What I'm Reading: The More of Less

The More of Less by Joshua Becker [Review]

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

By: Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker is the founder and editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website that inspires millions around the world to own fewer possessions and find greater fulfillment in life. As one of the leading voices in the modern simplicity movement, he speaks both nationwide and internationally, and has contributed to articles in Time magazine, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, and numerous television programs including the CBS Evening News.

Wanting to declutter. The story of my life. The reality? Not so easy.

I was instantly drawn to this title because we fit into the category of "too much stuff". I thought it when I lived on my own during University, it showed when my now husband and I moved to Alaska together, it became evident as I cleaned out the room in the house I grew up in as my parents prepared to put it on the market, and finally, it was proven when we were forced to pack three years of our life into the back of our Kia Sorento and drive over 4000 miles from Alaska, home to Toronto. Half of that stuff remains in my parents' attic, never to be seen again.

In The More of Less, Joshua Becker, helps you….

recognize the life-giving benefits of owning less
realize how all the stuff you own is keeping you from pursuing your dreams
craft a personal, practical approach to decluttering your home and life
experience the joys of generosity
learn why the best part of minimalism isn’t a clean house, it’s a full life

This book is for you if you are considering cutting down on the amount of stuff you own and just need a nudge to take the plunge. Joshua does a great job at making you feel bad about yourself, but in a good way. In a way that will make you think long and hard before you bring another item home with you. Long story short, this book made me instantly purge my clothing drawers and closet. While I had a hard time parting with the clothes, by donating them, I knew they were going to someone who would be able to put them to use.

Becoming a complete minimalist may be a little extreme for my husband and I, but we can always take the baby steps required to achieve a more simplistic life style. This book is a great inspiration to get started on that journey.

"The beauty of minimalism isn’t in what it takes away. It’s in what it gives."