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 understand, same here. My mother ,age 90, died last year. Only then could I start to get rid of things. She lived with me for 10 years. So much stuff and so many memories.
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.
I have started giving zoo memberships, gift cards for laser tag, etc-depending on what the couple/family likes to do. I honestly feel guilty giving people “stuff” now. When I do give things, I always make it clear that I will not be offended if/when they pass them on to others to enjoy.
I would agree. But I encountered someone unser Josh's videos about gift giving and she said she would throw a gift wish list in your face and that it is rude. So I guess you can't please everyone.
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.
Plus, it is just plain adorable. Her channel is not normally interviews, rather, she and her sister or she and her husband are both looking at the camera together. So she did what she is used to doing.
Totally agree she was trying to include the audience, I think she’s sweet and liked the interview but it was still a little annoying lol.. I guess I’ll just listen to this one and not look😊
"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 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.
@Carolyn Worthington quality time spent with kids on Adventures will be more meaningful than the toys they get but I am glad my grandkids have grandparents that have a lot more money than I do because then they get the best of both worlds!
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!
😊💜👍 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! 💜
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.
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 😳🤷♀️
I don’t blame her for NOT making eye contact. The man is a Shyster! He signs people up for his Uncluttered course, sets up a facebook page and then IGNORES his students. He’s too busy making money writing his books. He’s killing the goose that laid the golden egg and he doesn’t care!
@@tanial.williamson8082 That's just not true! I took one of his courses. I got a huge discount. His courses are not expensive, and they are well worth what he charges. He is a very nice man, and he delivers good content.
@@j.t.1215 I happen to agree with those that think she should make more eye contact with Joshua but it has nothing to do with jealousy! I'm not even sure why you would think it does. I happen to love watching her videos and even though I have just started on this journey, she has helped me a lot and given me some fantastic tips! I would be nervous doing an interview also and I'm sure she did a much better job then I ever could! I think she is so cute, her husband is as well and she has beautiful children and a lovely home. So where is the jealousy? By saying that I think she should make more eye ckntact with him, it was simply giving her advice that some may think it is awkward to watch since she is talking with him. Otherwise, she does an amazing job and it would never make me not watch her videos!
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)
YES! I know how this goes! My closest family members are awesome about it now but we still have extended family members that love to give...the good part is that it no longer stresses me out. The kids and I know the routine when it comes in and how it goes out again. It sometimes feels wasteful, but I know I can't change other people :)
The Minimal Mom such a good point. I gotta learn to not let it stress me out. Have you done a video like that about managing the little gifts? I have a lot of Valentine’s Day junk around the house right now 😂.
@@cmarti6984 Yes, I do talk about it in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BXa3f2zCe9A.html Basically, this stuff becomes a problem to me when it is laying all over the house. So now the kids know that if I ask them to pick it up and put it in one of their safe areas and they don't do so, then its mine and I can decide what to do with it, which is usually throwing it away. They also know that everything they decide to keep has to fit in the toy bins, or like I show in this video, the cubbies in the girls' desks, so we can't keep everything and they decide what gets kept and what doesn't (unless like I said, they leave it out and then I decide!). I still don't love how much waste there is...we throw a lot of stuff away from holidays, birthday parties and trips to the Dollar Store, BUT, it is getting better! Our family is slowly learning that we keep less and as the kids are getting older it is tapering off as well :)
💗💗💗 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!❤️
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.
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!!!! 💟
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?
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.
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!
It was my son who introduced us to minamalism 5 years ago when he was 25 and getting his own flat. I worked in a charity shop and loved taking bags to donate every week.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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🔆💐
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 :)
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 loved this video. I definitely think the kids will continue this lifestyle when they grow up. I'm working on this in my own home. My daughter is 32, works and I take care of the grandkids 6, 13, and 17. And everything to do with the house, laundry, cleaning, cooking, schools, dr. appt. etc. I truly believe if I can get 'everything' to a minimum and organized my daughter will carry this on when one day she gets her own place. We have always lived together, but for now, it's what works best for the kids and financially. I try to make it easy for her so she can concentrate on work. She has really blossomed and is doing great. I know this will be better for me, her, and the grandkids. She had some hoarder tendencies but she's starting to see the light. I was sold when I cleared out my kitchen. I can't wait to see the next video. I didn't mean to go on but I support everything you both said and am in the process.
kelly dry I wish more families who are struggling would see that working together helps everyone Not so common in America! Those grandkids have a loving safe home thanks to you!!!
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.
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'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!
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.
I made the mistake of telling my aunt that I followed the Konmari method because she had recently retired and expressed she wanted to declutter. She had a million questions and every time I explained the method, she would flinch as if she had an aversion to getting rid of things. When the holidays approached she expressed to other family members (people who had no idea I subscribed to this lifestyle) that my minimalism stressed her out and she was afraid if she got my children gifts, I would just throw them away. I had several people approach me with concern about what she was saying about me. Thankfully I was able to ease their worries but it has since made me scared to share my lifestyle with other people.
That can happen to people regarding their choices in spending and financial management. Some people are actually insecure about their finances and how their future is looking, so they are negative about those who choose to delay consumption in order to save or invest.
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 the video! I have been so inspired by your videos and my husband is on board as well. This will be nice for him to hear it from a father's perspective too! :)
I wonder how long it takes to think differently? Think differently about buying stuff. I will still find things I want to buy because it's a good deal, I like the item, I need it for a project (celebration, craft), a family member is asking for something etc etc. When does the mindset change?
