Yes, the cover of this book tells you exactly what to expect. This book is about minimalism. The core of minimalism really. It’s quite a short book I’d say, which allignes exactly with their message: focus on the important things. This book is written by Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn, also known as the Minimalists. I’ve written a post before about them before, about their documentary and podcast. Back then I hadn’t read their book but now I did and I needed to share it with you. Here’s more about the book minimalism by Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn.
Why I love this book
What I love about this book so much is that it focuses on the core or maybe you could say the origin of minimalism. I’ve read more practical books too, like Marie Kondo. But this book is about the why. Why minimalism? Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fiels Millburn explain minimalism and I find that exceptional. It’s easy to get rid of stuff. But why are you doing it? What is it that getting rid of stuff makes you happier? With these questions they talk about getting the excess out of the way and focussing on what’s important in all aspects of life really.
Ryan and Joshua talk about five core aspects of minimalism. They claim that these five categories are important for every single human. I don’t know if you can just claim that, but I definitely agree. You need all five of these to be happy But that does not mean it’s a guide. The categories can differ per person, since everybody is different. I’ll go through these categories to explain them a little bit.
Health
I think we all know that our health is extremely important. You realize that once you or anyone close to you gets sick. It’s your greatest treasure. That’s why it’s one of the main categories. Are you healthy? And are you focussing on your health? Are you spending your dinner with a takeaway in front of the tv or do you prepare a healthy dinner yourself for example?
Relationships
Everybody needs some sort of relationship. Wether you are an introvert or an extrovert. What’s important here is that you identify who are important to you and get rid of the excess relationships that take up your valueable time. Are you spending your time with the people you value or do you spend it with people who you feel obligated to see?
Passions
I think this one is hard. Finding your passions. And I say passions (plural) since you can have multiple. What’s most imporant here is that you find out what it is and persue it. It would be great if you could make a living out of it. Most people work just so they can pay the bills. I know that’s necessary, but are you doing everything you can to change that?
Personal growth
If we don’t grow we stand still. And that’s no good. Growing can be done in so many ways. By learning to play that new instrument you love, studying a new subject, concurring your fears. The list goes on. Just make sure to challenge yourself and be proud.
Contribution
This book is a personal favorite. I think helping others can make you truly happier. I’ve written about what veganism and ditching fast fashion does to me personally. Helping others is so satifisfying. It makes you feel needed. You can find out what type of contribution you like. Helping the homeless, work at the food bank, help people with debts, run for cancer. Anything besides donating money is perfect. Even though donating money is an extra bonus.
So, the minimalists basically claim that if you are where you want to be with these categories, you’ll be happier. And in every category minimalism comes in. Getting rid of the excess. Not just stuff, anything! I really hope you’ll read this book. It’s amazing.
Have you read minimalism by Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn?
Yours sincerely,
Romee
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