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Minimalist Family: Start with Yourself
by Joshua Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus
Minimalism is only for single white guys in their 20′s with no kids and no family and no
obligations.
If you’re reading this, then you know that’s not true, but unfortunately that’s the
misconception for many newcomers. They say things like, I couldn’t be a minimalist
because…
• I am too old/young
• I don’t travel all over the world
• I have a spouse/child/large family
• I live in a house/a suburb/the country
• I own a car/television/furniture
• etc., etc., etc.
But the truth is that minimalism can work for anyone.
One of the biggest questions we get is about how to approach minimalism with
your family, friends, and loved ones. The question usually sounds something like…
I really want to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, but my husband/wife/children/partner/
friends/family isn’t on board with me. What should I do?
It’s true, not everyone in your life is going to say “Minimalism? That sounds
great! Where do I sign up?” In fact, it’s often the opposite. The two of us have been
asked if we joined a cult, if we were going through a phase, if we were experiencing an
early mid-life crisis, and many other strange questions from people we love and care
about.
When some people first hear about minimalism, they don’t understand it. To
them it sounds vaguely occult, unreasonable, outside the status quo, and far away from
the comfort zone of the average consumer. In other words, they don’t see why it is a
necessary tool to live a more meaningful life.
So, how do you become a minimalist even though your friends or family might
not be ready to take the plunge?
The answer is easier than you might think: start with yourself. You must first set
the example for the people around you.
• Start with your stuff
• Declutter your closet/drawers
• Donate your time to help others
• Donate your stuff to charity
• Change your habits
• Change your exercise routine
• Reclaim your time
• Pursue your passions
• Find your mission
Once you begin to change yourself, others often follow. They see the benefits you’re
experiencing. They notice your changed life—your passion, freedom, and happiness—
and they want in!
Before we knew it, many of the same people who thought we were crazy at first
started asking us how they could declutter and donate and live a more meaningful life.
So, start with yourself.