rack at the local department store. New opportunities to help others became available—and new decisions were forced because of it.
We found intentionality in our health. Six months after discovering minimalism, I was faced with a pending birthday. After spending so many months removing the clutter from our home and life, the last thing I wanted to receive was anything that could become clutter. Brainstorming nonphysical gift ideas, I took notice of a new fitness gym that had just opened down the street from my house. And for the very first time, I had space, the motivation, and the finances to get in shape and place a priority on my physical body.
We found intentionality in our diet. Interestingly enough, the last thing you want to put in your body after working-out is junky, processed food. As a result, we started making healthier food choices: more fruit, more vegetables, less sugar. I began to form new friendships with other simple living advocates—many of whom modeled intentional diets. Over the years, we have experimented with many of their ideas. Each time, we discover new foods to eat and an increased understanding of the food we put in our bodies.
We found intentionality in our spirituality. Minimalism offered the opportunity to slow down. It also provided motivation. As I began to realize how much of my thinking had been hijacked by advertisements and consumer-driven society, I was drawn to the practice of meditation and solitude. I was drawn to find new voices for guidance. Being raised in a religious home, I was also drawn to find the voice of a higher power—one who knew far more and could reorient my life around greater, more eternal pursuits. This voice is still and small. And it requires each of us to slow down long enough to listen.
We found intentionality in our relationships. Owning less opened the door for new relationships in our lives. We were able to become more involved with our neighbors and our community. We were more willing to have people in our home as preparing for their arrival became easier. We spent less time shopping and cleaning and organizing and began to spend more time with the people who made life enjoyable. Our capacity for and appreciation of relationships began (and continues) to grow.
We found intentionality in work. The longer we lived with fewer possessions, the more our view of money began to change. It became less important. Our essential needs are met and we have enough left over to practice generosity—what else is needed? As our view of money shifted, so did our motivation for work. Work became less about the weekly financial deposit and more about the value and contribution we could provide to peoples’ lives. It opened the door even wider for honesty, cooperation, people, passion, and joy at work.
We found intentionality in our heart pursuits. Living with less opened the opportunity for contentment, gratitude, and generosity to take root in our heart. It forced us to redefine happiness. Happiness was no longer for sale at the department store. Instead, we discovered it was a decision available to us all along. And once we stopped looking in the wrong places, we were able to find happiness in the right places.
Minimalism was entered into because of discontent in our lives. But among its greatest gifts, it brought us intentionality. And we couldn’t be more thankful.
If you only get one life to live, you might as well make it the best one possible. (tweet that)
Your blog has a way of making me see the world with fresh eyes.
Thank you, Joshua! I’m so glad that I discovered you and your website. I’ve been “trying” to declutter for many years and admire Bea Johnson and her Zero Waste lifestyle. But I didn’t know how to do it. So I searched for: “step by step to minimalism” and found your website. I was already decluttering but through the guidance of your book, The Minimalist Home, and through your website, my home is taking on a new life of order and space.
And, it’s true. There is much less “pick up” at the end of the day. It’s much easier to clean, and the house is very orderly and calm.
My adult daughter and I are going to take the next declutter course together.
I found It really helps to have support. I learned that from one of your videos and it has made all the difference. I look forward to each morning email.
Blessings to you and your family!
I am so happy that this reading came to my mail box today.
I have so much stuff that I couldn’t imagine a minimalist life style. Reading this and seeing the benefits that others are enjoying brings me hope.
I was one who stayed away from the blogs such as ten tips for a minimal lifestyle etc, I guess I stayed away because those ten tops didn’t really help me to understand why I needed so much at the time.
I am now able to spend more time thinking and reflecting on my whys. This helps me to understand and get to the root cause of why acquiring was so important. Was I bored? Was it a time filler? A hobby? To be honest I am disgusted by the amount of stuff that I have. I am trying not to be too hard on myself but instead be greatful that I am coming to terms and ready to part with most of the stuff. This is providing a space for me to embrace the experiences that await me and my family. Memories not stuff.
We die once, but live daily. Intentionality happens one day at a time.
Everytime I read your articles, I realize how much of my life was wasted on things, buying boxes to store things, reorganizing things, moving things, searching for things. Wow, so much of my energy wasted. I’m 70 now and hope it’s not too late to make a difference in my life. As a graphic designer, I was always aware of composition in print advertising, aware of not having too much in the design, having breathing room, having a focal point so that interest was drawn to the proper place, all the while not even realizing it could be apply to my personal life. I’ve always said less is more, but all around me, we are taught that more and bigger is better, and that is essentially what I fell into. I’ve already donated boxes of goods and not missing one item yet. There will be a few more loads as I go through things slowly, not only to assess its need but to assess my feelings and address them on the spot. Thank you all for your info and input.
Check out the books by Helen and Scott Nearing who 50 years ago were pioneering Voluntary Simplicity before it became fashionable.
Like Babette said I too wish I had understood the concept of simple living/voluntary simplicity/minimalism years ago but I think my mind and heart have always been there. Growing up in a bid family in the 50’s we shared a lot and hand me downs were the norm. It didn’t matter if my older sister wore something and then it became mine, it was new to me. Then from my late teens I discovered flea markets and thrift stores. Nothing can compare to buying what you need second hand, and also knowing you are keeping something out of the landfill as well.
This is the start of a journey that is already changing our lives for the better! We only deeply regret that we did not know all this years and years ago; but it gives us hope for the future and each day we look forward to the guidance that is available for new growth to simplify and enjoy the life we crave.
Jushua — I am enjoying your writings on the subject of minimalism. I went through one round of downsizing when I read Marie Kondo’s book. Now I feel ready for another round. I’ve decided to go on a “no-spend” (i.e., buy nothing except living essentials) during 2020 while simultaneously intentionally de-cluttering. I look forward to your posts to help me with this challenge! May you have the best of new year’s ever. — Asil