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I shared with a board friend this topic and said I'd post about it but haven't been able to do that until just now. We've discussed decluttering and minimalism prior but I don't feel like chasing down the thread title right now. In that other thread I think I mentioned The Minimal Mom (Dawn) as someone I follow on youtube and have benefitted from listening to because her techniques resonate with me. I've dabbled in other youtube creators who address the same topic but they don't seem to "land" the way she does with me at least.

If your spaces need decluttering, you'd like to engage in minimalism, or you just need help maintaining a tidier living space, she's really effective. She's been such a good guru for me for any and all of the above.

Enter...The Minimal Mom's guru!

Joshua Becker is someone she's podcasted with in the past. Apparently his work was the inspiration behind her journey into becoming a miminalist 10 years ago. He does youtube shorts on tips for minimalism. Really like him. He's very direct and good at breaking techniques and concepts down into easily digested chunks.

I recently got one of his audiobooks narrated by him. Title is "The More of Less". So happy he narrated his own voice as it's familiar to me and it's also very calming to listen to. So...it starts with what set off his own journey into minimalism...no spoilers from me! I happily listened to him reading is own book and when I got to the part where he discusses that there is nothing new about the concept of minimalism and he referenced the work of Henry David Thoreau my actual hand went up in the actual air in a fist bump affirmation as if to say YES!!

I knew from that point on that Joshua Becker was going to be "my go-to guy" for minimalism. He knew Thoreau.

I've written in various threads prior about my absolute love of Thoreau's Walden. That's where he discusses simplyfing that we now know as minimalism. I believe it's in the chapter on Economy. I typically re-read Walden every fall (no one really knows why) but haven't in the past 2 years due to an inability to keep my mind on anything for very long on account of illness. I fell in absolute love with Thoreau when I was still in highschool when I found a poster (think psychedelic art) of a Thoreau quote. Eventually I found the source of the quote which was Walden. If you haven't read Walden you'll either be bored stiff by the "dry read" but I found it completely captivating. Go figure. Walden and the philosophies and observations therein only made me love him, his wisdom, and commitment even more. I promise you are familiar with Thoreau even if you haven't ever read him.

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. ~ Thoreau

See what I mean?

Back to Joshua Becker. He's written multiple books on minimalism. If you're interested I suggest you begin with The More of Less as I stated above. Thoreau would be proud of him!

Just found out that he has a newsletter. It costs $20.00 USD...for LIFE. Don't get the newsletter without reading or listening to his book because you really need to hear his backstory in The More of Less, how and why he started a blog that opened the door to a new career and allowed him and his wife a chance to pursue their passions.

Will you agree with every statement he makes? No. Can you benefit from his techniques, extensive research, and advice? Resounding YES! His research on marketing and generational attitudes towards things material and gifting are worth it! Listen to where he talks about the size of homes over the generations. That's exactly something Thoreau observed back in the 1800's, wise man!

Sample his youtube channel. Pick anything that looks good to you. See what you think!

https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaBecker/featured

Becoming Minimalist Blog

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/

The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own

https://www.amazon.com/More-Less-Findin ... 187&sr=8-1

Simplify Magazine

https://simplifymag.com/?fbc_id=6673717 ... b5-7OygFRw

I’m still listening to him on my way to/from work. Years ago, I decided to cut down on my commitments as he suggested in one of the episodes I listened to. I just stopped doing everything and didn’t miss it a bit. Don’t ask what I stopped doing as it was decades ago.

msnobody wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 29, 2025 11:58 pm

I’m still listening to him on my way to/from work. Years ago, I decided to cut down on my commitments as he suggested in one of the episodes I listened to. I just stopped doing everything and didn’t miss it a bit. Don’t ask what I stopped doing as it was decades ago.

Something kicked in for me, too, as I listen to his audiobook. It's about taking control I guess. I'm in the middle of a publicity campaign right now and for the first time I set solid boundaries. Example, out of necessity I trimmed down the work as I saw fit. It's a long story. Reducing digital media time.Essentially...listen to the quiet and no digital input. Shutting down the computer during the day for long periods of time. Doing my New Testament study that I have during the day and 5 minute devotion at night--sometimes nothing at night.
I do view the board if I'm up in the night with symptoms.

I also adopted Dawn's "5 minutes matters" and "Don't put it down, put it away" every day. Going to try out the "Time will Tell" box for a few things soon.

Here is a recent list from Joshua Becker that I copied and followed. I added to it for reminders and some don't apply to us. It's an example of how he breaks things down.

12 Things to Declutter (Right away)

1. Empty boxes and Cardboard pieces.
2. Expired pantry items. Candy Sprinkles.
3. Magazines, newspapers. Craft Books?
4. Broken, mismatched kitchen ware, unused tools.
5. Clothing, bulky
6. Excess blankets.
7. Unused electronics, cords.
8. Outdated decor.
9. Unnecessary kitchen appliances.
10. Extra furniture.
11. Televisions.
12. Duplicates: mugs, tools,.....

Oh and I also started using the Teux Deux App on my phone that Dawn recommends. I'm a life long list maker and this is SO much better than stacks of sticky notes and what have you that I used to make! I only have the free version. Took a little time to develop a system that works well for me.

Next to each item I put frog emojis for eating frogs and sunflowers for good things to do. For balance! I can delete as I go along or move a task to the next day. Loving it now!