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?
Susan Torres says
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!
IMRAN ALI says
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.
Paula says
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!!!
Lynn says
Where and when? I’ll be there
Patricia Randall says
Thank you for all that you do to inspire the rest of us!
Connie says
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.
Jeff says
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.
John says
It’s an invitation worth taking!
Judy says
Hey John! As always—I back the blue!!!
Thanks again for your many years of service :)
Elizabeth says
One of the best blog posts of yours I’ve read! Love it!
Lulu says
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.