I have been downsizing in items for.about 8 yrs. Have sold and gave away a lot. Love it. I am elderly now and can not clean like i once did and it feels great with less. ❤

After watching your videos, I stopped shopping as a coping mechanism for boredom, and my home is much more organized and clean😊

it wasn't until I got older that I realized that the things I thought were important, just weren't to me anymore....I think you have to gain a certain amount of self-esteem in order to get to that point and age will do that for you if you are open to liking and loving yourself.....once that happens all the rest falls away.....

I treated shopping as "retail therapy" and it just resulted in stress, depression, and a house full of excess. I've got a handle on my shopping now and ruthlessly decluttering 😊❤️

A couple weeks ago one of the kitchen cabinet shelf fell & broken a few dishes & bowls. Instead of getting upset, I was happy to see less things to clean going forward.

I have come to realize, after watching minimalist videos, that shopping for me was a form of entertainment. I have nothing to do - well let’s go to the local mall and just look around. Wrong - end up buying something. Your videos have helped me realize I can just be. I can read a good book, cook, garden- wow so much more entertaining and enjoyable and stress free.

I live in a van. 5 years ago all the drawers, under bed area, little crevices were all jam packed full. 5 years later I have enough floor space to play with my great grand child. Most of the drawers are not full. There is room under the bed. Plus 2 miles per gallon more mileage because of less weight. Yay minimalism!

Rich is he who needs less. Thank you for the video.✨

Stuff robs us of our time, and time is the essence of life. Be minimal in a maximal world.

Hi Joshua I work cleaning houses, most of the time the houses are really big and full of things, many times only one person lives I'm there, what makes me feel sad is that elderly people live by themselves in huge houses. This makes me think twice before I buy something I ask my self if I really needed, since watching your videos I have started decluttering, selling things I don't need thank you for the videos. My goal at long time is just to have the basic stuff and live with as little as I can.

My next-door neighbors - a couple - own a pickup truck, an SUV, a Jeep, and a regular sedan. And then he has a work SUV. TWO people, no children, no family in this area, no friends I have ever seen. No outside jobs that would require large vehicles for hauling items. Cannot even imagine the thinking behind it. THANK goodness one car has always been enough for me.

Your channel and the movie "Fight Club" in 1999 taught me alot about life and consumerism. I always remember the quotes from that movie to keep me in check. Tyler Durden’S anti-consumeriam quotes "The things you own end up owning you", "Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.” , “We’re consumers. We are bi-products of a lifestyle obsession." , “We’ve all been raised on television to believe that one day we’d all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won’t. And we’re slowly learning that fact. And we’re very, very pissed off.”

I’ve always had this feeling that if I could just have this (fill in the blank), then I’d be happy. Now I realize this is just crap! Thanks for all your insights!!

I love Joshua’s messages! His minimalist approach is grounded upon a strong Christian morality and will never go out of date. I’ve noticed other minimalists are now ‘giving it up’, which makes me realise that minimalism for them was just a passing fad and had no real substance. I’m learning more from Joshua’s minimalism messages than from anyone else’s.

Loved this video, ironically the ad immediately afterwards was for Temu, the world's biggest retailer of stuff that ends up in landfill

I’ve declutterred very slowly over the last five years, and generally aimed for a simpler home. Streamlining has become a way of life, I suppose. The big lesson I’ve learned lately is that as we age we change, and we love some of our heirlooms less and thus we are able to part with things we once thought we’d have for our life.

This is definitely very good advice. One does not have to be a minimalist to be a careful and intentional consumer. I have learned to always check out all of the negative reviews on things I am considering buying. Most things that are advertised on TV or on Facebook or other media sites are not worth wasting money on.

I managed to stay away from impulse buying but I am bit in relapse at the moment because am a bit depressed. And i see how easy it is to get back to and the "joy" impulse buying once you let go of the effort while the brain has not integrated the new habit yet.

