The world shouts consumerism and consumption from every rooftop, billboard, and television. Minimalism quietly invites us to intentionality.
The world tells us to buy more. Minimalism invites us to pursue less.
The world attempts to “impress” more. Minimalism invites us to “live” more.
Minimalism is, in many ways, an invitation. It is not forced. It is not mandated. It is not mainstream. Nor is it extreme. But it is willing to embrace all.
The invitation is heard as a quiet whisper (though I am thankful for the increasing number of voices online amplifying it). Unfortunately, in a world that spends billions of advertising dollars seeking our attention, a quiet whisper can be difficult to hear.
But stop, listen. It is there. It is calling for you.
And why shouldn’t it? It has so much to offer.
Minimalism is an invitation to less stress. A minimalist life removes the clutter from our lives that heaps stress upon us. It embraces cleaner rooms, cleaner surfaces, and cleaner schedules. And in doing so, it embraces less uncertainty.
Minimalism is an invitation to less debt. Minimalism refuses to consume beyond our means. It has chosen to forgo keeping up with the “Joneses.” Instead, it seeks contentment. Minimalists around the world have paid off thousands of dollars in debt by embracing a new lifestyle. So can you.
Minimalism is an invitation to more time. Material possessions drain a countless amount of our time (purchasing, cleaning, maintaining, organizing, and rearranging). Minimalism recaptures that valuable time for our lives.
Minimalism is an invitation to freedom. Possessions hold us back and weigh us down. They keep us tied to the past rather than moving forward. Minimalism has removed unneeded possessions and found newfound freedom in life. And there are no limits to what you can accomplish with this new freedom.
Minimalism is an invitation to value life. At its core, minimalism is about identifying and embracing our individual values. It refuses to allow culture or corporations to shape our hearts’ desires. It has identified what is most valuable in life and has removed everything that distracts us from it. And life has been reclaimed.
Of course, receiving an invitation is one thing. Attending the party is something completely different.
The invitations have been sent. The door is wide open. And the party is amazing! Won’t you join us?
Count me in Sir.
Thank you so much for all the sharings.
Aziz, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
I want, I want, I really, really want to do this. My life is busy and cluttered and making me crazy. I need help!! It’s week 3, and I still haven’t seen week ones video….mmuuuugghhhh…
Drowning here… E>)
Count me in!
Really enjoy your articles and your book “The more of less” was the first one i picked two years ago when i first started on my minimalism journey. Very inspiring!
Cheers,
Sandra
I appreciate your blog and “The More of Less”. It’s been the motivation for a lot of life changes for our family. In your book, I believe you mention “aspirational consumerism”. What can you recommend for more information about this topic?
Another great article Joshua, I’ve been a true minimalist for about a year now. I always leaned toward it in a lot of ways, as in keeping living expenses low, emergency fund, savings and living within my budget. Roger…
Before minimalism had a name, I joined a long time ago. I kept it simple while most folks seemed to be striving making money to buy all the stuff. Fortunately I seen through those lies. If I had it to do all over, I’d own practically nothing, maybe a vehicle, and traveled considerably more.
Many years ago, I was put in touch with a book, “Living More with Less” by LONGACRE DORIS. A lot of your same ideas. A good read!
Great article…hoping to share on my FB page. As we await hurricane Florence we are expecting considering damage…a nature imposed clearing…the blessing/disappoinment is we won’t be decinding what goes or stays. It’s all good in the long run!
Not that I am here to impress anyone, but I am living in a developing third world country (Pakistan to be precise). Minimalism is a kind of life style that is integrated in the lives of most of the people here in my country, that too by birth. Moreover, I want to add here that you are continuously educating me about minimalism. And it is because of you and The Minimalists that I now realized what my focus should be, which for now is educating myself in every area of life as I know nothing and to spend quality time with my family. Thank you for all the help.
I’ve read your books,and been encouraged by your posts! Also started reading about extreme minimalism, tiny houses and listening to my husband say we are able to do too many things so we need too much stuff to do them. (I am a quilter/professional tailor and a nurse) However it hit after the post above, minimalism is also about contentment, choosing where I am to be thankful and making room (reducing the excess) in my life for all the things you speak of! He’s right, and I continue to move toward minimalism by not adding to the piles (>1 year not shopping) and continuing to share what I sort that is excess to me and I am lighter for that! Sharing your books are helping my friends on the journey as well! Blessings to you!!!
Where and when? I’ll be there
Thank you for all that you do to inspire the rest of us!
Glad I read this email today. It reminded me that I have the VVA coming for a pickup tomorrow. Got to fill at least one more bag.
I spent yesterday in a $189/mo 7′ x 11′ storage pod transferring boxes to ‘move into’ an $89/mo 5′ x 10′ storage locker. We are Midwestern empty-nesters who moved from a 2200 sq ft suburban bungalow into an 800 sq ft urban apartment, and now have 1 car rather than 2.
