This is exactly how I live now. No debt, no fancy labels. Gave up Facebook and limiting the internet overall. Days feel slower, calmer, happier. Suddenly have all this extra time for reading etc. I’ve never really been materialistic. If something is functional that’s what matters, not how much it cost or what it looks like.

"I have no interest in competing with other people..." Thank you

It happened to me at 40. No social media. Work 4 days not 5. I started feeling repelled by consumer burnout and wanted less material. Cleared out my home. I appreciate a hot bath, warm tea and time with family. Now at 42 soon, I'm happiest with less

I love watching the birds eat the feed I provided, reading a book, and seeing others happy.

You are so right! I am now 60 years old and I always wanted to live a simple, debt free life. I was able to reach that goal in my mid-fifties. My wife and I are fortunate to live just a few mile from city center but in a condo adjacent to a beautiful river and parks. I have a morning routine of having a coffee, interesting discussions with my wife, reading the newspaper. The rest of the day is pretty much free for doing what I like. I limit my interactions with people who are talking only about themselves and their possessions. That includes limiting interactions with family members when I’m able to avoid a family reunion. I own an iPhone 7, it works perfectly fine! I take long walk in the woods and long bike rides in the country side. This lifestyle allows me to take my 86 year old mother for lunch every second week and spend quality time with her, i fully realize that her time left on this planet is now limited. I refuse to compare myself or to compete with others about money, possessions, etc.

I say this exact thing all the time. I just want a simple life. I want peaceful days and restful nights.

Yes I’ve always said I want a small, simple life. Just full of love, joy, gratitude and giving.

Went on a 2.5 hr drive yesterday to visit family and drove the speed limit. Every single semi, truck and car passed by me, and some passed me by a 15 -20mph margin. I simply wasn’t up to barreling and racing to keep up with the world rather choosing to stay in my lane and enjoy the little trip. Must we fly everywhere, all the time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a fit of rage and “productivity?” I just want quiet and settled peace and I aim to live my life this way.

I love the simple, minimalist lifestyle

Beautifully said. Society seems to be going to hell in a hand basket. I don't even own a hand basket anymore; I donated it to my local thrift shop.

Thankyou Joshua. I am working on owning less. I already live a fairly quiet life as a widow of 80 but my things are a burden i am slowly letting go. 🙏🏽💙

You have your life on the right track. I took early retirement at 54 and my life has been just amazing after leaving the rat race. I drive a 20 year old car that I bought new. I considered buying a new car, but realized I'm very happy with my 20 year old car and I will drive it for many more years. My cell phone I have had for about 15 years, and everyone asks how I get by with a "stupid phone". I live life in the slow lane and enjoy it very much. Yes, less is more.

Love this. Gave up social media 18 months ago and it's been bliss! Only watch the news from time to time because I feel it gives nothing to society and only makes me miserable. We rent our house because we simply cannot afford to buy (Australia is obscenely expensive), and so it is what it is. I have accepted that I will be renting for the rest of my life. I limit how much I work (at my low-paying but very low-stress job) because I have caring responsibilities, and I refuse to sacrifice my mental and physical wellbeing on the altar of consumerism. It gives me time to read, cook, garden, write, create, spend time with friends and family, and to enjoy my life. This is worth more than money. ❤

It was eye opening to have 1500 facebook "friends" including family and after a few weeks when I went off FB, only 2 people contacted me to see how I was. I don't have friends but I have my immediate family and the Lord.

"Let's not lose sight of the beauty of contentment. " 🎉 3:41

HALLELUJAH! This is the best so far and it is the solution to the majority of problems the world has today.

I’m with you Joshua - hustle culture is toxic

I got divorced, bought a small condo, painted it with fun colors and have just what I need. I have a cat, good coffee, books and my art supplies. I won't die a millionaire but I will die having squeezed every minute out of every day. If someone wants to poo poo me because I don't have whatever material thing they think I should, I tell them to have a nice day and I keep moving along.

