Becoming Minimalist unites people around a common, life-giving pursuit. We have discovered there is more to be found in owning less than we can ever discover pursuing more.
Regardless of where we find ourselves on this journey, we are resolved to live by these ideals and make it true in our lives.
This is an important worldview because it provides potential and opportunity to all who embrace it. And it offers joy. And joy is best experienced when it is shared.
All around the world, family and friends will gather together to celebrate various holidays. We will take time to catch up with loved ones. And for those whose lives have been changed by the adoption of minimalist ideas, the season represents a golden opportunity to share your story and newfound approach to life with those you love the most.
If you are actively pursuing simplicity, you are living a counter-cultural lifestyle. You have a personal story of discovering simplicity in a world that champions consumerism. Almost by default, your story is unique, interesting, and compelling. People will be interested to hear it.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of people discovering minimalism. Some found it through their upbringing. Some were introduced through disaster (fire, burglary, downsizing). Some were introduced by a friend. While others picked up just the right book or stumbled onto the right website at the right moment .
Regardless of how you personally discovered it, your story has the power to inspire others and further the message of finding more life by owning fewer possessions.
So share your story with friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors this holiday season. Look for opportunities to retell it over coffee, around the dinner table, or during a family tradition. Be bold with the truth of simplicity and owning less.
Of course, when you do, tell your story in humility, motivated by love, without confrontation. Be patient with your family (especially if some of their traditions run contrary to your pursuit). Refrain from attitudes and words that communicate any hint of superiority.
Our message may not be fully embraced by those who hear it the first time. But that’s okay. Our job is not to change someone’s life for them.
Our role is to simply offer the invitation.
Wins Tabar says
Love this. Thank you for always reminding me to adopt a life of simplicity.
Laurie Malloy says
Every time I get the chance I share with others that I’m a minimalist. My childhood story weaves easily into the simplistic lifestyle. As the youngest of eight children I grew up in a 1650 square foot home and realize I was never a “stuff gal!” When my daughters were pregnant with our grandkids I told them I wasn’t going to be a “stuff grandma.” We spend our time outside, baking cookies and playing games.
Kelly Walker says
Joshua, The following words are my favorite of this post. If we could follow these actions in everything in life we would be so much better off. Thank you for your articulation.
“Of course, when you do, tell your story in humility, motivated by love, without confrontation. Be patient with your family (especially if some of their traditions run contrary to your pursuit of minimalism). Refrain from attitudes and words that communicate any hint of superiority.
Our message may not be fully embraced by those who hear it the first time. But that’s okay. Our job is not to change someone’s life for them.
Our role is to simply offer the invitation.”
Judy says
Wow Joshua—you lied! Good bye.
Erika says
How so?
joshua becker says
I’m not sure what you are referring to here Judy. How can I help?
Judy says
I’m very sorry—I didn’t mean to sound so cruel…I’ll just keep my feelings to myself. It’s going back to another post that we talked about. One person says one thing—and their post stays up. Another person says something else—and it gets deleted. That doesn’t seem fair…but you are in charge of this site and it’s your call. I’ll just drop the matter and move on…
Once again, I do apologize.
Erika says
Huh.
Rebecca says
I really appreciate your articles, Joshua. The idea of living with gratitude and being a minimalist has made a huge difference for me. There are burdens that have been lifted because there are less decisions to make about purchasing things; and it’s a financial blessing as a result, too! I have shared these ideas with my family and I am making every effort to be sincere in my example.
jacqueline says
i started de cluttering 10years ago, and it gets easier all the time, mistakes still happen silly purchases, something i am focusing on is?
how does this keep happening, what am i not getting to stop things coming into my life over and over again, i think i buy things that are not truly what i really want, so then i am not satisfied and the urge to have more or replace is usual what happens, maybe i need to just hold back and wait,
love jacqueline
Elizabeth says
I’m recording my journey into minimalism here.
https://minimalistexposure.wordpress.com/about/
Ella Colborn says
Wonderful, Joshua! I was actually prepared to get to the bottom of your email and see an ad for “The More of Less” with a suggestion that we could “share our story” by purchasing several copies to give as Christmas gifts. I should have know better. One of the things that attracts me to your message is your integrity. Kudos–and Merry Christmas!
Clare Devlin says
When you’re living something out that brings you joy, then the people in your life will often end up asking: 1) why you live that way or 2) how do you get that joy? That’s the best and most contagious way to spread the message :)
Bonnie says
My husband has taught me that less is better…Case in point…We rode our motorcycle from Yosemite to Colorado Springs with only two changes of clothing…Didn’t think I would get by but I did…He has also suggested for every new article of clothing, something must go from the closet…Another feat I thought impossible but alas it is not…What a difference an organized closet with fewer items makes…Less hassle, less stress, no less, and aesthetically pleasing, no doubt…Did I mention our garage?
laura ann says
Bonnie: Ideal capsule wardrobe (men too) is simply: neutrals on the bottom (pants, skirts, capri’s, shorts incl denim jeans or shorts) and solid or subtle stripe or plaid shirts and tops in your best colors on top, this way tops goes with the bottoms. I don’t own dresses in years, as many women wear pants to church. Only two pair of dress shoes in black. Have several athletic shoes and neutral rain jackets and outerwear. Janice: Kitchen is worse room for clutter to build up. I had kitchen tools I donated last year, no longer used for some time incl extra plates and mugs all went to group homes.