Ep. 276 | The Unfollowing

Joshua and Ryan talk about unsubscribing and unfollowing anything that doesn’t bring tranquility or increase well-being. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
00:00 How has unsubscribing and unfollowing helped your tranquility?
12:01 Should we attempt to explain ourselves to others when they question our minimalist lifestyle, or simply invite them to ‘unfollow’ us?
14:08 Can minimalism help us bring order back to our chaotic lives?
18:14 How do we determine the appropriate ‘path’?
22:34 We can’t impose tranquility on the world around us, so how do we adjust our internal settings to maintain inner tranquility?
28:33 Why do insults irritate us so intensely?
30:44 How do we adjust relationships that are predicated on conflict?
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Text: my.community.com/theminimalists
Blog: theminimalists.com
Podcast: theminimalists.com/podcast
Patreon: / theminimalists
Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast
#TheMinimalists

[@suetracey8894]

I gave up FB 2 years ago for Lent and don't regret it. Honestly, most of the time I was posting to impress others and get validation about how fabulous me and my family are on any given day. Also, I was so tired of experiencing the pain of not being invited to different friend events. I'm just too fragile to handle the rejection. The only digital I do is email and text. No FB, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

[@TheDel1lah]

I don’t want us to break up, this is my favorite co-dependent make-believe relationship! Will never unsubscribe. ♥️

[@smurfette12121974]

Perfect description lol

[@Pantherapardusfusca]

I stopped looking at the news a couple of weeks ago,uninstalled Instagram(removed FB years ago) and I feel very good. Thanks for these minimal episodes,धन्यवाद🙏

[@rebeccab_bwlt]

I was unsubscribed, and at first I was shocked and upset (I find so much value in you guys-just not via email). I took a deep breath and realized it’s not that we’re not a good fit, that’s just not where I look for you first (KZbin, Apple Podcast, and Patreon are my Mins spots in this season of my life).

[@michaelmartin8137]

I listen to you. I learn. I smile.

[@kimberlykomala8080]

Unfriending or unfollowing in social media was initially difficult, but I found a comfortable solution. Rather than doing it all at once, I started doing it as I was notified it was their birthday. This way I am able give myself a gift of "silence" from noise that doesn't grow me. A little bit at a time, I'll work through relationship value in a year. Thank you for "confirmation and permission". 🤟

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

"you can eat a buick if you grind it to powder and sprinkle two teaspoons in to your oatmeal every day." ~ Adam Carolla

[@Farahfoodie]

I'm working in homeoffice and really like listening to you both. All good to you❤️ 6:51 I don't watch news since almost 11 years, I am feeling much better.

[@Farahfoodie]

@@Kommander the only problem is the internet like insta... And of course people.... They will always ask you have you heard about that.. Bla bla...last year I gave my TV away, that was also a relieve

[@ChristysChannelYall]

The news is just a terrible mess these days. I quit watching a long time ago. It’s always only bad so, no thank you. I will choose peace and tranquility.

[@zinebmahjoubi1992]

Same here... I don't watch them anymore.. they even don't tell the truth, you feel like they just share negativity

[@patriciamasuda2506]

Wow you guys read my mind! I had been subscribing to several political opinion KZbins, late night shows, etc., and although I had been an avid listener, I decided to Unsubscribe to ALL of them as they did anything but give me peace. Instead I stick with pet and wildlife videos, which give me joy and faith in humanity as I watch either the amazing antics of beautiful animals, or the courage of people who rescue and save them! And to The Minimalists, of course. I subscribe to both of your KZbins as it is the support I need to reduce and simplify. I love the short messages as well as the long ones. And yes, I love the chats between just the two of you the most. Thank you, guys, keep up your very meaningful work!

[@JosephineMarch7]

Thanks for your wisdom. No one else on youtube will tell you to consider unfollowing. You guys are really really cool and true to your message of minimalism. Btw I also stoped watching the news long time ago cos I did not like the way the news were selected and presented to us. I recommend it to every one.