We are getting to minimalism, but it’s a lot of work. Once we arrive, we’re never going back. Your work is ongoing inspiration.
It’s an invitation worth taking!
Hey John! As always—I back the blue!!!
Thanks again for your many years of service :)
One of the best blog posts of yours I’ve read! Love it!
I’m holding on to the past with items to remember my family who is gone, or that my child may want it in the future. Know that she is 24 and on her own yet I’m holding on to these things. To the point that I can’t let go and the stress of letting go is so strong that I won’t remember or the price that the items cost. I’ve let go of a lot already but it’s such torture because I feel I’m betraying the ones I loved or that I may need the item I’m letting go. Why is this process so difficult? I struggle but know it must be done.
I feel calm just reading your words. I used to be an organizationalist but thanks to you, I’ve become a minimalist. I knew I was at “the party” when I let go of my wedding dress, sterling silver, china and wedding rings!!! No regrets.
What a beautifully written invitation. I could feel the peace and grace flowing from it. I’ve been on board with minimalism and love it.
The beauty is how minimalism looks for each person.
Sooo Freeing.Who needs all the baggage.Jesus didn”t.I don’t either. Thank you, Joshua for helping show the way
Agreed! Thwarting the material world for the spiritual life is a basic tenet of all religion.
I’ve been at the party for 2 years now, and it has changed my life. It’s great when things are great… when something goes wrong there’s a lot less to hide behind. I’m currently experiencing vulnerability that’s new to me and need to be OK feeling uncomfortable.
I know no thing would make it better.
This is one of my favorite post! I’m working towards my minimalist life. Thank you for this.
I love everything about this post! When the cat caused the full-length mirror in my bedroom to fall and break, I didn’t worry about 7 years of bad luck; I thought, “Great, now I have open space in this corner!”
Keep the uplifting posts coming!
Count me in!!! :)
My husband and I have taken bags& boxes of not needed stuff and donated it . We realized it’s very freeing to not have a lot of stuff.Our goal is to live in a very small house when he retires in a few years . We love minimalism !
Thank you SO much for all the inspiration – there is no turning back once the discovery of minimalism has been made!
Thanks a lot for this invitation! I’m on my way to come around – and I try to convince my wife to come with me, to join that party. But you all know that: “I don’t know what to wear! Can’t find my shoes! But what if I don’t like that party? It’s such a long way, man!” – and so she’s stuck in her old habits of “have” and “keep” and “more”…
Okay folks, I’m on my way. See you soon – with or without her!
All the best from good old Germany… *haha*
Martin
Wir sind auch dabei, you are not alone! Grüße aus Frankfurt!
Und ich auch! Schon seit 14 Jahren! Es wird immer besser! Grüße aus Bonn
Yep, I’ve been reading the minimalist messages for awhile now. Been thinking about it for a few months. This month I accepted the invitation to the party and am ready to go. I am taking the course and subscribed to the magazine. Started last week taking every Wednesday afternoon off work to devote time to decluttering. I am so excited to be on this mission and journey. Thank you Joshua and all of you who leave comments about your journey which just inspires me to keep moving!!
Minimalism is a great path to living a more purposeful life. I have “downsized” on my closet and lots of my possessions including my car!
I miss none of them..I have freedom and I refuse to let it go.
The more I get rid of, the larger my home seems and the better I feel. Thank you for introducing me to Minimalism and the beauty of LESS.
I’m joining the party! I will be dragging too much along with me but I know as I follow this path items will be left by the wayside for someone else that can use them. Thank you for this!!
My closet is usually half empty. My neighbor and my daughter gave me some clothes so it was time to fill a big bag or two for Salvation Army. Then I filled two bags with craft items for my grandsons ‘ art teacher. Then I took two bags of books and magazines to the library for their sale. Things look better now.
Love these words. Expresses the true heart of a minimalist. This is my long term goal. I look forward to the journey.
Thank you.
Wonderful words…..
This is such an inspiring post. Minimalism is something which I really want to embrace as I feel as though having a clear space creates a clear mind. Thank you for sharing.
Love, Kate x
Once I began learning about minimalism, I couldn’t not embrace it. I’m learning more and more how to practice it daily, but I’m never going back to another way.
x Sofia
Minimalism is a huge part of my life and I’m never letting go of this one, so yes I’m attending the party. A million times yes.
I’m also attending, will bring a cake! Minimalism is ongoing when it becomes a mindset.
I spent yesterday in a $189/mo 7′ x 11′ storage pod transferring boxes to ‘move into’ an $89/mo 5′ x 10′ storage locker. We are Midwestern empty-nesters who moved from a 2200 sq ft suburban bungalow into an 800 sq ft urban apartment, and now have 1 car rather than 2.
We are getting to minimalism, but it’s a lot of work. Once we arrive, we’re never going back. Your work is ongoing inspiration.