Well said, we (my husband and I) have a small simple homestead and it brings us much joy, we dont grow enough of anything to "live independently" and are fine with the realization that we need others, God designed us to be part of a community. Its a joy to find something you are good at and enjoy doing and doing it in a simple way. We dont have to go over the top with things or seek to be "self sufficient" just enjoy the gifts God has given you, use them to bring him glory, share with others and its truly a joyful way to live. The promises given by attaining more are empty and will never satisfy. Jesus brings joy and He says with food and ramient be content. He knows just what we need. Overabundance, unless we give it away, becomes a burden.

I choose to not own a "smart" phone. I have just a basic flip phone for calls & texts. No apps or social media on it. My husband has no cell phone @ all. I also don't use Facebook, Tic-Toc, Instagram, etc. It's possible to live this way & it allows for a simpler life. I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm not ambitious career wise, but I am ambitious in my relationship with God. xo

My son just had open heart surgery and I hope he would agree with you. I know it has made him appreciate the simple joys of life.

We had numerous family deaths and health issues the last few years. I also have no desire in competing with people. I am also selective with who I spend time with. Peace is very important to me.

As a single mum of four boys. I often struggled trying to balance what the world perceives as successful with what I so desired for my boys. "Time" is by far the most precious possession we have to offer. As it is the one thing that we cannot get back. Thank you for sharing of your insightful life realizations.

I recently closed an Etsy shop for this very reason. It quickly evolved into a stressful hustle and that’s not what I wanted. BTW thank you for speaking at a normal pace and not from that side hustle mentality.

There is great freedom in not wanting or needing anything. It is wonderful to just enjoy what I have and be profoundly grateful for it. God´s love is my greatest gift; what more could I possibly wish for.

❤You're right! I stay off social media. Not only can it make me insecure and jealous, it wastes time and causes unhappiness when I doubt myself.

Joshua, Amen! I've had my phone for several yrs & it has a crack on it & I refuse to buy a new one. We were able to pay our mortgage off 11 yrs early.. It's been awesome! 😊

I don’t have FB: My view about Facebook: if you’re going on vacation, if you don’t tell me directly, then I wasn’t meant to know about it. Simple as that. I’m good not knowing the business of 100s of people and only relegated to the business of a few. I don’t even like stories told me 3rd person. (A friend telling me about the happenings of another friend). I want to hear it from the source…. Very simple approach to life and my mind is not overflowing g with what “everyone else” is up to.

Growing up poor has taught me so much and has kept me humble. I’m so thankful for those years! Less truly is more.

Although I never was chasing the dream of more is better, I still wish I had appreciated how much more the simpler life has to offer…..the whole LESS IS MORE theory. I just think I was living my life without intention. Now as I near retirement age (although I’ve been blessed to be a stay at home mom) I appreciate how much less anxiety I would have owning less. I just have very little want for most things. I will continue on my minimalism journey as best I can as the only person in my home who feels this way.

I 100% agree with this. I used to be everywhere, doing everything. Now, I find I prefer to stay at home with my pets. I work from home and achieved President's Club at my job this year but instead of going on the fancy trip I chose to stay home because my pets were more important to me than that trip. Many might not understand but it doesn't matter to me anymore. I want to live a simple life with the ones that make me happy. ❤

Loving spouse Animals Simple home Great hair like Josh All u need

I really enjoyed this video. We do live in an age where people know the word more but don't seem to know the word enough. My husband and I live simply, my phone I bought secondhand, most of our furniture is secondhand. Books are from the library or charity (goodwill) shops. Our first date we went to a garden centre for a coffee and then had a walk in a park. We live in a small property to keep household bills low. We are fortunate to have a garden with lots of birds visiting, and have a green space close by. As for big houses, whatis the point of having a big house if you have to work 7 days a week to pay the mortgage and bills?

