In the vast expanse of the art world, minimalism has always stood out as a beacon of simplicity, clarity, and intention. As we navigate through 2023, this art form is not just surviving but thriving, evolving in intriguing ways that…
In today’s fast-paced world, where excess often dominates, there’s a refreshing global movement steering us back to simplicity: modern minimalist design. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Scandinavia, this design philosophy has found its way…
In an age where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face encounters, the term “authentic connection” has taken on profound significance. An authentic connection goes beyond mere interaction; it’s a deep, genuine bond formed between individuals, rooted in understanding, empathy, and mutual…
In a world where fitness trends come and go, and where every month seems to introduce a new piece of gym equipment or a revolutionary workout routine, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Amidst this noise, a movement is growing, one…
In today’s digital age, where information is constantly at our fingertips, many of us have unconsciously adopted a habit of skimming through texts, seeking instant gratification and quick answers. The vast ocean of online content has conditioned us to move…
When I first held a vinyl record in my hands as a teenager, I was captivated by its grooves, the artwork, and the promise of a musical journey. Vinyl records, with their rich history spanning back to the early 20th…
Introduction I’ve always believed that vinyl records are more than just objects; they’re memories encapsulated in grooves. Each record, with its unique artwork and sound, tells a story. But, like all treasured possessions, they’re delicate. A slight mishap, a careless…
Introduction Ever tried to capture a sunset in a jar? Crafting the perfect playlist feels a bit like that. It’s an attempt to bottle up emotions, memories, and atmospheres into a sequence of songs. In our vast digital universe of…
In today’s digital age, music is more accessible than ever before. With just a click, we can stream millions of songs from various genres, artists, and eras. But does this abundance of choices enhance our listening experience or overwhelm us?…
Embracing the tiny living lifestyle is a bold decision that has been gaining traction in recent years. This movement, which advocates for downsizing and simplifying one’s living conditions, comes with a host of benefits such as lower living expenses, a…
In the quest for a simpler, more meaningful life, many people are drawn to the concepts of tiny living and minimalism. Both lifestyles champion the idea of living with less and prioritizing experiences over possessions. However, while they share some…
In the world of film, the art of storytelling is not just about the script, the actors, or the director’s vision. It’s also about the subtle craft of film editing. The editor’s work often goes unnoticed by the average viewer,…
Animation is a powerful medium, capable of bringing to life complex narratives and emotions. One approach that has significantly influenced this field is minimalism, a philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and the elimination of excess. This article will delve into the…
The world of architecture is vast and diverse, encompassing a myriad of styles and movements. Yet, amidst this diversity, one philosophy stands out for its simplicity and elegance – minimalism. Minimalism in architecture is a movement that has its roots…
Today, I want to share with you a personal journey that has transformed my life. It’s a journey that began with a simple question: “How can I stay fit in a way that aligns with my minimalist lifestyle?” Like many…
Hello, dear readers. Today, I want to take you on a journey, a journey that has profoundly changed my life and reshaped my perspective on the world. It’s the journey towards sustainable living, a path that I discovered through my…
In the modern world, where consumerism often reigns supreme, there exists a countercurrent that champions simplicity and intentionality: minimalism. This philosophy, which advocates for living with less and cherishing the essentials, has found its way into various aspects of our…
The beauty of minimalism is found in its ability to convey profound truths with simplicity. The focus is often on what’s not there as much as on what is. This minimalist ethos has been embraced by several filmmakers, leading to…
Hello, dear minimalist enthusiasts! It’s me, your go-to minimalist guide. I am really stoked to share a new musing that many of you have been asking for – alternatives to coffee tables. I know how much we all value simplicity…
What does it mean to be minimalist? That’s a good question. I’d guess that many people who consider themselves minimalists would not consider me a minimalist. That’s okay. I know what being minimalist means to me. Photo by Dan Erickson…
I consider myself a follower of Christ, but something bothers me. A good portion of folks who call themselves Christians don’t follow Christ when it comes to simple living. We’ve all heard people speak of their blessings in regard to…
Everybody loves soft fluffy pillows. Who doesn’t love warm cozy blankets and comforters and fine sheets? It feels so good to lay down on a soft bed and get lost in comfort. Sorry to wake you up from your dreams,…
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to talk with Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist. We talked about Christianity and minimalism. We talked about writing and speaking. We covered an array of topics. Today, I’ll share some of the…
Always wanting more is a mindset. We aren’t born with it. We’re taught. From a young age our parents gave us stuff. From a young age we made comparisons. We falsely learned that in order to be happy, we must…
I have an admission to make. I’m still holding on to way too much stuff. Sure, I call myself a moderate minimalist. I do pay attention to how much I buy. But there are a couple areas in my life…
Minimalists are usually active in self-improvement. If you weren’t trying to improve your life, you’d just let the clutter build up, spend money without a care, and eat whatever you want. Many people who seek self-improvement also seek the perfect…
As I get closer to wrapping up actively posting at Hip Diggs, I think it’s only fair that I explain why I’m quitting. It’s simple. I don’t believe in Minimalism. This isn’t to say that I’m not a proponent of…
Whether it’s your journey toward living more simply, practicing better exercising habits, or working on a business venture, it can get hard. We often feel like giving up. But there are ways to reenergize. Things ebb and flow. It’s part…
If you’ve lived like an average American, you’ve probably always had more than you’ve needed. I’ve purposefully tried to keep my life simple. I spent years without a car. I lived in trailers and studio apartments throughout my twenties and…
Is your home cluttered? Do you have too much stuff? Do you want to kill your clutter? There’s a mindset behind the clutter. There’s a mindset behind ridding clutter that leads to five mindful decluttering techniques. You choose: fear or…
I’ll be honest. This post is biased. I love music. Music has done wonders for me. It has helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life. It can do the same for you. Have you tapped…
Have you ever sat in front of the TV all day? Have you ever played video games until the wee hours? Do you waste time on social media? Too much screen time is a waste of time. If you want…
Living simple includes simple exercise. One of the best forms of exercise is also one of the simplest forms. Taking a daily walk is a great way to keep moving. Walking can also open the door to more vigorous forms…
If you’re like me and most Americans, you struggle with your diet. I’ve been doing better as I get older. I still have my weaknesses. But I stock 14 simple foods for better health in my kitchen. Do you? Photo…
When I was in college I lived in a studio apartment. It was small, but that didn’t stop me from getting exercise. There are several kinds of exercise that are compatible with living in small spaces. Photo Credit Living in…
To keep our lives and homes in order we need to make time for each other. Communication is a big part of keeping our home life simple. If you want a happy home, don’t be too busy for those around…
As we gain more influence we’re asked to do more. At first it might seem like saying yes is best. We believe that doing more will increase our influence. It’s knowing when to say yes that’s important. Sometimes it’s better to…
Sometimes life gets busy. When life gets busy we often overlook a basic essential: breathing. We go on autopilot and our breath becomes shallow. It’s better to have focused breathing: Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Relax. Photo Credit Have you ever listened…
When we keep our surroundings free of clutter, we create a relaxing atmosphere. It only takes a few minutes each day. Take a moment to neaten your surroundings. A clean space creates a calm place. Photo Credit Something wonderful happens…
Do you like Hip Diggs’ blog posts? If you do, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It’s all about keeping things simple. Boom! The more simple you keep your writing, the easier it is to connect…
Growth. Sometimes it’s easy to lose perspective. We get so caught up in self-improvement and productivity that we lose perspective of what really matters. So what does really matter? Growth. I’m not talking about growth in numbers or dollars. I’m…
Finding simple happiness is easy. This free little book can help you learn how to find happiness through simple living. The Happiness of Simple Making Connections Between Happiness, Simplicity, and Productivity I invite you to read this free book. There…
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of us begin to consider the things that we’re thankful for. What are you thankful for? If we’re honest with ourselves, the people in our lives and the simple pleasures are what bring…
How many times have you started an exercise program only to quit? How many gyms have you signed up for only to cancel your membership due to inactivity? You’re not alone. Millions of people get started on an exercise program…
Could you go without Internet? How long could you stay disconnected? The Internet has become a household necessity for most people. Does it have to be? Could you go a summer without Internet? I went two summers without Internet. In…
Minimalists or not, we all want a home that fits our personality, right? If you want to add some charm and character to your home, consider your furniture. You don’t need a lot of furniture, but a few well-placed, practical…
You’ve heard the phrase, “less is more.” What does it really mean? It’s simple. Less is more. Today, I’ll show you 21 ways that less is really more. It’s Not Just Lip Service: Less Is Really More 1. Less home…
Today’s post is a guest post by Carl Phillips. Distractions surround us, a constant tension in our day. Some distractions are obvious, some are subtle. Some are new to us, others are old foes. Dealing with distractions, in a world…
As we approach Christmas, I encourage you to be intentional about your spending. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. The emphasis is spend, spend, spend. That’s not the true meaning of Christmas. Think of all the excess. The paper. The packages. It…
Annie is not a minimalist. She likes stuff. Over the years, family and friends have given her enough stuffed animals, toys, and clothes to fill multiple closets. Still, she is learning. Today, I discuss ways of teaching kids about minimalism…
It’s coming around again. That consumer-driven day that sends people running to buy stuff simply because it’s on sale. I’m talking about Black Friday. Don’t give in. If you don’t need anything. Don’t buy anything. Let’s Get Something Straight… Unless…
Hip Diggs is a relatively new site. Although the site officially started in January, 2014, it wasn’t until October, 2014, that we found our new look and feel. I wasn’t going to do a “best of” post, but it’s been…
The Beatle’s once sang, “Get back. Get back. Get back to where you once belonged.” Just one question: Where is that? It seems everyone is looking for answers in the past or the future. I look for answers in presence. To…
I’ve got a gift to give you. You can pass it on. It’s free. Recently, I wrote a book called, The Happiness of Simple: Making Connections Between Happiness, Simplicity & Productivity. Photo Credit The book teaches you an awesome secret. When you…
You’ve heard that reading makes you smarter. You’ve heard that reading improves your memory. If you’re a writer, you’ve been told that reading makes you a better writer. These things are all true. But there’s more. Photo Caption I used…
The Minimalists are living the life they preach about. I think that lends them great credibility. As one who makes a point to live simple, this review of the documentary, Minimalism, reflects my honest thoughts and opinions. Photo from minimalismfilm.com…
Recently, I had the chance to chat with Brian Gardner from No Sidebar. Today, I’ll offer a short profile of Brian and his minimalist journey. I really enjoyed chatting with Brian. I discovered that we have a few things in…
