No matter what our age I believe there is always more to learn. I also think approaching any topic with a beginners mind is an excellent way to set that in motion. So although I’ve been reading and writing quite a bit on the subjects of simple living, sustainability and minimalism since I began this blog five years ago, I know there is certainly more to discover. So when I read that fellow blogger Joshua Becker from his site, Becoming Minimalist finished a new book, it captured my eye. After finishing the book, I wanted to share a few things I found there that could help us all live a more minimal and SMART life.
The More of Less details the journey of a young man and his family as they discovered that they really didn’t “need to own all that stuff.” Fortunately, there are a lot of us who already know that, or are just becoming aware of, that very basic fact. Ultimately everything we own and collect carries an ongoing price of time, energy, and attention that often stifles the very life we hope to enjoy. So when we take the time to get rid of all the extraneous stuff we accumulate, we usually end up with “more” of everything that gives our life value.
Here on SMART Living 365, I call that idea rightsizing and write about it from all sorts of directions. The good news is that it doesn’t really matter what we call it, what’s important is that we come to an understanding of what gives our lives real value.
One of the most compelling elements of The More of Less is Joshua Becker’s personal story of minimalism and how it transformed his life. Another thing that his book offers that is equally beneficial is several different stories from others who have also tackled the subject in their unique way. As Becker says, “Minimalism is about what it gives, not what it takes away. It’s the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them.” Obviously, that is different for each of us, and although not always easy to do, it is essential for the payoff.
It was through these stories that I found the most inspiration in the book. I’ll call them “jewels” and here are the ideas I want to remember. While most are presented in the context of minimalism, I believe they work equally well for anyone looking to rightsize their life.
- By getting rid of excess possessions, minimalism allows us to “celebrate a new life of decreased distraction. “ Once we become unburdened by our stuff, space is created in our lives for renewed passions.
- Is it possible that pathological hoarding is actually “…a rational response to external turmoil”? Many people who can’t seem to let go of their stuff often cling to the security and safety that all that stuff mentally provides. Also, according to Becker, “researchers concluded that those who do not feel internally secure in their personal relationships will often put a higher value on physical possessions.”
- Excess does not automatically equal success. As I’ve said before, just because we can buy, or do something, doesn’t mean we should. Perhaps it is time to stop celebrating excess and instead applaud and appreciate the right amount at the right time.
- Real freedom is liberation from the need to possess anything. That freedom, as Becker says, is “the ability to rejoice at the sight of all the things we do not need. And to have our lives finally freed to pursue the things we want to do.”
- A good first step toward minimalism is, “Eliminate redundancy and get rid of repetition.” In other words, get rid of any duplicate items you own as soon as possible. How many towels do you have in your closets? How many spatulas? How many face creams? Don’t even get me started on shoes!!! We often delude ourselves into thinking we need several versions of the same thing. But then we end up with so many choices it makes us crazy. Get rid of duplicates!
- Another valuable strategy is what Becker calls, “only the best.” In other words, why have anything in your house that isn’t useful, meaningful and of quality?
- Rightsize your vehicles. Okay, Joshua Becker didn’t call it rightsizing, but he did mention how important it is to recognize that, “often, car ownership is about status and reputation.” And that, “We seek to prove our success in society by the cars we drive.” But is anyone else really paying that much attention to our cars? And if we are slaving to pay those monthly payments, who are we fooling? Far better to accept yourself and what’s important and save your time and money for those things you love.
- If you are having a difficult time letting go of things, try “leveling.” Leveling is the practice of putting something you’re not sure you can live without in a box for a predetermined length of time—say a month or six months. Chances are good at the end of that time you’ll know if those items hold real value to you or not.
- Don’t try to sell the stuff you are releasing. Most of the stuff, the little stuff that really clutters up your life will be a big hassle if you try to eek out any money from it. Give it all away to people who want and need it. Embrace the freedom from the stuff as the ultimate payday.
- While the “more” you get from living with less can save you lots of money and time, never forget to share that new “more” with those you love and those in need.
