People often wonder, “How can you resist the temptation to desire the things that everyone else seems to want?”
And honestly, it’s not a struggle I encounter as often anymore.
But when I do, I take a moment to reflect on the benefits I’ve gained since choosing to live with fewer possessions:
- A home with less clutter.
- A life with reduced stress.
- More quality time with loved ones.
- Opportunity for greater generosity in my spending.
- An example for my kids on setting priorities.
- Increased energy to pursue my passions.
- A heart filled with contentment.
- A soul brimming with gratitude.
- Freedom.
- And an expanded horizon to chase more meaningful endeavors.
As these realizations set in, the temptation starts to dissipate.
In its place, a thought-provoking question arises:
Why would I want what others have when they seem to yearn for the simplicity and fulfillment I’ve already discovered?
Living a minimalist lifestyle has not only decluttered my physical space but has also brought clarity to my mind and opportunity for greater purpose to my life. It has allowed me to concentrate on the things that genuinely matter while intentionally discarding distractions and unnecessary burdens.
Minimalism helps us recognize our true priorities. But it doesn’t end there.
It encourages us to live a life where our resources are centered around those values, enabling us to craft a life with less envy and need to conform.
It’s time to embrace the power of simplicity and embark on a journey that allows all of us to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
The question is not whether we should want what everyone else has, but rather, why wouldn’t we choose the path that leads to lasting happiness and inner peace?
The further I get into my minimalism journey the more I realize being neurodivergent has helped me avoid so many of these thought traps. I haven’t ever struggled with keeping up with the Joneses. But what I have struggled with is the dopamine goldmine that is consumerism. That and the compulsion to keep the crap that I’ve accumulated because “one day” it might be useful.
So I keep practicing.
I wanted to move back to South Carolina where i had lived for 15 years. Being in St. Joseph, Mo, moving companies wanted $8-10,00 to move me and I had a lot of nice things believe me. But to go in debt at age 70 it was hardly a decision because I had found “the Minimalists” and was on my way. Where i am going they take “no stuff”, so I said Hastalavista baby to it all. RELIEF rolled through my body and mind. 2 years later I do not miss one thing. I am much more free and ready for all this new stuff-free life has to offer.
I have just finished reading your books and watching so many of your YouTube videos. This last weekend I made a start on clearing the garage. I did as you said and made a plan and have a vision of how it will look when completely sorted. I will no longer be afraid to open the garage door and let folk look in.
For the past few years I have been getting rid of the things we don’t need, buying less items and cut down time using my iPad. I have a day not using it at all on a Sunday. I have given up using Facebook.
My life already feels lighter and I have direction once more.
Thank you for all the work you put in helping us all to move towards a more meaningful existence.
Thank you for the encouraging words Beryl.
My problem is NOT wanting more.
It is not throwing away enough of what we have already. Too much junk. It’s here because it was given to us. We inherited it. We collected it. It is all ruining my life. I am smothered by all this junk. Help!
I recommend moving as a tutorial for the benefits of minimalism. My wife and I just sold our home, which includes a large pool and guest house. We are downsizing to a smaller house, with less to maintain, less taxes, less cleaning, etc. Despite considering myself a casual minimalist, the endless coffee mugs I just boxed up, and endless house cleaning supplies, remind me that I have work to do in the minimalist realm. Thus, my wife and I plan to cull everything, and simplify even more. It’s an ongoing process, but the weight and burdens you shed feel amazing.
Same thing happened to us in 2017. We put our home of 26 years up for sale as we prepared for retirement. Much to our disbelief the house sold in 3 days and we closed 30 days later. I became a minimalist after that situation when I had to rent my own danged house back from the new owners for 45 days just to get out. I moved from a 3,000 sq ft house into a 1,425 sq ft. I purged 95% of that big house and 6 years down the road I am still living with the 5%. Reading these articles has helped me maintain that percentage. Much to my surprise I’ve not missed anything of the 95%. I’ve actually found that purging some of my mom and grandmothers things have actually lightened my soul. I was holding onto their stuff because I was still grieving their loss not realizing their belongings were a prison for me to be able to move on. The last 6 years has been the happiest of my life by living a simple life in a smaller new home without the ghosts of the past. Blessings to you and your wife. Life is wonderful after a purge and downsizing.
As always, thank you for sharing.
My challenge as a retired teacher is not so much “keeping up with the neighbors” but seeing the potential in EVERY THING. 😂.
I could use this for that…so to really stay focused is challenging. Should I give up pottery since it takes time away from music? I think so…if just for a season. ❤️
Hi, I hear that tough question, choosing between passions. I have decided recently to retire from performing live music. It has always been my passion, but in the past few years I’ve been longing for a simpler life. Just like your pottery, there’s a hell of a lot that goes into this passion that a person might not see as they admire the result.
Practicing, booking, promoting, travel, set up – it’s a full time job and as a 63 yo, I want more time for wiggling my toes in the grass.
So the tough decision has been made and at the end of 2023, I’m retiring.
Joshua, I find your short but powerful notes inspirational.
Just out of curiosity, do people really ask questions like “How can you resist the temptation to desire the things that everyone else seems to want?” If they do – wow, what a shallow-minded approach!
Oh, I don’t mind the question and I don’t think it’s shallow-minded. Lots of pressure to conform and that never ends. Just because one chooses to become a minimalist doesn’t mean they end all connection with society and the constant voice encouraging consumerism. I think it’s a life-long battle in fact. That’s how I hear the question. Thanks for the comment and opportunity to clarify.