My 2020 project is to downsize and minimize ❤️ Why? My motivation is my husband has brain cancer and at this time he is 3 years survival and lots of stuff is no longer important time together and doing fun things together is important. We live in small apt and it is OK to simplify our lives at this time❤️

*I've found that the less stuff I own, the less my stuff owns me*

I just started my minimalism journey and I just realized yesterday that I'm going to have to do this in layers, so thank you for confirming for me that this is completely normal.

You know what I think is funny about minimalism? It's basically just the olden days, but we have more ways of getting things. My grandmother, for example, kept only things that were necessary and that she loved. She didn't keep things because someone gave them to her. She kept the things that she loved and things that were useful to her. She had only one set of measuring cups. And because of that, I noticed that she took so much better care of all that she had. I look back, also, to the Little House on the Prairie series, when they had what they made, grew, brought up, or traded for. They had what they needed and found simple pleasures. Gifts meant so much more, not because it was a thing, but because of how much care, love, and thought were put into the gift-giving itself. Truly inspiring.

Wow harsh comments. I totally understand you being nervous, I would be too! Enjoyed the interview!

For me the “Father of Minimalism” is Don Aslett. He wrote a book in the eighties called Clutter’s Last Stand that changed my life. Now all these people jumping on this trend and using the trendy name “minimalism” use all his principles and ideas without ever giving credit. You are lucky to meet the person who inspired you to a happier life. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with us.

This is AMAZING! What a lovely opportunity to hear you both in the same video!! This is such a precious gift! (not to be offended and out of respect for all the work and efforts; please, do not feel obliged to look at the camera, I felt sad that you did not look at each other when you were talking...to each other; it is implied that, you do it for all of us, viewers). Again, many grateful thanks! :))

I had to wait until my mother died before I could get rid of things she had given me that I just had absolutely no need for. Guilt is a huge thing!

Instead of " don't buy our kids stuff" I think family members would appreciate suggestions of alternatives to gifts- such as going somewhere together, a gift card to an activity, paying for a class. It is a much more positive approach and can build memories.

How cool it is to meet the person that inspires you to be a minimalist! I Can Only Imagine that that was amazing and somewhat intimidating at the same time. Joshua seems very relaxed and down to earth. I can't wait to watch the next installment. I completely understand the offending family members when it comes to getting rid of stuff. Thanks for reading, Carrie Spencer

I ❤️ this community. At 45 I’m on a steady journey to be a minimalism and enjoying every minute.

thanks for this. no worries about looking at the screen. just look at him :) watching you talk is better than you looking at us... just a thought :)

THANK YOU for watching!! The second part of the interview is here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bb58fteqsb2YZI0.html I first heard Joshua's story while listening to a podcast on The Art of Simple, you can find it here: theartofsimple.net/podcast/30/ (the interview starts around minute 4:00)

My two favorite minimalist people in one video!

I liked Dawn looking at the camera. It made me feel like Dawn is including me (or KZfaqwarchers) in the conversation with them.

wow... no wonder I'm freaking out! I'm trying to do this in one week, and I'm older with chronic pain and fatigue. lol I really appreciate these videos, been watching them while I work. A corner of my living room is much improved at least. Mahalo

Joshua Becker is my favorite clam godly example. 🙏🏻 I got rid of 97% of our things. It is freeing!

Hi I'm Debra. I wish I would have learn this earlier in life. But I'm learning now. Have a blessed day.

Aaahhh!!!! My mind is blown by this team up!!! I love both of you!

I totally support my kids efforts with minimalism with their families. I also don’t like wasting my money on stuff my grandkids don’t need! It’s a win win for all of us.

Oh my goodness, I couldn’t believe I found this video! I have been following Josh for almost a year, and just found your videos about a week ago, you two have inspired me to the millionth degree! Thankyou so much! I am a “Junior ” or a future horder, or potential horder, how ever you want to word it,but, I refuse to give in, and I WILL win this battle with clutter. In this battle, you two are my rocks, I am letting go of things I never would have just a year ago, and it feels so good. Victory and Freedom ahead ! God Bless You Both, do more videos together , please

I wish I saw a Joshua Becker video years ago....He has sure changed my thoughts about buying ANYTHING!!!

