Joshua Fields Millburn

I loved reading 'Everything That Remains', although between various essays and surfing The Minimalist's site, at times I felt like I was hearing some things for the second or third time.

I did, however, find myself highlighting away at certain passages, and will probably find myself picking it up for some page flipping from time to time. I also feel that this is a great book to gift someone who is looking for a lifestyle change, or anyone finding themselves overwhelmed.

Their message is a show more great one, and even if minimalism isn't your thing, or if their brand of minimalism isn't either, Millburn and Nicodemus have very familiar and real stories to share with people, and they tell those stories well. One needn't agree with them to be charmed by their warmth, whether that's on the page or in person.

I was fortunate enough to attend their book reading in St. Louis last month, and would definitely go to hear them again if the chance presents itself. show less

Before having picked this book up I had never heard of the Minimalists, listened to their podcast or read any of their books. Having finished this book I'm pretty sure that's about to change. Filled with no-nonsense advice and hard truths; this book was VERY impactful. I found myself re-reading sections and bookmarking pages - I hardly EVER do that. At the heart this book is about minimalism, but in fact it is so much more than that. The sections on relationships, creativity, and money were show more so powerful that I'm still thinking about them. From 30 day challenges to worksheets to engaging questions - this book wants to change how you view your life and wants you to think critically about everything you own, everything you do, and everyone you associate with. It's a handbook that will make you think more deeply about aspects of your life that you take for granted. I really appreciate that this book wasn't preachy and didn't tell readers how wrong they are living their lives. You could do small approaches and monthly challenges to find what works best for YOUR life - because there is no one size fits all approach. I won't become a minimalist over night but I certainly aim to use lots of different advice that this book had to see what changes I can make to improve my life. An excellent book. #celadonreads #lovepeopleusethingsbook show less

So much more than a guide to minimalism

I've known for a long time that I need to do more than just organize and declutter my home; I tried organizing and still have too much stuff for the spaces in my closet. When I tried to get rid of things, my thoughts either crept to "but I may need this some day" or I realized the object had a strong emotional attachment to it, whether because someone I cared for gifted it to me or I bought it from a favorite trip. This book helped me see these thoughts show more are normal and ones I can overcome in time. And as I send things away, it will get easier and already has as I started implementing the ideas before finishing this book.

The authors not only discuss objects, but how to view relationships, creativity, and even money with a critical eye and how they are affecting your personal values in life. So much of this book contains the authors' personal stories and struggles with the idea of minimalism that it reads like a memoir. After reading this book, I have my own ideas of how I can best "declutter" my life, and it doesn't need to be done all at once. Just a shelf, a drawer, one object a day will work for me. I also know that before I buy something, I need to really consider if I need this object. So many tools are in this handbook that everyone reading it will find ideas to fit his or her life. show less

Imagine a life with less: less stuff, less clutter, less stress and debt and discontent—a life with fewer distractions. Now, imagine a life with more: more time, more meaningful relationships, more growth and contribution and contentment—a life of passion, unencumbered by the trappings of the chaotic world around you. What you’re imagining is an intentional life. And to get there, you’ll have to let go of some clutter that’s in the way.

In Love People Use Things, Joshua Fields show more Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus move past simple decluttering to show how minimalism makes room to reevaluate and heal the seven essential relationships in our lives: stuff, truth, self, money, values, creativity, and people. They use their own experiences—and those of the people they have met along the minimalist journey—to provide a template for how to live a fuller, more meaningful life. show less