Mastering Minimalism: Eight Steps To A Life Of Less Stuff And More Freedom

by Emily Josephine

The journey toward Minimalism can be tricky. This book will help make the journey of learning how to be a minimalist much less difficult – even enjoyable – for you. Wannabe minimalists often have not only hundreds, if not thousands, of material goods to declutter, but also a plethora of mainstream mindsets that make navigating their way toward voluntary simplicity a rough and rocky path. I wrote this book to ease that navigation process for newbies. I also wrote it to help intermediate Minimalists who want to dive deeper into the journey, to overcome the obstacles that are holding them back. The steps and tips are those that my husband and I used to begin the journey toward Minimalism, and the ones we continue to use to remain on the path. The book begins by briefly addressing what Minimalism truly is (as opposed to what religious minimalist gurus have made many people think it is). It continues by explaining the benefits of becoming a minimalist. The rest of the book, the bulk of it, describes the steps you need to take in order to master Minimalism; that is, to overcome the insidious materialistic mindset of the modern age and to integrate the philosophy into your soul so completely that it becomes as easy as breathing. The first step toward simple living is one you likely won’t hear about in any other book on the subject. Then, you will be asked to consider two major paradigm shifts that will completely change the way you look at material goods. The remaining steps are more practical and hands-on, enabling you to take instant action on your desire to join the minimalist movement. If you are looking at becoming a minimalist, or you have already begun moving toward it but need some encouragement to “fight the good fight,” read this book. It will help.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2017

About the author

Assuming she's still alive when you read this, Emily Josephine lives somewhere on Planet Earth with a couple of people she refers to as "family" when she's in a good mood, writing stories with characters who lead much more interesting lives than she does, with an eye toward entertaining readers as well as encouraging them to grow into the person God created them to be, and in so doing endeavoring to kick the habit of writing run-on sentences; however, she sometimes waxes Charles Dickens-ish and is at such times unable to help herself - and speaking of famous people, if you look for "Emily Josephine" on any social media site or on YouTube, you will find more than one person going by that gorgeous name, but it will not be THE Emily Josephine, the author about whom you are now reading, because Emily Josephine The Author is severely and deathly allergic to both social media and YouTube, and if anyone tries to assert the proposition that such an allergy is an absolute and certain impossibility, she will stoutly deny their denial, "stout" being an absolute and certain absurdity in this context as there has never been anything stout about Emily except for the blessedly brief period of her life when she was pregnant and a mommy to a newborn baby.

Reviews

[Willow Rankin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read so many minimalism books and how to get that zen feeling at home, I am pretty sure I could right a dissertation on the subject, and my house is no where closer to this goal. With this one, it didn't add much to the conversation, what I did like was the principle for love yourself, and those around you.
However, it has not revolutionised my life, and the constant advert throughout for other resources created by the author annoyed me. I get its a free book, but to have that rammed down your throat does switch me off a little. Further, the author tried to endear herself, which came off as forced and also offputting.
However, it gains a few for the quick read, (read on the same day) and straightforward 8 steps. But this not a re-read like the famous Marie Kondo book.

[Jeff Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, well-written overview of the benefits of minimalism. If you are beginning to explore this topic, this is a great place to start.

[Erika Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine book, nothing too outstanding for my life personally. I did want more though.

[moxieBK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mastering Minimalism: Eight Steps To A Life Of Less Stuff And More Freedom — Emily Josephine (Introduction + 9 titled chapters + Conclusion) March 24, 2021

This book came at the most perfect time. I read it first thing in the morning and it put a hop in my step and further motivation to my years-long quest to minimalistic living. I have been a slower mover in the department, but moving I have been. Once I have minimized one section, I move to another.

This book is a quick read but I especially enjoyed the section where the author references another book about expending energy on buying stuff. This resonated with me in a way that I’ve never thought of it before. Or if I have read this thought somewhere else, it never hit me as clear as it did here.

I am not a fan of the tee-hee here’s and there’s in the book, but it was a decent read.

Four stars.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Not a bad book, not necessarily a great book either. Several points made to convince readers as to WHY they should embrace a minimalist lifestyle, but not too much mentioned on HOW, which I thought may have been included, given the title.....

