Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Jessica Dang of Minimal Student.
As people, since childhood, we are told that we should always want more and more. That we should grab as much as we can. We spend our lives earning more money to buy houses bigger than we need, to buy more clothes than we can wear and flashy cars just to get from A to B. We’re told to stuff ourselves at Thanksgiving and Christmas, fill our schedules with appointments and errands, keep up with all the media that surrounds us on TV, in magazines and on the internet. We’re told to take whatever we can, and as much of it as possible. But many of us know there is another way.
“Live simply so others may simply live.”
As a minimalist, I’ve based my life around this philosophy. I’ve stopped taking more than I need and used my extra time, effort and money to help others that need it more than I do. I’ve supported and encouraged people to make changes in their lives for the better. And by consuming less, I’ve greatly reduced the amount I contribute to the world’s pollution and waste. I’m very proud of what I’ve done for others, but for some people, helping others may not be enough to push them to make the changes they need.
So, how about:
“Live simply, so I may simply live.”
It’s true, in a big way, that minimalists have less. We have fewer clothes, shoes and accessories. We have smaller houses. We may have clearer schedules. We might not even own a car. But does that mean we live unhappier lives? Is it always worse to have less?
Of course it’s not.
If we owned fewer things, we wouldn’t have to worry about our stuff breaking, becoming redundant, getting lost or stolen. We wouldn’t have to worry about money, debt, doing overtime, the high costs of rent, gas for our car or our shopping habits.
If we weren’t so busy with work, appointments and commitments our heart isn’t into any more, we’d actually have time to spend with the people we love. We could actually talk about things that we’re worried about, what the kids did at school today or simply how we’re feeling. We could go to the park, have a picnic, go to a museum, theatre, concert or why not just throw caution into the wind and skydive with friend?
If we gave up watching TV four hours a day, we could use that time to learn something new, like a foreign language, how to cook, or take up an instrument. We wouldn’t be bombarded so much by people we don’t know telling us how pretty our houses should be, how pretty our clothes or hair should be and basically how to live our lives.
If we didn’t own a car, or just drove less to work or school, we could walk or ride our bikes instead. We could taste the morning air, feel the rain (it’s only water) stretch our legs and enjoy seeing the world as it really is, instead of constantly from the inside a metal box.
If we ate less, or just more simple foods instead of processed garbage, we wouldn’t have to do as much exercise to work it off (or feel guilty for not doing it). We wouldn’t have to deal with the confidence blows every time we look in the mirror or stand on those scales. We wouldn’t have to worry about the long term health problems that may arise because we concentrated too much on the short term pleasure of that third helping.
And finally, if we gave up being so attached to stuff, then we’d have the time and freedom to follow our dreams.
I gave up nearly everything in my wardrobe, my car, shelves of books and hundreds of other things to follow my dream of living in Japan for a year and traveling around Asia. Now I’m doing and seeing the kinds of things I thought only existed through a TV screen. I get to meet the most fascinating people, eat the most simple and yet fresh and delicious food, and go to the see the most beautiful places. I’m happier now than I ever was owning all of those things people told me would ‘make me happy’.
It was totally worth standing up, going against the flow and making a change. Minimalists may have less stuff, but we definitely have more of what life is made of.
***
Jessica is minimalist who likes traveling, photography and has a tiny obsession with Japan. If you want to find out what she is up to on her minimalist journey, check out her blog Minimal Student. You could also find her on Twitter.
About Joshua Becker
great article. although i don’t agree about the getting rid of books part.
My husband and I want to retire and live in an RV. Is there a minimalist support group. I have a house full of stuff to get rid of. It is very overwhelming.
Joshua Becker’s Uncluttered course has a support group. You can sign up now. The cost is $89 but you may use code FB25 for a 25% discount. It comes with weekly assignments to help you unclutter your home. It has made a huge difference in my life. A lot of us started where you are.
The deadline for the course is September 4th , so please sign up soon if you want to participate in this round.
