Joshua Becker's Blog, page 117

Raising Consumer Conscious Teenagers in an Age of Excess

“We always pay dearly for chasing after what is cheap.” —Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn

Six years ago, we sold, donated, and discarded most of our material possessions. It was a decision based on discontent with our current lives. We were tired of living paycheck to paycheck—never able to get ahead. And we were growing weary of all the time, energy, and effort our material possessions were draining from us. We realized we had too few resources left over for the things most important to us.

Not only were our possessions not adding joy to our lives, they were distracting us from the very things that did.

Since embarking on this life-giving journey, we have found this lifestyle resonates with most people who are introduced to it. Most of us know we own too much stuff. We have seen the pursuit of minimalism transform the lives of young couples, parents, and older generations. But one of our greatest desires is to also inspire teenagers to become conscience consumers and build a better life by owning less.

There are, of course, significant challenges in reaching teenagers with the message of owning less:

Our world grows increasingly materialistic.
Teenagers value acceptance and conformity with their peers.
Advertisers routinely and intentionally target the young adult demographic.
Teenagers are beginning to explore their own decision-making. As a result, they are often less likely to value input from others—particularly parents.

The challenges are formidable. But we also recognize the benefits of reaching students with the message of conscious consumerism:

Many of their significant decisions are still ahead of them. The message of simplicity helps equip them to make wise ones.
They are not in debt—yet. As a result, they are not held captive under the weight of creditors (especially housing, cars, student loans).
Their spending habits are not yet formed. They are definitely being shaped, but are not fully determined.

We must recognize the challenges before us. But, as parents ourselves, we also understand the importance of sparing our teenagers from decades of financial burden and empty promises of fulfillment. We recognize an important opportunity to inspire teenagers to pursue lives of greater value.

As parents, mentors, and community members, consider embracing these 10 important tips for raising consumer conscious teenagers in an age of excess:

1. Model simplicity. The cliche rings true, “Life lessons are better caught than taught.” The first (and most important) step in raising minimalist teenagers is to model for them the joys and benefits of intentionally living with less.

2. Encourage idealism. Many teenagers embrace idealism and desire to find a cause that can change the world. But far too often, teenage idealism is misunderstood and/or discouraged. It ought to be encouraged. Allow children of all ages to dream bigger dreams than cozy homes, cool cars, and white picket fences.

3. Volunteer as a family. Be active offering your time in the community through a local food bank, soup kitchen or community organization that serves the underprivileged in your area.

4. Watch less television. It’s not as hard as you think—and has immediate, positive results for you and your child.

5. Make teenagers pay for expensive items themselves. Every parent ought to provide food, clothing, shelter, and basic necessities. And every parent should give good gifts to their kids. But asking your teenager to purchase expensive items with their own money will create a stronger sense of ownership and a better understanding of the relationship between work, money, and consumerism.

6. Encourage teenagers to recognize the underlying message in advertising. Advertisements are not going away and can never be completely avoided. Help your child read behind the marketing message by often asking, “What are they really trying to sell you with this advertisement? Do you think that product will deliver on its promise?” If luck is in your favor, it can even become a fun little game in your family.

7. Find an ally. By the time your children have reached the teenage years, your role as a parent has changed significantly. In most families, teenagers are beginning to express independence in their relationship with their parents … but that doesn’t mean they’ll never listen. Find an accompanying voice in your community that subscribes to your values and provide opportunities for him/her to speak into your teenager’s life.

8. Discourage entitlement in your family. Often times, as parents, we work hard to ensure a significant advantage for our children by providing for them at all costs. But as we do, we equally run the risk of not preparing them for life by neglecting to teach them the truths of responsibility. It is hard work maintaining the possessions of life (lawns have to be mowed, cars cleaned & maintained, laundry sorted, rooms tidied). Expose teenagers to this truth as early (and as often) as possible.

9. Travel to less developed countries. This world is big and the cultures are varied. Some of the most teachable moments of my teenage years occurred while visiting third-world countries and experiencing the living conditions of those who live on so little (an estimated 6 billion people live on less than $13,000/year). Their joy and peace has served as an inspiration to me even up to this day.

10. Teach them what matters most is not what they own, but who they are. A man or woman of noble character holds a far greater asset than those who have traded it for material possessions. Believe this truth. Live this truth. And remind the teenagers in your life of it as often as possible.

We have chased happiness, joy, and fulfillment in the pursuit of riches and possessions for far too long. (tweet that)

It is time we intentionally raise a generation that values greater things.

