“Anything you cannot relinquish when it has outlived its usefulness possesses you, and in this materialistic age a great many of us are possessed by our possessions.” –Peace Pilgrim
Ten years ago, we sold, donated, or discarded over 60% our possessions. We removed clothes, furniture, decorations, cookware, tools, books, toys, plus anything else we could find in our home that was not immediately useful or beautiful.
At the time, the idea of owning fewer possessions was completely foreign to us. Nobody had ever told us living with fewer possessions was an option for life… much less a better alternative to the endless pursuit of more and more.
Looking back, while I would have never admitted with my words that I was seeking joy in possessions, I had become more influenced by our consumer-driven culture than I would like to admit. As a result, I worked long hours to earn money to buy newer technology, trendier clothing, nicer toys, faster cars, and bigger houses. I didn’t really believe the purpose of life was to chase possessions, but my calendar and checkbook sure seemed to declare that truth.
Choosing to intentionally live with fewer possessions was a decision that sounded surprisingly attractive. It was a decision that found its roots in our finances, our family, and our faith. We had grown weary of living paycheck to paycheck, weary of trading time with our kids to manage our possessions, and weary of pursuing worldly gain rather than lasting purpose. Owning less offered escape from the clutter in our homes. It offered escape from the clutter in our lives. It forced intentionality. And it offered the very ideals our hearts most desperately desired.
Since choosing to live with less, we have experienced numerous unexpected benefits. We have more time, more energy, more freedom, and more money to pursue what is most important to us. Owning less means less cleaning, less burden, less anxiety, and less stress each and every day. In short, we are freed to pursue our passions.
Over the years, I have come to define minimalism as the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. I have found it to be a lifestyle that appeals to the heart and resonates with the soul. Owning less is an invitation that is appreciated, desired, and accepted when fully understood.
Minimalism may be just the answer to a better life that you’ve been searching for all along. (tweet that)
…. I’ve also kept some of my mom photos taken when I was 4. Can’t remember the last time I saw her again but those are treasured because they can’t be gone forever. the few I have found gave me joy knowing we had some good moments as a family .
I have things from relatives who have passed that have meaning to me and I find it hard to part with those items. Any thoughts on what to do with those items?
I hear that if you take a photo of these treasures it is easier to part with them. I often think of what it will be like for my children to sort through all the clutter when they are in grief. Grief makes you hold onto much more than you can even imagine ever using. I am trying to give them the important things now. They will be free to dispose of these things as soon as I pass or before.
The young generation on a whole like their homes modern and stream lined. No room for old fashioned clutter. :)
Keep them, why get rid of them if these items have meaning?
Amy, on another of Joshua Becker’s writings someone commented that they took photos of items that held sentimental value before donating or selling them, then made a note next to the photo regarding its meaning & significance. I thought that was brilliant. Store it all in a folder on your computer. (iCloud, or wherever)
Amy, I have found that over time one or two pieces retain all the love and memories and the rest become a burden. My dad passed away 8 years ago and it took me ages to give everything of his away. In the end, I kept two sweaters that truly remind me of him – they’re also very comfortable for lounging. The rest was a hindrance to my healing. I asked myself what my dad would wish for me – and decided he’d want me to remember him fondly when the memory surfaced, but not be reminded at every turn. But this process is different for everyone. And it only works if what you desire most is a clean, calm, peaceful home and mental space.
My mom died four years ago. As time has moved forward I have chosen two small things to remember her by and have found those more comforting than having all the things I originally kept. I have now taken pictures of the rest and donated them to an organization helping refugees get settled. That felt amazingly good.
I had many “keepsakes” A wise man said when I started downsizing to take a picture of the ones I didn’t have room for. I have an album of pictures along with the memories. I gifted or sold 5 boxes of keepsakes.
The mice that got into the garage helped. I was upset for about five minutes that they’d chewed, peed, and poo’d in all those boxes of things. But then I realized those things were old college research papers and those lame certificates you get for everything under the sun during grade school. I didn’t really care about any of it, which is why it hadn’t seen the light of day in years. I threw it all out. What a relief!
I actually find that shopping in more expensive places is better for both my pocketbook (ironically) and my closet. I actually spend less when the items cost more because I have to ask myself if I either really need it, will actually use it a lot, or if I absolutely love it. I don’t even buy everything I absolutely love because it doesn’t pass the other tests. On the other hand, I can walk out of Marshall’s with two large bags full of stuff because it was “cheap”. But it adds up to the same amount as that one we’ll-made item and it adds clutter. Which was the better buy? Bags of stuff made in Malaysia or one tweed jacket made in NYC from wool sourced in the U.K.?
Gosh I absolutely love this, Jill. Very well put! Our local industries are in mass decline, our friends and family who own small, niche, independent businesses struggle to compete with their quality products with cheap, poor quality, non-sustainable items. It’s a no-brainer! Buy less of better quality. Everyone wins, especially our planet!
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve screenshot your reply to serve as a reminder for me. X
Brava!!!
I’m in the beginning stages and I’m finding the things that belong to my parents or grandparents that I still have that are hard for me to get rid of because of the memories. I now take a digital photo of it and that way it’s always with me mentally. Then I can find someone who can use it ……I can then give it up gladly.
Also when I do have to buy something I buy the best quality that I can afford……that way I won’t have to replace it before it’s time.
I also belong to a group on fb that people are in search of things. I’ve gotten rid of a microwave ,plants ,dishes ,clothes etc. to people who need them