Great blog! Thank you for the article and advice. Last year, at 44, I came face to face with a nasty separation after 25 years with my wife. I was instantly downsized by more than half. I quickly lost half of what I had left, and 3 months ago I lost my car in the aftermath of this split. I found a decent bicycle on Craigslist and bought it. It had been 30 years since I rode a bike. I rigged it up with bags and satchels for commuting, and it’s been my only transportation since. I’ve now rode it through massive rain storms, 18 inches of snow in one falling, 10 miles with Christmas gifts strapped to the back, etc… I grocery shop on it, I commute every day to work on it. I love it. I can’t get enough. It’s saved my life. Sadly, I don’t get to see my son as much. He’s my world. I will need to get an old local runner type car, so I can see him more. But I will continue to minimize while I teach him the value of less.
I love this! In the beginning, it seems so scary, but with time, having less gives you so much more. Everything I own is in my suitcase, allowing my family and I have the freedom to be global citizens. It’s a beautiful thing.
Ashley
As I was packing up stuff for charity, I was also thinking about a few things I need to get to replace worn clothing, going with classic pieces in blacks, creams, grays. Thought I could use some light colored pants and then realized I already own a pair, never worn. Would’ve never realized it if I hadn’t been minimizing and taking fresh look in closet.
Today included taking dead summer plants to village rubbage heap, and straightening up closet in basement. Summer clothes put away. Hung tote bags up in closet. Everything is step, no matter how small.
started tackling the most time consuming portion of my organizing and weeding out process, my very large and very unorganized photos, seriously thousand and thousands of photos from last 30 years. decided that only way I can do this job is in small bites and will take me weeks and prob months. just looking at the mess produces anxiety. But I am bound and determined to live clutter free life and end goal is to not leave my children with job of going thru a life time of my possessions.
I am a minimalist and still have appointments to keep, many commitments and drive a car (thank goodness). Being a minimalist gives me the time I need to take my 3 kids with special needs to doctor appointments, Special Olympics and their work. No way this would happen without our trusty van. Less stuff in our house means more time with my kids. Simple foods, 2 kids have Celiac disease, makes everyone more healthy. Also being a minimalist at 67 looks different from being a minimalist at 27. I confess when I fall into bed at night I do watch TV because I am too tired to do much else. Maybe I will learn another language…
Maybe your language could be “MOM, you are doing a great job!!” :)
Great read! Inspiring
Good
My hubby and I gave up everything in 2012 and left to travel he world. We spent the last 2+ years living our travel dreams and enjoying adventures together, hand in hand. The courage to give it all up, live simply, and follow our true passions was the best choice we have ever made.
Great reading. My aim for easing my workload.
Wow, this really resonated with me. I’ve only discovered minimalism a few months ago but already it has changed my life. I’m so much happier and feel lighter. Thanks for this well written and motivating article. You have a new follower. All the best to you.
I have just in the last month or so started feeling like I really need to empty my house of unneeded possessions. I donated many things, have given away a few and sold some of the more expensive things. My neighbor has called me a minimalist for years, but I can see, I truly have not been. Every time I look at something else in my house, I feel the need to get rid of it. So This is really quite new to me. I have actually had people ask me if I was dying, just because I don’t want these “things” anymore. I hope that I can continue this journey and truly rid my life of these possessions. Thank you so your words, they have helped me to see some of the reasons I feel this way. Have a blessed day.
“if we gave up being so attached to stuff, then we’d have the time and freedom to follow our dreams.”
Like this sentence, helps me a lot. Recently, I just feel that simplicity is not easy to practise at all, but I am still trying. For a better life.
Great article. I too have been practising minimalism for years, and it’s an ongoing process that I have found also ties in with the emotional process of ‘letting go’. I find as I move closer to my core nature, the need for owning ‘stuff’ on the outside, to mirror who I am on the inside, becomes less and less. I find that I am moving closer to only keeping that which I use, with far less emphasis on what I think I need, or even am attached to for memory’s sake.
This year I have been able to use some money (and I live sparingly & on a tight budget), to put together two gift boxes (of stationary, toiletries & clothing) for two young teenager friends, who are in a less fortunate position than me. It becomes less about the selfish hoarding of possessions, and more about gratitude for the simpler life, freeing you to give back to others. That’s what I’ve noticed anyway.
:)
since i was 15, i was a minimalist. obviously i was ostracized by family as well as friends alike. of course, since i was 15, i was (and still am) the happiest person i knew. very little possessions = very little worries : )
and how about this:
Less is less, there’s no need for more.
That’s how I live.
Thanks for the article.
How do you minimize family photos from years and years worth?
Go digital from now on. Set the photos up in a cloud system, Flickr is a really good one.