That's exactly what I am always telling people around me. It's really exhausting as you say. What I'm more saddened about is that the younger generations are so obsessed with a fake and virtual life. Obviously they take examples from their own parents.... it seems the world is conspiring to keep us in this endless loop of consumerism. I truly hope more and more people will start to realise that simplicity is best. Take care all.❤❤❤

My husband and I just had this conversation this morning concerning all the activities our kids could be involved in…we don’t have to be busy all Saturday to give our kids a good childhood. Today we have nothing to do except just be together. And for us, that matters more than that “mindless hustle.” Thank you for these words of encouragement!

Since finding minimalism and a yearning for a simple life, I have been able to work part-time as a self-employed person. My clients are always amazed and slightly frustrated when I turn down work because I made plans to do something for myself. If only they could find the calm that I have, they would understand.

Love it when I meet people who share the same perspective in life. God bless you more Josh.

Yea - Joshua - a declaration of choosing the joy in the Lord. Thanks for confirming a thankful simple life.

Beautiful message, Joshua, one that speaks with the same words and heart-space as my own. I am 100% with you on this. The main problem from where I stand is that our culture and society make it very very difficult to live simply, and not merely because of the outward trappings that you mention. This is what I mean: Forgoing material things is the easy part, but having healthy community and social connections is VITAL. Thus, it's extremely difficult to meet and connect with like-minded people in search of (or already enjoying) the simple life without being dictated to. Everywhere we look, drive, walk, talk, communicate, we are inundated with the cultural messages. We do not exist as isolated cells with resistant packaging. Humanity has been likened to the old adage "monkey see, monkey do" because we are a social species. We require each other to witness and mirror one another in order to find that meaning that makes life unfold in a healthy way. Our masters in the corporate worlds, which bring us so much higher a standard of living also suffocate our social "connective tissue" so that we pay attention almost exclusively to their matrix. Nature is one answer, to be sure... but choosing a simple life and working toward that goal is Noble; however, once one is on that ladder and ascends to the top, be sure to know that unless one's entire family or social circle is on the same path, it may be very very isolating and lonely. Just the same, AWESOME video and message! Blessings and much gratitude to you today and always.

Your message resonated very strongly with me. Thank you, Joshua.

I just retired at 59. Selling my house and moving to my summer place which is less than 1/2 the size. Downsizing and loving it. Looking forward to golfing, fishing and doing what I want to do and saying NO to things I don’t want to do.

Amen! Wonderful reminder of the beauty of The Simple Life! Thank you

How does one find others to deeply connect with? I find it increasingly hard to find people interested in engaging in such a relationship.

I want to tell a story about myself. A few years ago, I started dreaming big! I wanted to start my own company, and make a lot of money with it! But most importantly, deep down what I truly wanted was to travel with my family around the world freely... Deep down, I knew I wasn't going to make it... I am too sensitive, and very conscious of my own thoughts. But I thought: "Isn't this what all of the hustlers go through on a daily basis?! I shouldn't give up, I must push harder!" A few years passed, and what did I actually get? 1) Isolation 2) More social anxiety 3) Terrible nightmares 4) Panic attacks 24/7 5) Envy 6) Depression 7) And much, much more... Even though this is what was supposed to make me happy, why do I feel so bad as I am currently writing this? Even when I am with my friends and close relatives, I don't feel any happiness, since I tried to aim for that one, perfect life, and I can't feel happy anymore... I do not like to call out the attention of others, but please, could you fixate my comment at the top of this video's comment section? I would feel very obliged 😁, just so as I don't feel extremelly lonely and to seek some emotional support... Thank you my friend, I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Joshua, I love your heart. Thank you for your perspective.

Simplicity is the key - hallelujah 🙌 ✨️ 😊

I need to chose the simple life, and myself, daily. Thank you for the perspective.

This is my favorite video you have ever made. I listened to it three times in a row and then shared it with several friends and family.

Amen. Working towards that lifestyle now.

New smart phone? I have no idea what phones have come out since I bought my phone. In fact, I didn't know what was available when I bought my phone, I just bought the cheapest one available.

