Blessed by Less: Clearing Your Life of Clutter by Living Lightly

by Susan V. Vogt

Susan Vogt knew she had far more stuff in her closets than she needed. So, for Lent one year, Susan took she gave away one thing a day for forty days. But what happened during that penitential period surprised her; she became so addicted to identifying unnecessary things in her life that she continued the practice for a full year. Then she began letting go of other baggage—some physical, some emotional—and found that, far from feeling poorer, she felt freer and more fulfilled than ever before. A spiritual place had opened that allowed Susan to unclutter her mind and deepen her faith. Blessed by Less offers encouragement and inspiration for all who are burdened down by “things” in their homes and hearts but don’t quite know how to begin the process of letting go. Susan includes tips for beginners and challenges for those who’ve been simplifying for years. Rather than making readers feel guilty for all the stuff they’ve accumulated, Susan gently nudges them to see all that they have to gain—physically, emotionally, and most of all spiritually—by living lightly. Practical from start to finish, Blessed by Less shows how one woman’s journey into a simpler, less cluttered life can also be our journey and how taking a spiritual perspective on the matter can lead to abundant blessings we would have otherwise missed.

Genres: Self Help

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2013

Reviews

[Shelby Poinikiewski · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Basically a very long version of "you don't need so much stuff, give some away" which I feel needs no explanation but she goes into great detail about each and every habit she's ever formed in regards to being greener and donating stuff she doesn't need. Not the trendy minimalist book I thought it would be. More for an older generation who have houses and basements and garages full of old crap.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't read this if you want step-by-step instructions on cleaning your basement. Do read this if you want to learn how to be more intentional regarding what you keep, use, purchase and own.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slim book with some good observations about not only the material stuff we accumulate but also the emotional, mental and spiritual baggage we might need to let go at some points in our life.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a blog turned into a book, barely. But I appreciate the concrete steps coupled with reflection guides.

[Tina Yarrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book encouraging with some good ideas mixed in as well as simple practical challenges. I like how it addresses the idea of letting go of feelings etc and considering eco impacts. Some of this felt a tad repetitive but generally read well. As a Christian I appreciated some of the faith talk but the author and I don’t necessarily believe the same thing so at times that was disappointing. It is still a book I found worth reading as it encourages me. I had read it more than once and find my self picking it up every 3 years or so to re inspire me to declutter some more and think about my environmental impact.

[Jayne Loghry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I cannot say enough of how this book made me think differently about my life. If you’re looking to declutter your heart and home look no further!

[Beslinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok book if you are not bothered by the religious parts

[Wendy Beckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Vogt's Blessed by Less: A Spiritual Approach to Clearing Your Life of Clutter is a phenomenal book! In a nonjudgmental way, Vogt addresses the many things we hoard in life: belongings, food, hurt feelings, etc., and gives the reader constructive, "doable" steps for cleansing ourselves of these burdens. After reading Blessed by Less, I actually became excited about cleansing my life.

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good, but basic, info. This book doesn't have any revolutionary ideas on clearing your life of clutter, but if you are looking to combine this exercise with a spiritual element, it's a good book to read. I do like the idea, though, of giving away one item a day during Lent, and may try it.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good reminder that we don't need "more than enough" to be really happy. People are more important than things and time is more important than money. The questions, How much is enough? and How much is too much? depend on the individual. But I'm pretty sure I know what things I have too much of.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very realistic with lots of wisdom and ideas, without being preachy. I especially liked her chapter endings with ideas, meditation and questions to consider.

[Shaughnarioux]

not just about de-cluttering "stuff" but a wholistic approach to "living lightly." Recasts "less" in terms of "what is enough" in relation to all people and creation.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I ended up skimming it. Too preachy/religious for me.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing incredibly groundbreaking here but it was a nice, easy read. Focused not just on having few things but having a less busy life and why it's beneficial, from a Christian perspective.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, although there was nothing radically new. I liked the Christian slant on why to take a more minimal approach to life and possessions.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Primarily interesting to me because the author is local. I suspect we wouldn’t agree on much regarding politics or religion, but I appreciate the reminder that More Stuff does not equal Better Life.