When I was asked to showcase my favourite author of the year- it was an easy decision to make. As the minimalist writer for Female First, I have tried to read as much as possible on the topic- but no one does it quite as good as Joshua Becker.
Female First Awards: Author of the Year
Becker is the author of The More of Less, Clutterfree with Kids and most recently, The Minimalist Home and I couldn’t read his books fast enough- full disclosure, I read his latest one in two days.
The Minimalist Home which was released at the beginning of this year is a guided journey through the home. Becker takes you on a tour of each room in your house and talks you through how to declutter what is no longer serving you and to keep only that which has value.
He did the same in his own house, so he is an expert in the process, and it shows through his writing. He has a genuine passion to help others spend their time wisely and not be a slave to things.
His books are simple and encouraging and delve into the reasons behind why we might hoard certain items as understanding these feelings first helps up to inevitably let go.
Not only does Becker have three books out but he also has a very popular You Tube Channel which is one of the very few I subscribe to as Ienjoy reading his essays and those of his guest writers too. His writing is very addictive because his messages are pure and kind- the world needs more of people like him.
Becker’s journey into minimalism started with the realisation that stuff was taking time away from the most precious things in his life- his family. Admittedly, this is something we are all guilty of to varying degrees- but minimalism can help to refocus our attention on what is truly important.
What I particularly admire is Becker’s emphasis on donation. I am a big believer in giving to your local community through donating to charity shops and local centres, so I found his message to be very relatable.
Becker always looks beyond minimising and the contributions you can make to those around you because this lifestyle doesn’t shop with the last charity bag drop off- that is where the journey really begins.