Everything That Remains: A Memoir by the Minimalists

I am a huge fan of Joshua and Ryan and have been since early on in their public journey toward minimalism. The first book I remember reading on the subject (called simple living back then) was a book called  Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter  by Elaine St. James and was published in 1994. I read it shortly after it was published and the ideas really resonated with me. Fast forward about 15 years and The Minimalists stepped into the spotlight, sharing their experiences and thoughts on paring down our material possessions to only what is useful or brings us joy. They go beyond our "things" and their impact on our lives to explore how to live the life we want and make room (and time) for the things/people who are important to us.I loved this book since it gives the back story of how they lived when mindlessly buying things and assuming material possessions would bring them happiness and contentment. They walk the reader through the catalysts that turned their old assumptions upside down and how they approached creating the life that would bring them the serenity they were looking for. This tome is a wonderful blend of the "why" and the "how" so no matter where you are on your journey, there is something here for you.I have been working incorporating many of the principles explained here for about 20 years, while living in suburbia with my husband and daughter. While Joshua and Ryan were, and are, in a different place in their lives, the principles apply to both of us and can be used to live a minimalistic life however each individual defines it.There are some nuggets of wisdom that are worth the price of the book and that I have found myself holding onto and quoting to friends as my husband and I are finally downsizing our home to 1/3 of what we live in now and are doing so joyfully:1) On keeping things just in case we might need it some day : The 20/20 Theory: "basically, anything I jettison can be replaced for less than twenty dollars, in less than twenty minutes from my current location -- IF I discover I truly need to replace it."2) "most organizing is nothing more than well-planned hoarding."3) "These days I know that every dollar I spend adds immense value to my life. There is a roof over my head at night, the books or the music I purchase add unspeakable value to my life, the few clothes I own keep me warm, the experiences I share with others at a movie or a concert add value to my life and theirs, and a meal from China Garden with my best friend becomes far more meaningful than a trip to the mall ever could."For those just exploring what minimalism means and how they can incorporate it into their lives to people who believe in the principles but need a booster shot of motivation (and to remember that they are not alone in their beliefs), this is an excellent book. I have given three copies as gifts to people who want to understand how I try to live since it's so appealing to them. I am not perfect, and I do fall back into old, traditional habits from time to time, but the ideas expressed by Joshua and Ryan are aligned with what I believe to be one of the keys to a happy, fulfilling life.I can't recommend this book highly enough.

This is a brilliant and scientific approach to how to spend both critical resources - money and time - only on items and experiences that add value to your life. Over the past 10 years I have slowly grown into this philosophy - this is what drove me to it:1. In 2007 I was working for a great start up in Ohio - I thought the time was right to buy a home - I did - a good condo. 6 months after passing papers the company I was working for closed down - I had to move.2. I decided then to move to Florida and start a business. I could not imagine parting with everything in my condo (value of items were about $2,500 at most) - so I spent $3,500 to move everything to Florida - and keep it in storage until I found a permanent home for myself.3. I found an apartment in Florida - moved in with my stuff - business was doing OK - so why not upgrade? After my lease was up I chose a newer nicer apartment - that needed all new stuff - paid $500 to have my old stuff disposed of - as thrift stores did not want it.4. At this point - I am starting to make the connection that the things around me do not make me happy - but experiences do - my new business fails - and I need to downgrade again (keep in mind only 1.5 years after I moved into the nicer apartment with new stuff) - for the first time I consider just going into a studio and getting rid of almost everything - but not at appoint where I can stomach that - I do what then - find a better priced apartment that can fit my belongings.5. While I find a job - money is very tight - after a year - I say let's give the studio a try - move in with my mattress, desk, small table and TV only - and found the freedom that came with the low rent incredible! But again - make another mistake when my fortunes turn for the better and upgrade to a great apartment building with great amenities (that I never use). Following this upgrade I am stuck at home - can't afford to eat out due to my high rent (I love eating out / going out).6. Get a job overseas - great job - have a choice between living in temporary hotel or full permanent apartment - I take the apartment - why not - it is a bit more expensive but I will be there for 5 years (my colleagues had been there for 10) - I fully furnish the apartment (total investment probably $20,000) - and guess what - layoffs announced - while I find a new job very quickly - it is in another country - I sell my belongings for $4,000.7. At this stage, I am FINALLY starting to get it - when I arrive at my current assignment - I forgo the apartment - and stay in a month to month hotel - paying cash - small amount - and guess what - I could not be happier. Also - through this process I have paired my belongings down to that what fits into a suitcase.Yes - if you follow this journey - I was probably forced into moving towards the minimalist lifestyle due to circumstances that are unique to me - but what the above does not detail is my evaluation over these years of what brings value to me and what does not. I love experiences - eating out, traveling - and to be honest if I am on a 15 hour flight I would not even hesitate to pay for business class - on the other hand my homes filled with "possessions" never added any value to my life - they actually took away - because the money spent to fill these homes and the weight of the belongings kept me home to pay for them - when I would have rather been out having a nice dinner. The fact that I can fit my life into a suitcase could not make me happier - I do not feel that I am missing out on anything - and I have never felt richer. Now - the truth of the matter is - with digital everything over the past 5 years - times have changed. I have my pictures, music, books, TV series - all available via apps / sites. I can keep in touch with family and friends with mobile as well.What I have detailed above may align with much of what is described in this read - but may not align with everything - this I believe is a key point. It is your life - your money - and your time - what is important is that you understand what truly brings value to you and spend only on that. For you - it may be a 5 bedroom 2 living room home - maybe you wish to have this instead of traveling and eating out - if you can genuinely say that makes you happy then go for it - with no guilt.We live in a capitalist society that is kept going from over the top levels of consumption. Think of one example - the US auto industry - what would happen to this if everyone decided to keep a car for 10 years (which is very possible) - think about the lost revenue, jobs, taxes lost. Now apply this to everything you are subtly programmed to buy from a very young age - and the debt we are all forced into. While it is this "American Dream" that keeps our country afloat - it is also this dream that subtly stops us from living the rich lives we wish to. Do not worry anymore about keeping up with the Joneses, or meeting the requirements of the American Dream - as the only dream that matters is yours....

Cambia constumbre de consumo radicalmente

The author expressed clearly what I felt about my own life. Very relatable indeed. Thanx for this book. Got a lot of clarity.

Best minimalists's book

La vida del autor durante el cambio desde el mundo de los altos ejecutivos hasta la vida minimalista y simple, todo escrito con alta qualidad.

I know they won't like the word but these guys became my joyful gurus. Awesome book. I have to experience mother friendship so I am in the middle of decluttering but I trust myself and this reading mysteriously arrived when I most needed it. Thank u so much.