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

“Happiness is not found in things you possess, but in what you have the courage to release.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne

There are many wonderful people pursuing and promoting simplicity. Fortunately, some of them are gifted in communication and choose to encourage and inspire us with their words. I enjoy reading their unique perspective. I’m sure you will too.

So fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea on this beautiful weekend. Find a quiet moment. And enjoy some encouraging words about finding more simplicity in your life today.

A Guide to Living With Less | Relevant Magazine by CaReese Rials. How to eliminate excess and declutter your life.

Dear Kids: It’s OK to Be Bored | Huffington Post by Bunmi Laditan. Being bored is like sitting in front of a blank canvas. Boredom is infinite possibility.

Why Are We So Busy? | New Yorker by Elizabeth Kolbert. After an initial period of excitement, the average consumer grows accustomed to what he has purchased and rapidly aspires to own the next product in line.

A Call for Revolt: Advertising is the Anti-Minimalism | Zen Habits by Leo Babauta. The biggest obstacle to a wonderfully minimalist life is advertising.

Child Entertained For 5 Minutes By Plastic Toy That Will Take 1,000 Years To Biodegrade | The Onion. Short. Funny. Sad.

Clutterfree with Kids | Amazon. The promise of living a clutterfree life sounds attractive to many. Unfortunately, with kids, discovering and maintaining a clutterfree home can be difficult. But living clutterfree with kids is entirely possible. We wrote this practical book for parents who just need a little help getting there.

In the Blink of an Eye

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision.” —Helen Keller

Nothing stays the same forever. Everything changes—sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly.

Over the past month, I have been away from home. We have been visiting family in Nebraska and South Dakota and enjoying a few nights in Colorado. Our trip has been lovely. I’m thankful to have such a family where even ten days together seems too short.

There have been many enjoyable and memorable moments during our trip, but there is one 24-hour period that sticks out to me. In the span of one short day during our visit to South Dakota, three distinct events occurred.

First, I helped my 92-year old grandfather maneuver into his home in his wheelchair. Last December, while at work, he fell and broke his femur. His healing continues but with various setbacks. Doctors are confident he will walk again, but it will be another 5-6 months. In the meantime, he still works full-time—but with considerable inconvenience. This was the first time I had seen firsthand the full extent of his injuries.

Second, I drove past the home of Don Meyer. Don Meyer, a close family friend, was once the all-time winningest college basketball coach. One month ago today, at the age of 69, Don lost his battle with cancer. His cancer was first discovered in 2008 following a car accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, who now lives in their home alone.

Third, while driving to my brother’s house later that evening, I came upon an awful car accident with crushed automobiles, injured bodies, and deep pain. The scene was hard for anyone to witness. The physical and emotional pain will continue for the drivers—and extend almost certainly to their families as well.

24 hours. Three unique stories. Each with little in common except for one life-transforming thread: Sometimes events happen in the blink of an eye that change the course of our lives forever.

When we least expect it, tragedy can strike. And it often does, in an instant. With little to no warning, our lives are turned upside-down forever.

I was reminded this past week that nobody is guaranteed their health for another day—it can be taken suddenly by accident or diagnosis. Nobody is guaranteed the presence of their spouse for another day. None of us are even guaranteed breath in the morning.

The foolish scoff at this pronouncement assuming tragedy will never strike. Those in denial will refuse to accept it or simply try to change the subject.

But those who recognize and accept the truth that life is fragile live their lives fully in light of it. (tweet that)

Those who understand life can be changed forever in the blink of an eye will seek to:

Find joy and gratitude in their present blessings. They will recognize every good thing in life is a fragile gift.
Remove fleeting pursuits. Our lives are too valuable to waste chasing and maintaining unneeded possessions.
Overcome the past and not make assumptions about the future. Instead, they will live each day in the present.
Make the most of every opportunity. Forgive who needs to be forgiven. Express love and gratitude to those who deserve to hear it.
Live lives of significance. Each new day is an opportunity to make a difference. Don’t waste it.

Our lives are fragile. They can change in an instant. Live today in light of this truth—and carry no regrets.

From Our Head to Our Feet

“Faith is about doing. You are how you act, not just how you believe.” ―Mitch Albom

A short while ago, I had an interesting experience—one that I don’t recall happening before.

I was asked to speak at a local organization here in Phoenix twice, exactly three weeks apart. It was really interesting, here’s why.

