My Journey of Becoming Minimalist 15 Years 15 Lessons

My Journey of Becoming Minimalist

Written By Joshua Becker   15 Years 15 Lessons

It’s almost unbelievable to me to think that this weekend marks 15 years since that Saturday morning in Vermont when I was first introduced to the word: minimalism.  In a world that continually exclaims “more is better,” the idea of intentionally owning less is countercultural—almost as if the idea must break through the noise. For me, it was a conversation with my neighbor. For others, it was a parent, a friend, or even this blog.

But regardless of how we came to be introduced to minimalism, the lifestyle begins to change us.

These last 15 years have been a journey of learning, understanding, and growth for me.

Whether you’ve been reading Becoming Minimalist all 15 years (thanks mom!) or just started today, I’d like to celebrate by sharing 15 lessons that minimalism has taught me over the last 15 years.

1. The power of less.

Our society often equates more with better, encouraging us to amass things in the pursuit of happiness. At the heart of every advertising message is the foundational message that this product will improve our lives.

Maybe the most profound lesson minimalism taught me was the power of less. Having fewer possessions has not only decluttered my physical space, it has allowed me to redirect my precious (and finite) resources toward things that matter.

2. Real wealth is intangible.

There is more than one definition of the word wealth. Merriam Webster offers three:

1. abundance of valuable material possessions or resources

2. abundant supply

3. all property that has a money value or an exchangeable value

When most people think of the word wealth, they define it (and usually desire it) in terms of financial or material resources.

But there are other things in the world that we should desire in “abundant supply:” relationships, love, faith, and impact all come to mind.

Very often, the pursuit of material wealth leaves those other pursuits lacking—rather than in abundant supply. Given the choice, I’ll prefer richness in relationships, faith, and love over dollars any day.

Minimalism helped me see that even clearer than before.

3. Contentment cannot be purchased.

To continue reading, please go to the original article here:

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/15-years-15-lessons-my-journey-of-becoming-minimalist/