“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)
dawn christy says
I am yearning to declutter and minimalise my life. as a person with a cluttered mind due to depressive illness I feel it will really contribute to my wellbeing and a bit of a happier life/dawn christy leeds
Asil says
Christy — Happiness and well-being might be hiding amonst all the “stuff” you’ve accumulated :-)
Prashant says
I was thinking and brainstorming on this idea .. I thought of what people might think when I start implementation on this … I guess I thought too much now some action is needed .. Thank you
Laren says
Luckily technology allows us to own less books.
http://www.larengreyumphlett.blogspot.com
Maria Pinto says
There is also the library with a vast amount of knowledge and pleasure in books, although I do love my own books and don’t see them as clutter or distractions.
Sue Macomber says
This is a great post! It is important to reduce the clutter in all areas of our life and make consumer and professional choices based on intentionality. It is important to remember that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we put in our bodies, so be cautious of the chemicals in your skin care. Let’s not clutter our bodies with health damaging chemicals! Plus, to live intentionally, it is important to make responsible consumer choices.
http://whendiditgetsocomplicated.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/why-sell-pangea-organics-skin-care-products/
Emily says
Thanks for the inspiring article! Very helpful advice, considering I have just gotten out of the “extreme couponing” lifestyle. Practicing meditation and yoga were the first indicators to me that I cannot be calm AND have this massive hoard of “stuff”.
Susan says
Inspiring post! My aspirations toward minimalism began in 2010 when I realized, to my disgust, that I was outgrowing my modest home. As I began shedding my belongings, with a sort of determination born of exasperation, I became aware of the intentionality that you so beautifully write about here. Now I pay much more attention to the consumption habits I have developed.
loren says
Hey Joshua, What would you say to a collector sitting on Thousands of dollars worth in
of collectibles? Many on display in the home and many are tucked in closets. I think your latest blog is awesome, but have always wondered what you would say to a collector of antiquities, comics, toys, cars or anything else. Thanks.
Minimal Girl says
That quote from C.S. Lewis is amazing!
Mary Cannette says
I love your site, but I really need some more practical hints. Something that says do this or do that to become more minimalist, not just ideas.
Thanks
Minimal Girl says
Hey Mary, try this classic post from mnmlist: http://mnmlist.com/how-to-do-minimalism-in-steps
Bethany @ Journey to Ithaca says
Also, if I may be so bold… ;-)
http://myjourneytoithaca.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/minimalism-a-beginners-guide/
Aimee Wiley says
Thank you for being bold. I enjoyed both the old and revised article, as well as a couple of others I read on my visit to your blog. I shared your revised version on my blog’s FB page, too:)
Anna B says
Hi Mary…Have you read Dave Bruno’s book from several years ago, 100 Thing Challenge? Even if you don’t subscribe to the idea of x-number of possessions, his book is great, with many practical tips, and funny too.
I’m just beginning this journey of minimalism myself and find the old “use it up” saying works really well as a mantra! :-)
Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or do without.
Best to you!
Fiona says
Lovey his post, lots to think about …
Fiona says
Sorry for typos, should have read “Love this post” not “Lovey his post” !!!
Silly iPad …