The less you own, the more you have | Angela Horn | TEDxCapeTown

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  • čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
  • Angela expands on the upsides of downsizing and how living with less can positively affect your life. www.angelagayehorn.com/
    In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Komentáře • 498

  • @vonkruel
    @vonkruel Před 9 lety +182

    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.

    • @greenkitty82
      @greenkitty82 Před 9 lety

      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.

    • @vonkruel
      @vonkruel Před 9 lety +3

      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"

    • @stephenkirby1264
      @stephenkirby1264 Před 8 lety

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    • @pibblesnbits
      @pibblesnbits Před 8 lety +1

      +vonkruel When is Half Life Three coming out?

    • @POMOnkey1
      @POMOnkey1 Před 7 lety +4

      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.

  • @Atleastihavemydog
    @Atleastihavemydog Před 9 lety +178

    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.

    • @yamax1
      @yamax1 Před 3 lety +9

      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.

    • @JaguarPriest
      @JaguarPriest Před rokem +2

      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.

    • @BlueFlyer83
      @BlueFlyer83 Před rokem

      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.

  • @AnilKumarBairy
    @AnilKumarBairy Před 7 lety +179

    9:54 "Happiness is the state of being, but not the state of having" the best quote i have ever heard in my life.

  • @christineb.1043
    @christineb.1043 Před 10 lety +544

    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.

    • @surfinmuso37
      @surfinmuso37 Před 7 lety +3

      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"

    • @LufavoriteYoga
      @LufavoriteYoga Před 7 lety +2

      Christine Burgan Thank you for sharing your life story! It's a very alerting message to everyone!

    • @itsmarialifestyle4355
      @itsmarialifestyle4355 Před 7 lety +12

      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.

    • @TheGohbomba
      @TheGohbomba Před 7 lety +5

      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

    • @sweetboo1022
      @sweetboo1022 Před 7 lety +9

      GOH BOMBA hey, Gohan bomba... pissed off. what an insensitive jerk and rude comment you need to check yourself

  • @marjoriemeldrum9394
    @marjoriemeldrum9394 Před 7 lety +38

    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.

  • @paulf3358
    @paulf3358 Před 6 lety +42

    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....

    • @AvecPoesie
      @AvecPoesie Před 4 lety +2

      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.

  • @cjallison8362
    @cjallison8362 Před 9 lety +179

    Agree with every word of this talk. Every time I downsize I feel very liberated indeed...

  • @FreeSpirits
    @FreeSpirits Před 8 lety +46

    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.

    • @greenkitty82
      @greenkitty82 Před 8 lety

      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?

    • @joanahope3013
      @joanahope3013 Před 8 lety +2

      +greenkitty82 I think the key is to acknowledge that you don't need the stuff, it makes all the difference. ..

    • @greenkitty82
      @greenkitty82 Před 8 lety +3

      +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.

    • @kaypoh2589
      @kaypoh2589 Před 2 lety

      @@greenkitty82 definitely, i believe minimalism focuses on your needs and enjoyments, it’s not just survival

  • @culoslap
    @culoslap Před 8 lety +12

    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.

    • @greenkitty82
      @greenkitty82 Před 7 lety

      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.

    • @audreymartinmartin9427
      @audreymartinmartin9427 Před 4 lety

      culoslap ❤️

    • @sussannerandall85
      @sussannerandall85 Před 2 lety

      @@greenkitty82 is really individual for some it is clothes for some its impressive cars .....

  • @alicjagryzbowski964
    @alicjagryzbowski964 Před 8 lety +146

    Awesome. I just got rid of 40% of my clothes, shoes and junk and I feel so pleased.

    • @nikkadc5525
      @nikkadc5525 Před 8 lety +1

      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.

    • @abbieamavi
      @abbieamavi Před 8 lety

      +Alicja Walaweski I'm working on it, awesome for you!! (:

    • @alicjagryzbowski964
      @alicjagryzbowski964 Před 8 lety +4

      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.

    • @alicjagryzbowski964
      @alicjagryzbowski964 Před 8 lety

      guthyjuki874 Thank you, and good luck :)

    • @sarafritsch123
      @sarafritsch123 Před 8 lety +2

      +Alicja Walaweski same :) I now only have 1 armoire full of clothes and the things i wear everyday hasn't changed at all haha!

  • @khalidsafir
    @khalidsafir Před 7 lety +84

    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.

