This talk means a lot to me. My father spent his whole life saving for retirement, and financing things or ideals rather than experiences. He retired last year on July 1st. On August 23, he found out he had cancer. He lived for 8 months from the time he was diagnosed. He never got to enjoy all of what life has to offer, because he had always believed that his time would come "later." He had less than 2 months of enjoyable retirement before his life as he knew it was pulled out from under him. I promised my dad I would "be okay" when he was dying in hospice. I know now that "being okay" will never be dependent on unnecessary possessions. I hope others will realize that as well...before it's too late.
Cancer can be cured without modern medication if you believe in natural healing by raw vegan cos veggies and herbs can cure billions of people in this planet , surf the benefits of herbs all over the world , hurry don't waste time feel sorry for there so many choices to choose cancer free
Christmas has been hijacked by retailers, as have birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This last year, my wife and I stopped the buying, and it was the most no stress, peaceful Christmas I can ever remember. The Christmas songs had more meaning, more reflection, and all was calm, all was bright....
I love this comment. I used to work in retail and it was profoundly depressing having to push such consumerism on others. I left that environment and decided to donate to reputable charities in others' names for Christmas.
I suggest everyone save for a vacation each year. Instead of buying junk you don't need, save for an experience. Adventure to a new country each year. You will not regret it.
vacation isn't that harmless anymore. Millions of people burning jet fuel to travel where all look almost the same as the place they live. Green traveling should be the new way of taking rest from work.
A vacation is junk. You can actually buy something like a motorcycle with that money and have tons of fun with it. Then sell it and get your money back when you’re done.
Unless you find a way to monetize your vacation, you can always sell your possessions to anyone willing to buy. And once you own a possession, you can continue to get use or enjoyment out of it.
Do you feel like you are more focused, clear headed and happy in having less? Because someone told me having nothing or only the needs is a boring life and is misery in that you don't have anything to show of your interests or personality and I wasn't sure what to think of that. I said it was best to have what you need and the things that you use but it was argued that little makes you feel empty but i was interested in how someone who has already got rid of most of their possessions feels. Is it a real loss?
+joana hope absolutely. But there are things that I use regularly and enjoy e.g books or films, but I wouldn't say I need them, they are what make your spare time enjoyable. What you need in life really is just the necessities of food, shelter, warmth but I think it's ok to have things you are using and you enjoy, if it's not being used, it goes out the door.
It makes me happy when I see such positive comments to such a talk. It makes me happy because I feel like we're moving towards a happier, more human society. Materialism robs us of our humanity, our nature, to be like brothers and sisters - how we were born.
Everything in this talk is absolutely true. In 2010 I moved to the island of Hawaii. I got rid of most of my things (I didn't have much to begin with). In 2012, I moved from Hawaii to Maui. I got rid of more things. In 2014, I moved from Maui back to California. I got rid of more things. Everything I owned fit into a large suitcase and a shipping palette 4'x4'x5'. Upon my return to Calif., I put most of my stuff in a storage locker and started house sitting, something I thought would be temporary until I got settled. I really enjoyed being a nomad and the freedom of it. I lived from boxes of essential things that I moved with me from house sit to house sit. I house sat almost continually for 2 years, but there were times when I really wanted a home again. Recently, I rented a room so I'd have a regular place to go between sits and I'd have access to my things again. I'm now in the process of unpacking the things that have been in storage almost 2 years, kind of surprising to see what I moved after not unpacking it since 2014. I'm happy to see many of those familiar things that are touchstones to the life I once had, but the experience of being a nomad for 5 years (if you count the time in Hawaii) has been the absolute best part of my life. It has stripped me of so many limiting attitudes and beliefs about how things "should" be, and has taught me invaluable lessons about grace, acceptance, gratitude and humility. It's also given me confidence that no matter what happens, everything is really OK. It's not the stuff that matters, it's how we live that does. When we die, the stuff is of no consequence. Learning to understand that in life, stuff is of no consequence is a form of incomprehensible exquisite freedom. This talk attempts to convey this lesson. Thank you.
I am just beginning this process now, I heard someone say "I felt like my soul's only purpose was to further the journey of my stuff" That hit me like a ton of bricks. That was my call to really look at how I had been living my life. I am selling my house right now and looking forward to living a real life.
I fully understand. My parents' home is very much the reason I am in the process of eliminating the excess stuff that I have as well as simplifying the rest of my life. When my life is over, I do not want my children to have to do what I should have done long before I died.
In college I was super broke, always wanting things I couldn't afford. After college I started making money but realized that I got on just fine without any of it for all those years. Now I feel any other tangible item I purchase is just another item that'll anchor me down to one spot. Instead I started traveling the world, going to more concerts/events, and don't regret one dollar spent.
Well done! That's a great example of showing that it's the experiences that you said you've spent money on that are fulfilling, not material things you quickly become bored of. I personally only buy things when I need them and are using them and if I know I'm not going to use it again I get rid of it. I think people's most weakness with money is clothes, always wanting to impress and can't settle with what they have.
Hi! I'm curious how you sold your stuff. Online? Because I also want to sell my own clothes, etc but I don't know what site is good and all. Thanks, dear.
Danica Dela Cruz I just donated them to charity or gave them to people who wanted something :) there are charity bags that come weekly to my house and I just put them in there. But boot sales can be a good way to get money for things, albeit not much. I've never tried selling things online.
You got it in one Angie. If people stopped desiring so much junk they wouldn't spend lots of money, they wouldn't get into debt and they then wouldn't be so stressed. I've always been a minimalist so this talk just verbalises everything I've been saying along. Life is actually very simple but we just make it complicated.
I felt the love and care in her voice as she gave this ted talk. That was the part that really struck me about this talk, and all of the truth she was teaching.
