Imposter Syndrome and Minimalism — Ep. 30

Nearly a decade ago, I gave up minimalism because of Imposter Syndrome Thoughts. It made my life messy in many ways, but the worst part was that I gave in to feelings of inadequacy instead of the logical thoughts I had about finding my own kind of minimalism.

Imposter thoughts became apparent in many areas of my life, which was the final tipping point for me in wanting to overcome those feelings. I became so frustrated with always wondering who was going to “find me out” that it made me dig deeply into the causes of my thoughts and actions.

My other tipping point was when I realized that life was NOT better with a return to being a maximalist. I was NOT happier with excessive amounts of things. I DIDN’T have the ability to do more activities because, while I had more possessions to tinker around with, I was spending so much time cleaning up and looking after my things, I was spending most of my days doing housework instead of creating and practicing my hobbies. Essentially, I was miserable.

Overcoming those Imposter thoughts that I had was the first step for me — it was essential for me to return to peace and, among other things, minimalism. Once I accepted that I was doing my best in one area, I applied that same self-love and acceptance to other areas. I took stock of where I could do better and moved forward. As I took those steps and became more and more OK with the fact that I’m a work in progress — just like everyone else — I was happy as I returned to minimalism. In particular, though, it was MY kind of minimalism.

I am so very thankful that I made better choices just a short way down the road, bringing me back to minimalism. It really is about finding YOUR kind of minimalism, being confident in practicing it, and knowing you’re on a unique adventure. Get the full scoop by clicking the play button below to listen to the podcast episode:

Here’s the article I talk about on the podcast: Yes, Imposter Syndrome is Real: Here’s How to Deal with It

Hush, Now Forget — the Sisters of Bloodcreek Trilogy

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter (affiliate link to the ebook — thank you for your support at no additional cost to you!)

My Anthology of short stories and poetry, It Calls Me

Instagram @howtobeaminimalist

My latest videos on YouTube:
How to Make Cashew Yogurt
Sushi Bowl Salad

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

Minimalism and Healthy Eating — Ep. 29

Once again, I’ve discovered that minimalism can apply to yet another aspect of my life — healthy eating. This week, I’m talking about four ways minimalism has helped me to eat better, feel better, lose weight and get back on track when there’s a lag in goodness going into my body.

Click the play button below to listen:

I’m not a doctor or nutritionist and this really doesn’t have anything to do with A diet, but rather with eating more healthfully. There have been so many times I’ve over-complicated things. It’s made my life absolutely miserable sometimes, while other experiences of creating an unnecessarily complex situation have allowed me to learn. I would say that my journey of figuring out what healthy eating means to me has been full of side paths and backward motion, but they’ve all led me where I am now, and I’m a much healthier individual at this point.

I’ve knowingly and not-so-knowingly used minimalism to help me find my way. The first intentional step I took toward minimalism came when I realized our dinner menu was way too complicated. Out of desperation, I decided I would purchase lots of fruits and veggies for the week, but create a menu I’d use EVERY week using a few different bases with a variety of toppings to make them interesting. Beans and rice, rice and veggies, potatoes, and pasta were spread over the week, and I changed up their flavors with all of those veggies and seasonings I had on hand. It was wonderful to eat so many delicious foods, but also know what was for dinner because Wednesday nights were potato nights, etc.

On top of simplifying our dinners, I’ve simplified my lunch and breakfast. Over the years, I’ve accepted that I enjoy having a smoothie for breakfast and am happy to have one each morning. I switch them up, but mostly, I know what I need to have on hand and keep it pretty basic. It’s comforting to have a salad each day for lunch — I’m getting my greens in, I don’t have to waste mental energy on wondering what’s for lunch, and it’s nice to find different ways to eat a salad. Minimalism in the kitchen is amazing!

The previous two minimalist practices have helped me to eat more healthfully than the others in some ways, but I couldn’t do it without practicing emotional minimalism around food issues that arise, as well as finding my healthy eating hero (High Carb Hannah — see link below). These two practices  keep my mind clear and healthy, and also keep diet distractions and confusion to a minimum. With all the noise around what’s healthy and what’s not, I’m so grateful to have found High Carb Hannah because my body simply reacts to her kind of plant-based diet.

Whatever your health goals, I hope me sharing my minimalist practices around healthy eating can help you simplify and focus on what’s important.