Honestly my son used to love clearing out stuff he no longer wanted when he was a young child. He is still pretty minimal. I am working on myself!

Thank you so much for interviewing Joshua Becker! I'm a huge fan of his. He is so relatable and has helped me so much in my efforts to simplify. Clutter-free with Kids is a must read.

"Over-explaining to kids" is a good thing. Slow and deliberate explanations enable kids to process your reasons. And ultimately they may come to respect that.

I'm glad you started making eye contact with JB later in the video.

Ah this was so good, loved his answers! And congrats on 50K!! 🙌🏼✨🤗

People are much more likely to tell women they are offended rather than tell men. I think this is because they know women will care and men won’t care 😳🤷‍♀️

My one experience with a family member...my stepmom and I were discussing my new cleaning out process. I was giving her the example of my giant jewelry box filled with jewelry that I just don't wear, so I'm getting rid of it. My Dad heard me and kind of sadly said, "All the jewelry I've given you over the years?" I explained my reasons more and told him I was keeping a few things with sentimental value that I wear on special occasions. Luckily, no problems, he's the most understanding Dad in the world 😊💜

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Love this stuff. Love the WHY and the GAIN from simplifying and minimalism. Since I started my journey about 6 months ago I've become a much more patient momma. I have less to manage and less to clean and more time to listen to how their days were and watch more movies as a family ❤️ You have inspired me heavily on this Dawn. I cannot thank you enough for making these videos. 🤗

I don't know why the way YOU enjoying living would make someone all of a sudden not want to talk to you. But it's true, it's happened to me. It's something I'll never understand. So i can relate. Much love to my fellow minimalists out there. I'd never change the way i live or go back. I'd go crazy!

He inspired me as well. I read his book and we started our journey. Thank you Joshua and God bless you.

Joshua - I like that you say that you explain things to your children. I like that approach. You both were not minimalist in your advice. 😂❤️.I appreciate you both.

I like the point that your children, once grown, may choose to live a life similar to some of their peers, yet they will certainly have the lifestyle they grew up with to compare and then fall back! All we can do as parents is to create and model the best environment of happiness and comfort we can provide for our children to experience as they grow up during the short 18 or so years we are blessed to have them living with us!

Try to pretend the camera isn’t there and you are just two people having a chat. It will make it a more comfortable to watch.

I love Tom's statement "not to make it look weird."

We weren’t minimalist growing up, I only had 2 pair of shoes because we were poor!

I have started to get my home in order. Love your videos! such a great help. Thank you so much!

I love your reasons for being a minimalist and the way you explained it! My sentiments exactly!

My favorite interview with Joshua! I am in the middle of reading his book:)

He seems so down to earth and fun

I loved the style of this interview, by you going the questions in the way you did, I felt like we were interviewing him together, i loved you both looking at us, made me feel like I was on the chair opposite. Great video!

I just started watching your channel so I’m seeing current episodes and older ones, too. I feel like I am getting to know you and your tender heart for helping others. I learned, from this episode, that someone was offended by something you did and stopped speaking to you for three months. Yikes! That must have been awful. I’m glad things are better now. Keep doing what you need to do!!!

Sweet Dawn! You did sooo good! Loved your questions! Can't wait for part 2! We love Joshua!🙌

I totally enjoy your posts and your journey into Minimalism. But I have been the guilty aunt and grandparent with my remarks. My sister used to have her kids give something away, when they received a new gift. I remembered laboring over the gifts I had bought, thinking they would have so much fun with them. Now that I'm a Grandma, my DIL is constantly reorganizing, purging and giving away things. She inspires me, but then again, I see her garage with things ready to go to Goodwill or another organization, and think "WAIT! I spent a lot of money on that!" Experiences. I like that. I hope you address the problem of the OTHER Grandparent, who shows her love by buying lots of expensive things for the grandkids. I can't compete. I will not.

