What I’m reading this week: Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki
I have read many, many books on decluttering over the years. I’ve also read quite a few about minimalism. I want to start this conversation with the statement that I don’t want to become a minimalist. I have no intention of ever living with a bare minimum of anything. However, there were so many things that resonated within me as I read this book.
A quick and possibly inaccurate recap of this book is that Fumio Sasaki became overwhelmed with his life and basically gave away or sold everything he owned. Literally. He said it freed him in ways that he never anticipated.
As I have culled my possessions over the past nine or so years I understand that freedom that he must have felt. When I’ve gotten rid of the excess things that I truly did not care for and absolutely didn’t need and just have the things that I love and need surrounding me, it’s so calming. There are a few places in my home that I’ve actually accomplished this and it makes me want to continue to pare down the rest to have that feeling everywhere in my house.
I highly recommend this book not only for the motivation it will give you to get rid of all the things you don’t need or want, but also for the gems that are hidden throughout the book. And there are a LOT of them. One of them is that you will NOT miss anything that you get rid of. I absolutely agree. I have been scrutinizing and discarding my belongings for almost a decade now and I have not regretted one single thing that I’ve gotten rid of. If you are frozen and don’t know where to start, and I’ve been there, this book will help you with getting started. Highly recommend.
Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki
You can find all of the other books I’ve read this year here!
What are you reading right now? I am always looking for another great book to read.