In 2011 I was pregnant with my first baby. At six months pregnant I quit my job of 13 years to stay home with the baby. I had no idea what the minimalist movement was. I just looked around my house and saw things that were going to take me away from the baby. I'm a clean fanatic and didn't want to choose between time with my new baby and a clean house. I started out by getting rid of the less used items and I scanned all our paperwork and photos. It snowballed from there. In about three months we got rid of probably 70% of the things we owned. I wanted to be freed from the stuff before the baby came and I had the time because I wasn't working. In the seven years since then we've gotten rid of more and bought some things we didn't expect to own like my canning jar collection. Yes they all get used to preserve our garden veggies. I don't know that I consider us strict minimalist (because we have a farm and the things that go along with it) but the non minimalists that come over usually comment how minimal our place is. In a month or two we will be moving into the house we will retire in. I'm happy to say the new home will be more minimal than what we have now. It has been such a positive thing for our family (second only to being debt free). I would recommend people wanting to try it moving a little slower than we did but I doubt they will regret it.
I wonder if because he is a guy that people wouldn't say things to him bc I think he is direct. I have and had the experience when someone didn't understand. I agree you still have to do what's right for your family.
Just for the record, I never noticed you didn't make eye contact with him because I'm use to listening while I do other things, you know like people use to do with telephones. I probably need to seek help for my multi tasking. 😃
I strongly believe that minimalism fits so well into, or vice versa, into Montessori especially when it comes to kid's activities toys being more purposeful and intentional and neat within access of them knwing that each toy or activity has a place on the shelf. Toy rotation is perfect for handling minimizing toys going more with natural materials and thoughtful with which activities are on thier shelf especially with books. I love the values and lately i noticed people of faith are not so open if they have a following about thier priority with giving thier children the faith and belief in God. I dont knwo its just something I noticed.
Too funny! We live in AZ and just got back from visiting family in MN. I'm only 11 seconds into the video and wanted to comment because I thought that was a cool coincidence lol
If family or friends are angry/upset about minimalism - easy. Establish no contact. They are out of line and should concern themselves with their own circumstances. If and when they can behave in a respectful manner...perhaps contact will be reestablished.
Follow the K.K.S.S. Principal- Keep it simple Silly. I love minimalism and prepping. It’s basic. If you truly need it keep it. So there’s a lot more stuff in my house than I would like, we have an old tiny office that we converted into a proper pantry. So in there at least all the stuff we keep in case of an emergency is out of sight, and organized. We also grow the majority of our own food, and we heat with wood… With those things comes extra items that we really do have to have. The key is to keep them as simple as possible and organized. Minimalism isn’t about “keep only 30 things”. It’s getting rid of the things that limit your life, that bog you down, that don’t bring you joy, or serve a need.
i feel like its different for moms vs dads regarding the gift giving... I constantly get criticized for the amt of stuff we have yet that person brings or buys a lot of the stuff we have.
I agree completely! Generally comments are directed to me and the responsibility to deal with the stuff afterwards falls on me as well. BUT, the good news is that it is getting easier and easier as our family SLOWLY comes around and also as the kids get older.
I've been asking for videos, memberships etc but for example Christmas this year "santa" arrived with over $200 per kid in toys. When I asked that people not give them toys
I have no problem telling my mom and brother not to buy me things, and giving them clutter free alternatives (Kindle books, memberships to the Y, gift cards, etc), but my husband's family is more difficult. They don't know us very well and don't believe in asking for ideas (except for the kids) so usually we end up getting rid of their gift...
I need help with my homeschool items. I have four children ages ranging from 14,11,7,1. So I have a hard time of letting go of MANY items. Because I say I will need it down the road for the younger children. I am good in all other areas to minimize but this o e I have a really hard time with. Can you give me any advice on this area of my struggles. Thanks so much
Aside from shutterfly how else can one simplify there photos... I was thinking of picking certain number of pictures of each kid at different agesthen put on a canvas??Not sure🤔
My mother-in-law spent years getting together all the photos from Generations back to create a huge photo album for her two sons I am doing this earlier creating photo albums for each child which could mean duplicate copies of certain pictures being one album for each of your children and one of them for yourself. When I go home to Glory they will each get a photo album.
The Minimal Mom I look forward to what you do for I need more ideas before I make final decision; My Youngest, a avid soccer player had so many jerseys I got a Friend whom is a photographer to photograph them & put jersey pic with each matching team picture of the correct year & prior I had queen rag quilt made of jerseys, anti bullying tees & concert tees & camp tees.Being creative + sharing ideas helps be the best minimalist😊🇨🇦
Thanks for your motivating videos. Off topic, what kind and pattern is your beautiful countertop in the kitchen? I am trying to choose one for our kitchen in which we are in the midst of a remodel. Thanks!
Oh good question, I listened to a podcast on The Art of Simple with Tsh Oxenrieder and she was interviewing Joshua when he was promoting his last book, The More of Less and he shared his story like he did today. Here is the link: theartofsimple.net/podcast/30/ (the interview starts around min 4:00)
Wow. The whole kids wanna play but too busy thing hits it for me. I spend a lot of time on weekends cleaning and doing this and that just for it to be a mess again by the next weekend. My husband does project after project and now our kids don’t even really ask us to do things anymore (well they are getting older too so some of it is their age). But. I want to be available and interruptible in life. I started this journey this week by watching your videos and today I got three whole bags of stuff tossed that was just sitting around in cabinets and started really organizing stuff. My goal is to pare things way down to the point things are not just piling up in books and crannys.
