“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” —Anaïs Nin
Six years ago, I started a blog. And writing has remained a constant in my life ever since. Prior to starting Becoming Minimalist, I had done very little writing—a few articles for a company newsletter, but that’s about it. But these days, I try to write something new every day.
Two weeks ago, I sent in a manuscript for a new book, Only What Matters: The Life-Giving Benefits of Owning Less. The book will be released in December, just in time for Christmas. It is the most comprehensive introduction and explanation of minimalism I have ever written. I am really excited for you to see it—we’ve got some fun things planned this year.
Because of the book’s deadline, I have spent the last six weeks almost entirely immersed in the writing process (a gracious thank-you to the guest bloggers who filled in some of the gaps for me). Looking back, the focused writing time has caused me to appreciate the process even more—not just because of a finished manuscript, but because of what writing has meant to me on a personal level.
It has changed me.
Writing has forced discipline in my life. More than I ever expected, writing requires discipline. The past six years have involved countless early mornings and late nights. Most writers will attest to that fact. Writing requires the discipline to sit quietly on a chair, alone in a room with a blank page. All writing begins there.
Writing has provided opportunity to refine opinions. Dawson Trotman once said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.” He was right. Writing has required me to both understand and articulate my opinions. It has forced me to research my assumptions, defend them, and change when necessary.
Writing has prompted intentionality. Writing requires observation. And observation almost always leads to intentionality. Once I began writing about life and the thoughts that shape it, I began to think more intentionally about who I was becoming—and whether that was consistent with what I desired most.
Writing has made me more comfortable with my life’s journey. Recently, the New York Times published new research that seems to indicate writing—and then rewriting—your personal story can lead to behavioral changes and improved happiness. Among other reasoning, one argument is that writing helps us better understand our unique narrative and find deeper meaning in our trouble and suffering. After writing consistently for six years and experiencing this effect, I agree.
Writing has provided accountability. I chose to write publicly and have brought expectation upon myself because of it. In fact, the last time I posed for a selfie with a reader, she asked, “So do you really live out everything you write?” Even a private journal provides accountability. As we script our story, we find accountability—not to the written word, but to ourselves. We see how far we’ve come, how much we have left to accomplish, and why giving up now would be foolish.
Writing has increased my passion for the message. For six years, I have written about the benefits of owning less. Some days, I feel like I could write for six more. As I do, I continue to see how owning less holds benefit for all. Through readers’ comments and personal emails, I experience again the life-changing impact of this simple message: There is more joy to be found in owning less than we can ever discover pursuing more.
I have experienced other benefits for sure. Writing has given me a platform to share my message and has provided me the freedom to pursue it entirely. But still, the greatest change is the change that has occurred within me. I experienced each of them well before this blog had any regular readers.
There are important reasons to write. I recommend it often.
Gosh – you really know how to crystallize your thoughts – this post explains all my unwritten thoughts about my own writing attempts
I love that line ” thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips”
Crystallized thoughts exactly :)
I didn’t know you’d been writing for 6 years! I’ve been following your blog for the last couple of years, and writing my own blog for a little over that, and I can totally relate to everything you’ve written. Now I’ve started, I’m not sure I’d ever give it up. I love sitting in front of a blank screen, and clarifying my thoughts. I think it helps me live more intentionally.
Maybe in another 4 years, I’ll be as good a writer as you are! : )
Beautifully said. In addition to enabling me to articulate my thoughts and hold myself accountable, writing helps me even when I’m not writing. I find myself “writing” in my mind throughout the day, knowing that I’ll have the comfort and fulfillment of typing it all down later.
I like that I’m able to store away experiences and record them later. And, anytime I’m in a challenging or frustrating situation, I think to myself–well, at least I can write about this!
I’m amazed (and sometimes envious) of the incredible audience that you’ve built here on Becoming Minimalist. It’s clear that you have a deep passion for living with less, and the message you share here on the blog is so reflective of that. There’s no question that you have been a leader in the space, and have directly helped change the lives of many, many people. Well done, my friend.
Before becoming a professional home and office organizer, I taught 5th and 6th grades and 8th grade language arts (English, literature and writing) for many years. You have hit the proverbial nail on the head! There is something so comforting and reassuring when one puts pen to paper. Organized thinking leads to organized writing, which in turn leads to organized and structured living. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for posting a great vision for the benefits of writing. I’m six months into it, not six years. But I am already beginning to see the benefits you describe.