I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to become a minimalist. It’s been a lifelong journey. Along the way, I’ve found several hobbies that fit the minimalist lifestyle. Minimalist hobbies are everyday hobbies. You don’t have to practice…
I’ve often found myself in a quandary concerning capitalizing minimalism. It seems like a contradiction. But that doesn’t mean that one can’t be a minimalist and an entrepreneur. Over the last two summers, my daughter, Annie ran a lemonade stand.…
I wrote this post over at my main site, danerickson.net, right after I sold my house and paid off all my debt. And yes, it happened overnight. I used to immediately cringe at articles with titles like, “How I Became Debt…
In October, I introduced The 10 Step Challenge To Simple Living. I hope you’re taking this challenge to heart. I am. You can learn to live a more simple and happy life, but it’s not always easy. There’s a hidden…
Hip Diggs recently did a Facebook survey to discover that we all have things we think we need but don’t. The responses were interesting: everything from government to motorized bathroom scrubbers. Based on the survey, I put together a list of…
Almost every time I tell someone that I write about simple living, they say something like, “Oh, I love those tiny houses, too, but I could never live in one.” Or they might say, “I had some friends who tried…
As a society, we need rules. Rules help to keep things in order. They keep people from harming other people. But when it comes to simple living, I’m not going to tell you how to live. I want you to…
I blog. I used to blog a lot. I’ve cut back, but people still ask, “How in the world do you find time?” Life is busy. If you’re like most bloggers, it’s just something you do on the side. You…
Hip Diggs wishes you a simple little Christmas. Don’t make things too complicated You know what’s really important: it’s time with family and friends. Don’t complicate Christmas with too much travel or food. Don’t overdo the decorations and presents. Have…
I keep track of a few bloggers. Leo Babauta, Joshua Becker, Jeff Goins, and Michael Hyatt are a few of my favorites. But I don’t consider myself a follower. And I refuse to join the crowd. Have you ever left…
If you’re like most of us, you’ve struggled with confidence at times. But what if I could teach you how to gain simple confidence in just a few minutes a day? Would you give it a try? It’s as easy…
Living a simple life is a goal. It’s also a daily habit. Goals and habits can be hard to make stick. So this post is really less about minimalism and more about sticking to any goal or habit. And sticking…
I operate a few websites. My main site is danerickson.net. I have a poetry site called Cowboy Zen. And of course, there’s this site, Hip Diggs. There have been several other blogs I’ve created and deleted over the years. Last…
Sometimes I find myself questioning my own sincerity in regard to minimalism. I feel like I don’t quite live up to the label. When I read posts from other minimalists, I know I own more stuff than many of them…
Letting go of material belongings is one way to live simple. Still, it does you no good to live in a small house with less stuff if your spirit is full of emotional clutter. Your life will still be stressful…
The year’s more than half way over. How are you doing on reaching your goals? Have you uncluttered? Have you downsized? Have you lost weight? Have you found more freedom? If you haven’t reached your own expectations, it’s never too…
When I was a kid, I was the victim of an extreme religious cult. I’m not sure my parents knew what they were getting us into, but I was essentially a slave from the ages of 10 to 16. It…
Back in my 20s, I had a good friend and neighbor named Larry. Larry was a nice guy, but he had a problem. Larry collected free junk. Larry would take almost anything if it was free. In time, his house…
There’s something dumbing down the Internet. Most bloggers use it. I’m guilty of using it. Unknowingly, all of us who use this tool might be dumbing down the Internet. I’m even considering giving it up. If you’re not a blogger…
Downtime is important. We get so busy that we forget that simple truth. We weren’t made to be constantly running. Zero downtime leads to stress. Stress leads to complications. A recent survey conducted at Everest College found that 83% of…
I know some minimalists don’t have cars. That’s okay. But for those of you who do, I encourage you to drive undistracted and stay safe. Distracted driving is responsible for up to 16% of all fatal crashes in the U.S.…
Today’s post is another short excerpt from my free ebook, Get Back To Where You Are: Finding Yourself In The Present Moment. In order to live more simply and become more productive, we need to stop dreaming and start doing. Dreams…
Today’s post is a guest post by Lee Ann Bisulca. The car was packed to the gills, and we still had to fit me in it. I climbed into the passenger seat, a flat of water bottles already at my…
For all intents and purposes, I’m a minimalist. I aspire to live with less stuff so that I can find more freedom. But I’m also practical. You might say that… I’m A Moderate Minimalist I don’t live in a tiny…
Have you ever tried to lose weight? It’s not always easy. We’re creatures of habit. In order to make change stick, we have to change our habits. But it doesn’t have to be so hard. Sometimes, little things can add…
A few weeks ago I announced my Live Simple membership program for 2017. However, I’ve since decided to postpone. Why? I spend too much time online already. So what to do? Over the last few months, I’ve developed 7 ways to limit…
A few years ago on my danerickson.net blog, someone told me that my writing was similar to Leo Babauta’s writing. “Leo who?” I asked. I did some research and discovered Zen Habits. I’d already been on a journey to live simple.…
If you’re a writer, you’ve likely heard all sorts of tips about how to write. Words like focus, discipline, and habit all enter into conversations. I won’t lie. Those are all part of being a great writer. But I have…
Hip Diggs is a blog about simple living and minimalism. You’d expect posts about getting rid of clutter, buying less stuff, and and living in smaller homes. Why then, write about writing? In this article The Short Answer: I’m A…
I don’t do reviews often. But recently I read a book I’d heard a lot about: The War Of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s about creativity, but I think it can relate to minimalism and simple living. I’ll get to…
Walking is my go-to exercise. You can walk anywhere, from home, at work, or even when you travel. It requires no special equipment but a decent pair of shoes. And here’s the best part: the walking life could save your…
Poverty is a problem in America. Sometimes people live in extreme poverty due to circumstances or forces beyond their control. But quit telling me the system is rigged and that our decisions do not influence our ability to overcome hardships.…
Before you swear off all material possessions, stop and consider value. Each item we buy has value, some things have value beyond money. I recently bought my daughter, Annie, a clarinet for band. She was beaming. That in itself was…
It might seem like a strange time of year to write about vacationing. Not really. A vacation might be exactly what you need. I used to shun vacations. No more. I’ve learned that vacationing has many health benefits. Now, I…
Have you ever walked into someone’s house and thought, “What is all this crap?” They have piles of stuff everywhere. Maybe you have more things laying around your own home than you’d like. Cluttered spaces create anxiety. Uncluttered spaces help…
Over the last five years I’ve received a lot of questions about minimalism. Before I close shop here I thought I’d cover two common questions about minimalism that I might not have discussed in any depth in the Hip Diggs…
Decluttering seems to be the trend the last few years. I’m not a fan of clutter. I like my home neat and tidy. But life’s not always neat. There’s good reason you should be more tolerant of clutter. I’m not…
Occasionally, I like to include a bit of my poetry at Hip Diggs. Today, I share a poem that includes some of my thoughts and feelings about minimalism and finding the balance within extremes. Photo by Dan Erickson All Things…
The inspection is completed. We’ve negotiated a price. The appraisal is done. A new apartment is secured. Now it’s a waiting game. But there are still plenty of things to do. As Tom Petty once said, “the waiting is the…
Today’s post is a guest post by Jackson Pryor. Freedom is a gift, a blessing even. I can only speak for myself when I say that living more simply has felt like a massive weight being lifted from cramped shoulders…
Like many of you, I don’t really like clutter. As a kid I liked to keep my room fairly neat. But when I was a teenager, I didn’t really care too much when it got messy. Something changed. I bought…
Today’s post is a guest post by Rose Burke from the Tiny Society. Tiny houses have significantly grown in popularity over the last few years, as they offer a kind of freedom traditional homes don’t. Living tiny allows you to…
I’ve been thinking about what might happen to Hip Diggs if I were to die today. It would disappear from the Internet in a year or two when my hosting contract ran out. Hopefully, I’ll be around for awhile, but…
If you want to live more simply, what you do with extra money is important. In my own journey, I’m working toward working less and paying down debt… simultaneously. Soon, I’ll be receiving a $7200 tax return check. I file…
I love taking minimalist photos. There are many ways to create minimalist art. Today, I’d like to focus on close-up photos of objects and surfaces. It’s surprising how these kinds of photos can capture an abstract minimalist look. Photo by…
You don’t need shiny new modern things to be a minimalist. In fact, as long as what you have is functional, you really don’t need new stuff at all. You simply need to practice taking care of what you have.…
Over the years I’ve owned a few table lamps. I’ve also got rid of a few table lamps. I really don’t like table lamps. They just take up table space. I wish all living rooms had overhead lighting. Awhile ago…
Did you know that most of our stress is self induced? I think this might be especially true among minimalists. Why? Because we’re too busy making rules for ourselves and caring about little things that don’t really matter. There’s a…
At the beginning of the year I said that my biggest goal was to reduce stress. How’s that going? Okay, although it could always be better. One reason we tend to feel stress is that we want things to change. We…
It’s so easy to get off track with a healthy lifestyle. But getting off track isn’t the end of the world. You can get right back on. Today, I’ll teach you 5 ways to stay on track with your diet…
Since my 20s, I’ve been an avid bicycle commuter. There have been times and seasons in my life when it wasn’t possible. But I’ve been commuting by bicycle whenever I can. You can start commuting, too. I currently ride a…
How many times have you been around someone who suddenly shrieks in terror? When you ask them what’s wrong they scream, “Spider!” Why do they fear spiders so? Chances are it’s a learned behavior. It’s not the spiders, snakes, and…
Letting go of material belongings creates space for God. Clearing your life of excess creates space for God. Reducing your schedule of busyness creates space for God. Minimalism opens space for God. If you believe in God, perhaps you should…
I’m passionate about making music. I’m a singer-songwriter and I play a bunch of instruments. I love music. Still, I’ve sold nearly half my musical stuff this year. Today, I’ll explain why. First, I’ve got to be honest. I didn’t…
Do you spend too much time on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? Everybody has to make decisions about how they use social media. Most bloggers share posts via social media. How many social media platforms should you use? There are so…
I’ve written a couple posts on the downside of being a homeowner. But an old friend on Facebook commented on a thread about selling. He said, “Dan, you should never sell your house.” Here’s why: It can create a smart…
One way of sticking to your goals is to write about the journey. I believe we should write or blog regularly. I think it’s key to making positive changes in our lives. As a minimalist, I think we should do…
The Facebook world is not the real world. I remember when I first joined Facebook. It was fascinating to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. Then I started writing. My friends supported me. So what if I made more friends?…
I don’t like to talk politics on Hip Diggs, but I believe we can make a strong political statement through the action of simple living. That statement could spread, creating positive changes that could change the face of the nation.…
The holiday season is almost here. You’ve probably noticed that most major department stores already have their Christmas items on display. That’s no accident. Each year it seems like they push Christmas on us a little earlier. They want you…
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about clutter busting. I don’t care how minimalist and committed you are, clutter has a way of creeping back into our lives. As I look around my own house right now, I see too…