When I have opportunity to speak about minimalism and make the case for owning less, I jump at the chance. It is an important message.

The typical response I receive goes something like this: “Joshua, you are right. I have too much stuff in my house. You should see my garage/office/closet. I am going to get started right away.” Then we say good-bye. I leave. And we never see each other again.

But this time, it was different. This time, I came back three weeks later. And I was able to engage many of them in a follow-up conversation which usually started with, “Hey, so how did it go cleaning out your garage/office/closet?”

I heard various responses. Some had done great. Some had started a little. But some responded by saying, “Oh, you know what? I haven’t even started yet. I really do need to get going on that.”

It is only a 60-inch journey from our head to our feet; but often times, it is the most difficult journey we embark upon. To move an idea from our head to our actions requires discipline: discipline to cut out distractions, discipline to get started, and discipline to get better.

But the reward is always worth the journey.

May I encourage you today? If you know there is something in your life that you need to be doing, please go do it. If it will provide you with greater simplicity, more peace, or a better life in some way, get started now. Life is just too short to wait.

And if I show up in three weeks to ask you about your progress, I better not hear, “Oh yeah, that is a good idea. I really need to get doing that.” Instead, I’ll get to hear about your journey.

Because you will have already started.

The Pursuit of Selflessness

“If your love is only a will to possess, it’s not love.” ―Thích Nhất Hạnh

Selflessness is an important key to marriage, friendships, and relationships. It is also an essential key to happiness and fulfillment. But unfortunately, often overlooked.

Selflessness is often overlooked as a key to happiness because, on the surface, it appears to run contrary to the very notion. I mean, isn’t the pursuit of happiness by its very nature selfish?

No, it is not. Or at least, it doesn’t need to be.

Our lives can be lived for any number of purposes. They can be used to advance a personal kingdom for selfish reasons (money, possessions, fame, prestige, reputation). But our lives can also be lived for the pursuit of justice, happiness, or growth for another person or people group. We can live to solve the problems we encounter in this world. We can dedicate ourselves to advancing certain ideals. But only when we embrace service and selflessness will we find lasting significance in our world.

Many will try to define success in terms of winning out over others, having power over others, or the ability to dominate others. The lust for power is common and widespread in humans—the power to order others around, the power to make decisions that will impact others, and the power to own when others cannot.

But this type of happiness and influence is short-lived. It will always fade. Nobody is intimately drawn to selfishness. Nobody seeks the wise counsel of a selfish person. Nobody is willing to give themselves up for one who desires his own kingdom above all things.

However, we are uniquely drawn to those who selflessly give of themselves. Those who love and give generously find a type of fulfillment that extends beyond position, title, or structure. They find an authority that reaches into our heart and soul. Their example is studied. Their counsel is sought. Their stories are told in positive ways. And their happiness is truly lasting.

May we refuse to overlook the importance of selflessness. Instead, may we choose to pursue selflessness as the very means to achieve happiness—not just for our own sake, but for the sake of those we choose to love.

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

“Success isn’t how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” —Steven Prefontaine

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision. It is a counter-cultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption we live in.

The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.

Escape from the Matrix | Aeon Magazine by Jacob Burak. The fear of missing out haunts our social networks and our real lives alike. But there is a way to break free.

12 Rituals Happy, Successful People Practice Every Day | Marc and Angel Hack Life by Marc Chernoff. Loosen your grip on what’s not meant to fit in to your life.

Treating People with Kindness | Seth Godin by Seth Godin. Treat people with kindness merely because you can.

6 Danger Signs of Emotional Spending | US News and World Report by Sabah Karimi. Watch out for these shopping addiction red flags.

Freedom From Stuff | The Art of Simple Podcast with Tsh Oxenreider. Recently, I sat down with Tsh to talk minimalism, parenting, and pursuing life with less stuff (43:11).

7 Steps to Live Your Ideal Eulogy

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Lara Blair of The Extraordinary, Simple Life.

We’ve all heard it before:

We don’t sit on our deathbeds wishing we’d spent more time at the office. We don’t get to the end wishing we’d bought more stuff. 

Yet, why do we pay more attention to our résumé, our status, our possessions and portfolios than we do to the legacy we leave here during our short time on this planet?

What if you took a few minutes today to write an ideal eulogy for your own funeral?

Go ahead. You can picture yourself super old with more life experiences than you ever thought imaginable. You can envision a happy, yet sniffling, crowd who knows you lived an incredible, full life. You can even visualize multiple pews of family members crying happy tears because you fulfilled your life’s dreams.