The most important point for me about writing is how it provides insights into myself – while I write or journal, I discover aspects of myself that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. It forces me to look deep within myself to pull out tidbits to share with the world around me. It forces me to be honest with myself and my readers. It is truly scary sometimes how hard it can be. And how liberating.
Thank you for sharing this post.
My entire life, I have been an avid reader and through that venue, I grew to love the written word. A blank page and mechanical pencil, in time, became not only life purpose but also therapeutic and spiritually ordained. So, about two years ago, I began an online faith based group as a source of encouragement, support, and enlightenment for today’s eclectic woman. The art of discipline, dedication, and accountability – not only to myself but to the members of this group – has made me a better writer. The desire to give my best comes back to me in the faithfulness of the readers, their comments and thoughts, their binding friendships.
Thank you for your passion, which is always so beautifully penned, and for being an inspiration on many levels.
Congratulations on building such a captive audience through your writing the past 6 years! :)
As a writer myself, I completely agree that writing has changed my life in these ways as well. Especially when it comes to discipline. Sometimes sitting down to get your ideas and thoughts down in a physical form isn’t the easiest thing to do and definitely takes self-discipline some days. While other days the words flow out effortlessly, that isn’t always the case. No matter how experienced of a writer someone is!
Beautifully said. I have always been a reader and even after blogging for several years stutter a little when I mention to people that I write. I don’t feel like a writer, but somehow I became one. And, I am falling in love with words.
One of my favorite lessons that many of you may already have known, but came to me through blogging, is that the words and ideas come naturally. Perhaps it is through intention, or my morning walks, or Spirit speaking to me as I sleep, but by the time I sit down to write I usually know what I want to share.
And that, makes writing feel magical to me …
These 6 core truths about writing? Substantial, true, solid.
Kind of like that book you’re writing. This whole call to minimalism is no passing fad, no flash-in-the-pan kind of thing.
Can’t wait to get my hands on those pages, Josh …
P.S. I’m sharing your post in my sidebar. I want my tribe to be here with me.
Joshua—I did notice a lot of guests bloggers and I knew you must have been busy! We here at this site are all behind you and we rejoice in your success. Congrats! :)
And thank you…
Off topic, but if you need a guest blogger on the subject of minimalism and teens, I am the blogger for you.
:)
Funny how things become more “real” when you write them down. Goals, solutions, viewpoints, all stand out and become something much more once written.
I feel the more you write the more you learn about yourself and your intentions, viewpoints, and motivations.
I’ve always gravitated towards the more technical side of education topics – math and science. I became an engineer after all! I don’t consider myself to be particularly creative. Drawings by my three-year-old Mini already rival my stick figure renderings. But writing a blog has awakened a creative spirit inside me. I have far less than your six years under my belt, but do believe continued writing will bring those same benefits to me – and can do the same for anyone else too!
I have been following your blog for a few years and recently started to read the archives from the beginning. I have to say that your writing as evolved and improved a LOT! I really enjoy your blog and have been on minimalist mission since I start reading it. I do not miss your early ways of non-capitalization of sentences or names :) Thank you so much for a wonderful blog and keep writing!!!
“writing has…” and “started reading it”…jeeez, I am sorry! I should reread things before I press Post.
I agree that writing can really help you clarify what you want from yourself. I feel that when I write, it is like talking myself into better habits. I also write a lot about minimalism and how it impacts our health, wealth and happiness, in addition to being the true ‘green’ lifestyle.
I write because it helps me to know what I think. So much of my thinking and learning process happens only when I take the time to record it, even if it’s just the morning scribbles I make in my journal.
I just happened on your blog a few months ago right after sorting through all our belongings in preparation for moving into a smaller house. The experience so invigorated me, I kept telling everybody they need to get rid of half their stuff and move into a smaller house. Most people were puzzled and thought I was strange. It was such an encouragement to start reading here and I finally felt understood. I love what you write and the guest posts. I think I have been a minimalist all my life by nature and often felt encumbered by all the things considered necessary to life. I appreciate your courageous challenges and am learning a lot. I keep that donations box ready at all times so the pairing down continues and rich living expands. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Elizabeth!! We’re looking for an apartment now, and minimalism has changed my perspective on what we need!
I especially like the last two points. We could all use more accountability…it’s motivating. And the last point, more passion for the message. I have some messages in my own heart that I would like to increase my boldness for. Boldness and passion can be synonyms, don’t you think?