When I first started Hip Diggs, I told you that I was starting the site as a way to log my own simple journey. To an extent, I’ve done that. In the future, I’ll be documenting my simple journey even…
Each year, I set a few goals. I prefer simple goal setting rather than going big. Often, I see people trying to change the world in a day. That won’t work. If you overdo your goals, you’re more likely to…
The moment of truth is now very, very close. I’ve signed the contract with my real-estate agent, she’s taken the photos, and the house will be listed this week. It’s both exciting and a little scary. Yikes! Selling my house…
So you want to write a book? What’s holding you back? Chances are high that you make one of these three standard excuses: I don’t have enough time I don’t know what to write about I’m not a good enough…
Understanding the concepts of simple living lends itself well to many areas of our lives. Take writing, for instance, choosing the right words is important. We need to be specific and accurate. The spaces we leave matter, too. White space…
It’s a phrase that’s been used as long as we could speak: What if? It can be used in both positive and negative contexts. But what if we stopped saying what if? I’ll admit that I can be a bit…
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks about? Does a dog worry? Does a dog wonder? Perhaps, but more likely, a dog just acts, automatically by intuition. Want simple? Humans could learn a lot from dogs. My dog, Shep:…
How far do you live from your work? How far do you live from the closest grocery store? If you’re in the city, suburbs, or a small town, you should consider walking and biking as a mode of transportation. You’ll…
Have you ever visualized yourself living in a small, simple, minimally furnished home? I sure have. And when I visualize living with less stuff, I begin to slowly get rid of things. Visualization is another strategy to help you reach…
The fact that minimalism gives us more time to spend with the ones we love is great. But what about the ones who create problems? How do we deal with an unwelcome guest? It’s happened to everyone at some point.…
Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t want? What do you do? You like to live simple. The unwanted gift doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Do you keep it? Or is it okay to let it go? I used…
Do you struggle with clutter? Is it hard for you to let things go? I used to hold on to much more than I really needed, but I discovered a secret to simple living: Unownership. In this article What Is…
I hear my daughter, Annie, talking about what she wants in life. She already knows the traditional American Dream. She wants a nice house with a swimming pool and a sports car and… We’ve all been taught to want more…
Back in August of 2015, I announced that I would be creating an online simple-living course. Then everybody created one. Now the idea feels uncreative. The plan was to start the course in January of 2016. But I needed a larger…
We’ve been convinced that our basic needs include a plethora of conveniences. Think about your basic needs for a minute. Most of the things you consider needs today didn’t even exist 150 years ago. Let’s rethink basic. Today’s post is…
It feels to me like some folks think that turning minimalist will make them happy. But happiness isn’t achieved. Just as we won’t gain happiness from buying stuff, we also won’t gain happiness by eliminating stuff. Would a dining room…
Remember that old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed: Try, try, try again. This is age-old wisdom, but we need to add something important into the mix. William Edward Hickson was a British educational writer. He lived from 1803-1870.…
You can learn a lot about minimalism when you travel. If you practice traveling light, you’re already learning the basic concepts of being minimalist. I travel several times each year. Vacations, weekend getaways, conferences, and job interviews all require planning…
I travel several times a year. As a moderate minimalist, I’ve learned to travel light. You don’t have to limit yourself to one set of clothes, but there are ways you can travel with only one or two small bags.…
Have you seen them? Those adorable little transformable apartments? You can move the walls around and create different rooms. Ingenious, right? Not so fast. Let’s be honest. What’s a transformable apartment? It’s another idea in a line of ideas for…
I lived in small spaces through most of my 20s and 30s. I’m talking 100-300 square feet. I warmly refer to those days as my trailer days. Living in a trailer isn’t so bad. Sure, it’s a small space, but…
What do toxic people have to do with slimming your schedule? More than might first meet the eye. Toxic people cause problems that eat up your time. Don’t get me wrong, I love people. But if someone proves themselves to…
Do you ever work too hard, play too hard, or stay up too late? Sometimes I find myself burning the midnight oil, staying up too late for a few nights in a row. Here’s the problem: Too little sleep will…
Do you struggle with getting things done? Maybe your house is more cluttered than you’d like it to be. Or perhaps you don’t get enough exercise. You can trick your brain into action by doing things in tiny chunks. I’ve…
This is a blog about simple living, minimalism, and decluttering. I’m supposed to be ruthless about letting stuff go. But sometimes you want to think twice before you give something away. Today, we’ll look at a few questions to ask…
Note: Today’s post is the last in a short series of guest posts at Hip Diggs, by Emily McDermott. I am lucky that I have a Goodwill Donation Center two miles away from my house. In beginning days of my…
Are you creative? If you are, you’ll love The Creative Side. I believe that simple living and creativity are closely related. When we simplify our lives, we have more time and energy to practice the creative arts. Photo Credit Before…
When was the last time you gave something away? When was the last time you intentionally helped those with less than you? You can turn this Thanksgiving into a Thanks Give Away. What’s a thanks give away? It’s simply giving…
One of my goals for 2016 was to plant and grow a bigger garden. I was off to a good start. I enlarged the size of my garden last fall. I planted more vegetables in the spring. I kept my…
A little over a year ago I stopped using sugar in my coffee. A few months later I almost stopped drinking coffee altogether. I started drinking tea. I’ve been drinking more tea ever since. I’ve been more of a coffee…
Can you tame want? Over the years, I’ve bought many things that I don’t really need. I’m sure most of you have, too. After all, many of us have been raised in an instant-gratification culture. We’re constantly bombarded with visions…
I know we’re not all dealt the same cards. And I understand that there are a lot of roadblocks on the path to success. But as long as we operate from an external locus of control, we’ll continue to falter.…
My daughter, Annie, recently bought a Samsung tablet with some money that she’d saved. She loves it. She might love it a bit too much. I could be the bad guy and put heavier restrictions on her tablet time, but…
When you sell your house, chances are high that the buyer will be getting a home inspection. After all, a bank doesn’t want to loan money for a house that is in complete disrepair. I’ve made a lot of updates…
At the beginning of the summer, I posted about my seasons of discontent. The premise of that post was that we all go through times when we question ourselves, our motives, and our actions. That struggle is real. As the…
Do you think in all or nothing terms? Do things have to be one way or the other? If you think this way, and many people do, it’s dangerous. Black and white thinking can lead to poor decisions and extreme…
When I was a kid, I was the child victim of an extreme religious cult. I worked 60-80 hours a week. I was required to take a daily shower. It made sense because we were digging ditches and shoveling horse…
Does it feel like you’re always rushing? Are meetings, appointments, commitments and family responsibilities becoming too much to juggle? Stop rushing. Rushing leads to stress. Stress can lead to health problems. There are many ways to slow down, but you…
Many of us start a collection at some point in life. It starts when you’re a kid: marbles, dolls, sports cards. For some, it becomes a problem as an adult. Starting a collection might seem like a good hobby, but…
It’s spring again! Are you ready to clear the clutter that’s gathered all winter? It’s not always easy. Tackling cluttered messes can feel overwhelming. There’s hope. Today, I’m sharing 7 spring cleaning tips. You might be surprised. Many people struggle…
I grew up loving sports. As a young boy, I watched sports on TV almost every day. I still like some sports, but I stopped watching more than an occasional game on TV years ago. Sports are American traditions. Baseball,…
In today’s consumer-driven environment it’s easier than ever to buy stuff. Most Americans buy too much stuff. Do you have a set of criteria for making buying decisions? You should. If you don’t, it’s too easy to spend, spend, spend.…
In today’s world it’s cool to be busy. You get praised for hustle and being on the fast-track to success. But speed can slow you down in the long run. Photo by Deccio Creative I’ve been writing and blogging for…
Since focusing on primarily writing over at my other blog, danerickson.net, I’ve been continuing to write a bunch of new minimalist music under the name Anderhill. It was my hope that the traffic at my Dan Erickson blog would increase…
If you follow my Facebook Page, you may have noticed some posts about changes coming to Hip Diggs. If you don’t follow the Facebook Page, I’ll fill you in now. I recently changed the name of my Facebook Page from…
Staying active can be tricky. If you’ve slacked off on your exercise routine, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people start exercising only to get off track. But there are steps you can take to get back, and stay…
With the holiday season among us, here’s a friendly reminder for you to skip the madness and ban Black Friday. You might think your getting great deals, but you’re still spending, spending, spending. I’ve rarely shopped on Black Friday. The…
I’ve always lived simply. I was a child victim of an extreme cult. We lived simply, with only the stark necessities. In my twenties, I chose to live simply in a 20-foot trailer. I rode a bicycle as my primary…
Does life seem too complicated? Would you like to simplify your life? There are many ways to get started at making life easier. It all starts with you. Learn 10 strategies to simplify your life, exclusively at Hip Diggs. In…
Until recently, I hadn’t purchased any new clothes for almost two years. I purposely let my wardrobe dwindle. In the past, I’ve had as many as 20 sets of clothes. I never wore half of them, so I gave that…
When I was kid, our family lived a couple of miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Through my teens and twenties I lived close to the Puget Sound. I’ve spent my share of time at the beach. We can learn some…
When I was younger I had great expectations and dreams. I wanted to be a rock and roll star. I envisioned fancy mansions, cars, lots of exotic travel, and millions of dollars in the bank. It took awhile to get…
Do you want to live a more healthy lifestyle? Have you tried to lose weight only to find yourself getting frustrated? Do you get confused by all the fad diets. Do you wonder what kind of exercise program is best…
I don’t wave my faith around like a flag. But occasionally I like to give credit where I believe it’s due. I don’t claim that any one belief is better than another. It’s just my belief that trusting in God…
When I first started blogging back in 2011, I wanted to make $1,000,000 as a blogger. But my motivations have changed. Sure, I’d like to become financially independent. I’d like to sell more copies of my books. But what I…
It’s been a long summer already. Moving wore me out. I’m ready for a week off. We’ll be spending some time by the ocean for some much needed rest and relaxation. In the past, I’ve posted about the importance of…
The first thing you need to decide is simple: what is you acceptable level of clutter? Many minimalists like zero clutter. I think that’s too high a bar. A little clutter is not a bad thing. Let’s be realistic. Nobody…
I’ve always been one to like change and variety. So once in awhile I’ll rearrange things in my home. Moving furniture can make your place feel fresh and new. Or repurposing a space can add variety. But rearranging stuff can…
“Why does love have to be so complicated?” You’ve likely said, thought, or heard someone else say those words. The truth is, real love is not complicated. It’s our romantic visions of love that get in the way. We often…
I grew up poor. My family had little money. My dad was the pastor of a small-town church. My mom was a stay-home mom. We didn’t go hungry, but we didn’t have an abundance either. I remember wearing hand-me-down rags…
I don’t live in a tiny house with less than 100 things. I do try to keep my home simple. My daughter’s still living at home, so my living room includes a piano and a television. Come on in for…
Have you ever spent too much time thinking about something? When you put too much focus on your problems, life gets more stressful. Thinking too much, leads to a cluttered mind. Overthinking complicates life. Overthinking is usually rooted in fear…