  • @abbieamavi
    @abbieamavi Před 8 lety +45

    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!!

    • @bradmcewen
      @bradmcewen Před 7 lety +2

      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.

    • @DaPoopIsInDaPudding
      @DaPoopIsInDaPudding Před 6 lety

      Veni Vidi Amavi Oh geez

  • @4mydearlady
    @4mydearlady Před 7 lety +108

    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.

    • @pinkfurryhat
      @pinkfurryhat Před 7 lety +1

      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

    • @pinkfurryhat
      @pinkfurryhat Před 7 lety

      Hole*

    • @Funny4450
      @Funny4450 Před 7 lety

      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.

    • @asmcriminaL
      @asmcriminaL Před 7 lety

      Have you done any research on paying off your debt? The quickest way to get rid of things that are giving you the debt.

    • @ritaraju4998
      @ritaraju4998 Před 7 lety

      thats disgusting, someone should call cps

  • @SaraFaithJacobsen
    @SaraFaithJacobsen Před 9 lety +29

    i've been actively downsizing for years. i love owning less.

  • @jekalambert9412
    @jekalambert9412 Před 8 lety +35

    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.

    • @kaypoh2589
      @kaypoh2589 Před 2 lety

      This is so inspiring and amazing. What would you say are the most essential things to pack in a single suitcase like you had?

  • @cojut
    @cojut Před 7 lety +23

    After listening to this video I took out my beautiful cutlery set that I never used and began using it.

  • @julestaggart
    @julestaggart Před 10 lety +9

    "Happiness is a state of being, it's not a state of having." Love this.

  • @surfinmuso37
    @surfinmuso37 Před 7 lety +6

    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.

  • @joofark
    @joofark Před 7 lety +4

    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.

  • @johnpaschal8914
    @johnpaschal8914 Před 7 lety +2

    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.

  • @truthsetsusfree6506
    @truthsetsusfree6506 Před 8 lety +18

    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.

  • @imperfecta89
    @imperfecta89 Před 9 lety +113

    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.

    • @rawlawgirl
      @rawlawgirl Před 9 lety +5

      Yes, mental clutter is worst!

    • @evabognar9167
      @evabognar9167 Před 8 lety +11

      +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.

    • @itsmarialifestyle4355
      @itsmarialifestyle4355 Před 7 lety +14

      The thing is, the two are interrelated. A cluttered mind creates a cluttered life and a cluttered life creates a cluttered mind.

    • @marshallx6081
      @marshallx6081 Před 7 lety +7

      Your surroundings are a direct reflection of your mind

    • @bradmcewen
      @bradmcewen Před 7 lety

      BuffyGeek. yes but you did. so a catalyst for more thought that you just conveyed is also brilliant !

  • @tjohannam
    @tjohannam Před 7 lety +5

    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.

  • @gabrielekebir86
    @gabrielekebir86 Před 8 lety +256

    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!

    • @youngsir.tc_GW_VS
      @youngsir.tc_GW_VS Před 8 lety +8

      yup gave up on TV all commercials made for scream out spend spend spend

    • @ASMRGRATITUDE
      @ASMRGRATITUDE Před 8 lety +17

      yep. television= tells lies to your vision

    • @skellymom
      @skellymom Před 8 lety +23

      +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.

    • @Smithjones12
      @Smithjones12 Před 7 lety +4

      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"

    • @katherynhill2372
      @katherynhill2372 Před 7 lety +1

      gabriele konig ,

  • @amandasymon4363
    @amandasymon4363 Před rokem +1

    Love your plain speaking 👊👊👊 I am 65 and downsizing and excited about dramatically reducing our things - thank you 🙏

  • @thatchickkrys
    @thatchickkrys Před 8 lety +39

    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!

  • @kimlemen2654
    @kimlemen2654 Před 8 lety +23

    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.

  • @ervinfowlkes8326
    @ervinfowlkes8326 Před 9 lety +45

    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.

    • @Ann65.
      @Ann65. Před 6 lety +2

      Ervin Fowlkes I wonder how far you have got in your journey Ervin?

    • @Saaad2
      @Saaad2 Před rokem

      Checking how is it going with you after 7 years :)

  • @fernandoalarcon8534
    @fernandoalarcon8534 Před 8 lety +2

    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.

  • @jcepri
    @jcepri Před 7 lety +17

    I love her accent!!

  • @missgv2192
    @missgv2192 Před 8 lety +21

    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.