High Carb Hannah’s YouTube channel

My latest videos on YouTube:
How to Make Cashew Yogurt
Sushi Bowl Salad

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalist

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

Minimalist Hobbies — Ep. 28

If you’ve been looking for some new hobbies to try out, but don’t want to get involved in anything that requires a lot of materials, I’m hoping this list will get you inspired. Some on my list are new-to-me hobbies, some are old, all are things I enjoy and am grateful are a part of my life. Hit the play button below to listen or find the How to be a Minimalist podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Here’s the YouTube Channel I talked about: Heal Your Living

My latest videos on YouTube:
How to Make Cashew Yogurt
Sushi Bowl Salad

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalist

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

Why I Practice Minimalism — Ep. 27

For many years, I found myself practicing minimalism for the wrong reasons, or straying from minimalism because I didn’t understand its true purpose in my life. Now, I have a better understanding, and today I’m sharing what I’ve learned. Click the play button below to listen or find the How to be a Minimalist podcast on your favorite podcast app.


Simple Happy Zen Youtube Channel

My latest videos on YouTube:
How to Make Cashew Yogurt
Sushi Bowl Salad

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalist

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

Why I Love Tiny House Living — Ep. 25

There are so many things to love about minimalism. Living in a small space can be one of them. We’ve lived in all kinds of home sizes, but right now, we’re loving our tiny house on wheels. In this episode, I’ll tell you why.

What I’m Reading:
Sisters of Bloodcreek Trilogy by Mary Gray and Cammie Larsen
Hush, Now Forget — Book 1
Sleep, Don’t Fret — Book 2
Rise, Take Flight — Book 3

My latest videos on YouTube:
How to Make Cashew Yogurt
Sushi Bowl Salad

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalist

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

Five Ways Minimalism Can Save You Money: Ep. 24

Minimalism affects so many different aspects of our lives, including our budget. Here are some ways we’ve saved money by practicing minimalism. Hit the Play Button below to have a listen:

My latest videos on YouTube:
How to Make Cashew Yogurt
Sushi Bowl Salad

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalistJosiah’s Instagram

Brightside.me article: 10 Tips to Help you Recognize Quality Items

The Darwin Awards Podcast — Josiah’s Podcast

The How to be a Minimalist YouTube Channel — Please subscribe!

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe — Ep. 23

There are a lot of reasons to practice living with minimal clothing. In this episode, we offer some tips on how to accomplish a minimalist closet, as well as some of the pros of having fewer articles of clothing. Have a listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play button below:


A Shopper’s Manifesto — the article we talk about

WearPact.com — not an affiliate link, just a place we love to shop

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram: @howtobeaminimalist— Josiah’s Instagram

The Darwin Awards Podcast — Josiah’s Podcast

The How to be a Minimalist YouTube Channel — Please subscribe!

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

Minimalism Requires Practice — New Mini Ep. #6

Instant gratification sounds wonderful, but small, consistent steps bring life-changing habits.

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalistJosiah’s Instagram

The How to be a Minimalist YouTube Channel — Please subscribe!

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!

 

How to Stop Procrastinating: 5 Tips — Ep. 21

Procrastinating used to be one of my favorite habits. Now, it makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable because I recognize the stress and lack of accomplishment it brings. I’m certainly not perfect at taking action in my life, but I’m much more aware and I’m getting better at not procrastinating all the time.

Here are my top five tips that’ve changed my procrastinator ways, some of which I’m definitely still a work in progress at perfecting. I hope you enjoy the episode!

My latest videos on YouTube:
Sushi Bowl Salad
Cashew Milk Recipe + Plant-Based What I Eat in a Day

De Mi Rancho a Tu Cocina YouTube Channel

My book, How to be a Minimalist with Kids: Finding YOUR Kind of Minimalism

Instagram @howtobeaminimalistJosiah’s Instagram

The Darwin Awards Podcast — Josiah’s Podcast

The How to be a Minimalist YouTube Channel — Please subscribe!

Your support of the show is so very appreciated! Ratings, reviews, and Patreon patronage all sustain this show. Don’t forget that Patrons now get bonus episodes! Thanks so much!

Want to leave a tip in my virtual tip jar? You can Venmo me @HowtobeaMinimalist Thank you so much for your support!