On a personal note, thank you so much for the continued support of Becoming Minimalist. June was our most popular month ever as the message of simplicity and minimalism reached over 200,000 unique readers. The momentum continues to grow. Thank you for being part of the community and a special thanks to each of you who intentionally share this website with their friends. I do not take your support for granted in any way.
This weekend, I am really excited to share some wonderful articles and authors promoting simplicity. I hope you find as much encouragement in them as I did. Please, fix yourself a nice cup of coffee, tea, or lemonade. Find a quiet moment to take a nice, deep breath. And enjoy some encouraging words about finding more simplicity in your life today.
The Day I Stopped Saying ‘Hurry Up’ | Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford. A wonderfully-gentle, articulate reminder for parents… and people of all ages. Slow down. Choose to live in today.
How Clutter Affects Your Brain (and What You Can Do About It) | Lifehacker by Mikael Cho. Interesting research has recently identified the two areas in your brain that light up in response to letting go of items you own.
Collect Accomplishments, Not Stuff | The Simple Dollar by Trent Hamm. If you find your wallet being slowly drained by your desire to collect something, try a different tactic. Start collecting experiences instead.
Reconsidering our Gift-Giving Habits | The Washington Post by Carolyn Hax. I think it’s time to ask ourselves every time: Does this thing I’m about to buy have any chance of being important to its recipient?
Measuring Materialism in Children’s Books | Phys.org by Jon Reidel. As the research would seem to indicate, the continual reinforcement of materialistic behavior and consumerism starts at a very young age.
Image: imallergic
On rethinking gift giving: “Is there something only I can give, even just my thoughts, expertise or time? If I’m not sure, then can I redirect my gift energy into keeping in touch more between birthdays….?”
I find that this is what is really needed in my social circle…real connections. Instead of a cheap clothing item (that often doesn’t even fit or suit my style) from a relative, I would much rather the effort spent at getting together over a simple meal and just being with that person…not texting, online chatting, or FB, but real, honest conversation. That’s a gift I’ll cherish.
I just love the title: “Collect accomplishments, not stuff.” I ran a half-marathon this weekend with my boyfriend and my best friend from high school. I could’ve spent the $50 entry fee on clothes or movies, but really, the experience was worth so much more. My goal was to run it in under two hours… and I did it! That’s worth WAY more than a sweater!
And the race number now hanging on my fridge is a much better indicator of my personality than a sweater too!
What an honor to be mentioned on one of my favorite sites! I have gleaned so much wisdom and insight from you. Thank you for all the lovely readers you have sent my way over the past few days. I am truly grateful for the support.
These articles all sound like things poor people say.
These are fantastic thankyou so much . The clutter and brain connection and hurry up articles particularly struck a chord with me. Humbling !
I have loved reading your articles and appreciate your website very much. It has become a way of life to have and desire less. Great ! It has changed my life.
As long as you continue to churn out inspiring content you will continue to have readers (and commentators like me). One of my favorite blog posts from 24+ months ago was a guest post about breaking the sentimental attachment to books. It led me to finally sell or donate most of my paper “trophies.”
Thank you for this Joshua. They sound great. Where’s my reading glasses? Cheers!
Bob