I’ve been blogging and writing for years. I’ve noticed something. The popular bloggers set the trends. The lesser-known bloggers copy the popular bloggers. Ideas get regurgitated over and over and over. But what would happen if we stopped following trends?…
I’m excited about my latest music project, Numbers. I don’t usually post much about my creative work at Hip Diggs. I save that work for my other blog, The Creative Side. But the Numbers project is different. I recently completed a 12-song…
Occasionally, I like to write a creative piece at Hip Diggs. If you’ve been over to my personal blog at www.danerickson.net, you know I write fiction, poetry, and music. Today’s post is a poem contemplating two extremes: Nothing Or Everything?…
It’s almost 2016! Have you made any resolutions? I haven’t and I won’t, unless you consider my annual statement of making no resolutions as a resolution. Here’s the deal! How many times have you made New Year’s resolutions only to…
Every year about this time I go to a family reunion. But it’s not really my family. They sort of adopted me. So I’d just like to remind you: never forget the importance of family, no matter who they are. …
I’ve seen some posts about decluttering your “fantasy self.” The premise goes something like this: All the unused stuff is part of a fantasy life you’ve created. Decluttering gets rid of the fantasy and allows the real you to shine…
I just got word today that our apartment will be ready tomorrow. I’ve also learned that the house sale will close on Monday. That means we have four days to move. Yup. Moving day is here. My daughter and I…
Sometimes minimalism can be taken to extremes. If your quest to live minimally keeps you awake or cold at night, you might be going too far. There’s a fine line between a minimalist lifestyle and having the things you need.…
This morning as I walked my old dog Shep, I saw a lady in a wheelchair lecturing herself. She was most likely homeless, and quite possibly a drug addict. I felt a little uncomfortable. Be honest. You probably would, too.…
I eat meat. I’m sorry if that offends some of you, but I was raised in a blue-collar, meat-and-potatoes kind of home. I have learned to eat less meat over the years. And even though I eat meat, I love…
You might not know it, but I write music as wells as words. Earlier this year, I made my first attempt at recording a minimalist music project. I came up with 14 songs I call The Minimalist Mixtape. You might wonder…
Do you take on too many responsibilities and projects? I’m guilty of doing that. I forget to make space for myself and my family. I forget to take time to relax and rejuvenate my spirit. Stop pushing so hard and…
When I go through periods of life when I feel like I’m not growing, I just look to nature. We can learn a lot about life, simplicity, and renewal by looking at the natural world. Lately, I’ve been feeling a…
Minimalism is simple. You just get rid of stuff and live with the bare necessities. But your needs look different if you live out in the sticks. Especially if you raise chickens, bees, and gardens. How can you make less…
What’s so great about minimalism? Why live a simple life? Why do we say less equals more? More of what? It’s simple. The less unnecessary stuff we have and do, the more time and money we’ll save. We’ll be able…
Do you have dreams? Are there things in life you want to accomplish, but you never seem to find the time? Maybe you want to open a business. Maybe you’d like to write a book. Maybe you want to run…
Do you desire lasting change? Have you tried to declutter only to find yourself buried in stuff? Have you tried to lose weight only to bounce back to being overweight? Have you made plans to change that did not come…
Learning how to relax is like anything else. You have to practice. It’s especially hard to keep calm in a fast-paced world. We’re trained to be constantly busy. But with a little practice, you can learn to be intentional about…
Today’s post is a guest post by Karen Trefzger. Asking “Does it spark joy?” may not help you with your clutter problem. Joshua Becker, who blogs at becomingminimalist has described how he became a minimalist about ten years ago. While wasting a beautiful…
Decluttering and downsizing are not quick fixes. Becoming a minimalist overnight isn’t very practical. I look at minimalism as a longterm plan. I’m figuring out how to downsize for life as I go. With a little work, you can, too.…
Have you ever been overwhelmed by the sales tactics of some blogs? Popup screens, signup boxes, sidebars filled with ads, they all clutter your reading experience. As a blogger, I’ve played with several approaches to selling my products and services.…
Living in the past won’t get you anywhere. Learning from your past can help you take the next step of your journey. It’s okay to take a glance back at where you’ve been. It’s okay to study your mistakes so…
Halloween can be a fun holiday. Even so, sometimes we have ghosts in our lives that are all too real. You can’t let your past dictate your present. If you have some old ghosts, you need to set them free.…
I took my TV down earlier this year. I’ll admit, I didn’t leave it down. I have an 11-year old. If it were just me, I’d get rid of my TV for good. Have you ever thought to get rid…
Have you ever done something that you knew you shouldn’t have? Of course you have. We all have. I recently tried and failed at something. The thing is this: I knew better in the first place. I failed to think…
Uncertainty always lingers. It doesn’t matter how sure of ourselves we are. There will always be things that are out of our control. Uncertainty can hold you back. But there are some ways to move forward even in the face…
Everybody thinks they have to join a gym or start a regular running routine to stay in shape. It’s a lie. There are really only two simple rules for exercise now. California Coast: Photo by Dan Erickson There are hundreds…
If we claim to be minimalists, there are certain ethical guidelines we should follow. I’ve never been one for setting rules for minimalism, but some basic ethics may be in order from time to time. Recently, I turned down $100…
We’re told that we shouldn’t eat out very often. I’ve even suggested that a time or two at Hip Diggs. But sometimes eating out is better than eating at home. Lately, life has been busy for me. I’m a single…
I’m currently living is a modest three-bedroom home. I found it for a great price in a good neighborhood. The timing was right. So I bought. But I’m looking forward to downsizing my home. I’ll explain why… Big houses are…
On New Year’s Day, I opened up the discussion at Hip Diggs. I believe that discussion is an important prerequisite to change. Change is what Hip Diggs is about. I started this blog as a personal simple-living blog. Now I’d…
Do you keep a schedule? Are you able to get done what you want to get done? Being disciplined is an art. It’s something we have to plan. That disciplined art starts with less. I’m quick to admit that I…
One year ago today, I wrote what I consider the first Hip Diggs’ blog post. It was a challenge to myself and my audience to live simple. Today, I’d like to look back at that post to see how much…
I’ve been blogging about simple living and minimalism for a few years now. It’s something I’m passionate about. My blog has become a personal journey and an exercise in writing. That’s all good stuff. But there’s a dichotomy involved in…
Today would have been my dad’s 83rd birthday. He passed away in 2010. I never recognized it growing up, but my dad never cared too much for stuff. He was a minimalist long before it was a thing. Okay, my…
Just to get one thing straight from the start, I’m not talking about human babies. I’m talking about your creative works. Creative minimalists are willing to kill their own creative works. I’ve been a creative person all my life. Ever…
I try to keep life pretty simple. I live in a modest home and drive an economical car. My home has less material stuff in it than most people’s homes. Some would even call me a minimalist. But I’ve got…
We all work hard for our money. So sometimes it’s hard to part with it. Often, we find ourselves buying cheap goods. In the end, cheap costs too much. When you choose quality, you save money and more. Have you…
I rediscovered the other day that some people tend to jump to conclusions, judge, and get angry about things that they don’t really understand. In my last post, Rehoming (or Fostering Out) Our Good Ol’ Dog, Shep?, the response over at my…
At the end of 2018, I was done posting regularly at Hip Diggs. And I am. However, I am going to continue to post, but only when I have something new to say about my own journey to live more…
Recently, I made an offer on a little condominium. It needed some new paint and carpet, but it was cute. Still, I didn’t follow through. In today’s post, I’ll explain why. The real estate market is hot in my region…
A few years ago, I learned about something called a boxing party. It’s a simple concept. You box up the majority of your material belongings. Then you store them in your basement or your garage for a few months. In…
I write. Do you? Hip Diggs isn’t a blog about writing, but since writing is something I do, I like to include an occasional post about writing or blogging. If you get writer’s block, I have an easy cure. Writer’s…
Part of simple living is doing all things in moderation. But it’s easy to get swept up with something once in awhile. I still occasionally find myself doing an occasional binge. But an occasional binge can lead to problems. I’m…
As a blogger, I experiment with different forms of media. I work to create beautiful things. Today, I want to share my first SlideShare presentation with you. Minimalism: makes life more beautiful. Minimalism: makes life more beautiful from Dan Erickson…
I’ve been getting my house prepped for selling. Honestly, it’s still my intention to sell my house. Yet, I’m hesitating. Today, I’ll explain why: Currently, the real estate market in my town, Yakima Washington, is hot. I’m not sure why,…
If selling my house has taught me one thing, it’s that sometimes we have to act fast. When the offers started coming in, I had to quickly review and decide if it was something I wanted to consider. Fortunately, in…
Earlier this year I started adding more posts about minimalism in photography, landscape, and music at Hip Diggs. I’ve even mixed in some of my own creative works to offer you more variety. Today, I’d like to offer you descriptions…
Remember when you were in high school? You had to buy the right clothes to fit in. You had to hang with the right people to be cool. You were constantly concerned with your image. Remember trying to impress others?…
How do you find relaxation? Do you listen to soothing music. Do you drink hot tea? Do you pray and meditate? Maybe you find relaxation in gardening, writing, or knitting. These are all good options. Many people choose alternative ways…
I bought a house about 4 years ago. People told me that it’s a smart investment. They said I’d get a bigger tax write-off. They told me I’d gain equity. There are days I like being a homeowner. But there…
I’m writing this post at the risk of sounding unAmerican. Why do we eat until we can barely walk at Thanksgiving? Really. Does it make sense? It’s unhealthy. It’s gluttonous. It’s a waste. You can have a good meal without…
As a minimalist, I’m wrestling with the problem of time. How does time fit into the minimalist equation? Time is not the same as minimalist art or minimalism in architecture. Simple living does something amazing. It opens up more time…
I’ve been blogging for several years. I’ve been a minimalist most of my life. It took me awhile to see how the two could come together. I’ve reached that point. Still, this leads to further questions. How do minimalism, blogging,…
How many times have you bought something without truly needing it? How much more do you have than your parents did? We live in a culture that teaches to fear not enough. We’re constantly told we need more. Don’t buy…
We can learn a lot from our canine friends. I’ve learned a lot from my dog, Shep. I’ve learned about loyalty. I’ve learned about determination. I’ve learned about minimalism. My simple dog Shep has taught me a few things. Dogs…
I was much more conservative when I was younger. I thought the world and my religion had a strict set of rules that I had to follow. But fundamentalist thinking only led me down a road to closed-mindedness and fear.…
If you follow Hip Diggs, you know I struggle a little with the term minimalist. Sometimes, I feel like I own too much to be a minimalist. I’ve gone as far as considering myself a pragmatist or a moderate minimalist.…
How do you achieve something? You work toward it. You earn it. Right? And routines are made to help you reach your goals. That’s not always true. Every morning you get up, make your bed, and wash your face. Then…
I don”t really meditate in the traditional sense. But I make a point to quiet my mind every day. It only takes a few minutes and it can help you gain a greater sense of peace. Life can be stressful.…
Have you tried to create change in your life only to fall short? Maybe you want to live with less stuff. Perhaps you’re trying to lose weight. Or maybe you want to learn a new skill. The reason you may…
