Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff

Joshua Becker describes minimalism as "... the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it." This is a great definition because it's so personal and open-ended.  Minimalism becomes what you want it to be.  You choose what is important, what you will place front and center.  You choose what will be removed from your life in order to leave you with more space, time, money, and energy for what matters.  By doing this, minimalism helps you define your goals and purpose in life, and makes it more likely that you will be able to pursue and achieve them. By this definition, my minimalism will not look exactly like yours, and your minimalism will be distinct from anyone else's.  Yet we are all minimalists. I believe that everyone would benefit from a minimalist lifestyle, but obviously not everyone makes that choice.  Why is that?  Maybe it's because there are a lot of mistaken ideas about it.  These wrong id

It's here, and available to purchase on Amazon!  My newest book/journal, Maximum Gratitude: Find Happiness and Contentment through the Habit of Giving Thanks is finally ready for you. I've been writing in my proof copy, and I think you'll be happy with the quality of the binding, paper, and color.  This is a book you can carry with you – I like the feel and the weight of it. Maximum Gratitude is a book you will personalize.  Each of you will become my co-author!  Of course you can use any journal as a gratitude journal, but this one contains my carefully crafted ideas, insights, anecdotes, and how-tos, plus great quotes and pictures. Actually part journal and part inspirational handbook, Maximum Gratitude begins with a 30-day Gratitude Challenge to jump start a new lifestyle.  Next are twelve thoughtful essays interspersed with pages which you will fill with your own expressions of gratitude – enough for an entire year.  You will develop and hone a thankful mindset while

Research published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology in 2020 found that minimalists report various benefits to their well-being.  These include a greater sense of autonomy and competence, feeling more in control over their environment and themselves, having more mental peace and awareness, and positive emotions such as joy and gratitude. In contrast, the study reports that a lot of research shows that materialism and consumerism are associated with negative outcomes such as higher levels of stress and dissatisfaction with life, along with more debt and all of the problems associated with that.  Research has also shown a connection between materialism and a lack of concern about the environment.  If you're interested in minimalism, these conclusions probably don't surprise you.  You may have discovered the benefits of choosing to live with less for yourself. But it's always nice to get "official confirmation" that you're on the righ

The holidays may be behind us, but winter is still here, and we all want to feel comfortable and warm at home while the trees are bare and weather is cold.  Even without the Christmas lights and festivity, you can cozy your space for the new year.  6 Elements to Increase the Comfort of Your Living Space 1.  Add firelight. Lucky you if you have a fireplace or woodburning stove.  Enjoy them!  But you can have the warmth of a fire in any home – just add candles.  I like a row of plain ivory pillar candles down the center of the dining table.  On the sideboard, I place tapers in brass candlesticks hand-forged by my grandfather.  Tealight candles twinkle and glow in glass holders. 2.  Add vintage. The nostalgia and warmth of an older piece can't be denied.  Whether it's heirloom furniture, a photo album on the coffee table, or maybe an old painting or Grandma's quilt, something preserved and used through the years will add instant coziness. 3.  Add texture. Soft, nubby feels are