Joshua❤. I just want to say THANK YOU. I am on a journey towards minimalism but I have a long way to go. I just ordered your book The Minimalist Home because I am in need of help! Your a huge inspiration ❤️🙏

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in spending!! I was packing for a one week vacation and wanted a few new dresses. I have a closet full that are perfectly fine. I do not need more !! I had bought new pants and after I had them I kept seeing other ones that would be nice to have also. It’s like the one purchase was calling me to keep buying !! NO ! I had to force myself to stop buying stuff I don’t need!! Thank you for your channel!

I have been watching for a while and your videos have really helped me change my attitude toward stuff. I have now started to pair back my stuff and it feels great.

Thank you. Now, to start seriously donating and throwing away.

My way of exchanging presents are mainly based on food items. My christmas presents , birthday presents are the foods that my children and I enjoy. When my children see me enjoying their presents , they're very happy too. I love minimalist attitudes of mr BECKER, thank you ! May you all be blessed with good health, longevity and eternal joy throughout ! 🌏🌞🌱🍀🐞🙏👍💯🏆🎊😊

As Joshua mentions, we often claim to understand that a nicer house etc won’t make us happy, but clearly our lifestyle and bank accounts aren’t reflecting this understanding. Listening to this channel on repeat has helped me to emotionally understand and not just intellectually process this concept. And it’s saved me from the interior design videos I would have likely been watching instead haha. You need to really marinate your mind in a concept to make lasting change. I appreciate the abundance of content to help us achieve it! Thanks for the wisdom, humbleness, and reminder to make sure your lifestyle should reflect your goals. I’ve made much more time to develop my relationship with God thanks to your channel! Big journeys begin with small steps.

One of my favorite books about the pitfalls of consumerism is Madame Bovary written by Gustave Flaubert in 1856. It's a great read.

It is funny, but although I don't have much money, envy never came my way. My friends - and nearly everybody in my personal surrounding- has a lot more than me. But this has never been a problem for me. If they buy fancy new furniture or a wonderful oldtimer car to drive with on sundays or make vacations to places on the other side of the world, I'm happy with them. And although I watch a lot of hometours of very beautiful homes on KZfaq, I never feel the need to keep up with this. It is just something beautiful to please my eyes like beautiful nature when I take a walk. Some people can live in fantastic houses near by the sea- good for them 👍 It is not, that I would not also like to live a rich lifestyle with no sorrow about the future and if I had the possibility to level up easy I think I would do it a bit. But otherwise it is ok as it is, because I am greatful for my family and friends and for what I have and for what I am able to do😊

New subscriber here, have been binge watching your videos. I too am a minimalist now which I wasn’t in my earlier years, I am 58 yrs. I get a much better kick out of seeing my savings grow than I ever did shopping. I wish I could have seen your videos in my 20’s and 30’s, would have had a lot more money now. I have gotten my 2 daughters to start watching your videos too 😊

All of this is so true. I have been a minimalist for almost a decade. But it is only this month that I finally closed my credit card account. I was also able to donate a sizeable amount of money to one of my yoga teachers, who found herself in debt due to legal fees incurred from speaking out against abusive yoga schools. It feels so good to ditch the credit card carousel, and to be able to be generous when my heart is moved ❤️ So much more fulfilling than excessive consumerism!

Great video Joshua. I just spent a small fortune replacing the floors in my townhome. Buying new area rugs, and a new very expensive couch, etc. I think the total will end up being 27K. Thankfully I’m paying in cash out of savings. These things will last a very long time. But of course I already know within a short period of time I will feel essentially just like I did before. I don’t exactly regret these purchases but I know they won’t bring me happiness or contentment. However, I am “Staging my Home for Living.” Thanks for your inspiration and important message. You have made a difference to me.

This was a great reminder for me. Thank you, Joshua. I've been praying for the Lord to change my heart because I really do treasure things of this world--too much. I agree that the feeling of sharing a portion of our monthly expenses to go towards those in need is so much better than if that amount had gone toward an unnecessary car payment or deepening debt. I want to live for a bigger cause than spending and entertainment. And I have promised the Lord that I would. Thanks for all you do.