When I was a kid, I worked on a farm. Part of my experience included planting and maintaining vegetable gardens. This past spring I did something I haven’t done for many years. I planted a garden at home. I found…
How many times have you met somebody who lives by the things that they own? Many people try to base who they are on what they buy. That’s not personality. That’s boring. Personality is what you do, how you treat…
Today, I want to encourage you to let something go. Actually, I’d like to encourage you to let three things go: one possession, one excessive activity, and one negative habit. When you’re done, you’ll have at least one less thing…
All my life I was told that I should buy a house. So in 2013, I did. Oh, the pride! What is it they say about pride? It cometh before the fall? Since owning a home for over five years,…
I love to hike. Getting out in nature is always good for the body and the mind. I also like to run. Running is meditative and allows me to clear my head. But neither of these activities are the most…
One way to keep life more simple is to start each day out right. If you have morning routines that deal with predictable stressors, you’ll simplify your life. I’m not going to lie. Mornings can suck for a single parent.…
I’ve been thinking a lot about money matters lately. No, I’m not thinking about how I want to make more money. I’m not thinking about how I can save more money. I’ve been thinking about how money keeps us from…
Just because we want to live simply doesn’t mean we should swear off all modern conveniences. Whether it’s a microwave, a dishwasher, a dryer, or a car, there’s a downside to going without some modern conveniences. Some people take pride…
Last week, The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn, and Ryan Nicodemus, started a podcast. Today, I’ll do a short review of their first podcast, including a response to their mention of Hip Diggs, children, and minimalism. In this article History In…
Just because I’ll be done posting at Hip Diggs soon doesn’t mean I’ll quit making minimalist music. I have no problem with minimalism as an art form. It’s minimalism as a lifestyle that I’m abandoning. I explain why in these…
I’ve been in people’s houses who have cluttered bathrooms. They keep shelves full of stuff in the bathroom. The bathroom counter is cluttered. The floor is a mess. Sometimes it’s so dirty, I hesitate to use it. I believe in…
Lately, something has been stirring deep within my soul. There’s a sleeping giant that is waking. The giant has always been there, has always been part of who I am. Its name is minimalism and the journey continues. At the…
You know, I’ve just about had enough of people calling minimalism a lifestyle. It’s not. Minimalism is an art. Simple is a lifestyle. Ah, a stereotypical minimalist photo: A MacBook Air on a sleek white desktop with a white background.…
Do you want to write a book? Do you dream of having a bestseller? Do you want a great blog to support your writing? What does it take? Persistence. Never give up! Hip Diggs encourages you to take a chance…
It might seem like an odd time to start talking about the new year, but that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Not next year, but the year after that. In the future, I’ll be inviting you to join me…
Letting go can be hard. Whether it’s something we once considered a prize possession or whether it’s a relationship that’s run it’s course, letting go is a challenge. How do we know when to let go? What if it we…
When things get too busy, we get stressed. Stress is unhealthy. I’ve been evaluating my own life lately. Like many of you, I’ve been running too fast, too hard. But I’ve got a plan to get less busy. Do you…
For me, the biggest draw toward minimalism is space. Yes, I believe in owning and doing less. But it’s the space that comes from living minimally that I love. Landscape was the first factor in my minimalist journey. Photo by…
You may not want to hear this, but minimalism and simple living take discipline. Have you ever wondered why it’s hard to unclutter and keep your life and space simple and free? It’s a discipline. And discipline takes time. My…
I’ve been keeping a journal in one form or another for the last 30 years. It’s made me a better writer. It’s also put me more in touch with my own feelings and goals. It’s led to writing several books…
I’m a single guy. So I’ve tried out a couple of the free Internet dating sites. I’ve started dozens of conversations and even met and dated a few of the women that I’ve met online. It’s a whole new world.…
The majority of Hip Diggs’ visitors come from the United States, but I’ve noticed an international trend toward minimalism, too. About 10-20% of my visitors come from England, Australia, Canada, and many European countries. In fact, a few months ago,…
If you’ve ever followed my other blog, www.danerickson.net, you know that I write in many genres. I write fiction, poetry, lyrics, and more. So today, as the final post to a 20-post series, I thought I’d finish up with a…
Have you ever taken time to ask yourself what’s really important in your life? Is it your job? Your hobbies? Your social life? Or is it something else? One thing that’s really important for me is self-evaluation. Sometimes we start…
I’m not the most patient person in the world. I struggle to want things to happen quickly. Whether it’s driving in city traffic or simplifying my living space, I want to be there now! But it’s not just me. “Hurry…
Let’s add screen doors to the list of household items I can do without. I’m constantly annoyed with them every time I come home with anything in my hands. This household peeve might be my biggest yet. Notice something about…
I don’t like to have too much stuff. But I don’t like to not have what I need either. Living with less is good. Most Americans have way more than they need. But living with almost nothing is silly. I’m…
How many things have you purchased that are made in China or one of several other countries that might employ children? Too many to count? It’s almost impossible to not buy things made under questionable child-labor practices. Still, not only…
It’s that time of year again. Time for the marketers to sell you cheap Chinese products that your kids will use once and then throw away. It’s time to give kids loads of sugar and hope they don’t get any…
Sometimes, at the end of a day of teaching, after all the students leave, I take a moment of silence. In an empty classroom, I pause to be thankful for what I get to do in this life. Do you…
Material gift giving is okay within some given limits. Still, a better gift is simply to give love. This year, I encourage you to give love instead of stuff you buy from a store. Each year, the Christmas season comes…
A couple of weeks ago I announced that Hip Diggs will not be creating an online course for 2017. So what will Hip Diggs be doing other than publishing consistent, high-quality content? Games? Contests? A bookstore? I’m glad you asked.…
A few weeks ago I got an email that got me so excited I had to read it twice. “I’d like to create an iPhone app for Hip Diggs,” were the words written on my screen. Wow! I was excited.…
There’s a reason some people accomplish more than others. It’s simple: ultra-productive people have learned the ability to focus on one thing at a time. They understand how to channel their energy into whatever project they’re currently working on. Get…
I used to be nervous about putting my writing out in public. But I learned to become fearless about my writing. Good writing is a skill, but becoming fearless about it is an attitude. Becoming fearless isn’t always easy. It…
It’s not about who can get rid of the most stuff. It’s not about living with less to find happiness. It’s not about living in the tiniest house. It’s about knowing the value of enough. If you follow minimalist blogs,…
One reason I sometimes dislike labels, like liberal, conservative, and even minimalist and traditional, is that they separate. They divide. Whenever we create division, we forget to consider others’ paths. Everyone has had their own struggles. Labels lead to having…
Do you get frustrated when you don’t meet your own expectations? Do you aim for perfection? Writers often face writer’s block because they aim too high. They expect too much. Don’t. When we embrace imperfection, we get one step closer…
Hip Diggs promotes listening to music and reading books. They’re both creative and intelligent ways to spend your time. But rather than owning stacks of books and hundreds of CDs, you could digitize your collections. I used to own nearly…
Recently, someone told me that I deserve my 3-bedroom home, my newish car, and my middle-class lifestyle. They told me that I’ve worked hard for it and therefore I deserve it. But what if I actually deserve less? We’ve all…
If your house gets cluttered quickly, there’s an easy solution. It’s not hard and it only takes a few minutes a day. It’s simply making sure to complete some simple daily tasks. Photo by Deccio Creative The photo above is…
Have you ever noticed how curious kids are? They always want to know how things work. They endlessly ask you why you do what you do. They have a healthy sense of curiosity. Have you also noticed that many people…
Have you ever started an exercise program only to burn out and quit? I think it’s happened to most everybody at some point. I’ve discovered the key to overcoming this problem. Practice creative exercise. What is creative exercise? It’s less about…
In order to get more people thinking about simple living and minimalism, we need to keep the conversation going. Starting in January, 2016, the conversation is coming to Hip Diggs. You might wonder why I’ve had the comments closed at…
If you like tiny houses, you’ve probably seen homes made out of shipping containers. It seems like a pretty cool idea. And some of the container homes I’ve seen are works of art. But do container homes really make sense?…
When I grew up it was traditional to own a coffee table. Most people kept their coffee tables right in front of their couch. When I got my first apartment I thought a coffee table was a must. Now I…
Many bloggers write holiday posts. I’m no exception. I usually write several posts each year about keeping Christmas simple. This year, I’m not going to focus on simplifying Christmas. Read on to find out why. Of course I believe we…
Are you happy? Really happy? Or does it seem like you spend your life chasing happiness? “If you chase happiness, it will always be one step ahead of you, if you choose contentment, there is nowhere to run.” – Daniel…
Driving a car is overrated. Sure, it’s convenient. It can be fun. Sometimes it’s necessary. I went 10 years without a car. I learned that going carless has many benefits. In my 20s, I made an intentional decision to stop…
I bought my first house about five years ago. I like my house, but if I had it to do over again I might have waited it out until I found something a little different. Let’s look at 10 things…
Do you have a bad habit you want to bust? Whether it’s chewing your nails, smoking, drinking, or eating cake at midnight, you can stop! And in the end you’ll wind up with something better. Why do we start bad…
Are you a writer? Have you started a blog? I believe that every writer should start a blog. If you’re just writing for personal or therapeutical reasons, that’s one thing. But if you want to share your work, start a…
What if you were to die today? How much stuff would you leave behind. How much unfinished business would your next of kin have to deal with? Would you have a bunch of unpaid bills? Will you leave a big…
Do you struggle to get rid of stuff? Even if it’s something you never use? Grief is something we all have to deal with. When we let things go, we’re losing something. We grieve. It’s coming to terms with that…
We all know people who intentionally live life to the fullest. They’re authentic. They’re not afraid to speak their mind. They’re not afraid to take chances. They have the courage to be the person they truly want to be. You…
A few years ago I was in the midst of a divorce and custody battle. I was a full-time parent. And I was working overtime. Stress was high. I was feeling some fear and anxiety. So I went to see…
If you want to start on the path to being clutter-free, you need to understand why you have clutter. Analyzing the reasons behind the clutter is the key to getting rid of the clutter. Does you house look like this?…
We hear the term, “It runs in his blood,” all the time. Whether we’re talking of sports, music, success, or intelligence, people say, “it runs in the blood.” Sometimes other things can run in the blood, too. Recently, I was diagnosed…
You’ve seen the pictures. Minimalist interior design porn. You know what I’m talking about. The million dollar homes dripping with space, furnished sparsely with the most expensive furniture money can buy. If you’re like me, you can’t afford that kind…
As a blogger, I like to share what I’ve learned about writing. As one who lives simple, I like to apply simplicity to writing. Sometimes the most simple and straight-forwad messages get the most attention. I once got a job…
So you’ve heard about this thing called minimalism and you think it’s right for you. But you don’t know where or how to start. There’s a lot of different advice out there. Here’s my simple guide. Before we get into…