I have a 14 yr old dog that can swim across the mountain lakes and hike the long trails. I have a pair of old hiking boots and a mountain bike. I desire one beer a week and eat healthy food every day. My dog is happy and so am I. I got rid of my crap and negative people. I lived on the dark side of life. Most of the things in life are free. You just have to live positive.
your beginning made me cry..... the missed opportunities... I clearly understood what you were saying. My husband and I have started our downsizing now. I don't want to leave that crap for our kids. Great Talk!
I just returned from a trip to Cuba. I discovered a few things during that trip. 1. I loved the adventure so I want to spend more time traveling and learning about other cultures. 2. I over-packed by half. So clearly I can live with less. 3. Since I want to be able to adventure more and take care of 'stuff' less, I need to gut the house. Literally, gut the house. It is time. So, thank you for this TEDx talk. So enjoyable and so much to take away!
Brst talk I have heard in a while, with very doable advice, promising very probable results! To say I am inspried and changed by this is an understatement. Thank you Angela Horn. I already have three bags in the trunk that are on their way to consignment, and that was before hearing this talk. My inner voice has for a long time now been telling me to give, give, give but I did not know how to really get the pieces moving. This talk provided that plan. Thank you again! Well done, by the way, for swapping a load of debt for a load of rewarding experiences.
I have children and we live in an apartment. I only know of one other family that lives in an apartment. We do get judged for it or asked when we are getting a house or told about houses for sale in the area. I can't believe how fixated people are on home-owning! I'd like to own a house one day, but I don't need a house to make me happy. There's a difference. Besides, I'm not ready to be a homeowner. Many families we know have two cars and cell phones and tablets for all of their kids. We have one car and our kids share our two cell phones with us. I told them they can have cell phones when they have jobs to pay for them. I'm not "putting them on our plan" to make our bill higher. I grew up in the '80's and '90's when there were no cell phones and we all didn't die because there were no cell phones. I still have one credit card left to pay off. I am student loan debt free. Mine and my husband's bed is on pallets. I own 7 pairs of shoes and 40 items of clothes, not including outerwear and underwear. I have so much less stress than I had when I owned more! I have also passed down owning less to my kids. Our hampers are never overflowing and going into extra bags like they used to and yet my kids still look pulled together because they all have mix and match capsule wardrobes. Capsule wardrobes are not just for adults. My kids go to public school, they are not homeschooled, and they all have gotten compliments on their clothes. Not one person has said why do you wear the same things? People don't pay attention to things the way we think they do.
4mydearlady only reason i think a house makes more sense is that you can sell it usually for your money back or more, its not just a whole to throw money into (rent) its an actual asset in some cases. High rises do appeal to me though
Inspirational stuff! Thank you! I am going to start this process by getting rid of the clutter on my phone. All those apps that I think I need that I've installed and just sit there. I am getting rid of them today. Tomorrow I am going to start with that big, ugly, rusty bunk bed I have that is taking up space in my room, a bed I don't even sleep on. That TV that hasn't been on in months because I stream all my stuff is going too. That's just a start. Thank you so much Angela.
I imagine a future where economic growth is not required, and nobody works in marketing. The things you need or will enjoy will be available to you, but nobody will be trying to manipulate you into acquiring them. The way we organize our economy now will be recognized as _crazy_ by people who aren't breathing the poisoned air of the currently dominant ideologies.
Yes you're very right. But I guess it's your strength of mind as to whether you will fall for the advertisements and marketing. I always ask myself do I need something before I buy it and if I will use it. If the answer is no, I don't get it as I'm not carrying the burden of it in my possession. It would just be junk. But I don't think that material things will bring us happiness in the long run because sooner or later we will tire of them. But I tend to get when I need and then replace when I need so stuff doesn't affect me really.
greenkitty82 People like you are bad for the economy :) I'm pretty bad for the economy myself. Still, personal responsibility is a crutch for failing systems that need to be replaced, isn't it? A better way of organizing economy won't drive a crazed need for _more_ profit and _more_ possessions. Exponential growth isn't sustainable, so we need a way of organizing economy where zero growth (or even contraction) won't result in crisis. Inertia is strong, and we don't have a clear idea of what to do next, even though the problems with the current order are fairly clear to many of us. Maybe we need to arrive at a real breaking point. "necessity is the mother of invention"
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You have to be very strong when people around you (family, workmates, friends) and media is pushing the opposite agenda. Most of the people don't realize that the decisions they make as individuals are actually just what their surroundings have input into their minds, which is materialism driven by capitalism.
The disappointment after the first feeling of happiness after a purchase is why I am trying to only buy according to my needs, not my wants. i write a list. If after a few months some things remain they are more likely a need and that is what I invest in, because the contentment with those things almost never go away.
We've decided to accelerate the payments on the mortgage so we can get out of the only debt we have. Having such a goal really helps me to remember not to overspend.
This talk helped me more then any talk I have listened to. Thank you so much for your talent to teach and making each of us look deep into ones life. BRILLIANT BRILLIANT! David Jenson
Angela Angela Angela!!!! You are so right. I also wanted to add, you're a wonderful public speaker. I have been living this way for some time now. It truly is the best life to live.
The easiest way to stop shopping is to stop watching TV All the decorating, food , how the super rich live shows, make us want more and more. Its 'a program, the don't call a television PROGRAM for nothing!