I totally hear you re: offending people. I feel like my parents and in laws walk on eggs regarding gifts and often say “I know you won’t like this but...” “I know I shouldn’t have but...” I’ve given them ideas of how to show love in non gift ways and then gave them idea for good small gifts, like art supplies, play dough, etc. Stuff we use up all the time. They literally give gifts every time we seen them (about monthly)

😊💜👍 my kids are grown, but I just have to say that I am so proud of any family who try’s to be more minimalist. 😊👍 lightbulb 💡 moment for the photo books. Thanks for the idea! 💜

Replaying, having been introduced to Joshua by you :) So special to have you in the same room! You are both inspirational. Thank you x

Great content in this interview. No need to advise you on the eye contact - you got this!

My two favorite minimalists in one video! ❤️ Joshua Becker was my first introduction to the world of minimalism and it has changed my perspective on life and material possessions. I just love both of you and find your videos so encouraging!

Waouh! I am so glad you got to meet him. I understand that you must have been nervous. Thanks for sharing this helpfull interview. Can’t wait for part two!

I have a friend who is very generous. (she is also a hoarder, no seriously, its bad) and she always wants to give me things when I help her with her process of cleaning up her place. I say, no thank you, over and over again. The problem is, she is so insistent. It really does not matter how many times I say, "maybe you have another friend who will enjoy these things", or " thank you but I don't think this will serve me well", or "hey why not sell this instead". She just insists that I take it. I try not to be rude but she just will not take no for an answer. So this is what I do. She gives it to me, and I take it right to goodwill. It never even enters my home. I think once she gives it to me, its mine to do with what I want. So, I just donate it immediately. She has never noticed that I do not have her things in my home.

Well done Dawn!!!!!!! You did this really well. Really interesting discussion. I can't wait for the next one about spouse hobbies. My husband's a photographer so I was shouting at the screen....cameras cameras cameras!!!! 💟

Every time he tells the story of how he looked at the "stuff" in his driveway then at his son playing alone in the backyard...😭 This is so very true! My "stuff" has caused me to miss out on a lot in my life because I always feel "busy" because of my hoarded house. I just can't seem to get started on it. It seems like nothing gives me the motivation

Thank you so much for the link to Joshua's book, its so inspiring I've binge listened for the last few days whenever I could, and today whilst listening I thought I'd clear out just one cupboard... its now 23:30 and I've just removed 2 large boxes of 'stuff' & 2 bin bags of clothes for donation, plus one large sack of rubbish from our tiny bedroom! I think I might even be able to remove the large chest of drawers too which will save me any more bruises from the bed footboard as I try to squeeze past! Excited to continue on the rest of the house. 😊

It was helpful hearing how long it took him. For me, the problem is that after Thanksgiving, I start collecting Christmas stuff both to hand out and to receive and it feels hard to take 10 steps forward and 3 steps back but I guess that is normal. Most of my "stuff" comes from problem-solving. I had cold feet for a few weeks recently and I started seeing that I bought a few types of thicker socks and I tried to buy but had to return heated slippers and insoles and bought winter boots with thinsulate and the boots were larger to fit the socks but that made the heel too large so I bought things to put in the heel to stop them from slipping and the ones that got the good reviews were only sold in multi-packs. etc. The week before was the same type of process with basement that got flooded by a clogged main line. I had previously switched to water-only cleaning with steam, microfiber cloths and UV lamps but with sewage and black mold in my basement, I got a fogger with mold control and a bleach sprayer and a wet vac and mops designated for the basement with extra heads, etc. Yes, I am a situational hoarder but, this time, I got rid of the things that were mistakes. I had to glue my front door panel and I wasn't sure which glue would work on metal in cold weather (and superglue did work) but I bought a metal glue and one with a long nozzle to get between the panel and the door and none of the glues other than superglue worked and now I had a clamp that I will probably never use again in my entire life and I am aware of that because this is the first time I have ever used one. So keep it or give it to Good Will? This time, I did the math of it was worth the money to donate it to the poor.