I have to laugh, Temu is running ads on this video 😂 It just gives more meaning to this content. Joshua, your work, written & this channel has made a huge impact. Thank you.

These years with You Changing Lives through Your Dedicated Work is what brings Joy to countless people who have had the privilege to hear You.

Myself and two of my three sons are debt free, We have paid for cars and home. We try to be ecological, as well as thrifty, and healthful. My third has a mortgage,with a small family, They plan finances carefully as a team.

At some point I just realized I have everything I need in life. I don't need a new watch I already have 4 and my phone to see the time. I don't need that desk from Ikea my kid's old one is perfect. You get the point.

I am an extreme minimalist with a toddler and I appreciate minimalism more now than ever before!

Know several people who have millions, yet mow into their neighbors yards wanting their land, constantly have the ups truck at their house and more, more, more. Happiness is not in stuff. That's why they want what everyone one else has. Sad.

best video on consumerism and minimalism anybody could watch

Escaping excessive consumerism offers such valuable benefits! Less stress and more time for what truly matters are worth simplifying for. 🌿

I so enjoy your videos. Stop and think. Take the pause. Great message.

Thank you as always! I learned so much from you but the application of what I learned is the hard part. Get rid of some stuff but tempted so easy to grab some "cute stuff" whenever I am out:) Today, after watching you video, I make it to the point to just stay in the house, clean, organize and stop thinking about shopping:) God bless!

Thank you for this. What you say is so true and really resonates with me. 5 years ago I was a huge consumer and clothes are my weakness. The mall was like a museum to me; I went every week as a past time! My closet showed it too. I still have way too many things but now my purchases are more intentional. Videos like yours help keep me in check!😊

Joshua, this is why YOU are my favourite minimalist. I can subscribe to all your teachings, it aligns to my values perfectly. Thank you for another wonderful, well thought out, perfectly delivered message. Love your work :)

Thank you for the reminder to reject over consumption. I struggle constantly with desires to try something new for the house or my wardrobe. I'm canceling my Amazon account today. That seems to be my worst demon.

Thank you Joshua for another great video. Each week you tackle a different topic with such insight and wisdom. I look forward to your video each week 😊

This is such a good video of truthful content. I appreciate the points of “more” and not focusing exclusively on “less”. If we take away, it is so important that it is replaced with an intentional decision of what’s important.

My favorite sport is decluttering while listening to Joshua Becker 🫡

Thank you Joshua.. these videos keep me on track for the coming week ahead… I so look forward to the. ❤

Always look forward to your videos!!! I’ve deleted all my online shopping apps !

Very true and great ending of this video👌.These videos helps me to have a different perspective in life - to what is and what is not important. It has and is shaping me for wanting less material things. Thank you for your constant reminders Joshua.🙏🙂

I have 7 kids and each of my kids has a minimal amount of things. When I go to other peoples homes I am shocked how many possessions they have!! We believe in hand me downs, thrift shopping and replacing it only when you have to. Also the best furniture I have is from the 60s. Literally solid as the day it was built

Promises happiness but never delivers 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 lifestyle envy is a so true I have cut instagram from life for this reason among others ❤

Fantastic!! Hit home and so many action steps!! Thanks for sharing!

This is my favorite of your videos so far. Excellent job!

I took your inspiration Joshua and went to a capsule wardrobe. That resulted in donating 6 garbage bags of clothes and shoes. I wish I had done it a long time ago. I realize how much I didn't wear, didn't fit, or wasn't my style anymore. The less I have, I more fully utilize what I do have. It feels like my life and belongings are more purposeful, if that makes sense?

Another great video. Thank you so much for this special message. Have a wonderful weekend.

So much truth, thank you ❤

thank you Joshua for your words of value and wisdom

Thanks again ❤

Amen, amen, amen!!!

