In anticipation of an upcoming post on social media, I understand the distraction that Twitter can become. Its constant stream of information can move us quickly from helpful to the very opposite of simplicity, mindfulness, and intentionality.
On the other hand, I have found it can be a valuable tool in encouraging simplicity. I have seen it be a valuable resource for connecting and drawing encouragement from like-minded individuals who are seeking a life of minimalism and simplicity. And the encouragement can be available at a moment’s notice.
With that in mind, if you are desiring to find a bit more motivation for simplicity on Twitter, here are 9 Twitter Accounts that Continue to Encourage Simplicity in My Life.
The following accounts were selected because their tweets are unique, profound, thought-provoking, and encouraging. In addition, their tweets tend to be more minimal, less self-promoting, and contain fewer personal updates.
Leo Babauta. (@zen_habits)
- Happy New Year, my friends. It’s a blank slate: don’t fill it up. source
- What are you grateful for today? source
- Saying “Less is more” tarnishes the good name of less. source
Joshua Becker. (@joshua_becker)
- Contentment is a decision. So is happiness. source
- Joy is free. It won’t cost you a single penny to choose it. source
- “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.” ― Ann Brashares source
Dave Bruno. (@guynameddave).
- Most of the battle to simplify is knowing when to simplify. source
- Consumerism’s solution to “You are not good enough” is a lie. That doesn’t mean we’re inherently good enough. source
- The power of simplicity is not that it is demonstrative but that it is formative. source
Dalai Lama. (@DalaiLama)
- The real source of inner strength and self-confidence is warm-heartedness. source
- Through education we have to lead people to see that concern for others is actually in their own interest. source
- We need to understand that material development by itself it doesn’t bring peace of mind. This can only be developed within the mind. source
Colleen Madsen. (@365lessthings)
- Declutter electrical items you no longer use. They can perish over time and stop being useful to anyone. source
- Mini Mission – Declutter any kitchen gadgets or utensils that didn’t get used over the holiday period. source
- Mini Mission ~ Assess your cutlery. If you have more than enough to cope with a houseful of people let some go. source
Gretchen Rubin. (@gretchenrubin)
- Outer order contributes to inner calm. To a surprising degree. source
- Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination. source
- Most things worth doing are worth doing regularly. source
The Clutter Cleaner. (@Clutter2Clean).
- Make it a priority to get rid of items that actively make you unhappy and/or evoke bad memories. source
- Just because you didn’t get all your decluttering done doesn’t mean you’ve failed. All progress is good! source
- Don’t just get rid of things – try to figure out how to avoid acquiring them in the first place! source
Tiny Buddha. (@tinybuddha).
- We have to let go of who we are to discover who we can become. source
- “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~William James source
- “Do not judge by appearances. A rich heart may be under a poor coat.” ~Scottish Proverb source
Zen Moments. (@Zen_Moments)
- Life brings simple pleasures to us every day. It is up to us to make them wonderful memories. ~ Cathy Allen. source
- The more you rejoice in the happiness of others, the more you rejoice in your own. ~ Alan Cohen source
- Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty. ~ Doris Day source
Unless, of course, you are just looking for humor on Twitter. If so, I recommend Honest Toddler.
Great list Joshua! Found a couple of new twitter accounts that I wasn’t following before!
Nice work Joshua! Thought provoking twitter is something I never thought I would have encountered. Much better than the constant stream of tweets that are clutter and add no value to one’s life! Look forward to the post on social media.
I am, and continue to be, a Facebook resister. However, I just broke down and started a Twitter account so I can follow a lot of my favorite radio, TV shows, bloggers etc. You are the first on my “following” list. Thanks for these other links too!
I love the tweets by H.H.Dalai Lama – inspiring and meaningful…Also another account to encourage simplicity and spirituality is @SriSriSpeaks …. tweets from H.H.Sri Sri Ravishankar make my day!
I’m going to bite the bullet soon and join Twitter for business purposes, so I’m so grateful to you for this list. Had no idea the Dalai Lama uses Twitter. What a strange world we live in!
Hi Joshua. I’m not about to start being a twitter follower, but I did enjoy those quotes, esp. those from the Dalai Lama. With 6 kids of my own and as a regular tutor for others, I can’t agree more with the second statement about education. It is amazing how people just don’t see that, as if this planet is ‘mine’ only and ‘my’ children only need to succeed…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts through your blog!
Hi Joshua, once again I find myself saying thank you for drawing attention to my blog and, more to the point in this case, my twitter page. I really appreciate all the support you have given me over the last few years. It may only be the odd link here and there but I get a spike in my subscriptions every time you do it. It is also flattering that you, one of the pioneers in simplicity blogging, continue to suggest that my blog is worth reading. But putting my ego aside, it is wonderful to be able to spread the word of simplicity and environmental consciousness to more people. If you accept guest posts I would love to write one for you one day.
My only issue with this is the irony of making a comment like “In addition, their tweets tend to be more minimal, less self-promoting, and contain fewer personal updates.” then including your own twitter account…
Thanks for the comment Mags. I do like to think I keep my Twitter feed focused on encouraging simplicity.
Not ironic at all. This is his blog- his twitter account is not flooded with personal info or attempts to sell his products.
Thanks a bunch for the list, I’m just getting into twitter and these are just the type of accounts I’m looking to follow!
Including his own twitter feed in the list of “unique, profound, thought-provoking, and encouraging” is nothing but self-promotion. That was my point.
Follow all but the Dalai Lama. How did I miss that one?
Dan @ Zen Presence