The More of Less is an easy book to read and likely most valuable for anyone who is getting started on the path to a more simple and minimal lifestyle. However, some readers might want to know in advance that Joshua Becker is a minister and he does tell a number of Bible stories to illustrate some of his points on the subject.
However, what I found most surprising about the book is that there is a complete lack of mention about the environment or how minimalism relates to our planet. I come from the perspective that all the decluttering in the world won’t add to our lives if we can’t breathe the air, find healthy food to eat, or drink the water. Writing about anti-consumerism with a focus on what’s really important without relating to the natural world seems odd to me, especially in a book with such a strong emphasis placed on helping others and being of service.
I think by now you know that I’m a big believer in learning whatever we can from everything we encounter. Depending on where you are on the path, The More of Less could be a good place to start. Just remember, the SMART approach might not always be about getting more or having less, but resting in a peaceful and happy place of just enough.
Question of the week: What is one thing you could let go of that would give your life more?
Hi Kathy,
Since January I’ve gotten rid of half of my clothes and ended up with more to wear. I pared down to a wardrobe I really enjoy (I was not considered a clothes horse before). Anyway my husband & I just left for a 2 month trip in Europe which includes weather from 48 degrees & rainy to 78 sunny beach time; business meetings, dinners, conferences & a lot of fun in between I managed to get everything into a 40L backpack & a tote bag. It makes me wonder why I need any of the clothes left in my closet!
Sending to this to my mom…I wonder if she’ll see why.
As always, Kathy, you provide such great affirmation for getting rid of “stuff”–both material and emotional–to rightsize our lives. Hubs and I are almost done with the purging in advance of our move to smaller condo in 10 days…I’ve discovered that it’s taking a few rounds to really pare down, but with each pass we realize how much less we need–and more stuff goes to the dump, to charity, or to anyone who needs it. And we feel lighter in every sense of the word.
Sounds like another good book to add to my list. I think that people see it as a hardship to get rid of all of the excess, but what they don’t understand is that the hardship is trying to keep it all.
Hi Rena! I’ll bet you have as many books lined up to read as I do. There are so many great ones out there I am happy to offer my reviews as an outline until others get around to reading it. Thanks as always for your comment. ~Kathy
having just gone through a thorough rightsizing–moving from a 5-bedroom house to a 2-bedroom apartment–I was especially struck with the de-cluttering hint about little things: give them away, don’t try to sell them. There is something very satisfying about giving things to others. what’s “useless” to you, can be precious to others. Going the selling route is time consuming,painful and unrewarding. When the hombre who cuts our lawn came by and we gave him a bunch of stuff, he was so grateful and pleased. If I don’t use it, he told us, I have friends who will. He knows plenty of people who need stuff. I felt lightened up and giddy–and he felt enriched.
Hi Penny! Congratulations on rightsizing your home. I hope the benefits are becoming more and more obvious the longer you’re there. And yes, doesn’t it make just common sense to give most all of that stuff away? And thanks for the great example of how easy and beneficial it can be! ~Kathy
Oh my goodness. That phrase “a rational response to external turmoil” hits the nail on the head for a friend of mine. I’d never put it together like that. Thank you for the gift of those words.
Hi Carla! Doesn’t that phrase just cut to the chase? Thanks for pointing it out. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on More of Less. I have to agree with you that for me minimalism also takes the environment into account. I know that’s not the case for everyone but the environment is my first passion minimalism is just another way I live to leave a lighter footprint.
Hi Lois! Have you read it? I know you stay pretty connected with all things minimal so I thought you might have. Of course, you definitely not only know this and write about it all the time, you LIVE IT far more than most of us. And I think that is a nice way to put it, “…the environment is my first passion minimalism is just another way I live to leave a lighter footprint.” I really don’t see how minimalism can be SMART without including it either. Thanks for jumping in her too. ~Kathy
No I haven’t read Joshua’s book. I felt it was pricey and wasn’t sure I would get my money’s worth out of the purchase.