0:44 “… Consumerism becomes excessive when it extends beyond what is needed…” - Joshua Becker Thank you for your encouraging and helpful insights! ✨🌷✨

We buy shit we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like, Tyler Durden

Excellent video Joshua. Very good reminders to adhere to. Thank you

Great video! For me, I prefer the word "Intentionalism" or "Mindfulness" rather than "Minimalism" because I think the point is to be mindful about what you own and intentional about what you choose to bring into your life. Over-consumerism is such an accurate term for how many people are living. I am trying to use everything I own. If I find I'm not actually using it or genuinely enjoying owning it, I am trying to let go of it.

Love ur sharing

I love reading so i love using my local library. Save so much money and if i really love a book that i want to reread then i will buy it

Great points after all “What you own, owns you” Recently had a clear out, ranging from worthless tat to expensive motorcycles, you can only ride one at a time after all. Kept one great bike and a few bits and bobs - all of which has a value to me so I’m happy to be owned by them….for now

Appreciate you Sir!

"remove ourselves from the pursuit altogether"

Outstanding video and points.

I have been listing and following now for a few years. It’s finally starting to take root and I’m starting to pair things back and make choices to not buy things.

More contentment gives more meaning to your life. There is an ancient book that is sooooo relevant for us today. The Bible encourages contentment and the assurance that you will never be abandoned. Hebrews 13:5

It is about balance and discipline. And it depends on the line of sight of the person deciding on what is needed of course . I surround myself with nice things as that is what makes me feel safe . And 🤔 it is no where near clutter . But to the minimalist, it could be perceived as. I know it's not as I don't like clutter myself, so I refer it to : surrounding myself with nice things . Or there is a phrase I like to use : Glory box items. Lovely, goreous items that are bequeathed to my children and are for their own "glory box." It is also an expression of house, home, and me. What I like. Skills in purchasing choice and acquiring assets . That is important to me as it sets a good example for my kin to see and know that their mum, was a competent, and reliable homemaker . And knowing the price of things, what to acquire and how to get it . All of those attributes, are important to me, as a mother , woman and human . Surely we are creatures of comfort ? That is what it is about for me . I don't listen to people who buzz word "consumerism" , because 🤔 I am old school . Just because I am not mean spirited, doesn't make me a shopaholic. No where near it . Being a disciplined sales shopper , is an essential life skill . And my home is happiness .

There's one thing owning what you need in comparison to those who are extremist. We have to live a balanced life without Be materialistic.. When I was young, my life was simple.My father definitely didn't have. I'm a materialistic lifestyle and yet we were happy. I remember enjoying the youthfulness of horsebackwriting and swimming and boating. And Having company over and we never talked about a new fridge a new stove a new this or new that. The conversation with our neighbors.Where's about fixing and returning and building?But never really about buying anything And way back then, we never talked about cancer or diseajesus. It was not on our vocabulary. In fact, if we heard the neighborhood died from cancer, it was spoken about once a year..

This was AWESOME 🎉

Thank you❤❤❤❤

The operative word here is “excessive.” Right tho? We DO need some things to live and it’s ok to “take up space” or use what we need. (I sure do need more than a primitive grass hut but I don’t need a giant mansion or palace lol). I also think the other key is what’s really a need and what is just a want. And then why do we want it or think we “must” have it? We would do well to ask ourselves such probing questions and to keep asking them of ourselves as we move along in life. Aka from the viewpoint of seeking out our best life (spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally) and not “self deprivation” or something like “guilt tripping ourselves Bcuz we have any kind of eco footprint.” Be as responsible as we can with that, but to be alive on earth is to consume. If we don’t eat and drink water, we die. If we don’t have adequate shelter, we may not be safe. Society requires that we cover our bodies (also serves to protect us). Etc. But getting to such things as our core needs/wounds/faulty mindsets etc…and what is driving us and why and what to do about it.

True Life Must be Found Somewhere Else! I like that. . JC…. King of kings.