Most of the book’s advice centres around the principle that it’s love for others and ourselves that will ignite the minimalism fire and keep it burning - fair enough, I get that. Also, this book does contain some mild Christian references.

All in all, the reasons for adopting minimalism given here are worthy enough of a read (after all, this book is under 50 pages long, so why not!?) but will it revolutionise your life? Probably not.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t resort to arson! Read this book instead!

This is a short, no-nonsense book about simplifying your life, ditching consumerism and burning your house down—I mean, decluttering! With humor and a cheerful, non-judgmental attitude, the author provides minimalist wanna-bees with a great basic playbook. A quick read, and worth the time.

[Ed Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Read

A quick read on the value of decluttering and simplifying your life. There’s nothing earth shattering here and while I don’t share some of the more negative views in the reviews, the book is an ok read. If you want a couple quick hits to get started, it’s probably worth the quick flip.

[Ravin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good!

I appreciated some of the points that she made yet sometimes the bunny trails of cuteness distracted me. I could tell the author was trying to simply be friendly and not uptight but I personally appreciate a straightforward approach. But that is just me. Emily still did a good job!

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this minimalism book. It is quite short. I finished reading it in probably less than two hours. It reiterates many of the things that I already know about minimalism. I think it is good to remember them. Minimalism can help you realize what is important. Or what you should prioritize. It is best to declutter and only have what you need.

[Luca Magdolna Steiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new or original

This work offers the most basic and common sense solutions on how to get started. Maybe if it's your first time hearing about the minimalist concept, you can find some thought provoking ideas. Otherwise don't expect much.

[Özge U · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very basic, not anything new

These are the things any person can think of, and I realized that I do many of the things already- you don’t need to read it to know these things I felt, didn’t learn anything new , granted this was a free book but I liked the light language it had

[Emily Wollmann (Dreeszen) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think this book would be that great but I ended up really enjoying it! It is short and sweet and involves a lot of humor that made me laugh throughout.

I love her points and would recommend to someone who doesn’t read that much but is interested in this subject!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit corny at times, but a good read.

I've read other minimalist books recently and this one is my favorite so far. It's eye opening to see how I should have realized a lot of these things and didn't without the nudge. Will read again.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking content marred with contrived humor and attempts at endearment. Near the end of the booklet it turned into an ad with several references to other works by the author. Also, gender stereotypes throughout.

[David Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good starter

Short book on minimalism that is a fast and easy read. It promotes other books by the author on minimalism.

[Francisco Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book.

It takes the initial stages of minimalism in easy steps. it's a really nice reading. A book to keep around.

[Peter Vessenes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written

Needs a good editor. Concepts more appropriate for an article than book. Save your money and borrow from the library.

[Betica Stoica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ideas

I liked the ideas, although it seemed too talkative on the rest. An useful book. It is a good start to minimalism or to make an idea what is it.

[Linda Few · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and to the point!

This is a very understandable book on minimalism. Some really great ideas to put in practice. I enjoyed reading it.

[SALLIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read

Short and simple. Loved it . Read it in 30 minutes. The humor in book was great and real! Good read

[Bobbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The principles of this book are a challenge for me. They are very logical and worth making a serious effort to master. Thank you for the much needed counsel.

[Esther · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same pitch

I found this book repetitive and at times weird. I couldn't get into it and feel like I actually got good information

[Maryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I was looking for: simple, clear, direct, with no long-winded anecdotes about the author's personal journey to minimalism.

[Audrey Elwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too religious and had the same thing as every other book. no variety. I would skip on this one.

[Junie Osterheltd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It taught me a lot about being more conscious about consumerism and what I spend my money on, how much money I spend, and how it might effect others.

[Yuliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style of the author was really rubbing me the wrong way. On top of that, dividing the chores to male and female’s is sooo last century

[Tony Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good way to start downsizing

The book is a good read. I was expecting more content but at the same time. Less is more, isn’t it?

[Lawrence kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Useful insight

Presented in a simple , realistic style . Lots of useful ideas to get you started . I recommended this book

[Ran Chone · Rating 1 out of 5]

very little content

So little content - amazing it’s a book… find better content by Google search. Surprised by the good rating. Can’t recommend

[Sandra Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, clear, helpful