But what would the words being spoken about you say?

I think the answer to this question is best answered by a quote from Margaret Young:

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards, they try to have more things or more money in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are. Then do what you need to do in order to have what you want.

Being who you really are and doing what you were put on this earth to do is what makes an amazing eulogy. With that said, I believe that an ideal eulogy-worthy life is more attainable when we choose simplicity.

Because the days are long and the years are short, we often lose sight of how this journey will look when we reflect at the end. We don’t recognize that our daily choices will greatly affect the big picture we’re painting with our life.

One of my favorite authors, Jon Acuff, has a poignant section in his book Start called “The Plane Crash”. He talks about creating a pretend, life-ending disaster in your head and asking yourself the question, “If I died today, what would I regret not being able to do?” A little morbid, but effective.

Of course, the real question that comes out of this exercise is “Are those the things I’m doing right now?” Near-death experiences can have that effect on us. I have watched a dear friend come back from advanced breast cancer and the changes she’s made in her life have been amazing to watch. But the good news is we don’t have to go down these scary roads to live a life worthy of the best darn eulogy imaginable. We can make those changes today.

Personally, I have been thinking a lot about what my eulogy would say. And I’ve been noticing some serious room for improvement.

Consider this list of 7 steps for all of us to live our ideal eulogy:

1. Be intentional, mindful and vigilant about daily choices.

This is especially true when it comes to relationship investment and use of time. Life on purpose doesn’t happen when social media is the dominant form of connection or when stuff accumulation/organization takes up more time than family adventures and bonding over meals. Fighting habits that breed stagnation can be one of the best things you ever do for a happy looking-back-picture of life.

2. Love loudly, deeply and fully.

I’ve never had regrets about ambushing my reluctant teens with bear hugs, nor have I wished away all those love notes discovered in lunch boxes. I’ve tried with success and failure to love the people in my life according to their love languages. I don’t want anyone in my life to question just how much I appreciate what their presence has done for me in my journey. This is the most true of my husband—a person who brings so much joy to our lives. It’s imperative that the most important person in our world understands the magnitude of our devotion and appreciation. Isn’t this what the whole deal is about? Relationships? Invest massive amounts in them.

3. Give without hesitation or regret.

Looking back, I can honestly say that the moments my heart felt the lightest and most full was when I was giving out of sacrifice. There’s something that happens inside a person when you’ve done something for another human simply because you want to see him/her/them happy and thrive. I honestly wish that sacrificial giving came easy to me and that there wasn’t a day that went by where I wasn’t lovingly offering what I had to someone else. I know that this is one of the biggest answers to the questions in regards to life’s meaning, yet it doesn’t take enough precedence in my day to day.

4. Acknowledge that downtime is important and schedule it diligently.

We’re busy by default. The good news is we have a great deal of control of what enters our life and 100% authority on how we react to it. We could learn a lot from rose-smelling cultures in other countries. How many episodes of Caribbean Life must I watch to incorporate some island time into my Northwest suburban world? The influential presence of a fishermen perched on the edge of the shore is not required for me to take an hour to sit in a hammock with the hub to do a crossword puzzle. We are people who pencil things in over here. There is all kinds of right in the act of scheduling time to simply be.

5. Choose an attitude of optimism and hope.

The aforementioned 100% authority over our reactions applies here. It’s so easy to react, yet responding to circumstance with a hopeful heart takes work. I’ve actually had to learn to reprogram my thought process when dealing with the unexpected. Sunshine and roses is not my default, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let the hand-wringing tendencies win. There are some awesome expect-the-best people in my life and I look to them when adversity strikes. They set the example and I’m willing to be their apprentice.

6. Invest in experiences to create lasting memories with loved ones.

I don’t recommend an Airstream purchase to everyone, but I have to say it has done wonders for our quest for intentional family bonding. Trips (with or without trailer) have proven to provide adventure and intentional communication. My first choice would have been to travel the country for a year in this metal tube, but it wasn’t in the cards. The next best thing for us has been scheming a get-away as often as we can—especially when we’re witnessing our schedules and device usage getting in the way of family communication.

7. Run my own race.

How many times has there been added stress to our lives because we incessantly look side to side during our jog to the metaphorical finish line? The internet is a wonderful thing. You wouldn’t be inside my head right now reading these thoughts if it ceased to exist. Yet, there are far too many opportunities to jaunt over and see what Susie/Joe/The Jones’ are up to on their site/blog/FB page. Steven Furtick said it best: “We’re comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.” Facebook is the ultimate breeding ground to manifest insecurity for me. It was a total distraction, so I had to turn it off in order to run my own race. Part of owning our own fantastically complicated, unique story is creating it without distraction from the cheap seats.