I agree excessive consumption is not needed and I realized this In my 20s it’s a struggle but life is more than items. I’m always surprised that so many don’t get it and have no real intimacy with others they have use. I hear you it’s true what you say. I have had very little real conversation in years too you give me hope maybe someone is out their who gets it

Main thing for me is excessive comsumerism is not just one price for item. But it has hidden bills like luxury cars less reliable more expensive to repair and insurance. And lot of the time that thing can be worse. Like 2000cc motorbike is fast and big which really destroy its manuverability

Very well said

All these words are so true and obvious, yet I should literally train myself to keep all these things in my mind. I hope someday it won't take so much effort than it takes now. Thank you for your organized thoughts from Budapest, Hungary.

Hi, we travel with carry-on only. Three of us live in a 2BR apartment. We have one small 8 year old car. By volunteering we meet nice people and build community. No religion teaches consumerism. Tina, Al's wife

Have been cleaning through craft supplies that haven't been used in years. Someone else can enjoy them. Too much to manage anymore.

It’s actually not natural for me to watch you on a smartphone streamed over the internet with gigabits of ones on zeros. But somehow you are right. When people choose reality over debt we can always win.

I'm a purposeful spender only but its hard when you have kids wanting things all the time. Getting older has shown me how I have wasted so much money on things i didnt need, expensive hairdressers appoinments mainly.

"There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires" - Buddha 😌

Hey Joshua, really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with Best Quality Editing in your videos better than your Editor with good pricing and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail which will help your videos to reach to a wider audience ? Pls let me know what do you think ?

and being organized is such a relief for every day joyful loving. It’s easy to be organized when you don’t have seven extra end tables. The other day I just put them out on the sidewalk and they were gone within five hours ha ha

Interesting to hear your wife sees. I love sewing as well, garments and home decor items. I have a spare bedroom completely filled with fabric, sewing machine, serger, Coverstitch, and all the accessories to make life easier? When you love color and textures and clothes, how do you limit these types of purchases? I have many clothes as a result of my passion for sewing.

I love animals. And I’ve always had a lot of pets. This included 12 snakes. I now have six snakes and have decided to rehome all of them. I’m going to keep my other animals, but as they pass away over the years, I will not replace them. Except dogs and cat. And my chickens of course because I like the eggs. My friends think I should try to get my money back when I saw the Reptile’s, but let’s be real, I will never ever get the money back that I put into them. And at this point, I don’t care. The money is gone. Nothing I can do about it. So the token amount of money that I sell these animals and their enclosures for Will have to be enough. It’s hard to give up a hobby. But once you do it, you really don’t miss it that much. I have D cluttered a lot over the last few years and this is the next stage.

Two couches! How many viewers jumped on that one (pun intended) 😄 Great points Joshua.

It’s interesting to see that #blockout2024 is picking up speed, as a way of divesting from the influencers and celebrity worship and the brands they tout as a way of protesting overconsumption as well as for other reasons. I think it’s a great way of raising awareness and not falling for the debt traps.

I had not bought much in the way of clothes in awhile. However, what I had was wearing out. So, now, I need to add a few items to my wardrobe. I am thinking long and hard about what will last for the long haul. Thanks to videos like these, I always ask, do I really need this? Will it stand the test of time. I try to never buy anything without taking a time out and thinking about the purchase.

I just stopped buying bc my rent in The Bay was getting out of control. Just rent an expensive apt folks! All the frivolous spending comes to a screeching halt!

Amen

And there it is - "A culture built on consumption must produce an ever changing target to keep its participants spending $$$$" And spend, we do....

The fact is that buying something for Americans is the norm, it is done regularly and it has become a habit. For me, as a European, this is very strange, we are used to living by nature, walks, the quality of communication and buying something as necessary and of high quality, so that it serves for a long time. Therefore, to change such a habit, you need to work on it, find what really makes you happy. Because shopping gives joy only for a short period of time. Where people are long-lived - they engage in hobbies, communicate with each other a lot and in a positive way.

Hallelujah!!! I’m the favorite, $60,000 every week! Now I can afford anything and also support the work of God and the church.

😊👍

❤❤❤