Starting a blog is exciting. Owning your blog is even more exciting. There are different ways to start a blog. Some blogs are free. Some blogs will cost you a small amount to start and maintain. They’re called self-hosted blogs.…
We’ve been in our new apartment for about six weeks now. That’s long enough to make some evaluations as to why I’ll likely choose apartment living over homeownership for some time to come. Before I touch on 5 specific reasons…
At the beginning of 2015, I made 5 promises. I posted five simple goals for the year. Today, I’ll review the results. I’ll tell you up front: I didn’t succeed at all of my goals. I’m human, right? But I…
It’s the time of the year when we celebrate thankfulness. We’ve been told throughout our lives that having gratitude is important. It is. It can also make life easier. Today, I discuss 4 ways gratitude makes life more simple. I’ll…
We often fear change. But we shouldn’t. Taking chances and facing change head on will make you a stronger and more open-minded person. These 25 reasons to stop fearing change are geared to help you see the positive side of…
Have you ever chickened out on something you really wanted to do? Were you afraid of unknown outcomes? I think most everybody has decided against something due to fear. But you might miss out on a great opportunity. I didn’t…
Another year is just around the corner. Everybody is busy making New Year’s resolutions. I’m not big fan of New Year’s resolutions. I believe in making positive changes every day, all year long. I think we should continually try to…
In 2005, shortly after my daughter was born, I decided to buy myself a nice coat. I drove to the Filson flagship store in Seattle and bought a Weekender. 14 years later it’s still going strong. But it was starting…
If you want to live more simply, you have to create new habits. Habits are created over a period of time. Today, I’ll teach you how to create a minimalist habit in 14 days. Living a minimalist lifestyle is not…
Simple living has it’s rewards. So rather than pushing rules on you and suggesting that you declutter and get rid of stuff, today I’ll just share 10 beautiful outcomes. When we make intentional choices to live simply, there are some…
Have you ever been frustrated about a situation that seems to be changing too slowly? You wish things would just get done already. Fast change isn’t usually the best change. When you let change come slowly, it’s more likely to…
Do you believe that prayer can make your home more simple? It can. I’m not religious. This post is not a one-religion-fits-all post. I believe that simple prayer can be universal. No matter what religion you believe in, prayer brings…
As one who practices simple living, I’ve discovered that the need to feel in control of our lives is our biggest barrier to finding happiness and success. When we let go, we break that barrier. If we accept that we cannot…
There are a lot of people blogging about minimalism these days. That’s good. I hope they’re all making strides to live with less. I’ve been practicing simple living the majority of my life. Part of living simple includes blogging simple.…
You might think the title of this post is a contradiction. It’s not. When we look deep into the problem of why people don’t complete tasks, we find the biggest excuse is this: “I’m too busy.” The answer is simple.…
Have you ever gone on a diet only to fail? Have you ever tried to cut out sugar, meat, or flour, only to crave it so bad that you wind up binging? I don’t believe in diets. They rarely work.…
I’ve stayed away from money posts for a reason. I’m in debt. I’m no different than most Americans, but I’ve made some changes to beat the odds. I stopped using credit cards. In this post, I encourage you to cut…
The sales are on. People are rushing to get the deals. It’s the biggest shopping day of the year. Are you going to join the masses? If so, who are you buying for? Why are you buying? Half of all…
There seems to be some dichotomies involved in minimalism. Would a minimalist grow their hair long to save money or keep it short for low maintenance? I’ve been thinking about ways personal hygiene fits into minimalist living. I’ve come up…
Music has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. Through the years, I’ve played a variety of instruments and written hundreds of songs. I’d even go as far to say that songwriting has been my therapist.…
Why a simple calendar? Because it’s nice to be able to relax at home. It’s good to have more time for your loved ones and friends. It’s great to be able to be more productive. A simple calendar will free…
It might sound like a drastic move, but I’m in the process of getting my house ready to sell so that I can pay off consumer debt. I’ve already packed up about 70% of my belongings, and of course, I’m…
Can we predict our own future? Some psychologists think we can. It’s called a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you still have more stuff than you’d like in your home, but you have a minimalist mindset, you could be predicting your own…
For some crazy reason people think minimalism is something new. It’s not. It’s just a new term for simple living. And it’s been going on forever. In fact, I was rolling my tee-shirts long before Marie Kondo’s, The Life-Changing Magic…
I’m rethinking everything about my place on the Internet. I’ve been writing about simplicity and minimalism for the last several years. But I’m beginning to question whether I’m actually doing any good. I love writing. I love the ideas behind…
I’m not sure how long it’s been going on. This is the first year I’ve noticed a thing called Spring Black Friday. Really? Do we really need a second Black Friday? It’s time to resist. With a little research, I…
Minimalists talk a lot about giving things away. If you don’t use it, let it go. Not so fast. Have you ever gotten rid of something that you could have used later? Sometimes it makes more sense to repurpose things…
Today, I’m writing from a beautiful place. It’s one of many beautiful places I like to visit. I’m looking out at the water of the Port Townsend Bay. It’s rejuvenating. Photo by Dan Erickson I often write about the importance…
I’m getting closer to taking a big step. A few months ago I announced that I was going to sell my house. I’ve hesitated a little, but the plan is still to sell. The moment of truth is coming soon…
Life can get busy. I get it. I’m a single dad with a career. But just because life is busy doesn’t mean we have to eat crappy food. We all know what fast food is. Today, I want to talk…
You’ve likely heard about being present. The idea is simple: Don’t dwell upon the past. Stop worrying about the future. Don’t let your emotions control your behavior. It’s simple, right? Not always. The other day I was doing a load…
I’ve been blogging about minimalism and simple living for nearly three years. I’ve told you about my life and how I try to keep things simple. Now I’m going to start showing you, too. Starting today, I’ll be adding more…
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about my best clothing purchase ever. Over the years, I’ve decided that my Patagonia WindShirt is another great purchase. Here’s why… Photo by Dan Erickson It’s spring and my Patagonia WindShirt…
Do you need an over 50 workout? I used to hit the gym pretty hard in my 20s and 30s. I ran 20-30 miles a week in my 40s. Burnout and injuries always put me into an exercise off-mode. I’d…
Minimalism isn’t for the closed-minded. It takes an open minded individual to truly embrace the idea of getting rid of half the stuff they own. Still, many of us struggle with having an open mind. What’s the answer? Have you…
We’ve spent the last six weeks talking about how we can practice minimalism. It’s time to talk more about the payoffs. There are many payoffs: time, money, space. Today, we’ll discuss one big payoff of minimalism. Minimalism and simple living…
Anything taken to an extreme is extreme. If we get so caught up with living with less that we take away things that make life easier, we miss the point. It’s okay to have some conveniences. Sometimes, it’s easy…
I’ve had carpet in nearly every home I’ve lived… until I bought my current place. When I shopped for a home, hardwood floors were near the top of my list as a must-have. I’m glad I stuck to my guns.…
When you’re creative, you’re constantly trying new things. I promote simple living, but I’m also creative at heart. That means I’ll be trying some new things at Hip Diggs this year. Photo by Dan Erickson I’ll be introducing a few…
There are a crapload of good reasons to live simple. It’s a good idea to live with less. It’s not bad to declutter. But nature shows us there’s a lot more to life than minimalism. I live in the Pacific…
Photo Credit Hip Diggs is a blog for you. It’s my goal to help you live a happier and healthier life. I want to help you find methods of stripping life down to the essentials. But this post is more…
Minimalism opens up room for creativity. There are many creative outlets you could choose. I choose music. Music can increase brainpower. Music is fun. Consider playing a musical instrument today. It’s no secret. I love playing musical instruments. I started…
Are you moving forward in your life? Are you taking steps to live simple? We can talk all day about clearing clutter and getting rid of unnecessary stuff. We can claim we’re going to become minimalists or pragmatists or whatever…
Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time for yourself? When was the last time you spent some quality time with your family? In today’s world, we can get bogged down with busyness. But it’s simple to make…
I teach public speaking courses. When we talk about human motivators, I ask my students what are some of the things they want most in life. Guess what the #1 answer is? That’s right… more money. It never fails. Every…
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate music that has a starkness about it; music that feels like wide open spaces. Minimalist music. Today, I’ll share a few of my favorite musicians, and a little of my own music. I’ve…
There are some articles on the Internet that claim minimalism is only for the affluent. I disagree. Minimalism is simple. Do less. Keep less. Live frugal. Minimalist blogging is being intentional and specific about your blogging choices. In this article Minimalist Blogging Is…
I may be a moderate minimalist, but one room that I keep super simple is my bedroom. It’s also one of the most peaceful rooms in my home. Today, I invite you to learn more detail about my minimalist bedroom.…
If you’re a minimalist without kids and you’re thinking about having kids, there’s something you should know. It’s hard to remain a minimalist with children in the mix. Kids take space. Kids have needs. Kids see what all their friends…
Some people say that minimalism is a lifestyle that only works for people who live alone. I somewhat agree. To truly practice minimalism takes a huge effort. When people live together, they bring differing levels of commitment to the table.…
Minimalists often focus on reducing physical possessions. What about digital devices? Should we live minimal digital? Think of how much stuff we can stuff into our devices. We can download 500 CDs into a microchip. We can keep an entire…
Too much media? It’s a common problem these days. Between TV, cable, radio, and of course, the Internet, it’s easy to be overstimulated. But there’s hope: anybody can put themselves on a media diet. Everyone is connected these days. Most…
It’s Fall. The leaves are falling. The chill of the coming winter is in the air. Thanksgiving and Christmas are here. It’s a beautiful time of year. But it can also be a dark time of the year for some…
I’m a musician. Lately, I’ve been doing some recording on a digital audio workstation. Think GarageBand. Somedays, I find myself stuck, playing and listening to the same eight measures over and over. It’s a loop. There’s a danger in loops.…
We often judge others. There are several ways we can judge a person. We can be critical of their image, their skills, their ideas, or their beliefs. But in many cases our judgment of others is simply a window into…
I’ve heard and seen people claim that Jesus was a minimalist. But the plain and simple truth is that Jesus was never a minimalist, nor would he ever be one. Why? Because minimalism is of this world. The argument goes…
If you’re truly a minimalist, you probably have an internal locus of control, at least in regard to minimalism. But that means you can adapt that same mindset to other areas of your life. I’m not a hardcore minimalist. I…
Last night the wind blew hard outside of my house. In the middle of the night I heard a crash. I figured it was the icicles falling from the roof. But when I woke up this morning, I found that…
I’m not a Jehovah’s Witness, but sometimes I think they’re onto something in regard to not celebrating holidays. They’ve managed to escape the over-commercialism that holidays bring. It puts the focus on relationships instead of stuff. If there’s one holiday…
Have you ever suffered a great loss? Most people have at some point in their lives. You may have lost the perfect job, a big investment, or even a loved one. How do you respond? What do you do? There…
Contrary to what some might believe, living simple does not mean living lazy. Most of us who seek more simplicity in our lives are doing so out of a desire to be happier, healthier, and more productive. A big part…