+gabriele konig, Watch TV, read books, look at media and enjoy it. It is entertainment only. Always question what you take into your mind. Instead of cutting yourself off from the world, question it, contemplate it, use what is useful, discard what is not. This includes taking in only what you enjoy. Society in general will try to PROGRAM you, but if you walk among society and remain skeptical and brave, you can pick and choose the path you need in life. No reason to lock yourself away from the world. YOU are the boss of your own brain.
gabriele konig I own less than a third of stuff I had five years ago (so do my children) we gave to charity shops, playgroups etc viv Westwood said "buy less spend well and make it last"
I'm glad there are talks on this topic that hopefully helps others find a happier life. The biggest debt I ever got sucked into was when I was 21 and bought an expensive 4wd. I paid it off and I am glad I have it...but I am fortunate enough at my age now (37) to have realised years ago that I have everything I need already, and I don't crave to buy anything just for the want but only for the need. I won't even spend $1 on something if I don't need it. I like living this way, I'm still not 100% sure why, but I am happy only living by what I need. I find comfort in simple things mostly, just doing most things because I enjoy them, not focusing on making money but enjoying life. I hope others find this peace too if they haven't already
I completely agree with you on this. Another thing I would also have mentioned is health as without good health, you can't enjoy good experiences or even the the things you do buy for enjoyment. So a large part of my money goes on buying the best food ever and looking after myself. So many people neglect this it's unbelievable - they'll buy stuff they don't need but will neglect the most important thing, their body. Without a good running engine you'll never be able to navigate the roads of life and have a great time.
It's not just about getting rid of material possessions you don't use but also about getting rid of people and situations that rob you of your tranquility. I think mental clutter is more important and I'm disappointed she didn't touch on that.
+BuffyGeek I agree, mental clutter is worse. Although when people are not ready yet to get rid of material things and face the emotional battle that comes with it, it would be harder for them to focus on mental clutter. If they clean out their lives of stuff, they may be ready to address the mental level.
so inspiring. i started my minimalism journey 1st september 2015. currently still keeping 30% of the stuff i used to own. the other 70% i've donated or its in the bin. Almost 2 months now and the 2 things that i found so hard to get rid of are 1 box of my university notes and 2 box of various hijabs!
Indubitably. If you like thought-provoking content that highlights slow and intentional living, minimalism, mindfulness, and dopamine addiction, you might enjoy my channel. I would appreciate your feedback 🌿
I find that the old adage which helps me keep impulsive buying and collecting of stuff down to a dull roar is: "If you own it, you have to clean it." Being lazy pays off in less clutter and more money in my retirement account.
I have always been a de-clutterer. I only hold onto stuff that I may need within the next 5 years so that I won't have to buy again and waste money. Now I am going to challenge myself further to get rid of ONE THING a day. Thank you for your message. :)
I don't have a car but getting a car would make me happy in a sense that it will transport me to beautiful places and be my travel companion but unless I needed to replace it I would have no intention of getting a different one as it's the experiences that that car is allowing me to have which is what brings happiness. It's very right Angela talks about how having experiences are what we will value more with our money instead of stuff we do not need. I do have stuff but it's all used and I still like it, if not it goes out of the house.
Over the past couple of years I have become very minimalistic. I got rid of lots of my stuff, stuff I don't use any more. This is very liberating. My problem is my wife (and 12 year old daughter) have gone the opposite way. Buying and hoarding stuff they don't need and this drives me mad. Easy being on your own or with a partner who shares the same thought but when opposites live together this is very stressful!
I've started the process myself. I have donated about 40% of my clothes. I still have a bit more to go. It is a difficult process at first, but after getting rid of stuff; especially clothing that has been only taking up space, you wont miss it. I would find myself looking for what to wear in the morning. The sad part is, I would constantly wear the same clothing over and over. That is when I realized, man, I have way too much.
Indubitably. If you like thought-provoking content that highlights slow and intentional living, minimalism, mindfulness, and dopamine addiction, you might enjoy my channel. I would appreciate your feedback 🌿
Beautiful talk Angela. V inspiring. I've been overcome with a need to declutter. I love love love my gorgeous things, but started to feel weighed down by them ... total shock, can't believe I'm saying this. My soul craves adventure, in a warm climate, pref close to the sea. Wonder how soon I'll get there!! Love to Everyone xxxxx
Today is May 8rh ; I could try getting rid of one item a day from today. ...Saturday May 13th is a garage sale day at my Local church! thanks a Lot Speaker....wonderful ideas.
one of the best I've ever heard. Going thru the house then garage to free self from family of origin aquired traits. Truly was aiming at this prior, now an acellerant is lighting the way. thanks....
'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' > One option, apart from flea markets, selling on-line, donating to charity shops, and so on, is to offer your stuff to a film prop company; you might be amazed what the'll take. All in all, 'Enjoy creating value' !
i am prepping to have estate sale to let go of so much to LIVE life, and to have room in a room again. being an artist = i have way to much to create... and now trying to let go of vintage 70 clothing i love the material; so i am going to learn to sew to make a quilt or bedspread of shirts i love but not wear. wonderful. good video to help me purge, and to have fun now, not just work all the time.
This is a very convincing talk . I try to advice my ciblings not to buy useless things but now I realized I wasnt supporting enough my argument the way you just analyzed it and framed it .
My wife and I cleaned out our storage space in our apartment builing and 95% if the stuff we donated/threw away. Going to do the same thing with the stuff in our apartment when we move, I'm expecting to be rid of maybe 50% of the stuff. Books and souveniers from our travels we're keeping, though. I'm mostly resfing digital books now so might donate my 200+ books to a library one day.
This is exactly what I have done. But, I've taken it up a few notches. I retired early 10 years ago, I have all my stuff (and it's not much) in storage, have a personal mailing box address and I live my life like PAY AS YOU GO. Wherever I want to go or whatever I want to do, I pay for it then anywhere in the world. I make sure I get regular dental and doctor checkups about every 6 months, but other than that I'm free to do what I want. I was a fulltime RVer before this and now I feel even more freedom.