Admittedly, I am a bit older and I know that makes it easier, but I have long since made the choice to guard what enters my heart and mind carefully. Anyone can live simply, peacefully, and joyfully if they choose. A good start is letting go of all toxic media. You will not be missing anything real anyway and you will begin to open the door to rediscovering life.

That’s exactly what I want as I scale back.

I am starting to live a more simple life. Thank you for all your wisdom and inspiration. Please write another book on how to obtain this lifestyle.

Along with shedding the unimportant things (unimportant to me) I also shed those “friends” who either mocked my lifestyle or “pitied me” for not relying on expensive things to bring me joy. I’m settled…peaceful…and incredibly happy. I’ve met new friends with similar mindsets and am happier now than I ever have been. Another meaningful video. Thank you ♥

You control your social feeds. Ignore accounts posting things you have no internet in. One person’s idea of happiness does not need to align with your idea of happiness. Live your life without worrying how others do.

So beautifully said! Thank you, Joshua.

Well said Joshua!! This is how I feel!

"I discovered a wealth that transcends financial prosperity". LOVE this!

Amen! I'm near 60 and around 40, started my family and stopped climbing the ladder of "success" to value my time and experiences more. Never did social media, just seems wasteful watching others that have no positive meaning towards your life. I now love experiences with my kids, a good coffee and a book or excellent classical or jazz music (back to classic vinyl). You hit it on the head with not chasing more, but experiencing more with chasing less. Thank you for the reminder!

One of your best, Joshua. This gets at the very root of the malaise in our society.

The two most important words relating to finance, IMO, are Freedom and Enough. It took me a long time to learn that.

Well said Joshua! I agree 110%! I'm glad you are here making a positive influence on people! 😊

I have been on my minimalism journey for a long time, but yesterday was an eye opening experience. As I walked through the store I thought ok what do I need, and I kept trying to find something then I realized I don't need anything and that was so freeing! It felt so good to say that!

This is beautiful.... I want some peace...some quiet...a few really great friends... I like reading, a good chat...a good cup of coffee...truly this has made me happiest..thank you for sharing!

Well said. I am so happy with my debt free simple life

Such true words Joshua. I find the juggling of slowing down and living simply is hard with working as it is so fast and both mentally and physically draining.

Amen 😊

Great video. I live in Australia and yesterday my husband and I had a conversation about the days when Sunday trading was not a thing, no shops open and Sundays were slower, roads were quiet and people relaxed. Things seemed slower back then.

Hey Mr Joshua thank you so much for advocating for a selfless and purpose filled existence!!!! That is what i want, and listening to what you have to say about it encourages me to cultivate a simply beautiful life.

Hello Joshua :)- You literally just took the words right out of my mind. This seems to be more challenging and I myself are a total minimalist. I live my life without much and I still have constant interference from people and the outside world!!! Kudos :)-

Hi Joshua, although I am still subscribed to you, I haven’t watched your latest videos in a while now.. but I have seen a lot of them. What I am trying to say is, you have definitely impacted my life because I always remember you when I am decluttering and continue to do so, or before I think about my next purchase! I am so happy that I discovered your channel ☺️

You never said truer words. You’re speaking directly to a longing in my soul. Thank you for expressing what I haven’t been able to say.

Such wise advice

Exactly ☺️

Amen!

I'm retired from Healthcare career 3 years now. This was a lesson I learned far to late in life. I don't dwell on any regrets about it and have been so at peace in this stage of my life. I am sharing what I've learned by example to my adult children in their 40s so they can see the wisdom of living less much sooner than I did.

Every day i strive for an easy life but i made the mistake of watching minimalists thinking they figured it out until i noticed in every video they had more new things...furniture, clothes, new matching totes because the ones they had didn't match, dishes or a new organizing system because the three prior ones just weren't working. It was exhausting to see and very confusing. They got rid of everything but just bought more.

Joshua's hair looks especially on point.

