Comments on: The (Minimalist) Tipping Point: How Small Choices Create Big Impact.

By: nesting and paring down | this tiny asteroid

nesting and paring down | this tiny asteroid — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:08:02 +0000

[...] first step in paring down, I’ve learned here and here, is to stop the inflow of stuff coming in. Without putting a good strong filter at the [...]

By: The Everyday Minimalist

The Everyday Minimalist — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:36:56 +0000

That IS the ultimate freedom

I did something similar for a year, but with a suitcase and someone else footing the bill for hotel & food (I am a consultant).

I never felt so free and alive as I did then.

By: Simple Living News Update: Week of November 16th

Simple Living News Update: Week of November 16th — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:05:00 +0000

[...] The Minimalist Tipping Point [...]

By: Everett Bogue

Everett Bogue — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:10:29 +0000

Hi Gina,

That’s a great question. It’s complicated topic of course, and worthy of an entire blog post. I may just write one when I get to Chicago. I don’t really have have partner problems with minimalist life, because my girlfriend lives a pretty awesome simple life already. I have had some experiences with totally non-minimalist roomies though, so I think I can weigh in on the subject.

Start by talking with your partner about your desire to become more minimalist, tell them that you want to make these changes in your life. Let them you’d like them to be supportive of your choices. It’s important to be open and communicative about the subject, and not dismissive of their lifestyle. People can get VERY attached to stuff, junk, etc., and bringing them around to your way of seeing things can be a challenge.

The best way I can think of is for you to start living as minimalist as possible. Be positive, make the choices in your life, and be open about the choices you’re making with your partner. When they see how much better you’re enjoying your life being a minimalist, perhaps they’ll come around too?

Leo wrote a blog about this at mnmlist, maybe check that out?
http://mnmlist.com/7-strategies-for-winning-over-your-non-minimalist-loved-ones/

By: Gina

Gina — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:12:48 +0000

I just wanted to say that I truly love your blog. Not only that, I find it extremely inspiring. In this consumerist world that is constantly bombarding us with ads, it can be difficult to make changes. However, your blog provides motivation to do what is right for the self and those around us. I myself work towards a minimalist lifestyle, but sometimes it can be even more difficult when a partner does not take that approach. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

By: Everett Bogue

Everett Bogue — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:31:26 +0000

Aww, thanks Tammy. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my writing!

As always, thanks for all of your help with sharing my writing with the people that you know. You’re the best!

By: RowdyKittens

RowdyKittens — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:17:57 +0000

As always, you blow me away with your writing skills. I’m in love with this blog! The content is fantastic.

We have been participating in the 100 Thing Challenge for sometime, but are still shedding excess stuff. This week we are selling extra bike bags and backpacks that we no longer need. Our closet is finally minimal and beautiful. Bags take up so much space.

By: Everett Bogue

Everett Bogue — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:11:33 +0000

That’s amazing Jesse. The stuff really can’t hold you down when you get rid of it. Hooray for donating!

I read about your story on your blog. Good luck in Israel!

By: Jesse

Jesse — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:32 +0000

I started by doing exactly what you suggest…giving away a box of unused STUFF. Then before I knew it I had taken a dozen carloads to Goodwill and another dozen to the dump. When I moved halfway around the globe, I had a total of 116 cubic feet of stuff (mostly because my bad back required me to bring my bed). To give you an idea, the mover that came to do an inventory finished with this, “Is that it?!?!”

That felt great!