  • @greenkitty82
    @greenkitty82 Před 9 lety +21

    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.

  • @pvendara
    @pvendara Před 8 lety +2

    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.

  • @cs4703
    @cs4703 Před 8 lety +12

    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.

  • @marianetherland177
    @marianetherland177 Před 6 lety +3

    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!

  • @Teacher835
    @Teacher835 Před 8 lety +5

    Thank you, you tube.We learn so much in your "public school"

  • @faizfoad1771
    @faizfoad1771 Před 4 lety +1

    "Happiness is the state of being, not the state of having" great talk

    • @joshuathinkingoutloud
      @joshuathinkingoutloud Před 3 lety

      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 🌿

  • @jeffmclean4384
    @jeffmclean4384 Před 8 lety +17

    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

  • @martinsmedley6350
    @martinsmedley6350 Před 9 lety +4

    i agree......i would rather spend my money on memorable experiences than possessions i soon get bored with!

  • @claudiaramirez2427
    @claudiaramirez2427 Před 7 lety +10

    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.

  • @naserkhraim5853
    @naserkhraim5853 Před 9 lety +4

    The happiness comes from inside out...

  • @ummm8511
    @ummm8511 Před 7 lety +5

    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!

  • @nkoridis
    @nkoridis Před 9 lety +17

    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

    • @Bonobo3D
      @Bonobo3D Před 9 lety +4

      Nick Koridis This bothered me as well, a little foam wind screen over the end of the mic would have helped too.

  • @elizabethclark9192
    @elizabethclark9192 Před 6 lety +1

    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.

  • @GroudFrank
    @GroudFrank Před 8 lety +4

    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.

  • @chopsticksforlegs
    @chopsticksforlegs Před 8 lety +2

    This is so true. I keep buying containers to contain the things I own, so I'm constantly buying more crap that I don't need because in my mind, I have space for it.
    I've since donated a dozen XL bags to charity and I've still heaps more to go. I've got 60 pairs of shoes after donating 50 pairs, and more bags, clothes and accessories that I can remember.
    It's so true about retail therapy. I'm a shopaholic through and through! My bank account however, is constantly shrinking while my wardrobe is ever expanding.
    I will clear out more stuff in the coming weeks, I promise ;)

  • @IndiaHeathIRL
    @IndiaHeathIRL Před 7 lety +1

    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.

  • @77777aol
    @77777aol Před 6 lety +1

    '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' !

  • @deborahleow9105
    @deborahleow9105 Před 7 lety +1

    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.

  • @bRadicalmagic1
    @bRadicalmagic1 Před 9 lety

    People need to realize that real wealth is IN Precious metals . Takes up no space !

  • @dia.6213
    @dia.6213 Před 6 lety +4

    We spend half our life accumulating stuff and the other half getting rid of it.

  • @lincolncity9
    @lincolncity9 Před 9 lety +1

    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!

  • @Hansprivate
    @Hansprivate Před 7 lety +1

    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.

  • @151manasa
    @151manasa Před 7 lety +6

    Angela Horn I love you. Excellent advice.

  • @WanNadzirah
    @WanNadzirah Před 8 lety +3

    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!

  • @TheIlluminatedOne_1969
    @TheIlluminatedOne_1969 Před 7 lety +1

    I was introduced to TedX during orientation at work and I've been inspired every since. Thank you Sir!

  • @greenkitty82
    @greenkitty82 Před 9 lety +1

    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.

  • @TheBSHood
    @TheBSHood Před 10 lety +1

    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.

  • @ninapaz522
    @ninapaz522 Před 3 lety +2

    Wow! That was a mind-blowing speech!

  • @zelenplav1701
    @zelenplav1701 Před 7 lety +7

    Less is more. Unnecessary accumulation is a burden.

  • @eskiemom98
    @eskiemom98 Před 10 lety +2

    "Happiness is a state of being; it's not a state of having." Awesome talk Ang! Congrats :)

  • @charliewilkins8888
    @charliewilkins8888 Před 3 lety +1

    This is so true.... I have friends that buy things to make them happy.... And they are never happy. Because after they spent money on a sports car.. Or a 40.00 dollar tee shirt..... And they have very little money left over to save.

  • @GreenManXY
    @GreenManXY Před 8 lety +3

    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.

