The Minimalist Woman's Guide to Having It All

by Meg Wolfe, Steve Johnson (Photographer)

The book is divided into three main parts, each one focusing on a concept and a project that work toward understanding our consumer-based culture and how to step back from it. This detachment creates enough freedom in your life and mind to experience real contentment. Contentment is the key–it is not complacency, but more akin to satisfaction and cherishing.

Minimalists are known for living well with less stuff. The point isn’t just having less stuff, but the benefits of having less more space, more time, more money, less trash, less cleaning, less organizing, less stress. The amount of time and space freed up is compounded by the sense of time and space regained, which gives back a precious sense of serenity and control to previously harried lives. Minimalists give Less a chance, and have almost universally experienced an amazing amount of contentment as a result.

Minimalism is living with just what you need. Needs are defined individually. Minimalism can include, but is not limited to, frugality or simple living. It can be done expensively, as in having the very best of just a very few things, or it can be done on a pittance. It is ideally debt-free. Space and time are given high value. Unrewarding things or activities are kept to a minimum.

A wonderful thing happens along the Minimalist you realize you’ve got enough mental and physical space to be yourself, that you are more than the sum total of your possessions, and you actually feel that you are enough in and of yourself. That’s a feeling akin to contentment.

And that’s why a Minimalist approach to life, stuff, and everything is a good way to Have it All.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Essays, Personal Development, Philosophy

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2011

About the author

Meg Wolfe is the author of the Charlotte Anthony mystery series, and a long-time blogger and essayist. She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

After starting out in life as a writer, Meg experienced illuminating detours in garden design, cooking, and art before coming full circle back to writing. She lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, with her husband, artist and photographer Steve Johnson.

Reviews

[Ci · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a collection of blogs, un-edited for a book form. The writing is marred by sloppy language; the overall tone is not smooth nor consistent. It is evidence that this is a blog, not a book. The contents is skimpy, perhaps a five-page would do justice to condense it.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book that does have a few insights about how to declutter our lives. I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I don't know that it was revelational. But there were a few little tidbits I came away with. And if nothing else, it helps to be reminded of some of these tips.

[Mason Kruse-Hoyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forces you look at your possessions in a whole New way

Gives you the philosophies behind minimalism and it’s benefits to your life. Several perks of wisdom in the book that will help you declutter your life.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle. Same old.

[Loree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief book with good points. Not all related to cleaning closets, but dives deeper into mental and emotional clutter.

[cellomerl · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some useful tidbits and unique insights here, but nothing that isn't well covered in a lot of other books on the subject. Minimalism has become very fashionable theses days but once you've read a couple of books or blogs on the topic, you've got the gist. If you want to adopt the lifestyle, repetition and mental fortitude are the keys to success, and as with any habit-forming process it becomes a matter of starting somewhere and getting it done in a daily practice. This book is rather loosely edited, but worth reading, unless you already have a full library on minimalism which would make it a little redundant.

[Sallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan, both of Meg's blog and of her style of writing, and someone who avidly chooses women's diary-style autobiography. I find that, especially if, like Meg, there's a poetry to her writing, I can settle in and hear her analysis of what does or doesn't work in her life, I'll be able to take tidbits from it for my own. Often, there's nothing obviously earthshaking, perhaps not even truly new offered, but the gift is when the writer's language conveys that wisdom in such a way that it speaks to my heart and I hear it better than ever anyone else has said it. So, if this is your style of writing, give Meg a chance to get under your skin and speak to you, too.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two paradigm adjusting books in one week; okay! This book and "One Thousand Gifts." "Minimalist..." though not from an explicitly Christian viewpoint, certainly can be practiced in that mind/heart. I have been challenged. I am drawn by the minimalist concept on many levels, but realize I have a long way to go. Then again, the journey itself is half the joy. I am encouraged to live more deeply inside and out, here and today, and that is very good.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was a rather informative book it was a little too philosophical for me. I was looking for more of a guide with useful tips and while this wasn't a bad read, it was more about the mindset of being a minimalist which to me is a very personal thing and doesn't need to be shoved down your throat.

I don't think this book is rather useful as a guide, although interesting if you want to know more about the lifestyle.

[Margarita Krivega · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shallow, hateful book

I would not recommend this book to anybody. The book didn't contain anything helpful, the reasoning about how everything is bad and to make yourself happy you need to sit at home, not having any hobbies if they are not for free because hobbies are for free (like walking) or it is ... shopping... Waste of time. At least.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED it!

I love all the thinking behind just the practical parts of minimal living.

Eg when decluttering, and you end up with a Keep pile, look for trends to see what kind of things you like. What does this say about you?

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, simple, and didn't offer enough. The advice given was common knowledge to even the most basic minimalist. The advice was GOOD--if you're new to minimalism, you might get a few tidbits from this book. Otherwise, I did not find it thorough enough to be useful.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, but it was just so-so to me.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas on decluttering mind and life as well as home. Now to try them out.

[Jackee]

A short read, but very inspirational. I love the philosophy of being rich in the simplicity of living!

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet and meaningful series of essays on minimalism, mindfulness and living life with intention. Highly recommended.

[Mickey Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highlighted passages in this book that would be inspirational to think about on a one per day basis.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Really enjoyed. Not preachy but definitely some good, solid ideas that can easily be put into play. I have her other two cook books also and this one is just as good!

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meaningful

Meaningful

good perspectives on how to live with less in a world that says more is better in every aspect of our lives.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A begginers guide.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid e-book. Will be re-reading and checking out her site.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but good read, some good advice on being a minimalist and how to be true to yourself.