I want you to know you matter to me.
In a world filled with noise and superficiality, this may seem like just another statement. But, it’s not. I mean it.
You matter to me. And I wanted to take an article to make sure you know that.
Whenever I sit down to write, I have you in mind.
I don’t write for a faceless crowd, to rank high on Google, or with a clickbait title just hoping to drive clicks to a website. I write for you—individuals who have made an intentional choice for simplicity and a life that resonates with authenticity and meaning.
You matter to me because you are trying to live the best life that you can live—just like me. You want to be an engaged parent, a better friend, a more effective leader, a better neighbor, or a more engaged member of your faith community—passionately active in the lives of the people around you.
You’ve determined there are more important pursuits in life than material possessions. And so you are here, reading these articles and these ideas, because you value life’s quality over the quantity of stuff in it. And so you inspire me.
You pursue owning less to elevate your greatest values. So do I.
You matter to me because of the bold steps you’ve taken to embrace a countercultural lifestyle, working hard to push back against a culture that surrounds us and begs to acquire more and more.
You are here because you have decided life is too valuable to waste chasing and accumulating material possessions. Why else would you be reading this blog except that you dream of something bigger and greater.
That matters to me.
And you matter to me.
Please know that I work hard to show up for you with messages that inspire, motivate, encourage, and challenge all of us—myself included—to live an intentional life focused on things that matter.
I think a lot of times these types of messages can fall into, “I appreciate you because you support my work and allow me to do what I do.” And while that is true, that is not what I am saying today.
This is about me articulating something I don’t say enough: I truly care about you.
It means a lot to me that you are part of this community. It means even more that you have the courage to show up and live in alignment with a philosophy that values authenticity over acquisition.
My role in the world, as I see it, is to encourage and inspire people to own less and live more. That’s my passion and my commitment. As you read these articles every week, you are an active participant in this mission. You represent a change in the world—a shift in priorities and passion.
In this journey towards minimalism and intentional living, I want you to know that you are seen, you are appreciated, and you matter.
You are more than a comment or a message in my inbox, you are a real person, flesh and blood, on the other side of the keyboard sending me that message. And I read them all.
And for that reason, I care about you.
Even though we’ve never met, I want you to know today, and every day, that you matter to me.
Donna says
Thank you, Joshua, for your heartfelt words. I have been a follower of yours for many years because of how you stand by what you say, you truly care, and your words of wisdom and encouragement have helped me to grow. My faith life is important to me and I appeciate how you share and live out your faith. Thank you for listening to the call to write, live simply, and share about it. It is truly appreciated!
Abigail Muller says
Thank you, Joshua! Your sincerity always shines through both your spoken and written word. It is one of the many reasons I have been able to glean so much wisdom and encouragement from you. Again, I thank you for being part of my life.
Michael Wheeler says
Josh, I’m glad to be apart of your life and journey and vis versa. I feel like I know you. Of all You Tubers/podcasts on minimalism, living frugal you are honestly are #1 on my list. Makes my day to read your blogs and hear your voice on podcasts. Thank you! Namaste!
joshua becker says
Thanks Michael.
Jo says
Thank you, so much, Josh.
I know that you work hard to help us all become even better individuals. I appreciate your witness and your practical videos and messages. I know that when I click on an email or a video on you tube that you have created I will not have to be on guard for negative or harmful messages, but for encouragement and betterment. Let your light shine so that others may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven. Thanks for doing this!
Laura Barkley Gough says
Thank YOU. It takes a great deal to put yourself out there for others and you show up for us. So thank YOU. May God continue to bless you and your journey in helping others navigate their struggles in this world. Thank you for inspiring hope and guidance towards a more clear existence. You do not go unnoticed and you are so greatly appreciated by so many. Never forget this as you continue your path, on it’s inevitable twists and turns. Love to you and your family and loved ones. Thank you for your kindness and generosity, as well as your authenticity. You are special and so greatly appreciated and admired. Keep up the good work and be happy :) Laura from Lexington, KY.
Juli Susini says
Thanks Josh! We actually met at the Grove Bible Church in Chandler, AZ, a few years ago, and I am grateful to have met you and found you again on here though a decluttering group I am part of. I feel seen and understood here and appreciate what you shared with us as that day at the Grove and here now. Glad I found you again and grateful to be reminded of what counts in life. Big hugs,
Juli (Jules) and John
joshua becker says
Oh, that is wonderful. I so appreciated that morning at Grove Bible Church. Thank you for reminding me of it today.
Santiago Fernández Fernández says
I do appreciate you and your words.
I’m learning a lot from you.
Thanks!
Tiziana says
Thank you, dear Joshua, for your words, your example, your way of life. Your articles are a source of strength, common sense and generosity.
I have been following you for three years and you are always an inspiration to my life, even in hard times.
You, too, matter to me.
A big hug to you and your family
joshua becker says
Thank you for these kind words Tiziana. I do appreciate them.
Pete says
Josh, thank you so much. Minimalism first found me (yes, that way around!) in a terrible life-crisis (divorce, nerve-wrecking career-changes) in 2011. I stuck to it as best I could, sometimes deviating more, sometimes less. Your voice in the online wilderness always drew me back to it in the end.
I am now in a place where I can be generous and give back. My sister-in-law was only recently diagnosed with cancer… but I know we will power through. It may sound silly, but sometimes it’s a secret superpower. By knowing the way of “less”, you sort of get to tap into hidden reservoirs of strength. You reminded me of this often in your writing, and for this I thank you.
God bless you Joshua – and I guess I speak for countless other readers: You matter to us, too.
Best wishes and love from Germany!
joshua becker says
I agree on the superpower designation. That’s a great way to put it. So sorry to hear about your sister, but I am glad she has someone who lover her nearby.
Justin says
Thank you.
I’m 20 and have been following you and minimalism for three years now. I am so thankful about what I have learned and how early I learned it. I’ve been dealing with a health condition for a few years now, taking over my life and not feeling well enough to do anything. Luckily it’s expected to heal/disappear soon. As a young adult you have desires to begin your own life and it’s been frustrating for me not being able to so, but with the concepts and mindset I’ve gained from minimalism, I now feel content while I deal with being very limited to what I can do. You are my favourite minimalist and I can’t thank you enough for how much of a positive impact you have had on my life and many others. I love you.