It is so refreshing that you, a student, have developed this philosophy so early in life. You’ve saved yourself from the nastiness so many over-consumers feel. Bless you!
I’m so glad to find someone who thinks alike. After reading your article, I found there are so many similarities between us. I have been practicing minimalism for years now. Keep up the good work. Btw, you just gained a new follower for your blog.
Wonderful thoughts. This, in fact, is the traditional ‘Indian way’ of living. Alas, the economists preach for increasing consumption to increase growth. That’s a prescription for doom. Too much materialism is the reason for the ills associated with modern consumerist lifestyle. Similar thoughts have been expressed at: http://sunilthethinker.blogspot.in/2012/09/tripodframework.html
Been catching up on your blog. Great info & insights.
Thanks for writing Joshua.
i’d love to see the inside of your closets and cupboards, etc.! :o) do you dare post photos?!
You can see my closet here: http://becomingminimalist.com/2010/10/01/why-i-dont-count-my-stuff-and-why-i-am-excited-to-start/
My cupboard are far less exciting (if you can believe that). Picture 8 glasses, 8 plates, 8 bowls, 8 mugs… To get an idea of our kitchen utensils: http://becomingminimalist.com/2008/10/18/accomplishment-minimalist-kitchen/
First off I am in LOVE with BecomingMinimalist articles!! It puts into words what I’ve been trying to tell my hubby for the past 23 years. We are finally downsizing and I am chucking aka donating everything I can. I think my mugs and glasses are next. I have to take in stride don’t want to shock anyone. I love having less… it definitely gives you less to clean, worry about and stress over. Thanks for the articles and the encouragement to get ‘er done!!
Absolutely fantastic. You just gained a follower :)
I think I may have just realized that I am a minimalist at heart. I’m currently in the process of paying off a student loan, and so dedicate most of my money toward paying it off at an extremely accelerated pace. To this end, I don’t buy a lot of stuff, just what I need. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think that will change when I have that extra money each month. I’m content with what I have, and have pondered getting rid stuff that I don’t use. Why have it laying around if you don’t use it?
Recently I loaned out a book to a relative notorious for not returning stuff (she loans them out to others). I told them that “I really want this book back” but did I? Upon reflection I most certainly did not want it back. Well the universe delivered what I truly wanted and that book is long gone even though I had not voiced this desire.
:)
Fantastic, The more I reduce the less stress I feel. I have been paring down for a while now and it is super cool. My problem is I spent way too much time playing the consumption game and now in my early thirties, it is taking us a long time to get cut back. Some day we will be close enough to start traveling and following our hearts desires. Reading posts like this make it easier for me to know we are heading in the right direction. Congrats for getting on Joshuas blog it looks like you deserve to be here. We will speak to you later.
Justin
jessica,
Live simply, so that I may simply live.
I love this! This is going to be my creed! I have been on medical leave from a crazy busy job that had me working 80+ hours a week. I had NO time to just live. I have been healing and recovering and changing the way I look at everything and this sentence pulls it together so well!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/the-walking-wounded/
I am getting a little bored !
Sometimes living in the moment is dull.
Explore , we have been pushing ‘living in the moment’, by using the moment to explore, get lost, discover and be in the moment in a completely different environment! Use the time to create, volunteer and find a passion.
LOVE this post! My husband and I have been minimalists for years now and I’m finally realizing the true value of this lifestyle. Been able to spend lots of time with my kids and husband this year just “being” with them! Thanks for the reminder that we are doing things right!
You took the argument for minimalism from vague philosophical points and outlined real, detailed benefits to taking up a life with less … amazing, amazing post, I will be re-tweeting this!
It’s wonderful how the less unwanted things I bring into my life, the more fulfilled my life is.
Great guest post Jessica!
David Damron
LifeExcursion
Wow, powerful. And so glad to have a new minimalist inspired blog to follow!
I loved this part – “If we weren’t so busy with work, appointments and commitments our heart isn’t into any more, we’d actually have time to spend with the people we love.” I live in NYC and it’s hard to explain, but having a social life is akin to having a part-time job. There’s such limited time, it’s a workaholic culture, and everyone is just going, going, going. I’m trying to incorporate more parks, outdoors, and hobbies in my life that make me happy and leave more room for friends, writing letters or emails, and phone calls.