If you need to downsize to feel better about yourself, I would say that your problem was never with the things that you owned, but rather the value you put on those things to overcome other issues. The only time a dislike owning things is when I move or when I made a poor decision with buying something.
ok i hate to have to say it but as much as i love this talk (it gets a like from me) let this be a lesson to anyone doing audio for these sort of events. those mics MUST sit about an inch behind the mouth or you will get breath pops. i know exactly how difficult it can be to ensure this particularly with TED events as you're changing presenters at least every 20 minutes but if you can't ensure this, just toss on the wind screens PLEASE! :D
I know this segment is a few years old but still felt compelled to comment...cleaning out the material junk in the closet is so important - but more important as many have pointed out is to clean out the toxic mental cobwebs! The toxic relationships can be more draining that 50 handbags you will never use! As for the handbags and other items you downsize - please consider giving items to the homeless who make their beds on our streets every night. After all, what woman doesn't feel special when she has a new shirt or handbag? Even if it isn't new to her! Thanks all.
Looks like I'll be going on holiday this summer instead of getting a Galaxy S8 to replace the still working iPhone I have. Very good point about enjoyment of experiences lasting longer than that of material things.
I've been doing more than that. This last week I got rid of a couple dozen items but prior to that I had been getting rid of hundreds of items per week for about a month.
Yes and no, I decluttered so much and my life fell apart health gine bc I focused too much on having less stuff vs healing trauma. Stuff is just stuff. Have lots little doesn’t matter. Have as much as feels joyful to you.
My car does make me happy! I was driving a Chevrolet Sonic and it was terrible because I knew I needed another Jeep. I got another Jeep and I am now happy to drive again. And not to mention it has been more than 6 months. But I manage my money fairly well and am not up to my eyeballs in debt.
Yes! So you found your passion! That's one of the most important things when you want to downsize. You sort out your priorities: first, you get the things you need to survive, then you get the things you love and that make you feel better. For you it's your Jeep, for me it's my books. I know I could downsize my book collection for a kindle, but seeing a bookshelf fills up my soul. So I go for it. That's the way it is with everyone. You ask yourself, "Do I need a big fridge?". If you do, you keep it. If you don't, you get a smaller one. Some people want washing machines, others prefer to do their laudry outdoors. Some people have use for dishwashers, others prefer the sink. Some people want a big bedroom, other prefer a big living room. Some people want a bathtube, others can get on with a shower. The key is to adapt your place and your lifestyle to what you need and love, instead of having things just because people tell you you need them.
9:54 "Happiness is the state of being, but not the state of having" the best quote i have ever heard in my life.
I went from a 4 bedroom home to a 1 bedroom home sold and gave away 80 percent of everything. Couldn't be happier. Less is more.
This talk means a lot to me.
My father spent his whole life saving for retirement, and financing things or ideals rather than experiences.
He retired last year on July 1st. On August 23, he found out he had cancer. He lived for 8 months from the time he was diagnosed. He never got to enjoy all of what life has to offer, because he had always believed that his time would come "later."
He had less than 2 months of enjoyable retirement before his life as he knew it was pulled out from under him.
I promised my dad I would "be okay" when he was dying in hospice. I know now that "being okay" will never be dependent on unnecessary possessions.
I hope others will realize that as well...before it's too late.
Sorry about your Dad. Hope he was happy and with no regrets. I try to live by the philosophy "tomorrow is guaranteed to no-one"
Christine Burgan Thank you for sharing your life story! It's a very alerting message to everyone!
The time is never later. The time is now. Always be financially sensible and prepare for the future, but first is the present and then come the rest.
Cancer can be cured without modern medication if you believe in natural healing by raw vegan cos veggies and herbs can cure billions of people in this planet , surf the benefits of herbs all over the world , hurry don't waste time feel sorry for there so many choices to choose cancer free
GOH BOMBA hey, Gohan bomba... pissed off. what an insensitive jerk and rude comment you need to check yourself
Christmas has been hijacked by retailers, as have birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
This last year, my wife and I stopped the buying, and it was the most no stress, peaceful Christmas I can ever remember. The Christmas songs had more meaning, more reflection, and all was calm, all was bright....
I love this comment. I used to work in retail and it was profoundly depressing having to push such consumerism on others. I left that environment and decided to donate to reputable charities in others' names for Christmas.
Agree with every word of this talk. Every time I downsize I feel very liberated indeed...
Maybe I should downsize too ...
Me too. I watch an episode of Hoarders to get motivated.
Yup good ideas indeed
❤
I suggest everyone save for a vacation each year. Instead of buying junk you don't need, save for an experience. Adventure to a new country each year. You will not regret it.
vacation isn't that harmless anymore. Millions of people burning jet fuel to travel where all look almost the same as the place they live. Green traveling should be the new way of taking rest from work.
A vacation is junk. You can actually buy something like a motorcycle with that money and have tons of fun with it. Then sell it and get your money back when you’re done.
Unless you find a way to monetize your vacation, you can always sell your possessions to anyone willing to buy. And once you own a possession, you can continue to get use or enjoyment out of it.
We have just downsized and decluttered at least 80% of our possessions and I can tell you that it is so so freeing. It has changed our life.
Do you feel like you are more focused, clear headed and happy in having less? Because someone told me having nothing or only the needs is a boring life and is misery in that you don't have anything to show of your interests or personality and I wasn't sure what to think of that. I said it was best to have what you need and the things that you use but it was argued that little makes you feel empty but i was interested in how someone who has already got rid of most of their possessions feels. Is it a real loss?
+greenkitty82 I think the key is to acknowledge that you don't need the stuff, it makes all the difference. ..