  • @POMOnkey1
    @POMOnkey1 Před 7 lety +1

    One year ago me and my husband decided to move to an other country. That also meant moving from 62 square meter apartment to 15 square meters. We wanted to take all our belonging in a one go with us, so we gave away and sold almost all our belongings to fit everything in a Mercedes Vito van (a very small van). One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. All materia media tell's you need is a lie.

  • @gordnewman7368
    @gordnewman7368 Před 9 lety +2

    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.

  • @XXXFirebird76XXX
    @XXXFirebird76XXX Před 9 lety +1

    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.

  • @davidjenson7773
    @davidjenson7773 Před 5 lety +3

    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

  • @svetlanikolova5557
    @svetlanikolova5557 Před 8 lety +2

    That is soooo true. If I can just shut off the TV, the computer and the phone I will be free from all garbage they talk about! I want to give 90 % of my things to the poor and live free without bills and without stuff I have to transfer from one room to another! I want to spend my life doing good for others instead of competing like teenagers for stuff!

    • @icefirexd
      @icefirexd Před 3 lety

      💕💕💕 i wish everyone thinks like you.. people in my life was like.
      seeing other people suffer is pleasurable.. then karma hits them sorcery 😂😂😂 💕💕💕🐀 xD

  • @MnKakaMena
    @MnKakaMena Před 8 lety +1

    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. :)

  • @Swanky95472
    @Swanky95472 Před 8 lety +28

    I need to stop buying STUFF from Costco!!

    • @WVelasco9977
      @WVelasco9977 Před 7 lety +2

      Me too.

    • @etniko
      @etniko Před 7 lety +7

      Every time you shop at Costco you are contributing a little bit to its shareholders earnings per share, so do your part, please continue.

  • @AwesomeAndrew
    @AwesomeAndrew Před 8 lety +17

    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

    • @greenkitty82
      @greenkitty82 Před 8 lety +5

      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.

    • @alexk1418
      @alexk1418 Před 7 lety

      greenkitty82 I agree. Meditation is great for your body

    • @automationsolution
      @automationsolution Před 6 lety

      Mitsy Evo is that?

  • @JohnVKaravitis
    @JohnVKaravitis Před 10 lety +3

    Get rid of one thing a day for 30 days. I'm doing that right now.
    The advice is right: If you haven't even looked at something in a year, you don't need it. Amazing how we have become trapped by our things. But the flip side is what to do with the drop in production/GDP, and the consequent unemployment...

  • @cninusa
    @cninusa Před 7 lety +1

    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!

  • @gmvalentine626
    @gmvalentine626 Před 6 lety +1

    So inspirational. Makes me want to downsize my house and chuck 90% of my possessions.

  • @sacredthyme4617
    @sacredthyme4617 Před 8 lety +1

    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.

  • @paulbroderick8438
    @paulbroderick8438 Před 6 lety

    Words of wisdom, indeed. 'Vanity of vanity, all is vanity' as per Ecclesiastes 1 says it all.

  • @acajudi100
    @acajudi100 Před 8 lety +1

    give away and enjoy the stuff you like to have around. travel all your life!

  • @websurfer1585
    @websurfer1585 Před 4 lety +1

    This is so right, so true, very wise words!

    • @joshuathinkingoutloud
      @joshuathinkingoutloud Před 3 lety

      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 🌿

  • @christinehofilena7904
    @christinehofilena7904 Před 2 lety +1

    I love and 100% agree with everything said! Bravo!

  • @drzakir123
    @drzakir123 Před 8 lety +35

    “He will indeed be successful who purifies his ownself, and he will indeed fail who corrupts his ownself.” (Quran 91:9-10]

    • @RealLifeEddy2K
      @RealLifeEddy2K Před 7 lety +1

      Except all the bombings your people did.

    • @drzakir123
      @drzakir123 Před 7 lety +4

      Watching Videos ur saying as though bombs,weapon,missiles and atom bomb are all invented by muslims.
      tell me where are the head quarters of major military industrial complex? and how much profit do they make selling weapons and bombs?
      one of the thing to look at always is who is paying for weapon and to whom and not whose finger is on the trigger!!

    • @EmilyElizabeth1437
      @EmilyElizabeth1437 Před 7 lety +4

      what the hell does that have to do with what he just said? i'm no muslim myself but your juvenile remark and disrespect towards this person just because of his religion is fucking unacceptable. what you just said is like saying all white people wanna kill all the blacks. which based on logic, if you have a brain, is a stupid act of GENERALIZING shit. take your brain out your ass and put it back in your head to think whether what you wanna say is worth saying or not.