Love this! I wrote a memoir a few years ago (90k+ words), and it taught me so much about writing. Similar to what the study you refer to found, I learned so much about my story. But what I think I really learned was that I didn’t want to write such a “MEmoir” — that the things I had focused on as being painful and hard were just life. I ended up discarding almost all of it, which seemed almost unfathomable to me at times yet I realized was completely necessary. I still want to write a book and I’m working on a couple ideas, but it will be very different. Even if it does end up being a memoir, it will be more a celebration of the people who loved me (in spite of myself!) and of grace.
I definitely agree with the point of writing making me comfortable with life’s journey. For me, I feel like the daily habit of writing helps me make sense of the story I’m living. It forces me to filter my words through the lens in which I see the world, and in doing so, I see a clear picture of how my story progresses. What do you guys think?
Great thoughts, Joshua!
I definitely agree about intentionality. Writing has made me think about what I share and whether my life truly reflects those things. Thanks Joshua for showing that writing (and blogging) doesn’t have to be a trivial pursuit! You’ve done great work here.
You have summed up the emotional effect of writing perfectly – thank you so much
Beautiful post! I am a writer myself and I am changed with each thing that I write. While I change my writing changes. It is really a circular process of change. I think, feel and relive experiences through writing. Sometimes I explore new ideas, opinions, worlds, people, etc. through my writing. Thanks for your post, Joshua! If you like this post, you should check out my blog at http://smplife.com for more about simplicity and minimalism! Thanks!
Honestly, I am impressed with people who love writing about their life everyday. Imagine? Recording your everyday’s life like a diary is actually inspiring as your grandchildren will read your write ups in the future.
Rick and Clay County Bail Bands
I couldn’t agree more that writing about our lives propels us to more intentional living. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you know what a difference it has made in so many lives. I recommended you today in a blog post I wrote and I truly hope people check out your blog: http://www.onthisnewmorning.com/2015/02/letter-of-resignation.html
I have been following your blog for a few years now. I stumbled upon it by googling “Minimalism” after my familt and I moved to France and I flt overwhelmed with the unpacking! I didn’t even have a word for the type of simple living I wanted to create for myself and my family. Nevertheless I started on the journey to simplify and now as a direct result, I have started making the time to write. I’ve always been scribbling away but the difference is, now I’ve committed to my own blog. I am enjoying finding my feet with something I’m enjoying immensely. I feel that writing is like holding up a mirror that we need to look into and I’m already feeling the benefits! Congratulations on 6 years and here’s to many more!
I totally agree with Joshua.I just started to blog at the beginning of this year and it has given me the discipline to stay consistent.I am not the best writer but with the practice I find myself becoming better everyday.
As I enter my journey into minimalism I have begin defining what is necessary in my life and what is not. I have gotten rid of material things as well as virtual things. Reducing the number of apps, reevaluate the websites I use, and pairing my internet usage down. One thing I often struggle with however is this – Many practitioners in the minimalist community write blogs, and have a social online presence. How do you rectify spending so much time writing online with your minimalist beliefs? Or do you not spend much time online? I have even begun to question my use of my smartphone for writing and apps like evernote (which I have used forever) because they aren’t simple like just pen and a journal. I don’t know maybe I am over thinking things due to the newness of this journey and trying to make sense of it all.
Well said. You sum up many of my own reasons for putting pen to paper regardless of our differences in subject matter (I tend to steer most toward memoir and journaling as opposed to self-help).
Your blog is more than a morning read for me, it is part guide, and as you know, this is true for many of your readers whether they leave a comment or not.
i love this & more detail as in the topics would enhance even more so I feel! I love all of your writing, perspective, posts & bringing to our attention of the endless rewards of simplistic minimalist! A country that gauges its success based on consumption is appalling to me! I’m all about the freedom & happiest experinces making fond memories! Thank you! You’re the very best & very valuable to the rest of us.
Love this post. Thank you for this. I’ve just recently started blogging again and it reminds me of the reasons that I write and what I get out of it. Good stuff.
if that photo is of your computer, then you must be familiar with an aspect of minimalism that i haven’t seen mentioned here (bear with me; i only started reading your blog): quality. if you only own a few outfits, they need to be durable and fit well; that goes double for shoes. if you only have one laptop, it had better be a mac, especially if you’re a blogger! if you depend on one bicycle to get around, you need it to be a good one. if we spend whatever money we have on quality items, it’s a lot easier to be a minimalist.
Thank you for the inspiration Josh.
For me, writing kept me sane. It helped me to think, to ideate and to heal. Now not a day goes without me writing.
http://sathyawrites.com/on-writing/
I thank you again for reiterating the message here.
~ Sathya