I’m not sure I can say my home would be considered minimal compared to some but the way I’ve defined minimalism (having only what one needs and loves) then my home and lifestyle qualify. 🙂
Hi Kathy, I loved this post. I read it Friday but had no time to leave a comment so I came back 🙂 Thanks for sharing the book info and the highlights. It really resonated with me. I am constantly moving items out of my home by giving away or selling at consignment stores. I’m also moving thing ‘in’ as well and I should cut back on that. LOL. I loved the advice to give things away instead of trying to earn cash. It makes so much sense!
Hi Lisa! Wow! I know the feeling about reading something and not having time to make a comment. So I consider it a great honor that you came back! And I think it was Janis who in her comment said that she only allows herself to bring something in when she lets something out so that is a good practice for sure. Glad you found some of the other tips helpful. Be sure and look up Joshua’s website if you want more tips. Lots of good stuff there. Thanks again for coming back. ~Kathy
I totally get how reducing the amount of stuff we have can be freeing. After my parents died, I had to dispose of all their stuff. They weren’t hoarders or anything – just a house full of stuff of 36 years in the same place. I realize that I don’t want any more stuff because when I die, that is just more crap my kids have to deal with. Sounds like a book to check out.
Hi Cathy! Isn’t that one great way to realize that our stuff (and the stuff of those we love) is just clutter insulating us from what we really want? When first my mom passed away and we went through her stuff, most of it was just lifeless possessions that none of us (four daughters) wanted. We gave most to the goodwill. It sounds like you did the same. Dad wasn’t as into “mementos” but there was still a pile of stuff. It’s a bit sobering to realize how our stuff might mean a little something to us, but it sure doesn’t have the same attraction to others. And again, the freedom of having so much less is certainly a “more” we can strive for. I highly recommend the Becoming minimalist website and then if you want more there are several books that help in a similar way (oh, and one is my rightsizing book of course 🙂 ) Thanks for joining the conversation! ~Kathy
I have been reading about Minimalist Theory for the last few years. I understand the benefits and I like it. This book sounds great, I’ll get it on my Kindle since I don’t need another book in my house. My intention is to move in a minimalist direction and I have been making little changes along the way. I see that I don’t need all the things that I thought I did, and I love decluttering and having less in many ways. I think that I may have even more success when my four children grow up and move out! They are still very much in the “Mom, I need…..” stage!
Thanks Blog, Share, Learn for sending me to your post! Gloria
Hi Gloria! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this. And yes, Kindle is a great way to keep the clutter down. I realize it is challenging with children around but think of the good example you can share with them that hopefully they will use far into the future. I really do believe that less is so much more in so many ways! ~Kathy
This sounds like a book worth reading! I read some of the comments (one from my SD buddy blogger, Janis) and she is right on about just donating things you don’t need or want. Last year we added on to our master bedroom, sort of the opposite of downsizing–but we added on to my 950 sq feet house of 28 years, adding a second bathroom and more space for living (any my office space). That being said, my point was that I donated tons of clothes, old dishes, old paperbacks, etc and our 2015 taxes were blessed. Selling crap on ebay is a huge hassle. And I refuse to go to garage sales or even have one. Thanks for posting, Kathy, I always look forward to your wisdom!
Hi Terri! From what I read on your blog and the conversations we’ve had I’d say you already rightsize and understand the more of less. But like I said before, we can all use more encouragement. And staying in your very usable house and adjusting it to fit your needs is very SMART! And thanks also for letting us know your experience on ebay is similar to what Joshua Becker says. Far better to just let go and stop the madness. Have a great rest of your weekend! ~Kathy
Wonderful post, Kathy, and thanks for the reminder. Now I know for sure what I’m going to do this rainy weekend in Germany.
Joshua Becker is just great! I’ve read his book „Simplify, and his new book is on my reading list now. Thanks for your recommendation. I wish I could be in the US or Canada, so I could watch „The Minimalist documentary (by Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus), which will be released this month. Have you seen the trailer? If not, please do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Co1Iptd4p4
I hope they can bring it over to Europe as soon as possible.