    • @drzakir123
      @drzakir123 Před 7 lety

      EmilyElizabeth1437 ur not making any sense Emily.can u rephrase it? may allah bless u

    • @EmilyElizabeth1437
      @EmilyElizabeth1437 Před 7 lety +4

      +truth just incase you got it mixed up, I was referring to the guy that replied to your main comment. Sorry if I doesn't make sense. I just got really mad about what he said. I hate how more and more people are making it seem like Islam=terrorism when it is actually just a minority of muslims committing crimes. Sorry for the confusion. May god bless you too

  • @grandpa5508
    @grandpa5508 Před 7 lety

    moderation is the best policy in life.

  • @Katrinaantonius
    @Katrinaantonius Před 10 lety +4

    Excellent!! Soo inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

  • @artawhirler
    @artawhirler Před 2 lety

    That's true. Everything you do not buy is one more thing you don't have to pay for.

  • @TR-hi5bi
    @TR-hi5bi Před 9 lety +3

    Beautiful 100% PERFECTLY SAID.

  • @kev000kevkev
    @kev000kevkev Před 7 lety +7

    I really his ideas, we don't really need too much stuff in our lives. What's the point to live in a "big" house if we don't get along with our family or spouses? Let's back to the essence. It's about people, good relationships and mental fullfillment.

    • @ellesnyder942
      @ellesnyder942 Před 6 lety

      a big house is actually helpfull if you don't get a long with your family...

  • @LifeB4Death99
    @LifeB4Death99 Před 9 lety +2

    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.

    • @nahaiatours
      @nahaiatours Před 9 lety +7

      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.

  • @henriettailarina5144
    @henriettailarina5144 Před 6 lety +2

    Love to listen and apply.

  • @sipo70
    @sipo70 Před 8 lety +1

    She's absolutely right.

  • @nakkiewildvangst2656
    @nakkiewildvangst2656 Před 8 lety +2

    agree with every single word!
    or years, I've been living with the ''buy/get sth in house ONLY when/ if necessary'' credo
    Nevertheless ,I've also noticed I have much more stuff than I thought
    This year I started to be more objective about ''my stuff''
    My biggest challenge is the fact I don't like just trowing stuff , and making more '' garbage '' (enough pollution as it is)
    I don't need to get money for it, I'd like to see / know that there are ppl who could re-use them.
    I donate to charity, hoping ppl will actually re-use them and not be thrown away ( as some stuff eventually gets thrown away, due to lack of space)
    I see much more ppl getting the minimalism vibe, esp ''the young'' ( and let's say me ,as a 30+ I regard myself still in the category ;) ) each and every time, it's so cool to meet like-minded ppl; One of the best , was meeting my neighbor, 4 y ago, when I was moving to my apartment. She's a true minimalist, meaning: NO boxes in her storage box!
    Just a surf board! - a hero of minimalism! When I grow up , i want to be like her :) (although she's a year younger)... BC , at the end, experiences count , not stuff! I hope that , day by day , the world will become richer with more and more experience-alists :)

  • @gergo.r
    @gergo.r Před 8 lety +1

    Thank you, Angela!

  • @DavidSibley040461
    @DavidSibley040461 Před 7 lety

    Right. Exceptions are things that generate or assist with generation income and things held for purposes of retaining value.

  • @MsGnor
    @MsGnor Před 6 lety +1

    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

  • @c.crhodes5459
    @c.crhodes5459 Před 7 lety

    This is true, - but only for those that have so much.

  • @cpgarcia6164
    @cpgarcia6164 Před 4 lety +1

    OUTSTANDING advice!! You really helped me see the value of experiences versus JUNK!!!

  • @GlobalAdventurer
    @GlobalAdventurer Před 7 lety

    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.

  • @waterfront4me
    @waterfront4me Před 6 lety

    One of the BEST talks on minimalism. Thumbs up! 👍

  • @YusofieAhamid
    @YusofieAhamid Před 3 lety

    i really enjoyed this talk and the best quote " happiness is the state of being not the state of having.

  • @richardjstrngth
    @richardjstrngth Před 7 lety

    Been living like that in NYC for 15 years and I love it.

  • @chalmich
    @chalmich Před 10 lety +2

    Wow! Powerful words!

  • @littlegems72
    @littlegems72 Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge in a valid attempt to make us all happier. ;)