Written by joshua becker · 32 Comments
There are amazing, life-giving benefits to owning fewer possessions.
When we own fewer things, we are able to focus more on pursuits of greater worth (however we choose to define them).
Owning less stuff means we have more money, more time, more focus, and more energy.
It also means less stress, less worry, and less distraction.
Minimalism allows us to live a life that is a better example for our kids and a better lifestyle for the planet. It paves the way for generosity, gratitude, contentment, and intentionality.
The pursuit of minimalism forces clarity on values, passion, and purpose. It causes self-reflection and results in greater life satisfaction.
These are the benefits of minimalism. And I want everybody reading these words to experience them.
However, you will never experience those benefits by thinking about minimalism. You can only experience them by putting the principles into practice and actually owning less.
In this way, owning less is better than thinking about owning less.
I have a feeling there are many who read this blog who desire the intentionality and freedom that minimalism provides, but have never taken any significant steps toward experiencing that truth.
This post is for you.
Today, take your first step toward living with less. Owning less brings peace, merely thinking about it brings stress (especially if you’ve been thinking about it for a long time).
Your first step in the right direction doesn’t need to be a big one, but it does need to happen.
So no more excuses. No more waiting for tomorrow. No more blaming others in your home. No more waiting for the circ*mstances to be perfect.
Today, get started owning less. You don’t need to complete the entire process in one day, but you do need to get started.
Fill one box (or bag) with physical possessions in your home that you no longer need. Then drop it off at the nearest local charity. Tomorrow, do it again.
Begin freeing up space in your home.
Don’t start in your attic, basem*nt, or garage. And don’t start by trying to sort through your most sentimental possessions. Owning less doesn’t mean you need to get rid of the hardest stuff first.
Instead, begin with the stuff you know you don’t need—especially if someone else can use it.
Declutter your living room, your bedroom, or your bathroom. Some place easy that you can finish and feel good about yourself for completing. Then, declutter the next easiest space in your home.
As you do, you’ll own less and less—and begin experiencing the benefits.
There is only one person who can make owning less a reality in your life. And that person is you!
It’s time to stop thinking about it… and time to start doing it.
You can do it. And you’ll absolutely love owning less. Trust me, it’s WAY better than merely thinking about it.