Here’s the best news: It’s never too late to redesign a life that leaves a legacy. What will the somber person at the podium say about how you lived your life?

***

Lara Blair blogs at The Extraordinary, Simple Life where she encourages others to make every day count. You can also find her on Twitter.

Swimming in Great

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Trina Cress of Beginner Beans.

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” —John D. Rockefeller

Over the last few years, I’ve grown in my desire for a simple, intentional, contented life. Sometimes, however, I lose focus.

Like when my daughter almost drowned on a little excursion to the pool a couple summers ago. As I finished changing my then six-month-old into his swim diaper, my then three-year-old escaped my peripheral vision and confidently rushed down the steps into the water. Water that happened to be level with the top of her head.

When I glanced up, it took only a second to see her frantically kicking—her feet down, arms frozen by her sides, head tilted toward the sky, and a thin layer of water just covering her face. Her eyes open and panicked, she tried and failed to reach fresh air.

I managed to quickly pull her to safety, calming her and reassuring her as she caught her breath. Thankfully, she hadn’t taken in much water or had to hold her breath long in the seconds from her stepping off that last step and me noticing her in a panic.

That is the image that comes to mind as I think about my own venture into life. I bound joyfully down each item on my To Do list easing my way into what I think to be manageable and joy-filled waters.

Before long, I look around and realize I’ve filled my life to overflowing with good things. Good goals and projects—creative work, healthy living, hobbies; good daily tasks—errands, e-mails, chores; and all the specifics of my life happenings—my current pregnancy, staying home with the two kids we already have, and everything that comes with this current season of life.

A life full of good things.

So full, it sometimes threatens to drown me. My never-ending list of good things just covers the top of my face as I try and fail to catch my breath through them all.

It’s these moments—when I’m overwhelmed, exhausted, spent—that I know it’s time to simplify and refocus. I need clarity of purpose so I can let go of some of those good things, opening room to breathe and move forward into the deeper waters of great living.

I got this clarity recently by going through five checkpoints on my journey to simple, intentional, contented living. I’ll share them with you here, in case you are also finding yourself overwhelmed in the shallow waters of good:

1. Identify where you are.

I started by listing all the specifics that were taking my resources. All of those good things—the projects, tasks and life happenings—that filled my days to overflowing. I had an “Oh, now I get it” moment as I realized all the directions I was sending my time and energy.

2. Discover where you really want to be.

I then dreamed about where I really wanted to be—drowning in the shallow end of good, or confidently swimming in the deep end of great? In order to get deep into great, I had to be honest about those projects, tasks and life seasons where I really wanted to focus. Which did I care about and want to pursue above the others?

3. Consider what’s holding you back.

Then, came the tough questions. What good things were drowning me? What was holding me back? What good things were getting in my way of doing something great, or doing anything at all?

4. Let go of good for better. 

Next, came the hard part of letting go. I had to confront my hang-ups to letting go of those good projects, tasks and happenings. I couldn’t let guilt control me anymore—if I wanted to swim in great, I needed to go through the challenging process of letting go of the excess good.

5. Live simply with purpose where you are.

Finally, it was time to pursue my new focus on purpose and with appreciation. What would I do today to implement my new simple, intentional, contented focus?

Focus and direction for my life, work, and family came as I dove into these checkpoints. I found a refreshing clarity like pulling my head above the water’s surface and taking in a healing breath of air. A renewed focus of where to point my limited resources to swim in great.

What good things in your life are keeping you from great?

***

Trina Cress blogs at Beginner Beans where she encourages others to live simply with purpose where they are. The five checkpoints shared in this post can be explored further in her free e-guide A Simple Road Map for Your Journey.

SimpleREV: 2 Days, 200 People Pursuing Simplicity

Wake up. Come home. Fill up. Be simple.

This October 3-4, in Minneapolis, MN, I will be speaking at an event dedicated to promoting simplicity in all its various forms. I want you to know about it.

SimpleREV is a two-day gathering intentionally designed to unite and inspire simple-living enthusiasts and advocates.

