Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff

When my mother-in-law was preparing to move from the large home she and my father-in-law had raised four sons in, she used reverse decluttering without even knowing it. Reverse decluttering meant that she was focusing on the essentials as she packed, and leaving the rest.  (It took my husband and his brothers almost a year to sort through and dispose of the rest.)  For example, she took just one set of dishes and a few basic cooking implements.  Just a couple of sets of sheets for each bed (her new condo has a guest room).  Just one couch for her new, smaller living room.  She pictured what she'd need for comfort and happiness, and that's what she moved.  Why reverse decluttering? There are a lot of decluttering methods out there ( I recently wrote about one ).  Why should you consider reverse decluttering? Sometimes you need to declutter quickly; for example, if you're getting ready to move.  Reverse decluttering is faster than typical declutte...

The United States has never been a perfect nation.  For almost 250 years, we've had a dream – an ideal of equality and freedom under God.  And even though we have never really lived up to that, the dream has not only remained alive, but has inspired others around the world.  Some were people who left everything they knew and came here, hoping to build a freer life with more opportunity.  Some were nations who changed from within to create their own just and enlightened societies. We've fallen short a lot of the time, but there has still been a light that shone out and made a lot of positive difference in the world and in people's lives. Yet right now, our leaders are carrying out indiscriminate arrests of people who might be in our country illegally, claiming that they're targeting "violent offenders," even though most of those arrested have no criminal record at all.  Our President has gained political traction by claiming that immigrants have "bad genes...

If you want a simpler life, you need to learn that free stuff isn't free. Think of all the swag out there:  mugs, pens, flash drives, tote bags, magnets, bottle openers, bumper stickers.... Your friend might offer you their unused bread machine.  You may get a tee shirt for participating in that charity Fun Run.  Or a co-worker gives you a Secret Santa gift. It's a constant stream of new possessions. Here's the problem. What's the downside of freebies?  Aren't they a sign of generosity?  And isn't it just a little exciting to buy some (overpriced) makeup and get a cute little bag full of samples? If the items add value to your life, maybe you can accept the kindness.  After all, why buy a bunch of new stuff when your sister offers you all the baby gear her youngest has outgrown? But if it's stuff you don't need, it just winds up cluttering your home, office, or car.  And be honest – how often is a freebie something you've needed?  Most are cheap n...

It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world.  Lots of people want things to be simpler.  But where to begin?  You don't want to have to leave your current house so you can start fresh.  You don't want to totally upset your spouse or kids with a huge purge and completely new rules and habits.  And maybe you're so tired and burned-out that you don't have the energy to take on a big, life-changing project anyway.  You do want some life changes.  But you can't do them overnight, and you don't want them to be more stressful and disturbing than what you're already dealing with.  Isn't minimalism supposed to be about making things simpler? What if I told you that minimalism doesn't have to focus on getting rid of stuff?  Instead, you can think about what you really want and need.  You can prioritize peace and make space for what you care about.  You can experiment and take your time figuring out what works for you. Adopting the mindset of a minimali...

Being rich isn't just about having a large bank balance, rental real estate, or substantial investments.  An important part of being rich is your mindset.  An "abundance mindset" sees opportunities – for relationships, personal growth, and financial security.  In contrast, a "scarcity mindset" sees problems and limitations – which can lead to fear, envy, hoarding, and stagnation. (By the way, if you missed them, find Part 1 here , and Part 2 here .) 30 ways to live a luxe life as a minimalist (Part 3) 21.  Use your nice things. Why are you saving that expensive candle someone gave you for your last birthday?  What are you saving it for?  Light it this evening and enjoy it.  Do the same with the expensive body lotion stored in your cupboard, the real jewelry in the pretty box that just sits on your dresser, and your "company" dishes and glassware. It's true you might not be able to afford to replace the candle or the lotion once they're gone.  B...

Being rich isn't just about having a large bank balance, rental real estate, or substantial investments.  And minimalism doesn't mean poverty.  Minimalism helps you recognize what's important, and lets you feel happy and confident with just enough.  Minimalism can improve your lifestyle without a huge income or endless purchases. (By the way, if you missed Part 1, find it here .) 30 ways to live a luxe life as a minimalist (Part 2) 11.  Give up junky food. There's a strong link in people's minds between low income and obesity, and a bias against obese individuals for hiring, promotion, and earning potential.  Good looks, and more importantly thinness , are considered elegant.  The opposite is not. From my own experience, I know how hard it is to change your body type, and even if you're successful, it won't happen overnight.  However, your food choices can still send a strong message.  Even a naturally thin person who scarfs down a package of Ore...