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“My life needs to become not only smaller but simpler and saner. That means clearing out the clutter and the chaos. Only then will my life be in a position to touch and change generations.” Mark Tabb, Living With Less, p.45

Simpler & saner vs. clutter & chaos. This is the central premise of an inspirational book by Mark Tabb. The elegant yet forceful prose in these 182 pages can change your life for the better, or rather, give you the guidance and perspective to change your life for yourself. Divided into four sections, Tabb describes the steps that he has used four basic principles to eliminate excess input and materialism from his life in order to create a better life for his family and future generations.

Smaller, Simpler, Slower, Harder

This process is not easy. In fact by the end of the book one wonders how he was able to do it at all. There are two core reasons for Tabb’s desire to succeed - his faith in God and the personal reward of creating a wholesome legacy.

The old English preacher Charles Spurgeon said:”A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts and not marble.”

This book will challenge you to scrutinize more than just your goals in life, but the very purpose for your life. Many other authors have addressed this question over the centuries, and Tabb does not purport to have the ultimate answer, that lies somewhere in each of our hearts.

What Tabb has done that makes this book special is demonstrate a realistic way of looking at your life. Direct, but not insulting. Candid about his relationship with God, but not preachy. Tabb’s words of encouragement are real-world examples are a welcome contrast to some of the “pie-in-the-sky” self-help gurus that have come before.

Small Sacrifices Yield a Life Worth Living

If you know where to look, or simply have the courage to ask, you can find people whose lives have been changed forever by one small kindness from another person. A ride to work, some advice on a problem, helping someone move into a new home when they have no-one else. All over the world these small sacrifices are the engine that drives Civilization forward. Consider the possibility of living your own life with this kind of intention.

Seriously, think about this: What might be the upside of downsizing your life?

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