+joana hope absolutely. But there are things that I use regularly and enjoy e.g books or films, but I wouldn't say I need them, they are what make your spare time enjoyable. What you need in life really is just the necessities of food, shelter, warmth but I think it's ok to have things you are using and you enjoy, if it's not being used, it goes out the door.
@@greenkitty82 definitely, i believe minimalism focuses on your needs and enjoyments, it’s not just survival
It makes me happy when I see such positive comments to such a talk. It makes me happy because I feel like we're moving towards a happier, more human society. Materialism robs us of our humanity, our nature, to be like brothers and sisters - how we were born.
Everything in this talk is absolutely true. In 2010 I moved to the island of Hawaii. I got rid of most of my things (I didn't have much to begin with). In 2012, I moved from Hawaii to Maui. I got rid of more things. In 2014, I moved from Maui back to California. I got rid of more things. Everything I owned fit into a large suitcase and a shipping palette 4'x4'x5'. Upon my return to Calif., I put most of my stuff in a storage locker and started house sitting, something I thought would be temporary until I got settled. I really enjoyed being a nomad and the freedom of it. I lived from boxes of essential things that I moved with me from house sit to house sit. I house sat almost continually for 2 years, but there were times when I really wanted a home again. Recently, I rented a room so I'd have a regular place to go between sits and I'd have access to my things again. I'm now in the process of unpacking the things that have been in storage almost 2 years, kind of surprising to see what I moved after not unpacking it since 2014. I'm happy to see many of those familiar things that are touchstones to the life I once had, but the experience of being a nomad for 5 years (if you count the time in Hawaii) has been the absolute best part of my life. It has stripped me of so many limiting attitudes and beliefs about how things "should" be, and has taught me invaluable lessons about grace, acceptance, gratitude and humility. It's also given me confidence that no matter what happens, everything is really OK. It's not the stuff that matters, it's how we live that does. When we die, the stuff is of no consequence. Learning to understand that in life, stuff is of no consequence is a form of incomprehensible exquisite freedom. This talk attempts to convey this lesson. Thank you.
This is so inspiring and amazing. What would you say are the most essential things to pack in a single suitcase like you had?
"Happiness is a state of being, it's not a state of having." Love this.
I am just beginning this process now, I heard someone say "I felt like my soul's only purpose was to further the journey of my stuff" That hit me like a ton of bricks. That was my call to really look at how I had been living my life. I am selling my house right now and looking forward to living a real life.
Ervin Fowlkes I wonder how far you have got in your journey Ervin?
Checking how is it going with you after 7 years :)
I fully understand. My parents' home is very much the reason I am in the process of eliminating the excess stuff that I have as well as simplifying the rest of my life. When my life is over, I do not want my children to have to do what I should have done long before I died.
In college I was super broke, always wanting things I couldn't afford. After college I started making money but realized that I got on just fine without any of it for all those years. Now I feel any other tangible item I purchase is just another item that'll anchor me down to one spot. Instead I started traveling the world, going to more concerts/events, and don't regret one dollar spent.
Well done! That's a great example of showing that it's the experiences that you said you've spent money on that are fulfilling, not material things you quickly become bored of. I personally only buy things when I need them and are using them and if I know I'm not going to use it again I get rid of it. I think people's most weakness with money is clothes, always wanting to impress and can't settle with what they have.
culoslap ❤️
@@greenkitty82 is really individual for some it is clothes for some its impressive cars .....
Love your plain speaking 👊👊👊 I am 65 and downsizing and excited about dramatically reducing our things - thank you 🙏
I have watched this video numerous times and it is still as powerful as the first time I watched it. Definitely one of my fave Ted Talks!
i've been actively downsizing for years. i love owning less.
It feels so deliciously free and wrong, growing up in America, to live the minimalist lifestyle. I love it :D
And this talk was great!!
Veni Vidi Amavi I wrote down your comment as a favorite of all time. this is a awakening liberating self. What a timeless vlog. saved it too.
Veni Vidi Amavi Oh geez
Awesome. I just got rid of 40% of my clothes, shoes and junk and I feel so pleased.
Hi! I'm curious how you sold your stuff. Online? Because I also want to sell my own clothes, etc but I don't know what site is good and all. Thanks, dear.
+Alicja Walaweski I'm working on it, awesome for you!! (:
Danica Dela Cruz I just donated them to charity or gave them to people who wanted something :) there are charity bags that come weekly to my house and I just put them in there. But boot sales can be a good way to get money for things, albeit not much. I've never tried selling things online.
guthyjuki874 Thank you, and good luck :)
+Alicja Walaweski same :) I now only have 1 armoire full of clothes and the things i wear everyday hasn't changed at all haha!
After listening to this video I took out my beautiful cutlery set that I never used and began using it.
You got it in one Angie. If people stopped desiring so much junk they wouldn't spend lots of money, they wouldn't get into debt and they then wouldn't be so stressed. I've always been a minimalist so this talk just verbalises everything I've been saying along. Life is actually very simple but we just make it complicated.
I felt the love and care in her voice as she gave this ted talk. That was the part that really struck me about this talk, and all of the truth she was teaching.
agree with you
I have a 14 yr old dog that can swim across the mountain lakes and hike the long trails. I have a pair of old hiking boots and a mountain bike. I desire one beer a week and eat healthy food every day. My dog is happy and so am I. I got rid of my crap and negative people. I lived on the dark side of life. Most of the things in life are free. You just have to live positive.
Did a major clean out in all of the rooms of my home and storage about a month ago all was donated. It, felt so refreshing and freeing.
your beginning made me cry..... the missed opportunities... I clearly understood what you were saying. My husband and I have started our downsizing now. I don't want to leave that crap for our kids. Great Talk!
good talk..alot of people will benefit from this. Life is made up from experiences..not stuff you buy at the mall..people start living and break free
I just returned from a trip to Cuba. I discovered a few things during that trip. 1. I loved the adventure so I want to spend more time traveling and learning about other cultures. 2. I over-packed by half. So clearly I can live with less. 3. Since I want to be able to adventure more and take care of 'stuff' less, I need to gut the house. Literally, gut the house. It is time.