In a world where excess is the norm, simplicity needs a voice. Recognizing this need, the SimpleREV movement is intentionally designed to help people:

Wake up to the world of simple-living that already exists around us.
Come home to healthy relationships built on common pursuits.
Fill up on gratitude and contentment and hope for the future.
Find new motivation and tools for your personal pursuit of simplicity.

Throughout the weekend at SimpleREV, we will focus on expanding our lives and simplicity’s reach through intimate workshops, energizing main stage sessions, informal meet-ups, and new relationships.

Some workshops and leaders have already been planned. But an important theme of SimpleREV’s culture is contribution and participation—not just attendance. So the weekend provides significant opportunity for you to share your own story and simple-living passion with others.

Attend to grow. Attend to be inspired. Attend to contribute.

If you are committed to simple living and desire to see its influence grow, I hope you will consider attending SimpleREV. It’s going to be an unforgettable two days.

I am excited to be delivering a message of encouragement and challenge from the main stage. I am also leading a Blogging/Writing workshop at the conference. But mostly, I’m excited about meeting (and being encouraged by) each of you. To hear more of my motivation, here is a short interview with me and the organizers, Joel and Dan, of the SimpleREV event and movement.

You can find more information about the SimpleREV Conference and SimpleREV community by subscribing to their newsletter. Or join us there by purchasing your tickets today.

6 Reasons to Embrace Minimalist Living

“Never underestimate the importance of abandoning crap you don’t need.”

Six years ago, I decided to embrace minimalist living.

At first, the reasons were simple. I was spending too much of my life caring for possessions and I was wasting too much money on stuff I didn’t need. These possessions were not bringing me joy or lasting happiness. Even worse, they were keeping me from the very things that did.

Possessions had become the great distraction in my life. And the most effective way to fully recenter my life on the things that mattered most was to remove the excess physical possessions from my home and life.

Since then, I’ve been asked countless times if I think minimalism is just a phase. I always answer the same, “Absolutely not.”

Minimalism is a better way to live. It brings freedom, clarity, and opportunity. And each of us should consider embracing it in our own unique way. Consider these six reasons.

6 Reasons to Embrace Minimalist Living

1. More opportunity to pursue what’s most important. Our lives are important. Why would we waste them pursuing things that aren’t? Physical things always perish, spoil, or fade. But love, joy, purpose, contribution, and compassion stand eternal. Our lives would be better lived pursuing them. Minimalism provides that opportunity.

2. More intentionality in all areas of life. Countless voices and messages seek influence in our lives. They desire to shape what we believe, what we buy, what we watch, what we eat, and how we live. Intentionality brings life back under our control. Minimalism jumpstarts intentional living by forcing us to identify our values. As a result, we can better identify how we have been swayed by artificial influences.

3. More space to live our fullest life. Our lives require space. But in a world of ever-increasing speed, time for reflection becomes more and more difficult to discover. Owning fewer possessions means less cleaning, less organizing, less repairing, and less financial burden. It frees up time, energy, and space—space that can be spent examining life to make sure we are living it to the fullest.

4. More focus on contribution. Even if for selfish reasons, it is wise for each of us to evaluate where we seek meaning. Happiness found in living life for personal gain is short-lived, never fully satisfying. On the other hand, using our resources for the purpose of improving life for someone else offers lasting joy. Moving our focus from personal gain to personal contribution is not always the result of embracing minimalism, but it does become much easier.

5. More flexibility for life change. Over the past six years, our family has made some significant changes. We have changed careers. We have moved to a smaller home. We have discovered new hobbies. We have changed the way we spend our money. And we have changed many of the habits that define our lives. In each of the examples listed above, minimalism helped make the change possible. One of the greatest benefits of living with fewer possessions is freedom—freedom to live and change and improve—even if the specific changes are up to you.

6. More inspiration for others. Our world is losing itself in consumeristic pursuits. Home sizes are growing, but happiness is not. We chase paychecks rather than influence and success rather than significance. The results of these choices have proven detrimental: stress, anxiety, fatigue, and regret. We need new inspiration. We need more people rejecting consumerism and choosing life instead.

Embrace minimalism for yourself. Embrace minimalism for your family. Embrace minimalism for the world around you. Because the stakes are high.

And thanks for an unbelievable six years here at Becoming Minimalist.

Other anniversary posts: 5 Life-Giving Truths From 5 Years of Living with Less, 4 Life-Changing Statements Minimalism Makes Possible, 3 Life-Changing Truths from 3 Years of Minimalism, 2 Life-Rejuvenating Lessons from 2 Years of Minimalism, Becoming Minimalist—One Year Later