[@l0ramai]

I could sign this post - agreed on everything 😊

[@visionnowministries7898]

I haven’t watched news for about a year. I don’t think I’m missing anything. I quit twitter back then also. Still a long way to go, but I’m on the journey. Thanks 🙏🏽 for the work you do.

[@veronicalove8445]

Thank you for prioritising meaningful content! I am a marketing professional and I try and bring your principles into my work as much as I can (I also hate ads haha) I think we need more marketers using the principles of minimalism 💕

[@bellayoung4254]

My friggin' superheroes. Insight, honesty,& just plain being "real".

[@kayebohemier]

This is great. I left Twitter on hiatus for 2021 and every time I think about whether this means I have my head in the sand, I remember the monthly donations I've set up for important issues and the fact that I get a newsletter with info on calling my representatives about issues I care about. It helps remind me that I've decided to invest my energy in ways that can transform the future, not being anxious about the present. This podcast was an additional reminder.

[@NoTimeforCool]

Love what you guys do. I am learning that it is a Process. Every time I watch your videos I get a bit of "oemf" to continue. Thank you 😃

[@endgamefond]

Your contents actually bring values for me. I am still following you guys.

[@jaccamarini5850]

Wonderful episode!There is no forever tranquility when you're around people...

[@tihigreen]

I am terrible at checking my email, but your channel is one of my top 5 subscriptions on here that I listen to weekly while taking care of house chores.

[@onlyritahere]

It started with your first documentary on Netflix. My mind was so blown, that I went on this minimalism journey and have been doing so for over a year! I continue to find such pleasure in watching/reading your content. Life subscriber here. Thank you for all that you do. Much aroha from Aotearoa, New Zealand 🇳🇿 x

[@txspacemom765]

I have never explained my lifestyle choices to anyone. I've been a minimalist, in my heart and soul, since I was 15, over 30 years. I've tried living in the "normal" or expected perspectives of what is acceptable for owning stuff. I just do not like stuff, I like to clean quick and have it orderly and be CLEAN! If someone doesn't like it, it's on them. I still have my FB, because of contacts, but I've been off since January. It's been great.

[@ozziekhoo]

Great podcast guys. One of the reasons that you found a lot of people not "opening" emails was because a lot of us (including me) did not actually click on any of the links inside the email because you guys already put a lot of useful information inside the email which is contrast to many other newsletters which make you visit their website to view the rest of the information. Either way, I think this is a great initiative because a lot of people (myself included) may get FOMO if they unsubscribe. You guys doing the unsubscribing is good, they probably won't even notice it. Anyways, keep up the great content!

[@lovetotravel780]

I appreciate the maturity, intelligence, honesty, and how you gentlemen also incorporate your humor and personality in the podcast.

[@yolandacastillo6312]

Sometimes the best thing is to just start fresh. Life becomes boring when see, do, and listen to the same things everyday. I think there is a tendency of letting too much negative into our lives through Facebook, too much cable news, etc. We are what we think. When the man is right, the world is right.

[@junofriday]

Soundbite… “The news does not provide answers...”

[@carolinemurray7648]

I stopped following the news a year before covid as it was depressing even then - still just check a few headlines once a week or so to see what I’m still not missing!

[@feathersky860]

LUCKY YOU 👍❤️ ✔️ 🦅🇺🇸 I WANT TO.

[@trailertrish]

I knew it was going to take too much effort to go through my Facebook and delete people and groups and curate it in anyway so what I did instead was I just started a whole brand new one and I only added people once I realized that they were missing and I actually missed their content so now I have maybe 40 friends on Facebook instead of 400 strangers. its nice. thats also been helpful because my feed is so short now that I get bored and get off Facebook quicker.