So, thank you for this TEDx talk. So enjoyable and so much to take away!
Brst talk I have heard in a while, with very doable advice, promising very probable results! To say I am inspried and changed by this is an understatement. Thank you Angela Horn. I already have three bags in the trunk that are on their way to consignment, and that was before hearing this talk. My inner voice has for a long time now been telling me to give, give, give but I did not know how to really get the pieces moving. This talk provided that plan. Thank you again! Well done, by the way, for swapping a load of debt for a load of rewarding experiences.
I have children and we live in an apartment. I only know of one other family that lives in an apartment. We do get judged for it or asked when we are getting a house or told about houses for sale in the area. I can't believe how fixated people are on home-owning! I'd like to own a house one day, but I don't need a house to make me happy. There's a difference. Besides, I'm not ready to be a homeowner.
Many families we know have two cars and cell phones and tablets for all of their kids. We have one car and our kids share our two cell phones with us. I told them they can have cell phones when they have jobs to pay for them. I'm not "putting them on our plan" to make our bill higher. I grew up in the '80's and '90's when there were no cell phones and we all didn't die because there were no cell phones.
I still have one credit card left to pay off. I am student loan debt free.
Mine and my husband's bed is on pallets. I own 7 pairs of shoes and 40 items of clothes, not including outerwear and underwear. I have so much less stress than I had when I owned more! I have also passed down owning less to my kids. Our hampers are never overflowing and going into extra bags like they used to and yet my kids still look pulled together because they all have mix and match capsule wardrobes. Capsule wardrobes are not just for adults. My kids go to public school, they are not homeschooled, and they all have gotten compliments on their clothes. Not one person has said why do you wear the same things? People don't pay attention to things the way we think they do.
4mydearlady only reason i think a house makes more sense is that you can sell it usually for your money back or more, its not just a whole to throw money into (rent) its an actual asset in some cases. High rises do appeal to me though
Hole*
Your post gives me hope. I have a goal of pay off all of my credit cards, and get rid of a lot of stuff.
Have you done any research on paying off your debt? The quickest way to get rid of things that are giving you the debt.
thats disgusting, someone should call cps
Inspirational stuff! Thank you! I am going to start this process by getting rid of the clutter on my phone. All those apps that I think I need that I've installed and just sit there. I am getting rid of them today. Tomorrow I am going to start with that big, ugly, rusty bunk bed I have that is taking up space in my room, a bed I don't even sleep on. That TV that hasn't been on in months because I stream all my stuff is going too. That's just a start. Thank you so much Angela.
I imagine a future where economic growth is not required, and nobody works in marketing. The things you need or will enjoy will be available to you, but nobody will be trying to manipulate you into acquiring them. The way we organize our economy now will be recognized as _crazy_ by people who aren't breathing the poisoned air of the currently dominant ideologies.
Yes you're very right. But I guess it's your strength of mind as to whether you will fall for the advertisements and marketing. I always ask myself do I need something before I buy it and if I will use it. If the answer is no, I don't get it as I'm not carrying the burden of it in my possession. It would just be junk. But I don't think that material things will bring us happiness in the long run because sooner or later we will tire of them. But I tend to get when I need and then replace when I need so stuff doesn't affect me really.
greenkitty82 People like you are bad for the economy :) I'm pretty bad for the economy myself. Still, personal responsibility is a crutch for failing systems that need to be replaced, isn't it? A better way of organizing economy won't drive a crazed need for _more_ profit and _more_ possessions. Exponential growth isn't sustainable, so we need a way of organizing economy where zero growth (or even contraction) won't result in crisis. Inertia is strong, and we don't have a clear idea of what to do next, even though the problems with the current order are fairly clear to many of us. Maybe we need to arrive at a real breaking point. "necessity is the mother of invention"
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+vonkruel When is Half Life Three coming out?
You have to be very strong when people around you (family, workmates, friends) and media is pushing the opposite agenda. Most of the people don't realize that the decisions they make as individuals are actually just what their surroundings have input into their minds, which is materialism driven by capitalism.
Thank you, you tube.We learn so much in your "public school"
The disappointment after the first feeling of happiness after a purchase is why I am trying to only buy according to my needs, not my wants. i write a list. If after a few months some things remain they are more likely a need and that is what I invest in, because the contentment with those things almost never go away.
Angela Horn I love you. Excellent advice.
We've decided to accelerate the payments on the mortgage so we can get out of the only debt we have. Having such a goal really helps me to remember not to overspend.
+Kim Lemon What a great idea !!!
I was introduced to TedX during orientation at work and I've been inspired every since. Thank you Sir!
This talk helped me more then any talk I have listened to. Thank you so much for your talent to teach and making each of us look deep into ones life. BRILLIANT BRILLIANT! David Jenson
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge in a valid attempt to make us all happier. ;)
Angela Angela Angela!!!! You are so right. I also wanted to add, you're a wonderful public speaker. I have been living this way for some time now. It truly is the best life to live.
Excellent talk and a very good speaker. Living below our means is one of the secrets of happiness. Teaching that to our children is a wonderful gift.
The easiest way to stop shopping is to stop watching TV
All the decorating, food , how the super rich live shows, make us want more and more.