Wow ! I’ve just listened to Joshua Becker. So beautiful hearing his story and his references to John the Baptist and Jesus. I’ve been decluttering for a few months ahead of moving to a smaller house ( with minimal mom’s help). I was feeling quite pleased with myself. However I’ve just realised I’ve still got a major journey ahead of me. It’s going to shake me up to my roots but I’m convinced this is an amazing opportunity.

Love this interview and his answers are the best

Thank you so much for sharing his insight with us! Looking forward to the next portion.

💗💗💗 this! I had never heard of Joshua before, so I watched a sermon from him and I loved what he said about freeing up finances to travel and help others for the glory of God.❤️ Thank you for showing this side of minimalism and what's inspired you!😊 one thing also that family has seemed to be on board with (we're in the beginning stages of minimizing but it's felt great!) is by giving "experiences"..... like money for swimming lessons, museum trips,etc. our boys love this!❤️

Great interview, I can't wait for part 2! Also I'm really looking forward to the Full Home Tour! Yay!!!😁

We are moving out of the big family house - this required decluttering. Then we decided to take only what we could fit into our Prius. We went extreme minimalist and it’s so freeing. “Stuff” was ok when we had kids, but as retirees, we don’t need much (room, clothes, food, cars, books, stuff in general).

As I’ve gotten older, I don’t give many gifts, or I typically ask if “I may gift” the person with whatever it is. I will make meals, breads, treats, or jellies; and I gift my time and/ or buy a coffee or something, but don’t invest in stuff.

Wow! Thanks for sharing your interview. That’s awesome that you got to meet in person.

I have had comments from family members too. Not necessarily straightforward negativity, but little comments like "don't get rid of this" lol. Or "soon you will have nothing left". I have a feeling it's because I am like you, making videos on the subject. Great conversation!

Great questions! I love how he is answering them, it makes us all feel less alone in the process/journey that we are taking to simplifying 💓 Can't wait to see the next video and the home tour!

Y'all forget, she is used to doing solo videos, looking directly into the camera. Give her a break

Jealous! 😉 you have interviewed both Darci and Josh. (My favourite minimalists other than yourself)

I never thought about minimalism until we moved twice, in this past year, each time downsizing more. Our newest place has VERY little extra space forcing us to choose those things we really use and need. Now we are sorting through the things still in boxes deciding if we should keep it or store it “in case”. You have made a huge impact on how I view this process. Thank you! Can’t wait to listen to Josh’s book!

When I sometimes go and visit homes of family members all I see are overwhelming amount of stuff! I have to work my way around them in their house because stuff are in the way, so ridiculous that they don't realize it.

My neighbor is a minimalist and I grew up with her kids. I never "wanted" for anything when I went over to play. We always had fun doing something. So I would say her kids did not have any problem being kids growing up in a minimalist household.

I wanted to share something that my husbands sister would do for our kids for their birthdays and Christmas instead of giving them "stuff" . She opened up a savings account for each child. She asked the bank to give her the old school savings book and she would deposit money in their account for birthdays and Christmas and then at Christmas she would find out how much interest it gained and she would write that in the book and show the balance and then wrap the bank book with a chocolate bar and that was their gift at the Christmas gathering and then when they graduated from High School she would cash out the account and give them the cash. Maybe you could come up with something like this and mention it to grandparents / family :)

You two are such inspirational. When this video finishes I will go and get rid of more things. Thank you so much.

How amazing that you got an interview with Joshua Becker! It was awesome to hear some new things that he hasn’t said in previous interviews/podcasts. Have you read his new book yet?

Love what he says about explaining it to kids. Great interview!

YOU BOTH LOOK CALM AND VERY HAPPY WITH YOUR LIVES, WE ALL SHOULD BE THIS WAY AND LEARN THE MINIMAL LIFE STYLE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO!!

So interesting to see the difference between moms and dads, men and women here.

I already own and have read Joshua's book - it's great!

hi i enjoy your videos. We are similar in one area. My parents live in AZ while my husbands family lives in MN! God bless you for helping people and planting seeds.

He’s so grounded. :) I love it.

