Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
This week, Jordan shares a beautiful reminder that when we live simply, we’re able to focus our time and attention on what’s most precious to us. Learn more of her story by visiting her blog.
Jordan writes:
My minimalist story is one built out of the desire to celebrate every day moments with my family. My husband and I are blessed with three lovely children. The oldest and the youngest have very rare, unrelated medical conditions (one has Short Bowel Syndrome; the other has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome). In 2012, we had to move across the country to be near their specialists. We had to leave everyone and everything we ever knew. It was worth it to give our kids a fighting chance.
Because their conditions can turn quickly, we don’t want to spend our precious time doing things that don’t matter. I don’t want to waste a beautiful afternoon shopping at the mall (full of clothes made in sweat shops- but that’s another post) when I could enjoy time outside with my family. I don’t want to spend hours and hours cleaning when I could be making memories playing board games and making art. We keep our possessions to just what we need and absolutely love. That way, we can all work together to quickly clean up, then enjoy time playing.
Homeschooling was a decision that has kept our schedule simple and not rushed. Plus, we get to enjoy our kids’ childhood and don’t have to give their best years to someone else.
Though we would not have ever asked for our children to have to fight daily battles to simply live, the journey has opened our eyes to what really matters: living simple. Stuff takes up our space, precious time, and energy. All we really need is one another.
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
Bless you Jordan as you and your husband raise your three wonderful children in a simple, uncluttered home full of love and wonderful time together :)
What a great post. Enjoy your children while they are young. Time passes quickly.
Great post! An inspiring family!
God bless you and these little angels!!! Such an inspiring story.
Jordan, you are very right about not giving their best years to someone else. I was a pretty good mom, but now that my kids are in their early 20’s I would give anything to go back and re-live those wonderful years again…as a better mom or even as the exact, same mom. May you always have the strength you need and currently possess!
Hi Jordan,
I enjoyed your story very much. It sounds to me like you are doing all of the right things. It is sad that sometimes we have to overcome hurdles and challenges in life to see clearly what is truly important. Bless you and your family.
Laura Beth
Jordan, that was a beautiful post – so simple and meaningful. As I mourn the very recent loss of my mother, I felt a strong connection to your poignant message about time together. Thank you and just wanted you to know this is the first comment I have ever made online! I’m looking forward to reading your blog.
That is absolutely what being a minimalist is all about. You have your priorities straight!
Yes, yes, yes! Your priorities are ones we share. “Stuff takes up our space, precious time, and energy. All we really need is one another.” I love this!
Such a sweet post! The picture is so precious. What a great reminder to keep our priorities in check.
Time goes fast. My oldest child is 41 and my older grandson is almost 10. But that is the way life is. You are right to enjoy the kids’ childhoods. I stayed home days and worked evenings and weekends when DH was home. All the neighborhood kids used to come to my house after school. Those are good memories.