Its 'a program, the don't call a television PROGRAM for nothing!
yup gave up on TV all commercials made for scream out spend spend spend
yep. television= tells lies to your vision
+gabriele konig, Watch TV, read books, look at media and enjoy it. It is entertainment only. Always question what you take into your mind. Instead of cutting yourself off from the world, question it, contemplate it, use what is useful, discard what is not. This includes taking in only what you enjoy. Society in general will try to PROGRAM you, but if you walk among society and remain skeptical and brave, you can pick and choose the path you need in life. No reason to lock yourself away from the world. YOU are the boss of your own brain.
gabriele konig I own less than a third of stuff I had five years ago (so do my children)
we gave to charity shops, playgroups etc
viv Westwood said "buy less spend well and make it last"
gabriele konig ,
I love her accent!!
I'm glad there are talks on this topic that hopefully helps others find a happier life. The biggest debt I ever got sucked into was when I was 21 and bought an expensive 4wd. I paid it off and I am glad I have it...but I am fortunate enough at my age now (37) to have realised years ago that I have everything I need already, and I don't crave to buy anything just for the want but only for the need. I won't even spend $1 on something if I don't need it. I like living this way, I'm still not 100% sure why, but I am happy only living by what I need. I find comfort in simple things mostly, just doing most things because I enjoy them, not focusing on making money but enjoying life. I hope others find this peace too if they haven't already
I completely agree with you on this. Another thing I would also have mentioned is health as without good health, you can't enjoy good experiences or even the the things you do buy for enjoyment. So a large part of my money goes on buying the best food ever and looking after myself. So many people neglect this it's unbelievable - they'll buy stuff they don't need but will neglect the most important thing, their body. Without a good running engine you'll never be able to navigate the roads of life and have a great time.
greenkitty82 I agree. Meditation is great for your body
Mitsy Evo is that?
It's not just about getting rid of material possessions you don't use but also about getting rid of people and situations that rob you of your tranquility. I think mental clutter is more important and I'm disappointed she didn't touch on that.
Yes, mental clutter is worst!
+BuffyGeek I agree, mental clutter is worse. Although when people are not ready yet to get rid of material things and face the emotional battle that comes with it, it would be harder for them to focus on mental clutter. If they clean out their lives of stuff, they may be ready to address the mental level.
The thing is, the two are interrelated. A cluttered mind creates a cluttered life and a cluttered life creates a cluttered mind.
Your surroundings are a direct reflection of your mind
BuffyGeek. yes but you did. so a catalyst for more thought that you just conveyed is also brilliant !
Someone once told me that your house and your mind are closely related in terms of space/clutter. So true. Proved this to myself. Just try it.
I believe it.
so inspiring. i started my minimalism journey 1st september 2015. currently still keeping 30% of the stuff i used to own. the other 70% i've donated or its in the bin. Almost 2 months now and the 2 things that i found so hard to get rid of are 1 box of my university notes and 2 box of various hijabs!
I am happy I have been in this status for many many years. I am excited to see an even more mature me in the future!
"Happiness is a state of being; it's not a state of having." Awesome talk Ang! Congrats :)
"Happiness is the state of being, not the state of having" great talk
Indubitably. If you like thought-provoking content that highlights slow and intentional living, minimalism, mindfulness, and dopamine addiction, you might enjoy my channel. I would appreciate your feedback 🌿
I love and 100% agree with everything said! Bravo!
I find that the old adage which helps me keep impulsive buying and collecting of stuff down to a dull roar is: "If you own it, you have to clean it." Being lazy pays off in less clutter and more money in my retirement account.
EXACTLY!
I have always been a de-clutterer. I only hold onto stuff that I may need within the next 5 years so that I won't have to buy again and waste money. Now I am going to challenge myself further to get rid of ONE THING a day. Thank you for your message. :)
Words of wisdom, indeed. 'Vanity of vanity, all is vanity' as per Ecclesiastes 1 says it all.
I don't have a car but getting a car would make me happy in a sense that it will transport me to beautiful places and be my travel companion but unless I needed to replace it I would have no intention of getting a different one as it's the experiences that that car is allowing me to have which is what brings happiness. It's very right Angela talks about how having experiences are what we will value more with our money instead of stuff we do not need. I do have stuff but it's all used and I still like it, if not it goes out of the house.
My wife always tells me there is no body like you so stingy in the entire world. Here i found a gentle lady similar to my ideology. Thank you so much.
Over the past couple of years I have become very minimalistic. I got rid of lots of my stuff, stuff I don't use any more. This is very liberating. My problem is my wife (and 12 year old daughter) have gone the opposite way. Buying and hoarding stuff they don't need and this drives me mad. Easy being on your own or with a partner who shares the same thought but when opposites live together this is very stressful!
I've started the process myself. I have donated about 40% of my clothes. I still have a bit more to go. It is a difficult process at first, but after getting rid of stuff; especially clothing that has been only taking up space, you wont miss it. I would find myself looking for what to wear in the morning. The sad part is, I would constantly wear the same clothing over and over. That is when I realized, man, I have way too much.
people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time, so it is not jsut you.
This is so right, so true, very wise words!
Indubitably. If you like thought-provoking content that highlights slow and intentional living, minimalism, mindfulness, and dopamine addiction, you might enjoy my channel. I would appreciate your feedback 🌿
i really enjoyed this talk and the best quote " happiness is the state of being not the state of having.
Beautiful talk Angela. V inspiring.
I've been overcome with a need to declutter. I love love love my gorgeous things, but started to feel weighed down by them ... total shock, can't believe I'm saying this.
My soul craves adventure, in a warm climate, pref close to the sea. Wonder how soon I'll get there!!
Love to Everyone xxxxx
One of the BEST talks on minimalism. Thumbs up! 👍
Wow! That was a mind-blowing speech!
Thank you, Angela!
Been living like that in NYC for 15 years and I love it.
I really enjoyed Angela's storytelling style. Seems like a really special person. Thanks for the inspiring talk.