One of my neighbors never parks their car in the garage. Why? It’s too full of stuff. Another neighbor has a garage that’s meticulously organized. There’s plenty of room for the car, but there must be 30 feet of shelving…
If you want to live a simple life you need to learn to let go. Minimalists often talk about letting go of physical belongings. To find peace, you also need to let go of negative emotions and harbored resentment. Forgiveness…
Do you fear close relationships? Are you afraid you might lose control of your own life if you get too close to someone else? If you do, you’re not alone. There are millions of people who have a fear of…
We always hear people talk about stress. We associate stress with bad stuff: depression, too much work, divorce. But what if I told you that excitement and happiness can lead to stress, too. It can. It’s not good to get…
Do you struggle to keep a clean inbox? I know a lot of people who can’t keep up with their email. The same people often don’t return email. Why? Because they’re buried in email. But there is a way to…
Just because I blog about simple living, it doesn’t mean I’m a simple Simon. Living simple should not exclude an education. A dorm room is good place to learn to live simple, too. If you don’t get an education while…
Have you ever struggled with worry? It can be overwhelming. Worry is like rocking in a rocking chair to get to your destination. It doesn’t work. No matter how fast you rock, you stay in one place. We can begin…
My daughter just turned 12 years old last week. She’s a great kid, but she’s not a minimalist. She’s got entirely too much stuff and she wants more. I’d love it if Annie would live more simple, but I don’t…
I grew up dirt poor. My family was on government assistance. After high school, I couldn’t afford to go to college. I started working minimum wage jobs. Living like a pauper through my 20s and 30s taught me a few…
The digital age is great. We have easy access to so much more information than ever before. We can learn new things at the click of a button. But there’s a downside. We’re also easily distracted by digital clutter. How…
So you’ve learned to keep your home tidy. At least it looks tidy. But what about those deep places? You know what I’m talking about: the cluttered closet, the over-stacked basement, and the junk drawers. How do you go about…
As we get settled into our new place, it still feels like life is still too busy, too chaotic, and never quite complete. How do we deal with the busyness dilemma? I sure hope this changes and we begin to…
I wrote a post called, 5 Reasons The Tiny House Movement Is Doomed To Fail: And 5 Things We Can Do About It, back in January, 2016. It’s become the most controversial post on Hip Diggs. The post also has…
Do you ever wonder why clutter keeps creeping into your life? What if I told you it starts in your mind? It does. Our cluttered thoughts lead to our physical clutter. People often think of minimalism as “living small.” But…
As I wrap things up for another year at Hip Diggs, I’d like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year. May you always find peace and blessings, today, tomorrow, and forever. Remember, make this holiday less about…
Being frugal with our spending habits doesn’t mean we’re cheap. In fact, it’s by being intentional about the material things we buy that we can experience more. Buying less and traveling more is something I practice. Photo by Dan Erickson…
I was on the wrong path in my 20s. I worked a series of dead-end jobs. I drank too much alcohol. I smoked pot. I tried a variety of other illegal drugs. Most mornings, I woke up, took a few…
Stop telling me that debt is always bad. That’s black and white thinking. There are times when borrowing money is necessary for some of us. There are times it’s an investment. Borrowing money may have saved my daughter’s life. Debt…
Is there a formula for a good blog post? Not exactly, but I believe there are some basic elements to great blog posts. I don’t like the idea of a one-size-fits-all formula for blogging. I like originality. Still, if you’re…
It’s January! I know it’s a weird time of the year to write a post about riding a bicycle. But I’m not one to follow the crowd here at Hip Diggs. Last year, I started commuting to work by bike.…
What if we focused on gratitude all year long? What if we didn’t limit thankfulness to a season or special occasions? What kind of difference could we make in this world? Take some time to be thankful. I’m going to…
How many fad diets have you tried? Did they work? I’m not a fan of diet plans. I think they lock us into too many rules and regulations. Eating healthy boils down to common sense and moderation. My diet is…
I’m guilty. Although I’ve tried to eat healthy for the past several years, I still eat fast food on occasion. I live in America. There’s a fast-food joint on every other corner. When you’re busy, it’s so easy to stop…
Al McCullough, and his wife Shelly, made a bold move a couple of years ago. They sold almost everything they owned and moved to a foreign country. They also started a blog about their journey. Today, I visit with Al…
I’m a musician, a writer, an amateur photographer, and an artist wannabe. Do you notice anything about these hobbies? They’re all creative. I think everybody should consider practicing one creative hobby. If nothing else, at least give one a try.…
Reading has been an essential part of my quest to live more simply. Great writers can tell stories and paint pictures that stay with us for a lifetime. When I went back to college in my 30s, I started reading…
Although I like to exercise regularly, I don’t use a club or create an expensive routine to stay active. There are many things you can do to stay in shape without spending extra money on memberships or equipment. I’ve tried…
Another year has come and gone. The years sure seem to fly by, don’t they? I like to set a few simple goals each year. At the end of the year, I review my successes and failures. This year’s report…
Whether it’s stuff, a relationship, or a job, there comes a time when we need to let go. Part of my minimalist journey has been learning how to know when something is no longer useful. How do we decide when…
When I was in college, I was a regular napper. I’d find a quiet corner in the library between classes and take a 20-minute power nap. It did wonders. I woke up refreshed and ready to focus on my next…
It’s getting to be that time of the year again: Christmas. I love the holiday season, but I don’t love the chaos and clutter that can come with it. This year I’m going to intentionally use the 12 days leading…
Chances are good that you have more stuff in your kitchen than you’ll ever use. Recently, I went through my kitchen and found oodles of things I rarely or never use. So I thought I’d share some of my discoveries…
I started Hip Diggs in October, 2014. The blog has grown a lot since then. Thousands of readers visit Hip Diggs every month. My first post was called, “Take The 10 Step Challenge To Simple Living.” I’d like to revisit…
Do you have clutter? Are your kitchen counters cluttered? Is your kitchen sink full of unwashed dishes? Is there stuff piling up on the desk, the table, the couch, the floor? There’s a simple solution: Just 10 minutes a day…
We all seek happiness. No one sets out to live a miserable life. The problem begins when you falsely believe that happiness comes from something outside of yourself. Today’s post is a short excerpt from my free ebook, The Happiness…
Minimalism isn’t just about living with less stuff. Minimalism crosses over into all areas of life. Humans are emotional creatures. If we learn to limit our negative emotions, we will be happier and healthier. Our homes will be more peaceful…
This is another one of those topics that makes me nervous to write about. Just like finances, my track record isn’t the best in this area. I’m currently divorced without an intimate romantic partnership on the horizon. What do I…
It’s spring. I’d like to motivate you to make some simple changes around your home. It’s time to let go of the old. The new will be the peaceful results you achieve by letting go of the old. Let’s get…
Simple living is in the little things that we do and choose not to do. We make choices each day. Those choices can make our lives more simple or they can add complexity. I choose to simplify. Today’s post includes…
Today’s world seems to be moving faster than ever. It’s not like it was when I was younger. Most businesses were actually closed on the weekends. Now we can get anything we want, anytime we want. That can be nice…
If you’ve been thinking about trying minimalism as a lifestyle, you should start in your bedroom. Why? I’m glad you asked. Today, I’ll offer 6 reasons to keep a simple bedroom. My simple bedroom: Photo by Deccio Creative This is…
A few weeks ago, I opened Hip Diggs up to guest writers. I’ve received a few submissions, but it might not be enough to keep things running into 2019. Part of me would really like to keep Hip Diggs going.…
I might write about a variety of topics that make it seem like I have it all together. But there’s something I don’t talk about much on the blog. I go through my seasons of discontent. Have you ever felt…
If you follow me on Facebook, you might know that I’m planning on phasing Hip Diggs out at the end of the year. The plan is to focus on my original blog, danerickson.net, Simple Habits for Life, with an emphasis…
Some people swear by routine. Some people hate routine. Like anything else, there are pros and cons to strict schedules. Routine can create positive habits, but too much routine creates some inflexibility. Is there a healthy balance? Photo Credit In…
I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. They don’t really work. Be honest! How many times have you set New Year’s resolutions only to forget about them within a few weeks. Almost every time? Yep. That’s what I…
Minimalism does not equate to doing nothing. Living more simply and keeping your space free of clutter and distraction leads to a clean slate. A clean slate allows you to create. Creativity leads to productivity. The secret to productivity is…
Pornography has become very common on the Internet. Several of the most-visited websites in the world are rated XXX. I’m not here to preach a religious lesson about sex. I just want to share a few practical reasons for going…
Even in today’s electronic world we still get paper mail. You might still have some old paperwork and family letters. If you’re not careful, mail will stack up and overflow. Do you have a system to deal with paperwork and…
Is your life stressful? Do you get overwhelmed with everything that’s going on around you? You don’t have to let anxiety get the best of you. I’m like every one else. Sometimes, I get frustrated. I feel stress and get…
Spring is here and it’s time to start working in your yard, your garden, your outdoor spaces. Outdoor spaces are an important part of simple living. Whether you live in an apartment in the city, or in a pristine forest,…
I’ve spent the last few weeks finishing up another music project. It’s my pleasure to introduce The Minimalist Mixtape 2. The project includes 12 new electronic tracks. In early 2017, I released The Minimalist Mixtape, my debut album of all-electronic minimalist…
Do you like music? Do you listen to the radio? Do you listen to music online? Maybe you play an instrument. Either way, this article has some great insights into how music can keep you healthy. Two things that I…
We’re wrapping up another year. Each year I like to study what posts did the best at Hip Diggs. I also like to see where people are visiting from. Today, I’d like to share the most read posts of 2016.…
I shared this over at my main blog, www.danerickson.net, a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to make sure to give more of my audience the chance to hear my latest electronic music. Simple living and success don’t always feel synonymous,…
I gave away 80% of all my Christmas decorations last year. Did I go too far? You’ve all heard the saying, “everything in moderation.” There’s a bucketload of truth in those words. Anything taken to an extreme can become an…
I haven’t owned a microwave oven in more than 6 years. The last time I owned one was only because it was built into the house I was renting. Many people think they couldn’t live without a microwave oven. I…
You may not be ready to give up all your stuff and live like a monk. Each of us has our own life situation. I own a home. I’m raising a kid. I live simply, but I’m not quite as…
At the end of each year, I like to create some simple goals for the following year. In 2017, my #1 goal is to live with less stress. This isn’t easy as a working, single parent, and a homeowner. Still,…
I could do many different things with my time and money. Some of those things would not be minimalist. I could buy stuff. I could fill my schedule with busyness. Or I could do something that is simple and free.…
Photo by Dan Erickson Occasionally, I write a poem at Hip Diggs. Today, the poem is more of a parable. I’m a creative writer at heart. In fact, it’s my belief that minimalism and creativity work well together. By having less…
Last Halloween, my daughter, Annie, had entirely too much sugar. That was just the beginning. The holiday season is filled with food and fun. But it’s also the most sugary time of the year. I’ve discovered a few ways to…