[@victoriajensen8484]

Thanks so much guys!! 🙏🏼 I needed this today! 💕

[@carylmaluping9632]

Thanks for this ❤️

[@environmentalhealthxhariep3557]

Lol its funny that this episode is airing now cause i was busy unsubscribing to so many of my subscriptions on my email. I find it so over whelming that my email is so full and most of the subscription Im not going to read. I love you guys. Definitely keeping my subscription.

[@callalily_6084]

New subscriber here. I just learned about you guys from another KZbinr. The tranquility notion really resonates with me. I promptly unsubscribed from things that no longer serve me value after watching this episode.

[@AngieRichmond]

I deleted all social media off my phone Jan 1st (the day I watched Less Is Now on Netflix) and I couldn't be happier! It's helped me put my life into perspective. Without the noise I can get back to what's truly important to me. Thank you!

[@jennifermc3125]

Amazing, guys! I stopped watching everything that disrupted my inner peace in 2007. People criticize me asking, "How stupid! How do you stay informed?" Surprisingly, I've never missed info I needed to know such as one impacting travel plans, because my global friends are sure to inform me! As a result, life is less dramatic today than before. Good to see you all speak up on it.

[@EntirelyHonest]

Can't thank you both enough for all the value you have added to my life. Your in depth conversations are so great to listen to. Thank you :)

[@ericamciver1293]

I found this episode very emotional. Not exactly sure why. Just some items sitting in my home made me bawl like a baby.

[@cozzy8910]

Hi Joshua & Ryan, the order and disorder strike my 💙💙💙💙.

[@Bobbi-the-Croz]

Don’t you dare let me go!!!! 😅 I have very few vices. VERY few. I’m grateful for those beautiful few. ❤️❤️❤️

[@carriel.mccall227]

I am only 5 minutes into listening. I don't usually comment but figured I would share. I am signed up for the news letter, and that's enough for me to read through and go looking at what is new you have posted. Most of the time it results in watching the short version or the podcast depending on time and topic. I feel it is a balance. My email inbox is easier to delete than my KZbin algorithm continuously putting a video in front of me. Thank you guys for what you do!

[@dellahayden4705]

I really enjoy listening to both of you...I get a whole lot of inspiration from the info...thanks for all that you do....

[@feathersky860]

DITTO ❤️ ✔️ 🦅 🇺🇸 👍

[@hylers1489]

This episode blew my mind so deep! Thanks for this conversation!

[@KarinasaurusRexx]

"The world is disorder." - JFM thank you! Poor guy being manipulated by his partner. We are all here for some healing and community. This was an epic response.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I thought that was an excellent response as well.

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Yes, yes, yes! Nice timing! I am currently reading Digital Minimalism, and I'd definitely recommend (besides obviously listening to this conversation).

[@Helen-dk8nx]

Loved this ep. Such a good one! Been listening to you, reading your essays pretty much since day one, on and off, always an inspiration and a good reminder of what really matters. Thank you.

[@lovelornacid]

I remember receiving the newsletter from you guys inviting me to unsubcribe and it really made me reconsider following most of the people I follow on social media, including those I call friends (although if I'm being honest they are more like acquaintances). I started using the mute button on instagram instead of unfollow button for some of these acquaintances and the unfollow button instead of the unfriend button on Facebook. The majority of Influencers and media I straight deleted. Email subscriptions are my next area I'm going to minimize.

[@judebeee]

I am not sure what part of this video provoked this but I have been searching for more tranquility. So I am giving up stressing over decisions today. I am giving up placing too much importance on one decision over another. I am going to tell myself going forward just today that every decision I make is ok and just do it. (I am not however making any major life or financial decisions that could be irreversible or damaging). I have decision fatigue. I have been a caregiver for several years for a sister with Parkinsons. She died three months ago at home here with me. I have been BRUTALLY STRESSED making important life decisions and becoming physically fatigued for someone else that I got to the point where even what to eat for breakfast has become a burden and a trigger. I know it seems silly but here is a conversation in my head - I am about to eat breakfast, I have bread that's getting old and will mold if I don't eat it, but I want oatmeal. So I stand there and fret.... seriously. Like really what difference will it make in my life if I throw out the remainder of a loaf of bread. (low level ptsd). There is more I could write on decision fatigue - but I will leave it there. Maybe an episode on decision fatigue and problematizing would be great - how do you apply minimalism to that.

