I was very honored to receive an advanced reading copy of Joshua Becker’s new book The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own a few weeks ago. I have been looking forward to Joshua’s new book since he announced it a few months ago, and I am happy to report that I was not disappointed.
I read and loved Joshua’s first two books, Simplify and Uncluttered With Kids about a year and half ago, when I first discovered minimalism. The More of Less builds on the foundation of those two books, presenting not just the “how” of simplifying, but also the benefits of the minimalist lifestyle.
Joshua’s latest book addresses the entire lifecycle of the move to minimalism. He begins with all the wonderful reasons for choosing a minimalist lifestyle, including his own personal reasons, outlines the ways to achieve a more simplified life, and illuminates the myriad benefits provided by living a life with less clutter. He states, “The goal of minimalism, let’s remember, is not just to own less stuff. The goal of minimalism is to unburden our lives so we can accomplish more.”
Joshua goes on to explain that there are many paths by which we can unburden ourselves. He explains how minimalism is not getting rid of everything, but is instead finding the right balance to fit your life. He illustrates the spectrum of the minimalist lifestyle by sharing his own story along with the stories of others who have chosen to simplify, ranging from “regular” families, to those who can fit all their belongings in a single backpack or suitcase.
Joshua addresses the pull of consumerism and the ways to resist the constant call to buy, buy, buy. He discusses the mental and emotional side of decluttering, and how to maintain a simplified lifestyle once you have reached it. And finally, Joshua discusses the “after” of minimalism – with the removal of clutter from our homes and minds, we are free to lead an intentional, significant life. We are free to give back, with our time, our efforts, and our talents.
I very much enjoyed The More of Less, and would definitely recommend it for anyone interested in the exploring the benefits of minimalism. In all honesty though, my favorites are still Simplify and Uncluttered With Kids. I think because I found those books just as I was coming into minimalism, they really resonated with me. However, the later chapters of The More of Less really helped me realize all the possibilities that will be opened up to me as I move towards a simpler lifestyle.
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own is available from Amazon in hardcover, and on Kindle and Audible. If you would like to purchase this book, or any of my other book recommendations, please visit my Recommendations page, where you can click through to Amazon from my affiliate link.