As a mother and wife, when I first started down my own minimalistic road, I relied on the words of Joshua Becker. He is a husband and father of two, and smack dab in the middle of the their regular life, he decided to make a big lifestyle change. I knew that I wanted to make that change too, but wanted to be sensitive to my family, what they want, and what is best for all of us.

My teenage daughter may sometimes disagree, but I am confident that canceling the cable, driving less, uncluttering, and getting out of debt has made our lives richer in ways we couldn’t have imagined. There are many minimalists that inspire me, and Joshua Becker is at the top of the list.

I first read his new book Inside-Out Simplicity two weeks ago, and just finished it for a second time. After reading his first book, Simplify, I knew this would be a good read, but I had no idea how life changing it really has the potential to be! The book opens with a few interesting disclaimers and then defines simplicity.

• “Simplicity is clarity, purpose, and intentionality. It is marked by the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It is a life lived in unity. And once you find it, you will never go back.”

(Damn, I wish I had written that!). This really is, in my opinion, the perfect definition of simplicity and minimalism. And, so true, that once you find it, even get a glimpse of it, you will never go back.

The author actually admits that he was afraid to write this book because of the potential controversy. When you write about sex, God and money, you certainly open the door to opposition, but with Becker’s gentle approach, it is more natural to reflect on his opinions and your own life, instead of getting defensive.

If you have never thought about living with less, this book might feel threatening to you. If you have considered a more minimalistic lifestyle, then this is a must read. Becker writes about the book, “It is meant to challenge you. It is meant to encourage you. It is meant to inspire you. It is destined to help you find a simpler way of life.”  While the words are easy to read, take your time with this book, and you will be challenged, encouraged, inspired and it will help you find a simpler way of life.

The best thing about simplicity and minimalism is that you can start anytime, regardless of where you are in your life. While there are challenging steps in the process, life gets easier and fast, when you start to simplify. Give up TV, and you instantly have more time. Get rid of “stuff” and house cleaning is a breeze. Stop shopping to feel better, and you really will feel better and be more with less.

Reading Assignment: When you decide to start living with less, read  Simplify, and as you start to see how minimalism is changing your life, read Inside-Out Simplicity.