[@rachgeorgia9993]

I stopped using Facebook a few years ago and last week I disabled my Instagram and have been unsubscribing from so many emails and KZbin channels. I was receiving way too much external information that it was affecting my mental health and definitely wasn’t helping me live a tranquil life.

[@deborahscudder5417]

You said in an earlier video that you don't practice any form of spiritual practice. Living in awareness is a spiritual practice. So, yes I do think you are living in a spiritual way because you are living in awareness.

[@mm9728]

So therapeutic ❤️❤️

[@gwenmcclure2312]

I really enjoy your podcasts and how you see life. I've been on the same journey, as the two of you, for 15+ years and in simple terms I'm happier, enjoy what I do and surround myself with like-minded people. I appreciate what you do and how you communicate it to the world. P.S. Ryan, I'd love to see more of your handsome face, how would you feel about lowering the mic?

[@alanbirkner1958]

Love your mins game.Tina

[@carlaportocarrero6464]

Well, I did unsubscribe but now I'm back. Hola chicos, it's glad to see you again. 😊 Se cuidan chicos. Adiós 🤗

[@azoe6764]

How do you unfollow news media but still be connected to issues that affect the lives of people around you? It's a huge privilege to shut off the news. Sometimes the "bad news" is someone else's reality. Somebody that needs your support and advocacy. That's the catch 22 I'm in. I want to be active in my community and active in the conversations about inequality, but yes, the news media really spends more time making you upset than giving you answers.

[@feathersky860]

LOVE YOU GUYS ❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸 ✔️ 🦅

[@ArtyAntics]

I quit the news 6 yrs ago, feels great! One question though... How do you know what emails we read? Are you cyberstalking us? 😲

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

Great stuff, boys. Gotta ask - where do you get your T-shirts, Ryan. I live in plain T-shirts, but still can't find a brand that is high quality and lasts!

[@wearesojourners]

The culture is about consumerism so of course if you go against it people who are fine and used to the culture will think you are crazy...it's not different with the food world....when you step out of the bounds of what is the norm for most people....others will think you see wierd...people drone on in the norm and when someone walks or moves different and people take notice they will sometimes attack rather than become intrigued... Jackson's girl friend is used to what has been....so his desire to change probably feels like a threat... I know when my husband brought up minimalism 7 years ago I was like what? Probably cause all of the stuff was mine and not so much of his....here we are now and I'm so on board and I've gotten rid of so much and sold so many things to pay off debt... and it's more something I focus on and he doesn't.

[@SnyderTools]

It’s crazy the similarities that josh has with Jeff Goldblum. His mannerisms and looks!

[@vholmgren]

Yes, Jennifer the news definitely does not provide answers - If it did it would be able to continue or to sell 'newspapers' (digital or otherwise).

[@treemerryweather]

Perfect timing - i just hit the subscribe button and was looking at the bell menu when you invited me to unsubscribe.

[@arpitsingh7474]

The best thing is this video is sponsored by nobody because advertising sucks ❤️

[@feathersky860]

I need to unsubscribe to Patron. Am moving. Need to save some $$. Thank You for teaching me ! I still have far to go. You Both R SO AMAZING Will still listen to the Minimalist. ❤️✔️🦅😎 LOVE your SIMPLETON

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Thank you for supporting our work! Great job.

[@banirahman4926]

I subscribed to only few channels in KZbin. Even the ones I like I don’t subscribe because if I do I will get too many notifications. Those I like I just search and find the new uploads.

[@katelyn7359]

🖤

[@katelyn7359]

Please, talk about Gaia!

[@EllieBloo]

Are you leaving me? Say it ain’t so! I thought we were besties.

[@karolmajka1301]

🥰👌