Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff

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...

Being rich isn't just about having a large bank balance, rental real estate, or substantial investments.  You don't have to chase any of those status symbols if you pay attention to what really makes you feel happy.  Stop following the billionaires and the influencers and listen to your inner voice. 30 ways to live a luxe life as a minimalist (Part 1) 1.  Remember who you were when you were 10. What did you enjoy when you were 10 years old?  Learning?  Adventure?  Being with good friends?  Or something else? Recalling your values and desires at age 10 might help you figure out your priorities today.  Maybe you'd rather emphasize new experiences and close relationships over material possessions.  You might value personal growth more than a large financial portfolio.  Your hobbies or simple pleasures such as a picnic, a pet, or a day at the beach might bring more joy than a fancy watch or designer shoes. Tuning in and achieving what really...

I lived a third of my life before I ever touched a computer.  I'm from the age of typewriters, TV antennas, and corded phones that you rushed to pick up because there was no such thing as an answering machine.  When Star Wars was first out (yes, I mean A New Hope , but we just called it Star Wars because it was the only one), it stayed in theaters for over a year – and we stood in long lines to view it for the third or fifth or twelfth time, because there was no way to play a video at home.  The only way to see Luke destroy the Death Star was to go with your friends and see it on the big screen. So here we are, decades after that first computer (and it was really only a primitive word processor that could also store and sort data, such as inventory or an address list).  Today I carry a computer in my hand that has thousands of times more speed and millions of times more memory than those early desktops.  It replaces the telephone, phone book, radio, pager, cal...

Back in 1906, an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto noticed that just 20% of the population of Italy owned 80% of the land. That makes sense.  Few people are rich, and they're the ones who own most of the stuff.  So Romanian-American management consultant Joseph Juran developed the concept further, by observing that 80% of results come from 20% of causes .  For example, in 1988 the New York Times reported that about 80% of video rental revenues came from just 20% of the stock.  Microsoft has noted that 80% of crashes can be prevented by fixing 20% of the most-reported errors.  Studies show that approximately 80% of healthcare expenses accrue to 20% of patients. Juran called the 20% the "vital few," and that's why this principle can help with decluttering.  If we can identify our "vital few," we can remove all or most of the rest. You don't think this seems possible?  Hmmm.... I almost always wear the same coat, though I own two others. I have a p...

When I was in my 20s with an overflowing wardrobe and credit card debt, I thought that living frugally would be no fun, but that it might give me a chance to stop juggling my bills every month and hoping that my car wouldn't break down. When I was in my 30s and had a house with two mortgages, full of furniture, décor, and stuff for my kids, I thought that living frugally would mean a bit of deprivation, but that it might give us a chance to stop juggling bills, hoping that the car wouldn't break down, and praying that none of us would need major medical care. When I was in my 40s with an underwater mortgage, five-figure credit card debt, a big car payment, and a cut in salary due to the 2008 economic crisis, I thought that living frugally was a necessity that might help us get back on a solid financial footing. Little did I know that living frugally is not only great for your wallet, but a way to become resourceful, grateful, persistent, and contented.  Living frugally not only...