To your question. Fear is a also a thing I want to dump forever.
Hi Gosina! It’s about 100 degree Fahrenheit here where I live today so rain sounds refreshing! And yes, isn’t reading a nice way to spend the day. I think you probably know Joshua’s story pretty well but you might enjoy it. I heard about the documentary so I’ll be curious about it. I read them for a while but felt they tended to be a bit repetitive. I think they are “characters” though so a movie of them should be enjoyable. I keep a watch out and if I see it give you my 2 cents! Have a good weekend. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, I get the importance of downsizing. And I’ve done it and mostly not regretted it. So that’s not a problem. And I feel that I’ve made good choices in my life and that I still am–to sit at this computer and rewrite and write a novel and want to be published!! Okay. But fear does creep into my life, fear of failure and fear for our country. So right now I am struggling with that and trying to keep afloat and not worry. When I can no longer stand it, I stay away from the news cycle and read a good book. Take care Beth
Hi Beth! I know you’ve also “rightsized” your life in so many ways. And yes, doesn’t that help clear the space so you can sit and write instead of managing all that stuff. But yes, behind even that is the old FEAR thing that we all (and especially writers I think) must face in order to move forward. Good for you for knowing some of your triggers and avoiding those. That’s a BIG step. One day at a time is also great advice. We don’t eliminate all our old patterns overnight. Have a lovely weekend and thanks for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
Thanks for being my friend, Kathy. I’m trying. Beth
I’m so glad to see the proliferation of the general concept that material things are over-rated as a basis of wealth and source of happiness. Living more simply is beneficial to people in general and to the environment, as you point out, and is ultimately far more sustainable than rampant consumerism. I like the term “right-sizing” because it doesn’t try to dictate to people exactly what they should give up and what they are “allowed” to keep. It’s more of an approach, or a mind-set, than a specific formula.
Hi Carol! I agree that it is wonderful to see more and more of us getting into the simple living lifestyle after so many years of excess. Jonathan is also offering an online course with his book which I decided to give a try and while the vast majority of it is just confirmation of what I write about myself, it is encouraging to see so many others reading and commenting about how it is changing their lives. I think it is really important to remember that there are A LOT of us on this path and it is making a difference!
And yes I agree that the term “rightsizing” feels like a better fit to me too. Thanks for letting me know that. ~Kathy
“Don’t try to sell the stuff you are releasing. Most of the stuff, the little stuff that really clutters up your life will be a big hassle if you try to eek out any money from it. Give it all away to people who want and need it. Embrace the freedom from the stuff as the ultimate payday.” This resonated with me! We have a lot of antique-y things that we’ve collected over the (much earlier) years that we now want to get rid of. I’ve sold some through eBay but it really is a hassle. Maybe we should just find someone who is interested in that particular time period and let it go. The money we would make doesn’t compare to the time (and space) it would free up in our lives.
Hi Janis! Yes I thought that little tidbit from Joshua was valuable because there is a tendency for us all to think our stuff has a bunch of value but it just too big a hassle to try to sell it. And yeah, it is a hassle and as you say, “the money we would make doesn’t compare to the time (and space) it would free up in our lives.” But like I mentioned in my post about being time-rich and house-broke, we are so used to thinking of value and wealth in terms of the cold hard cash in our hands, instead of the luxury of peace and freedom in our lives. Good for you for recognizing that Janis!!! Now what???? Let me know when you take that step and we’ll all be applauding from the bleachers!!! ~Kathy
Thank you for sharing the information about More of Less. It’s a tremendous lesson that we all can learn and benefit from when we start to minimize the “stuff” in our lives. What is the point of worrying about or keeping things we haven’t used for years?
