“Minimalism is about living life with only the things that are truly essential for you.” So says Lola Marie, author of The Minimalist Babe: Tidying-Up Your Whole Life. The world has just shown us what is truly essential: good friends and family, good health, and toilet paper.
No, wait. It turns out that toilet paper and other things people hoarded at the beginning of our COVID-spring were not so important after all. What we all really needed isn’t found on store shelves.
Just over a year ago, I began clearing out closets and drawers. It was embarrassing to see just how much stuff I’d held on to for years, and to see how much I couldn’t bear to part with even as I went through the cleansing process.
Fortunately I’d received a review copy (full disclosure there) of The Minimalist Babe: Tidying-Up Your Whole Life around the time we started to self-isolate, so while I was homebound, I used Marie’s guidelines to continue my scale-down. The goal all along had been to clear out the clutter, but I hadn’t given any thought to the process beyond the desire to open a cabinet without causing an avalanche.
The Minimalist Babe gave me insight into what was happening in that space behind my eyes.
Lola Marie reminds us at the very beginning of the book that What you own owns you, and then she offers this wise advice: Start small and start soon. Yes, she explains some of the psychology of holding on and letting go, but she abides by her own advice and keeps the writing tight. Each chapter ends with Points to Remember (questions to ponder) and Challenge Time (easy tasks, such as ‘Discard something right now.’)
Throughout the book there are practical, non-threatening steps (‘Get rid of multiples.’) and lists to use in minimizing clothes, technology, social life, surroundings, money, and travel.
During our home-alone time, most of us discovered that the only truly essential need is the ability to live with ourselves. What The Minimalist Babe teaches is that when we no longer have stuff to hide behind, it’s easier to see that true self.
The Minimalist Babe: Tidying-Up Your Whole Life
by Lola R. Marie
Genre: Non-fiction self help
Release Date: 7 September, 2019
Blurb: Lola is every bit the minimalist babe - she lives simply, is intelligent and sassy, emotional and strong, calm and composed. Realizing that less is more, she traded in material possessions to focus on what was truly important to her. Lola’s inspiring guide delivers real-world advice on how to consume less, clear out clutter, find authenticity, and live a life based on freedom. It is a sincere attempt to help those who want to end their obsession with stuff. Echoing the thoughts behind Leonardo da Vinci’s quote that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” this book teaches you how to value the simple things. From learning to declutter and live with less to living life with passion, good health, and great relationships. The Minimalist Babe is for anyone who desires a more intentional life. Drawing from real-life experiences, it is filled with stories that will teach you step-by-step how to be: Authentic, self-assured, calm and composed, mindful, minimal and self-sufficient, financially stable, purposeful, free, healthy and happy. So what are you waiting for?
You can find The Minimalist Babe on Goodreads
You can buy The Minimalist Babe here:
About the Author:
Lola Ray Marie loves to write, bathe in sunrays and ponder the mysteries of life. She is also the author of “A Morning Routine” her debut Self-Help book.
You can find and contact Lola R. Marie here:
