Fifteen years ago, in Vermont, I discovered minimalism. While cleaning a garage full of clutter, my neighbor changed my life with a couple of sentences. She said, “That’s why my daughter is a minimalist. She keeps telling me I don’t need to own all this stuff.” The scene that played out in front of me changed my life. My garage, full of dirty clutter, had taken up hours of my morning, while my 5-year old son played alone on the swing-set in the backyard. I realized the need for change. All the things I owned were not contributing to a better life. Even worse, they were keeping me from it. My ..read more

For the last ten years, I have been compiling and publishing curated articles that inspire simplicity. At first, it was an exercise in communicating to Becoming Minimalist readers the most popular articles I sent out on Twitter. But over the years, it has become more than that. It has become a place where people (every other week) come for a dose of inspiration. And it has become a place to promote and encourage writers around the world who are publishing content about minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living. I think you will enjoy this collection of articles hand-selected for you this ..read more

The holiday season, with all its joy, often brings a host of expectations and excesses. While it’s certainly a time for celebration, all of the added pressures can sometimes diminish our enjoyment. As Rachel Cruze said, “Sometimes doing less really is doing more. Remember: it’s okay to say no to some things to be able to give your full yes to others. Skipping that one holiday open house to be more present with your kids is okay!” So, in the spirit of embracing a more fulfilling and intentional holiday experience, here are ten things to consider removing from your holiday traditions: 1. Oversp ..read more

I recently wrote about leaving a legacy. About how the decisions we make today will define the stories that are told about us in the future. And about the importance of living a story that inspires and motivates others whenever it’s shared. It’s one of the reasons I am so passionate about minimalism. The less we waste our lives chasing things that don’t matter, the more intention we can direct towards things that do matter—those things that leave a legacy worth sharing. Today, we have a unique opportunity to do just that. Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement celebrating generosity. Ever ..read more

Today, countless shoppers will embark on their annual Black Friday shopping spree—seeking out all the perfect gifts at all the perfect prices. In fact, this Black Friday weekend is expected to break records. 74% of consumers in the US say they intend to take advantage of sales this weekend. And Black Friday sales are expected to cross $9.8 billion in 2023—that is $680 million more than the record number recorded last year, in 2022. All told, the average shopper will spend $430 on Black Friday. And those numbers don’t even include all holiday shopping. Americans will spend approximately $1,000 ..read more

Fifteen years ago, on a Saturday morning in Vermont, my neighbor introduced me to a truth that would change my life: Owning less can revolutionize our daily existence. Oh, I’m not sure she meant all that when she told me her daughter was a minimalist. But after working all morning to clean out my garage, the connection was immediately made in my mind between owning less and having more freedom. Despite having plenty of available excuses that could have held me back—not making enough money, having two young kids, working 50 hours a week, and a scarcity of resources on minimalism available in t ..read more

Fill your life with stories to tell, not stuff to show. The simplicity/minimalism movement is a beautiful community. And I enjoy any opportunity to promote writing that encourages people to live more by owning less. I invite you to fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. Find a quiet moment this weekend. And enjoy some encouraging words to inspire more simplicity in your life today. In my 40s I’ve Started Decluttering My House in Preparation For My Death – Everyone Should | i newspaper by Sophie Morris. Prompted by the travel guide saga in 2021, I began to see the incredible volume of ..read more

For many of us, the holiday season holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a time to focus on faith, gratitude, celebration, and cherishing moments with family. But too often, the beauty of this season gets overshadowed by rush and busyness. Not to mention the stress of over-commitment, excessive spending, and unrealistic expectations. As the holiday season officially begins, let’s remember that simplifying our holiday season can actually magnify our joy and allow us to focus on what truly matters. Simplicity isn’t about cutting back on joy. Simplicity is about promoting the values and acti ..read more

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” —Lao Tzu It’s really easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of accomplishing big dreams or towering goals. In fact, we sometimes look at the accomplishments of others—a published book, a successful business, a fit body—and think to ourselves, “How in the world are they able to do things like that?” That question is immediately followed by the next thought, “I could never do anything like that. It is way too difficult.” And so, we never even try. That is exactly what happens when we focus on the end product rather than all the little ste ..read more

When was the last time you sat down and considered the role possessions play in your life? We live in a world that screams at us from every angle that more is better, that possessions equal success, and that happiness can be purchased at a store. But if you’ve ever felt a disconnect between what culture says and what your heart feels, you’re not alone. As we all seek to make the most of the one life we have to live, let’s ask ourselves challenging questions about the things we own. These questions can challenge our worldview and assumptions, and even shift our perspective and liberate us from ..read more