Hi Nora! I read you’re question, “What’s the point of worrying about and keeping things we haven’t used for years?” and it made me laugh because it is so true and yet for some reason so many of us do! I think we need to write out that question and put it on the door to our closets!!! And yes, I talking about me here. I really don’t have that much stuff but truth be told, I have do have some “stuff” hanging around “just in case.” Time to let it go. Thanks for adding that to the conversation! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy:
As you already know, we got rid of at least half of our “stuff” when we moved and built a smaller home. Unfortunately we still have too much stuff in our garage, and I’m sure it will make me feel better when I get rid of most of it! Thanks for the timely reminder.
Hi Laura Lee! Thanks for checking in on this. I know you’ve personally done a huge job of “rightsizing” your life. But isn’t it funny how we have to stay on top of it or we often just slip back into old patterns–even when we know better. Like I was saying in another comment, even though much of what was in the book wasn’t new to me, it was still a sort of kick in the butt to go through those closets again! We have a much smaller house (like you and your husband) but when a person stays put for a while it adds up doesn’t it? Let’s keep reminding each other huh? ~Kathy
Clutter is my enemy. I do like those things that bring me everyday joy. To some, they might be clutter, to me, they are history worth keeping. But (there’s always a but) I keep a LOT less these days. Things matter less, love, time, travel, a good sharing…those things seem to matter so much more these days. I know so many people who stack their homes with priceless possessions but are rarely home to enjoy them. Not sure I get it, but it’s okay. Different strokes for different folks….isn’t that how the old saying goes?
Hey Tammy! I think one of the big advantages to aging is that we start getting that, right? It especially seems to hit us when we realize, been there done that! I think it’s sometimes difficult for younger people who keep reaching for that carrot because they haven’t gotten it yet, then when they do, like many of us, realize that’s not the answer. One of Thom and I’s favorite quotes is from Jim Carey would say, “I wish everyone could be rich and famous so they’d discover that isn’t the answer.” But then as you say, we all seem to need to find that answer for ourselves. Thanks for adding to the conversation! ~Kathy
Over prepared is my thing. Yes it is good to be prepared but I have the earthquake kit and the back up stuff to live 2 weeks or more without water or power. I also am prepared for various other things too that make for redundancy. Too much of a good thing is still too much! If the Zombie Apocalypse comes, I am the one you want to seek!
Hi Haralee! Okay what is your address? We’ll all just show up on your doorstep 🙂 Of course I can’t poke fun at you because I am a great planner and preparer myself. But I do think it is good to hold that in check because honestly, I also appreciate uncertainty. My personal motto is sort of, “prepare but then be flexible.” (okay i’m a Gemini so that works for me.) So many people argue for not being prepared or planning ahead and I am happy if they are really happy that way. But I find in many instances it is just an excuse for not taking the time to stay awake and aware of the now or the future. What do you all think? ~Kathy
Internal chatter!
I’m making great progress on reducing material possessions, so I’m now working on dumpin the baggage that my mind collects.
PS. Thanks for the heads up on the bible stories. Learning through modern day approaches/techniques is a better fit for me, but I can appreciate those that see otherwise
Hey Karen! Thank you for checking in and sharing that it’s the internal stuff that really is the “next” step when it comes to living a simple and more rightsized life. Like I said with T.O., just your awareness of it is the first step right? Let’s all keep reminding each other and getting rid of that clutter!
And yeah, the Bible stories surprised me because I have been reading Becoming Minimalist for years now and never got that strong a message. I’m not against it, just vastly prefer as you say, “learning through modern day approaches/techniques is a better fit for me.” Fortunately I believe there are voices for us all sharing these types of positive messages. Thanks again for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
Joshua’s book sounds so you, Kathy! I got these things from your book as well, and just found myself nodding and nodding.
I’ve intuitively done the leveling exercise too, without putting things in a box 🙂 But when I run across something I haven’t used, worn, etc., in a good period of time, out it goes.
My focus on the getting rid of duplicates, is more to make sure I don’t purchase those! The “do I really need it” idea for me starts with, “do I already have something similar?”
