As happy as possible – by Leo Babauta

Reblogged from – one of my favorite blogs about minimalism.




Here’s what I don’t have:

  1. A huge house
  2. Massive wealth
  3. Fancy clothes
  4. A nice car
  5. A powerful job
  6. Cable TV


  1. Time
  2. Loving relationships
  3. Meaningful work
  4. Health
  5. Books
  6. Enough


Read more about happiness in my new book: Dhinchak Life

Smaller the Better

Why do they keep only small size plates with food in most airline lounges? Do they expect people to eat less while traveling, or do they want them to eat less? I think the latter. There’s only so much you can fill up in a small plate; and there are only so many rounds you can make to the buffet tables. I think it’s an effective strategy. And I believe the concept could apply to many things in life…

A smaller apartment could encourage you to minimize your possessions. A smaller office could help you keep it clutter-free. A smaller bag could mean traveling light. A smaller wallet would have fewer essentials. A smaller fridge could help eat more fresh foods. What else can you add to the list?

Of course, not everything is better when smaller.

[Photo of my new half-size, two-pocket wallet :)]


Smaller the Better!

0911 kittens

From, one of my favorite blogs:

Less can come in many forms. You can have fewer things, you can do fewer things, you can use fewer things, you can focus on fewer things. But less isn’t just fewer: it can also be smaller.

Small is often downplayed in this world of “bigger means better”. But small is beautiful, and often better.

  • Smaller banks aren’t “too big to fail”, requiring bailouts when they’re mismanaged, and yet they make very important community loans.
  • Smaller teams are more nimble, can adapt to changing environments faster, don’t require as much management or communication overhead, can work cheaply and from anywhere.
  • Smaller cars use less gas, are more maneuverable, cause fewer deaths, use fewer resources.
  • Smaller homes require less heating, less cleaning, less maintenance, force you to simplify, are cozier.
  • Smaller programs use fewer computer resources, take up less computer power and thus help the environment, work faster, get the job done with a minimum of fuss.
  • Smaller suitcases (such as a small backpack) are easier to carry around, fit easier in overhead compartments, don’t require you to check luggage and worry about luggage not getting to the right destination, are easier to pack and unpack.
  • Smaller websites (in terms of file sizes) are easier to load, faster, more responsive.
  • Smaller companies are also more responsive, less expensive, hungrier, more focused.
  • Haikus pack a lot of punch into three tiny lines.

Small is beautiful. Aim for smaller when it makes sense, and enjoy the wonder that ensues.

[Photo of Mashu’s kittens]
