Rich in What Matters - A Minimalist “No”vember

This time of year, a certain quote that I love surfaces within online minimalist communities:

“No”vember: A time to practice saying no to people, places, and things that drain you—and a time to say YES to the things that fill you up. -Erica Layne

Before minimalism, my final two months of the year were a whirlwind of activity. Of purchasing, rushing, and squeezing in just one more “to-do.” In short, the days were a blur.

I'd resurface before New Year's Day, breaking the frenetic pace just long enough to wonder why I was so exhausted and why, if someone asked me how the holidays were, I felt uneasy. And then couldn't reply in detail.

I wanted to remember those months—to soak up the conversations with rarely seen extended family and memorize my children's expressions as they witnessed the wonder of the season.

But over-committing and excessive “yes” saying quickly removed any capacity for that.

Until I decided to adopt a minimalist “No”vember.

Minimalism—which I would simply define as intentionally making space for the things that matter by letting go of the things that don't—applied to more than just my stuff. It also included my schedule.

A minimalist “No”vember goes beyond an uncluttered home and sets the tone for your holiday season.

Even if the main living areas of your home are clutter free, if your calendar is still packed, you won't be enjoying the season as planned.

Here are 5 ways to practice a minimalist “No”vember.

Read the full article here!

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached over 1M people worldwide through her blog. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home. She resides with her husband and their four extremely lively young children. You can also find her on Facebook.