Great video Joshua and well said. I recently turned 61 and decided to try retirement for a second time. I think when we have always been in the hustle and bustle of life it sometimes can be challenging to just slow down, open your eyes/mind, and enjoy the simple life. I joined the Navy at 18 and served 20 years riding submarines, so lots of hustle and stress but I enjoyed it. After 20 more years primarily in retail management (extremely stressful), I've decided on ME. I can honestly say, I've never been one to run with the Jones, but there's definitely something to say about the simple life. My wife and I enjoy evening walks each day where we just talk and enjoy each others company. We go on regular hikes in parks and trails. We don't drive extravagant cars, and definitely don't live above our means. Although we do have our connections on Facebook and social media, it has significantly been minimized the past year. Heck, my screen time significantly decreased on my cell phone time. Heck, my wife even comments when we go places and I just leave it at home. We own a beautiful home where we have bird feeders in the back yard where we can grab our morning coffee, watch/listen to the birds, and read of a book of choice. Folks running with the Jones, flaunting you money, gossiping, and living above your means is WAY OVERRATED! Trust me when I say this you will never be happier than you will living the simple life. Sorry about the soap box, I just felt compelled to comment - thanks.

Thanks Joshua, this video represents what my life goal is, you inspire us to change that “idea”of the perfect world that people have tried to make us believe, where every day we feel more stress and anxiety instead.

Agreed, Thank you Joshua.

That was really good.

Amen Joshua, I agree wholeheartedly, ❤️✝️🙏, sweetest simplicity,

Such profound and needed words to hear today. I struggle to get rid of things because I work too much every week. Thank you Joshua❤

this was so soothing, relieving, and self-connecting. thank you so much, joshua becker!

How are you doing mr Joshua. Iam Arabic lady subscriber subscriber to several British and American KZfaq channels since Christmas 2019. We are as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level and improve our English as well . Thank you for your wonderful cultural channel . First of all looked up of meaning minimalist persons who are their interest in keeping things very simple . About my self as Arabic lady I considered myself as real university student , KZfaq community as open universities and google is library. I hope all people understand importance of internet as great educational tool not for amusement only . I read about your biography you are an American author, philanthropist. Known for simplify more of less minimalism . Your notable book minimalism and intentional living main theme about emphasizes benefits of minimalism, including less stress , increased focus and freedom from consumerism, with inspiring stories , relatable examples, demonstrats how

Amen! Say it louder for the people in the back. ❤🎉❤

I am 63, for 8 years now we live off-grid in a valley in central Portugal. We have always wanted this simple lifestyle. Although we are perfectly happy, we noticed that in the beginning leaving the ratrace behind feels easy while everything is new. But with a low budget after a couple of years i felt that a little bit more money would make things much easier. I guess there's a balance that you have to find, like working for a boss is satisfactory, but 40 hours a week is insanely too much and you can do with less depending on the lifestyle-choices that you make.

I love how you express yourself . What a great effective powerful communicator you are 🙂

A great message as always. You never disappoint 😊 My hub and I live as simply as we can 😊😊😊

Hi, we went to Mexico to see the eclipse. Friends have fancy cars, bigger homes, and unbelievable jewelry. We planned and saved for a special treat. Tina, Al's wife

Simple simple life

I mean, it’s all about balance, but the agree completely!!!

Yes good advice 👍. Great simple clean enjoyable simple calm enjoyable peaceful life ❤❤❤❤

In a world going crazier, more profit more speed more wars more divide. Your message is like a mind massage. Thankyou from New Zealand

Thank you Joshua.😊❤

I feel the same way, and it’s sad how many people who are afraid to agree with this because of their ego. I am trying to simplify my life the best I can. Great message!

Currently do the things Becker recommends. Totally agree, it’s all overblown.

Amen, brother. Thank you for your message

Slowly trying to minimize as we head into retirement. I feel I’ve proven myself already. My wife still wants to hang on to the big house etc.