People think acquiring more stuff makes them happy, but it doesn't. The clutter will overwhelm you.
Today is May 8rh ; I could try getting rid of one item a day from today. ...Saturday May 13th is a garage sale day at my Local church! thanks a Lot Speaker....wonderful ideas.
The real stregnth in this talk is using EVIDENCE
I went in search of more by her sources and it helped so much!
Beautiful 100% PERFECTLY SAID.
one of the best I've ever heard. Going thru the house then garage to free self from family of origin aquired traits. Truly was aiming at this prior, now an acellerant is lighting the way. thanks....
She's absolutely right.
'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' > One option, apart from flea markets, selling on-line, donating to charity shops, and so on, is to offer your stuff to a film prop company; you might be amazed what the'll take. All in all, 'Enjoy creating value' !
Excellent!! Soo inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.
The happiness comes from inside out...
Love to listen and apply.
i am prepping to have estate sale to let go of so much to LIVE life, and to have room in a room again. being an artist = i have way to much to create... and now trying to let go of vintage 70 clothing i love the material; so i am going to learn to sew to make a quilt or bedspread of shirts i love but not wear. wonderful. good video to help me purge, and to have fun now, not just work all the time.
OUTSTANDING advice!! You really helped me see the value of experiences versus JUNK!!!
This is a very convincing talk . I try to advice my ciblings not to buy useless things but now I realized I wasnt supporting enough my argument the way you just analyzed it and framed it .
My wife and I cleaned out our storage space in our apartment builing and 95% if the stuff we donated/threw away. Going to do the same thing with the stuff in our apartment when we move, I'm expecting to be rid of maybe 50% of the stuff. Books and souveniers from our travels we're keeping, though. I'm mostly resfing digital books now so might donate my 200+ books to a library one day.
This is exactly what I have done. But, I've taken it up a few notches. I retired early 10 years ago, I have all my stuff (and it's not much) in storage, have a personal mailing box address and I live my life like PAY AS YOU GO. Wherever I want to go or whatever I want to do, I pay for it then anywhere in the world. I make sure I get regular dental and doctor checkups about every 6 months, but other than that I'm free to do what I want. I was a fulltime RVer before this and now I feel even more freedom.
been downsizing the past 5 years. it feels great. hold out 4 3 2 4 wks b4 purchasing & if not gonna use on a daily basis, don't buy.
Simple advice that yields a profound return if applied.
Getting rid of stuff for a couple of years now (using a two-year-rule instead of three months). And it feels great.
If you need to downsize to feel better about yourself, I would say that your problem was never with the things that you owned, but rather the value you put on those things to overcome other issues. The only time a dislike owning things is when I move or when I made a poor decision with buying something.
So inspirational. Makes me want to downsize my house and chuck 90% of my possessions.
ok i hate to have to say it but as much as i love this talk (it gets a like from me) let this be a lesson to anyone doing audio for these sort of events. those mics MUST sit about an inch behind the mouth or you will get breath pops. i know exactly how difficult it can be to ensure this particularly with TED events as you're changing presenters at least every 20 minutes but if you can't ensure this, just toss on the wind screens PLEASE! :D
Nick Koridis This bothered me as well, a little foam wind screen over the end of the mic would have helped too.
Wow! Powerful words!
I know this segment is a few years old but still felt compelled to comment...cleaning out the material junk in the closet is so important - but more important as many have pointed out is to clean out the toxic mental cobwebs! The toxic relationships can be more draining that 50 handbags you will never use! As for the handbags and other items you downsize - please consider giving items to the homeless who make their beds on our streets every night. After all, what woman doesn't feel special when she has a new shirt or handbag? Even if it isn't new to her! Thanks all.
Awesome testimony.
i agree......i would rather spend my money on memorable experiences than possessions i soon get bored with!
Brilliant was the fire that started me on a new path . A very grateful thanks. David jenson. chicago
This is such a profound talk. Thank you.
Looks like I'll be going on holiday this summer instead of getting a Galaxy S8 to replace the still working iPhone I have. Very good point about enjoyment of experiences lasting longer than that of material things.
I've been doing more than that. This last week I got rid of a couple dozen items but prior to that I had been getting rid of hundreds of items per week for about a month.
Great vid. Been there done that. I did this 15 years ago. Not one regret.
Im debt Free by 2018. Thanks for the advice. Ill settled and get rid of things not worthy starting today..
Love the 30 day plan, even I can manage that. Many thanks
Right. Exceptions are things that generate or assist with generation income and things held for purposes of retaining value.
Nice advice. How right she is.
Thanks.
Yes and no, I decluttered so much and my life fell apart health gine bc I focused too much on having less stuff vs healing trauma. Stuff is just stuff. Have lots little doesn’t matter. Have as much as feels joyful to you.
My car does make me happy! I was driving a Chevrolet Sonic and it was terrible because I knew I needed another Jeep. I got another Jeep and I am now happy to drive again. And not to mention it has been more than 6 months. But I manage my money fairly well and am not up to my eyeballs in debt.
Yes! So you found your passion! That's one of the most important things when you want to downsize. You sort out your priorities: first, you get the things you need to survive, then you get the things you love and that make you feel better. For you it's your Jeep, for me it's my books. I know I could downsize my book collection for a kindle, but seeing a bookshelf fills up my soul. So I go for it.
That's the way it is with everyone. You ask yourself, "Do I need a big fridge?". If you do, you keep it. If you don't, you get a smaller one. Some people want washing machines, others prefer to do their laudry outdoors. Some people have use for dishwashers, others prefer the sink. Some people want a big bedroom, other prefer a big living room. Some people want a bathtube, others can get on with a shower.
The key is to adapt your place and your lifestyle to what you need and love, instead of having things just because people tell you you need them.