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Books_And_Chocolate
Posted March 10, 2011
This is a wonderful book about simplifying in order to enjoy life more. What I appreciated the most is that Francine Jay doesn't lecture and doesn't tell us what we have to get rid of based on her own minimalist lifestyle choices. Instead she challenges the reader to simply ask the important questions about what is truly useful, what is needed, and what actually adds to the joy of daily life by its presence. When we look at our possessions through those lenses, getting rid of everything else becomes easier.
In Jay's words, "Anything you use often, and which truly adds value to your life, is a welcome part of a minimalist household...but remember: to be useful, an item has to be used. That's the catch: most of us have a lot of potentially useful things that we simply don't use."
The other message of this book is that with the aquiring of possessions comes responsibility - how to pay for it in the first place, the upkeep of it, moving it from place to place, and the added stress to protect it all from theft or breakage. Then comes the temptation to upgrade when we see the next ad for a bigger, better version of what we already own which quickly loses its appeal in the comparison.
The book is divided into four sections: Philosophy (you are not what you own), Streamline (a reason for each item and setting limits), Room by Room (a plan for decluttering each room), Lifestyle (making room for what is important). I benefitted most from the first two sections and am motivated to look at what is in our home with fresh eyes as I evaluate why certain items remain. Jay never asks us to get rid of anything that we truly like or need; but rather encourages us to consider letting go of the mediocre that holds no real value and maybe we don't even like anymore but we hang onto it out of obligation whether because of emotional attachment, because it was a gift, or because it was expensive.
I've read a lot of books on simplifying but this is one of the best for preparing oneself mentally and emotionally for the process of uncluttering all areas of life. Once one understands the joy of less and the joy of enough, getting rid of excess becomes an exciting journey.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 12, 2011
Miss Minimalist, Francine Jay, has done a phenomenal job emphasizing the many benefits of embracing a minimalist lifestyle. It has totally changed the way I clean, view the things that I own and shop. My mind is at peace when I use her STREAMLINE method. My goal is to use her method daily. I recommend reading her blog as well!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 18, 2011
I've always been striving to be a minimalist (but somehow can't get my wife and four year old to get with the program). In frustration I bought this book and tore through it. It gave me fresh motivation to take on ridding our house of 50% of our possessions.
Ms. Jay's book is a great guide for getting you to your goal. Pay attention to the first few chapters about the philosophy of clutter. They are fantastic. Clutter makes you work harder by having to maintenance it. If the item is flat out gone from your life you are then free. I got a whole new perspective because of her thoughts on this subject.
Download it today!
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LendMe™
Overview
Having less stuff is the key to happiness.Do you ever feel overwhelmed, instead of overjoyed, by all your possessions? Do you secretly wish a gale force wind would blow the clutter from your home? If so, it's time to simplify your life!
The Joy of Less is a fun, lighthearted guide to minimalist living. Part One provides an inspirational pep talk on the joys and rewards of paring down. Part Two presents the STREAMLINE method: ten easy steps to rid your house of clutter. Part Three goes room by room, outlining ...