Haha! My family will be like, “it is about time” I so need to stop being sentimental or afraid of having to buy something twice! I am binge watching your videos! And praying for God to free me from this!

Omg, my parents gets offended every time. We only have a 2 bedroom and they only live 1 hour away, so every time they come sometimes weekly they each bring clothes and toys. We've had several talks but it doesn't get through to them and they get upset when we eventually donate the toys and outgrown clothes. The still have like 60%of my childhood artwork and I'm in my 30s

I can’t find it now but I watched a video with you and your sister “ I don’t know where to get started “!you said ok let’s start with 5 minutes I jumped up saying I can do that but set my alarm for 10 minutes ended up going to 30 minutes. Because I’m getting ready to move and I don’t want to take all this stuff but where to start?! It was awesome what I got done in 30 minutes! I came back and watched the rest of the video and at the end your sister prayed! Oh my goodness I was so pleased! Thank you!

Well, today, I mostly just got control of the kitchen, living, and bathroom visible surfaces. That is a start. I was also putting my short sleeves away, and I am exhausted but it is truly nice to see clean end tables and table tops.

I enjoyed the interview. I consider myself a intentionalist because i purposefully only bring things into my home that I want. I don’t have attachments to stuff and I can get rid of this very easy. My saying is if I’ve not used it in 6 months to a year, it’s gone. I may have more than some minimalist but I’m good with it. I’m also very organized (learned from my mom). My thought is if someone gave me them they don’t have the right to tell me what to don with it. It’s now mine to do what I want with it. If I don’t like or need I give it away. I’m not big on people buying me things and I tell them because if I don’t have a home for it then it can’t come into my home. So my friend know don’t buy me stuff instead a gift for me is spending time with you. I like to create memories not clutter.

I have seen/heard him many times, from his beginning. This was refreshing. Different than his usual. Enjoyed. Look at the person next time not the camera.

Yes! Great video. And please don't feel like you need to look at the canera. Enjoy talking to Joshua! I'm trying to get started, but my motivation wanes and I can't stick to it. A year ago July 2021, my daughter passed away from very painful cancer. I have dealt with most of her clothes, but I can't seem to get to other things in our house to clear out go thru. I need help to get started. I enjoyed this video. Thank you🔆💐

How fun to get to interview Josh! I really appreciated his book.

Yeah, I had no idea Joshua Becker was from South Dakota! Very cool! Great video!

Great interview, thanks for all of the information!

It shouldn't matter whether or not the children follow in the parents footsteps, as far as living a certain lifestyle. As long as they are happy, healthy and safe, that's really all that matters.

Thanks for a great interview. I look forward to part two. One comment regarding kids and "stuff". When my kids were young, I was always the mom driving the other kids home from school in my beat up old van. Once my son questioned me as to why one friend had a big fancy house and truck and we live in a small place with an old van. I gave him a little bit of info about our finances (student loans, saving for their university blah blah) but he seemed to conclude that we were just losers lol. Several years later, out of the blue he said to me, "oh I get it... You and dad OWN this stuff and everyone else buys on credit". We didn't ever say that but he put the whole picture together. (ok, we didn't own the house but we COULD afford the payments and pay off debt)

So many great questions! And wow, watching this made me realize that it's a GOOD thing that we don't have family that gives us stuff, haha! So sorry that happened to you with your family member!

Great interview. Thank you for taking the time to interview him.

Thank you! Inspiring me to attach my classroom... I feel like teachers struggle with minimalism a LOT!

I joined his uncluttered course and love it. loved the interview

There is no way I could mother my 7 sweet loves if I had more things or allowed them more things. I want to enjoy my children instead of only cleanup after them.

Great point, it felt a little like this gentleman spoke a lot to the side of your face. The information and content are great Dawn and I appreciate the work you have put in and this comment is meant as constructive. You're doing great, keep doing what you 👍🙂 x

Thank you Dawn, tis was a realy nice first part, realy good questions! Very helpful

I'd recommend, Dawn, that you maintain eye contact with the other person. It seems like you aren't interested when you're looking in different directions!