Do you ever struggle to find lasting peace in your life? It’s not always easy. I’m a single dad and a homeowner with a full-time job. Peace? How can I find peace when I’m always running? The answer is easier…
What if I told you there’s a key to happiness? Would you want that key? For most people, I think the answer is a definitive, “Yes!” What if I told you that the key to happiness is within your reach?…
As we roll into another year, I’m moving forward with music. I’ve recently developed a new moniker for my electronic musical compositions. Introducing Anderhill. Photo Credit You might wonder why Anderhill? It’s simple. First I used letters from my own…
If you want to increase your intelligence, you could go to college. But there’s something else you can do. You can read books. Reading not only increases your intelligence, it also helps you gain new skills. Let’s study some benefits…
So you’ve heard about this thing called minimalism and you’ve decided you want to become a minimalist. I’ve got good news for you. I can teach you how to become a minimalist. But first, we need to discuss what minimalism…
Today’s post is a guest post by Karen Trefzger. Limits Make Christmas Happier This may sound impossible, but putting some limits on Christmas gifts and activities just might make you happier. Limits help create financial peace of mind, curb consumerism in your children, give…
Each year at Hip Diggs, I like to review the top posts of the year. This year is unique because I wasn’t counting for most of the year. I spent most of the year focusing on writing great content. Last…
So another year is almost complete. Each year, I like to review my most popular posts for the year. Often, these posts are from previous years as well. This year is no exception, but there are a few new posts…
Are you ready to get serious about uncluttering your surroundings? If you are, you’ve come to the right place. Hip Diggs is presenting the 10-day uncluttering challenge. This post will guide you through 10 days of getting started on the…
Thanksgiving may just be my favorite holiday. Sometimes I think we overdo the food a little, but the grateful spirit with family and friends is the best. This is a day to rejoice. We’ve been blessed with much. Be grateful…
It’s the middle of the winter. You’ve got nothing to do but sit around and watch TV and play video games. You get bored and restless. Other members of your family find you annoying and hard to live with. Does…
Get Back To Where You Are How To Write Like It Really Matters Books at Amazon Author Dan EricksonPosted on December 20, 2015December 20, 2019
What do fear and forgiveness have in common? It’s simple. When we let go of fear, we can learn to forgive. Finding the path from fear to forgiveness can change your life. Anger, hate, and fear are all inter-connected.…
What is home? Is it a place? Is it a state of mind? Maybe it’s both. Is home physical or emotional? Does the stuff you own help make a home? Is home just a box? Or is it something more?…
“Fear not.” If you’ve ever read the words of Jesus, you know this verse. “Fear not, for I am with you.” You don’t have to be a believer to learn the concept that Jesus was trying to teach his disciples.…
We all have our weaknesses. I’m no exception. I’ve struggled with many things throughout life: alcohol, diet, fear, and more. Did you ever notice that some of our greatest weaknesses are really just quick fixes for something else? Believe it…
If you want to find empowerment, you need to begin in your mind. I’m not talking about using power over others. I’m talking about discovering your own power to move forward and succeed in your life. And in the process,…
This is it. It’s my last regular post at Hip Diggs. That might take some of you by surprise. But if you’ve been paying attention, you probably knew it was coming. I’m downshifting. Over the past year, I’ve been recreating…
We live in such a great era of communication. We have multiple ways of connecting with others. But what if we’re actually becoming more disconnected by connecting with hundreds, even thousands of others? I’m old. I remember the days before…
CDs are fading fast. I still have a small collection and love to listen to a few select artists in that format. But digital music seems to be becoming the norm. It saves space for both listeners and creators. Remember…
What are you doing this weekend? Do you have some extra work to get done? Does the yard need mowing? Is the house cluttered? Do you feel behind, like you’ll never get caught up? Maybe you’re trying too hard. Maybe,…
If you want to focus on change in your life, daily writing is a powerful tool. Writing can help to guide you through change and keep you more committed through the process. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or become…
Before I was a writer, I was a reader. I read a lot. Throughout my 30s and 40s I probably read more than 2000 books: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, self-help, Christian, biography, and more. Like writing, daily reading can lead to…
I’ve been promoting the simple-living cause for several years now. Don’t worry, it’s not a cult. Living with less can help you save money. Simple living can help you focus on the important things in life, like God, family, and…
I don’t like clutter. I make an honest attempt to keep my home and my office clutter free. Laundry, dishes, and garbage are dealt with daily. My desk is organized. I keep my space clean. My daughter on the hand……
Recently, I posted something about global warming on Facebook. As usual, when I mention climate change or global warming, I got some feedback from a few naysayers. But climate change matters even if you don’t think it’s real. I’m not…
Have you ever felt tense because your surroundings were too cluttered? Have you struggled to clear your space? It’s easy to accumulate too much stuff. It’s hard to keep up with everything life throws your way and clear your space.…
My Christmas wish to you is simple. I wish you peace, joy, and simplicity. If you’re working too hard, running too fast or feeling overwhelmed, I wish you peace, joy, and simplicity. If you’re buried in clutter, I wish you…
Christmas is fast approaching. Would you like some tips on Christmas savings? Hopefully, I’m writing this post before you get started on your holiday rituals. I have some ideas that will help make your holiday season less expensive. That doesn’t…
What if you were given a choice between two things you love? I often contemplate this idea. If someone pointed a gun to my head and said, “Choose: writing or music?” I’d have to be quick and deliberate in my…
A loyal Hip Diggs’ reader suggested that I write more posts about my meals. That’s not a bad idea. I could do the same for my exercise program. Or what I wear each day. And the decor in each room…
So I’m not really buying a lot of stuff. But for a minimalist, I’m buying too much stuff. It’s actually making me a little uncomfortable. But there’s one big reason why I’m buying this much stuff. In this article It’s…
Social media can be a major distraction. I like to take a break from social media and the Internet in general from time to time. Recently, I took a week off Facebook. Here’s what I discovered. I recently took a…
When was the last time you read a book? I may believe in owning less stuff. That’s smart. But I don’t think we can ever gain too much knowledge. I’ve always been a reader and I encourage others to read…
You’ve seen them. Blogs that are cluttered. Blogs with too many annoying popups. Blogs with complex writing. If you practice simple living and you’re a blogger, this post is for you. Don’t clutter the Internet. Blog simple. What Is At…
Bloggers like to have followers. One trend among bloggers is to call their followers their tribe. But what if becoming part of a “tribe” is exactly what keeps holding you back from doing what you want to do? I’ve got…
About 18 months ago, I set this crazy goal to become debt free, while working less. Today, I can report that I’ve reached my goal. As of Monday, July 15, 2019, I am debt free. You might wonder how I…
Sometimes I feel like I don’t have enough focus. I shift back and forth from topic to topic. I can’t decide whether I’d rather be a writer or a musician. And I’m always changing my exercise routines. Is there something…
I don’t like writing posts about money. Why? Because I haven’t reached the level that I want to regarding money. I’m not debt-free. My budgeting practices are not the best. Still, I have a plan. The first thing I’d…
“It will be great,” they said. Owning your own home builds equity and gives you more security. You’ll have the pride and freedom of being a homeowner. You’ll have a place to call your own. Okay, now that I”m a…
Like links? Here are some good ones! Hip Diggs isn’t the only simple-living blog in the world. There are hundreds of blogs about simple living and minimalism on the Internet. Hip Diggs would like to tip our hat to 25…
We all desire change. For many people, that means bigger and better, new and improved. Have you bought into the lies that come from comparing yourself to others? Do you let the media, your neighbors, and your social status dictate…
Most of us have heard The Ten Commandments. Today’s post is twist on those commandments: Applying The Ten Commandments to minimalism. Whether you’re just starting on your minimalist journey or you’re a hardcore minimalist, I hope this list helps you…
For some, this is not a happy season. You may have suffered a recent loss. You may be overwhelmed with the busyness of it all. Whatever the reason, if you’re struggling through the holidays, you’re not alone. Many people do.…
Have you ever dwelled on your past? Have you let your past mistakes stop you from moving forward? Don’t. The past can teach us lessons. We must learn the lesson and move on. Let go. Today’s post is a short…
During the holiday season we think about bonding with our families. We should find time for family bonding every day. Do you find time to spend with your loved ones. Sometimes we get so busy we forget. Find time. Photo…
We experience happiness not through what we have, but by what we do. When we let go of expectations of outcomes we experience happiness on a much higher level. Let go of your expectations of happiness. You’ll find happiness in…
One place in your home that can easily become cluttered is your kitchen. Have you ever come home to a sink full of dishes? Have you ever been frustrated because there’s no counter space for preparing meals? I have some…
I’m an avid walker. Most weeks, I walk anywhere from 15-25 miles. I’ve also done some running over the years. Earlier this year I decided to start running again. I’d like to encourage you to start running. Learn how in…
We’ve become a culture that consumes because we’ve become a culture that has turned convenience into false necessity. Take a little time to start reflecting on essentials. How many things do you have that your parents didn’t have? Chances are…
Today’s post is a guest post by Lee Ann Bisulca. I didn’t choose minimalism. A couple years ago I watched a documentary on minimalism and I realized, That’s how I live already. For years I’d been simplifying my life—ruthlessly. I…
Many people who’d like to live a more minimalist lifestyle fail. They fail because they can’t get to first base of minimalism. They struggle at letting stuff go. I’ve found it easier to let stuff go when I create specific…
Have you ever gone shopping to relieve depression, anxiety, or boredom? There’s a connection between your inner clutter and your outer clutter. It’s sort of like the old term “garbage in, garbage out.” Our pent-up stress and emotions can lead…
Today’s post is a guest post by Karen Trefzger. Minimalism can seem daunting and undesirable to many people because they equate minimalism with owning nothing. They think minimalism means living alone in a white room with a mattress on the floor,…
Our culture is a culture of more, bigger, better. But it’s an endless chasing. Have you gotten stuck in a rut or a routine? You’ve been told you need more, so you buy. You’ve been told you need better, so…
Hip Diggs is dedicated to providing you with quality information about minimalism and simple living. And you’ve helped to make it possible. Thank you for your support. Every bit counts. Sincerely, Dan Erickson
What is home? Is it a place? Is it a feeling? Relationships? My latest ebook discusses the concept of home. Finding Our Way Back Home looks at modern day distractions from this place we call home. The book offers 9 ways to…
How much stuff do you really need in your kitchen? I think it depends on how much cooking and baking you do. I cook simple meals that don’t require much. That’s why I’ve been making my kitchen into a minimalist…
Recently, I started something new. I began spending one or two weekends a month visiting small towns in the Inland Northwest for a potential writing project. I already knew these towns face some poverty issues, but I was shocked to…
I get tired of minimalists who tell me to stop organizing and just keep getting rid of my stuff. They act as if we should have such a small amount of stuff that we should never have to organize anything.…
I’m a life-long reader. I’ve literally read hundreds of books. I love all sorts of genres, including self-help and business. I’m a big advocate of reading, but I’ve noticed a trend: People would rather read than work. What if, instead…
