Simplify Your Life: Waste Less, Value More, Go Minimalist

by Mary Conroy

A new and accessible approach to minimalism as a means to unburden your physical and mental space.Minimalism is so much more than decluttering. Find gratitude, richness and value in your everyday life as you create space for contentment, purpose and joy.Minimalism is about living more mindfully. It's about letting your life work smarter, not harder. It's about releasing anything that doesn't serve you, whether that be clutter in your kitchen or your mind. It's about connecting with what you hold as valuable and designing your life around it.In Simplify Your Life, Mary Conroy explains how simplicity is the key. This book will help you to make sense of your choices, to put you back in control of your life. Minimalism is not just for nomadic entrepreneurs or burnt out CEOs. It's for you.This practical guide is for anyone who wants · liberate themselves from the cost of their clutter· cut down on waste and consume consciously· spend more time with the people they love· stop scrolling aimlessly through the day· return to a point of mental clarity· Simplify Your Life will help you to do all that, and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2020

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not intentionally set out to live life as a minimalist but over the last few years I have started to think there is stuff I do not need in my life.

I have been making small changes and many resonate in this book. I have certainly accepted that I now have a desire for less, less stuff, don't need the expensive long haul holidays, don't need more clothes, knick-knacks, expensive cars, a smaller home. Actually more enjoyment comes from volunteering and helping others, enjoying nature etc.

An interesting read if you are starting out on or already are reducing clutter from your life.

[Shanyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Though it took the author 200 over pages to promote minimalism, it’s the best of its kind I’ve met thus far (wonder why so many minimalists can’t minimalise their thoughts).

Author has a flair in writing thus reading process was a smooth one. Meanwhile, I’ve come across many new words. Good use of references and quotes to motivate readers. Agree with most of the minimalist actions suggested and I’m on my way to try them out.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a minimalist book that I can get on board with! This book is written with people like me in mind: those of us that do want to have less clutter, and bring less clutter into all aspects of our life, but still want our homes to be the cosy family spaces we cherish. Basically, I like Mary Conroy because she doesn't tell me to chuck out all my books!!

In all seriousness, this book is full of common sense advice but it's an encouraging read that almost feels like permission to start your decluttering in a way and in a timescale that works for you. Because of this lack of pressure, you actually feel even more inspired to start looking at how you can incorporate minimalism into many different aspects of your life as soon as possible.

I found the sections of applying minimalism to different aspects of your life such as eating, health, friendships and technology really interesting as well and am really trying to think about something will bring to my life and my aims before I allow it my time or attention.

All in all, a really interesting read that you should take a look at if you're looking for a little gentle and friendly introduction and motivation to becoming more minimalist.

[Orlaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has found its moment. This pandemic has made all of us reflect how we spend our time, energy and our money. Whether we like it or not, we have had to be still, stay home and plan less events. I am sure that I am not the only one whose work wardrobe seems anachronistic and is shocked at how much I previously spent on takeaway coffees and lunches on the run.

'Simplify your life' is a useful guidebook to continuing that journey. It's not just about decluttering your home. It made me ask searching questions about work, my relationships, my physical health and how much time that I spend on social media.

It's not preachy- in fact many of the anecdotes are self-deprecating. The author's background in social research is apparent. There is alot more intellectual rigour to it than many things I have read in this space. She wears her learning lightly and it is easy to read.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up just wanting a quick refresher on the minimalism movement, and in that sense, this book didn't disappoint. I was grateful for the key takeaway around intentionalism, which while nothing particularly new to me, was nice to see - especially since Conroy takes the introductory chapter to dispel certain myths about minimalism which I'll admit, I had also fallen into when I first started getting to the know the field. Compared to a few other works on minimalism that I've read, this one featured quite a bit more research to back up certain points, which I think makes it a more persuasive read - though in my case, I think the same points could have been made in a much shorter amount of words. I'd recommend this one for any readers who want a take on minimalism that accommodates for those who might not traditionally be seen as minimalist.

[Nicole Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent Read With Useful Takeaways

The author takes a holistic approach to decluttering; not just one’s home, but different aspects of one’s life that could stand to use greater focus, clarity, and paring down. The ideas proposed and observations made were at times supported by research, thus showing that the author put a lot or effort and detail in the presentation of her work, and that it was more practical than subjective. As a result valuable insights are imparted to the reader, that can be readily adopted in improving daily quality of life. Overall, it was a decent read, but could have been a little bit shorter, while at the same time, packing just as much punch.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I have longed to be a minimalist my entire life. I have a large sign over the door in my bedroom that says "Simplify." To me, it isn't just about stuff, but about the choices that I make in life as well. The more space and the more quiet I have, the more energized I feel. While Mary Conroy's book was not new material for me--and actually very little of it felt dedicated to material minimalism--I enjoyed listening to her calming voice reinforce the concepts that I value and remind me that reducing "stuff" makes room for the things that matter.

[Jessica Hensby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this simple dive into living minimalistly throughout all aspects of your life. Keep in mind one chapter is about the workplace, as a stay at home mom I found myself quickly scanning that chapter but there were still some good take aways.

[Romany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cliches, generalizations, and a memorable description of pasta with broccoli.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Peta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book but nothing revolutionary.

[Maarja · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just too much. Too boring for me.

[Arun Perumal · Rating 5 out of 5]

No non-sense description and practical approach by the author. Expands minimalism, not just to things, but also to other aspects of life.

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and interesting read.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literally changed my way of thinking straight away and made me so much more content and happier with my outlook on life, stuff, things, people. Great book.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some really good information & tips. The audio book on Audible is good.