Using Minimalism to Change Lives

Last weekend I ran across a countercultural story that left me brainstorming ways to become a better person.

The story was about Sadio Mané, Senegalese soccer star. Now, I’m not much of a soccer fan, but the story had to do with possessions, so I read on.

Mané, whose salary tops $10 million annually, attracted international attention because of his iPhone 11. 

Counter to what you’d expect for a multi-millionaire, Mané’s phone was outdated and…

Cracked.

The jagged crack projected across the center of the screen, dividing text messages, news articles, and social media feeds. But the phone was still functional, so Mané didn’t see any need for an upgrade.

When asked in an interview with TeleDakar why he chose to keep the dilapidated phone, he responded:

“Why would I want 10 Ferraris, 20 diamond watches and two jet planes? What would that do for the world?

I starved, I worked in the fields, I played barefoot, and I didn’t go to school. Now I can help people.

I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing. I have built schools [and] a stadium; we provide clothes, shoes, and food for people in extreme poverty. I give 70 euros (approx. $78) per month to all people from a very poor Senegalese region in order to contribute to their family economy. 

I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips, and even planes. I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me.”

Mané’s story—a rising from extreme poverty—has shaped his relationship with stuff and his decisions around possessions. Even when immersed in a western, stuff-obsessed culture, his roots keep him grounded in a life with less. 

He chooses a humble and modest life because it allows him to solve world problems. From his excess, he gives others a chance at a better life.

And so can we.

The “Minimalist Mané”

Enter the story of a friend of mine, Joshua Becker. You may know him from the blog Becoming Minimalist and books such as The More of Less, or his YouTube channel. His story reminds me of Mané’s. Not because of his upbringing or soccer skills, but because of his decisions. Decisions that change lives because of his commitment to live with less. 

Becker had a decision to make once the proceeds from his books on minimalism began rolling in. Option one: upgrade everything. Purchase newer and bigger stuff now that he had the financial means. Option two: continue living a humble, countercultural life with less. And use the money to solve a world problem. 

He chose the latter. And a non-profit called The Hope Effect, which tackles the problem of institutional orphan care in third-world countries, was born.

The problem no one is talking about

The problem within institutionalized orphan care begins with a misunderstanding—one I’ve experienced first hand. I’ve been involved in supporting orphans for almost 10 years now (after a friend of mine helped start an orphanage in Honduras). 

I’d always thought institutional orphanages were a great place for orphaned, vulnerable children — until I learned about The Hope Effect. 

Turns out, there is a problem around orphan care, and very few people are talking about it:

Children raised in institutional orphanages experience significant emotional and psychological delays, which make them:

• 10 times more likely to fall into sex work than their peers.

• 40 times more likely to have a criminal record.

• 500 times more likely to take their own lives.

Around 80% of children living in orphanages worldwide have at least one living parent. They were placed into an orphanage due to poverty, and they are now at risk of all of the damaging long-term effects of institutional care.

The solution

• Remove children from orphanages and place them in the care of loving families. (This could mean placing them back in their own families and channeling financial support to the family instead of the institution. Or placing them in a loving foster family.)

The Hope Effect currently works in six locations worldwide to give orphaned and vulnerable children the chance at a childhood—and a life—again by placing them within a family. Often this means educating and working with local governments to rewrite laws around orphan care. 

The Rich in What Matters Community

You’re here because Mané and Becker’s stories to pursue a life with less resonate with you. You’re not looking to accumulate more meaningless stuff. And you realize that, although we all need basic things to live, life doesn’t revolve around possessions. You want to be known, as Becker says, by the life you live, not the things you can buy. 

Around ten thousand of you stop by Rich in What Matters weekly. Imagine what we could do if we rally together. Imagine how we could help change the way the world cares for orphans. Imagine how sharing from our excess could give a child a loving family and the chance at a childhood again. Together, the Rich in What Matters community is aiming to raise $2,000 for The Hope Effect over the next several weeks.

Get involved 

If you’ve found value in this site and consider yourself part of the Rich in What Matters Community, or if you’re simply feeling called to give back, then join me in this fundraiser.

Consider giving an amount below to be entered to win a prize for your generosity.

PRIZES 

$10 donation – Donate $10 and you’ll be entered to win three books: Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver, The Minimalist Way by Erica Layne, and Things That Matter by Joshua Becker. ($50 value)

$50 donation – Donate $50 or more and you’ll be entered to win ALL the videos to my new course “Declutter Your Life NOW.” (This course is launching soon! It includes my teaching videos on how to rid your home of clutter NOW and an in-depth video tour of our minimalist home.) ($150 value)

$200 donation – Donate $200 or more and you’ll be entered to win a 20 minute, 1:1 coaching session with The Hope Effect’s founder, Joshua Becker. Ask him anything!

**To be entered to win these prizes, use this link to donate!

The Hope Effect’s commitment to you is that 100% of your donation will be used exclusively for orphan care. Becker’s investment into The Hope Effect has provided the administrative funding so all public donations can be used for the reason they were intended. And because The Hope Effect is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is tax-deductible.

Let’s show orphaned and vulnerable children that because we’re committed to live with less, they have a chance to truly live. 

Thank you in advance for rallying with me. Thank you for choosing to be remembered by your actions—not your purchases and possessions.

Our world is a better place for it.

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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, one-year-old son, and newborn baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.

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I want to help you design a simple, intentional life! I’ve created a 30-day course that will guide and inspire you to make actual change in your life by decluttering your home, heart and schedule. It’s time to live focused on what matters! Learn more HERE.