I love quotes. I’m a junkie because it’s amazing how a little string of words can be so inspiring. Someone has eloquently put together a concise idea in a sentence or two, that gets repeated and repeated because it’s so brilliant. It’s such a gift that we have the capacity to receive these ideas and their inspiration and motivation. These are 20 of my favourite quotes about minimalism and simple living that have resonated with me. I hope they connect with you as well.
1. “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.” – Marie Kondo
This one kind of hits your over the head. As far as minimalism quotes go, this is clear and gets to the heart of it. Minimalism is not just getting rid of your stuff, it is getting to know yourself.
2. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder
Gratitude has been the single most important practice I’ve adopted in my life. It helps me when I get sucked into comparison, if I’m having a bad and if I’m having a great day. No matter what, gratitude, makes life more deeply felt and appreciated.
3. “Enough is a decision, not an amount.” – Alison Faulkner
Of all the minimalism quotes, this one might be the most concise. And it’s absolutely true. You could never have enough if you don’t decide what that is for you. I would also say, without gratitude, nothing will feel like enough. We all need to keep our blinders on at some moments in life, to avoid comparison and to fully engage in our own lives.
4. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Another practice that helps us create a life full of meaning is mindfulness. As I’ve moved along my minimalist journey, meditation and mindfulness has helped me live with more clarity, intention and purpose. Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, I highly recommend beginning. You will notice such a difference.
5. “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” – Boyd K. Packer
This one is a reminder that often we can make do. We have the impulse to replace things or buy something to do a job, when often we can figure something out with what we already have. For example, one of my favourite kitchen blogs, The Kitchn, has all kinds of great hacks for how to get around buying kitchen equipment.
6. “Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something.” – Nicholas Burroughs
I think many people who haven’t dipped their toe into minimalism think it’s about restriction. When in fact it’s the opposite. It’s about a conscious decision about what is the right amount for you and letting go of the rest. Acknowledging that excess doesn’t add to our lives and seeking simplicity so we can have more of what matters.
7. “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
This is possibly one of the most beautiful quotes in the list. Especially if you can hear Gandolph’s voice speaking it in your mind ha! But honestly, it’s simple, truthful and kinda scary. I know I didn’t always recognize how much choice I have in my own life and that a plan or big goals are necessary for having what we want out of our lives. It seems overly simplistic but without making conscious decisions we won’t know what to do with this precious time.
8. “Decluttering is infinitely easier when you think of it as deciding what to keep, rather than deciding what to throw away.” – Francine Jay
This is the quote that people respond to the most every time I share it on Instagram. Decluttering doesn’t have to be painful, switching your perspective makes it easier to let go. You aren’t decluttering to punish yourself, you’re doing it to make your life easier, free up your time and feel lighter.
9. “I’ve learned that you can’t have everything and do everything at the same time.” – Oprah Winfrey
Straight from Oprah! I’m sure you’ve noticed this in your own life. You’ll be killing it at exercise but keeping up with meals is a struggle. Or you are feeling super connected with your kids and your house is a mess. It’s real, it’s life but living with less definitely makes the balance easier. Tidying isn’t a huge undertaking, getting systems in place for meals make it simpler and you have more time to spend with your kids or doing life.
10. “It is true that we choose our life. But it’s also true that we can choose at any moment to change our path.” – Jamie McGee
This is for all of you who are aching for a change. You can do it at any time, you get to choose. If something isn’t aligning or you are feeling unfulfilled, take a look at what you can change. Change isn’t easy but it’s necessary and a part of our lives. So the more comfortable you are with it, the great opportunities you’ll have.
I hope you’ve found these minimalism quotes and inspiration for more simple and intentional living motivating. Embracing minimalism in any facet of your life will bring returns. It is a return to what matters, a way of getting to know yourself and a path to a more intentional life.
What are your favourite quotes?
