“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)
Nicolette says
My favourite sentence from this article:
“And it requires each of us to slow down long enough to listen.”
Josh says
Thanks for the article Josh. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now, and I really enjoy the practical/easy to follow advice. I would have never imagined the minimalist lifestyle would be for me, as I was always chasing happiness at the checkout counter, but as you said, life is so much more fulfilling now.
Aleda says
A great article on decluttering your life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for better health and inner peace.
This is what I have been doing (as much as I can) as part of my journey in rediscovering my feminine essence.
aaa says
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! existing here at this website, thanks admin of this site.
Altaf says
Hi,
Thanks for listing out the values that we could add by subtracting stuff from our life. I have been reading about Minimalism for few months now and have found it concurrent to my inner voice.
My purchases have been limited and on need basis as I have reevaluated value that every item will add to my life. I dont own much stuff hence its easy to keep whats needed.
Thanks Joshua for continued inspirational and purposeful thoughts.
Glenn D. Hudson says
Moved into the house I grew up in with 3 brothers and my father. I inherited lots of stuff that was never taken when my brothers and I moved out. I am dealing with my father’s stuff after his passing and the stuff left behind by my brothers. All but my youngest brother are “collectors”. I am giving this up. The James Morris quote “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” has been helpful. I am an artist but collected stuff. I also found things to repurpose and not have to buy more. After further encouragement by your writings I am moving along vey well. I am committed to finding home for 90% of all the “stuff”. It all needs to live a new life and so do I, one with openness and space. Thanks. Glenn
Glenn D. Hudson says
P.S. The words of friends and the words of the people that comment mean so much. Thank you all. Glenn
Jamie says
The fact that you would discover Intentionality in so many areas of life, simply by minimizing your possessions, points to the destructive power of Things. Look what they were blocking you from!
Kristi says
I’ve been doing this for quite some time now. It’s difficult to embrace the concept fully w unwilling family and “stuff.” I’m discovering that intentionality in our relationships is where the process MUST begin. Life is meant to be lived, not always struggled against. The idea that we only keep things we see as beautiful or useful in our lives and homes also applies to our relationships w others. Toxic feelings can have far-reaching effects and removing ourselves from them truly lets us embrace the relationships that are more productive and meaningful. The manner in which we interact w our children sets the tone for future generations. That’s pretty important!
poisonous aspects says
I can’t believe I’ve been going for years without knowing that.
tradition says
TYVM you’ve solved all my problems
Liz Neighbors says
BEAUTIFUL!
Debbie Summers says
I was lucky to find your blog and have been reading older entries, you’re writing inspires me to continue on a journey that makes me feel different from many of those around me who are focused on getting MORE… I recently moved and downsized my life. My husband and I have been making changes in our buying habits for the past 2 years and we gave away and donated a lot of “stuff” we didn’t want, need or use. I feel free!