My issue these days is more time. I’m going to sit down this weekend, and make a comprehensive list of where I am on all work-related and personal chunks of time, see exactly where I am, and exactly where I want to be, and revamp.
I’m going to keep this list with me! Thank You.
Hi Susan! Thank you….I do think that much of what Joshua’s book covers is very close to the “rightsizing” model. And any of us who have been reading and working on creating a more uncomplicated and happy lives will be familiar with a lot. But one thing I do think that reading a book like this does (and yeah I hope my books do the same) is remind us and encourage us to keep it up. Rightsizing and minimalizing are both about the “journey” not the destination. Since I’ve read the book I’ve look around my rightsized house and seen a number of areas that need some pruning. It’s so very easy to just let things stack up and “hide.” Let’s keep reminding each other and then taking the steps.
But with that said, I SO agree about the time. Just like with T.O., I think when we walk this path we start realizing that the “stuff” is a bit easier to orchestrate…it’s all the emotions and thoughts and habits that need equal attention. Thanks for that reminder and sharing your thoughts. Have an awesome weekend! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! What a great “question of the week”!
It caused me to reflect for a while over my morning coffee and, really, the one thing I could let go of that would give my life more is not even a “thing”.
Fear.
We are at the stage of our reinvention where it feels as though there are elements beyond our control. In that sense, it was “easy” to renovate & sell our old house, along with our dusty collection of things we no longer needed, and it was “easy” to live in a camper while we finished our new house last year.
This feels so much harder: reinventing our working lives. We built in contingencies to allow for the time we need to do it right, but I have a growing fear that they will “run out” before we figure it out.
Let’s face it, material rightsizing is but one part of the equation … our working life can impact all of our lives. Finding that balance between work and rest, while creating the financial flow needed to meet our needs, is a daunting challenge … and it can make any other attempts at rightsizing much less impactful in any positive way.
I could continue rambling about it, because it’s easy to go on and on when we’re in fear. But, what I really need to do is let it go. It’s creating negative energy around my efforts and these last few days have been exhausting because of it. So, that’s my one thing.
I must let go of my fear.
Hi T.O! Good morning BSF! Yeah, I think there is a blog post or two in there about the emotional things and how they are the “next step” when it comes to declutting and living a simple and minimal life for sure. But good for you for naming and it and recognizing that it’s your “thing”. After all, if we aren’t willing to acknowledge what is lurking in the background, how will we ever let it go. Because we’ve gotten to be good friends I can honestly say that I have no doubt that it is just a matter of time. As the saying goes, “That which we seek is seeking us.” Maybe today is the day????? ~Kathy
Fear, the elephant in the closet! Oh, how many times I’ve wrestled that elephant. I think if we give up the fear of failure and accept there may be a different outcome but, that outcome won’t be awful just different, we can get through the fear.
b
Hi Barbara! I think you’ve hit on something very important. ABout the only time I feel fear is if I am thinking something is going to turn out bad. But I don’t believe that EVER happens because I can always learn from it no matter what. And I go back to that timeless question, “what’s the worst that can happen?” And 99.99% of the time it is mainly full of delusions and illusions that I don’t even believe on a conscious level. As the saying goes FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. Of course most of us reading this post already know that…but the journey from the head to the heart is often full of detours! Thanks for this Barbara. Have a fearless weekend! ~Kathy
Yes, FEAR is my other thing I’m trying to dump and am attempting to remind myself to limit it to only those items that can be categorize as:
F.E.A.R. = Fuck Everything And Run!
hahahahahaha! That’s a new one Karen. Thank you for my morning laugh!!
Thank you my dear BSF … I really love that!!
While I was reading your reply, it dawned on me: I may be seeking too hard (thanks to the fear). Therein lies the trouble with excess on an emotional level — it doesn’t allow us to see clearly. Sometimes what we seek comes in a still, small voice that gets lost in the whirlwind.
Kip keeps pressing me to take some time away from the computer and I keep compulsively returning to it … and spinning my wheels. Funnily enough, the more I return to it, the more the technology messes with me, like it knows. LOL