Real Life Minimalists

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.

Today we have an inspiring story from Annie, who gave up her McMansion lifestyle to live aboard a boat and follow her dreams. Follow her sailing adventures on her blog.

Annie writes:

“I see you smiling,” he said.

That’s all he needed to say. Phillip knew why I was so happy. It was the same reason he was so dang happy. We had just completed the first passage aboard our 35’ sailboat to the Florida Keys!… {Read more}

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 we hear from Marina Marshenkulova (Amara), who tells us how she’s downsizing her possessions (including her wardrobe) now that she’s living in India. Read more about her experiences on her blog.

Marina writes:

It’s time to stop envying minimalists and become one. And keep in mind that being too minimalistic and obsessed about it is another side of the coin that I would like to avoid. First of all, I signed a contract with myself.… {Read more}

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.

Today, I’m pleased to feature Amy, who tells us how a series of moves opened her eyes to the joy and freedom of living with less.

Amy writes:

I realised I was interested in the concept of minimalism a couple of years ago, whilst living in a flat in Paris which was full to the brim with things. On leaving England to move to France, although I had sold and given away a lot of my belongings, I moved a lot over to France with the help of a friend who was willing to make the journey via the Eurotunnel in his car.… {Read more}

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, Sam from Australia tells us how clearing the clutter not only lightened up her home, but also her mind and body (literally!). Please visit her blog to read more of her story.

Sam writes:

I wanted to write to you and tell you that buying your book around 18 months ago was the beginning of my love for minimalistic ways. Although, I must say, I am by no means a minimalist!… {Read more}

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.

Today we hear from Dan, who carved out his own minimalist oasis in the midst of a cluttered home. Please visit his blog to follow his journey.

Dan writes:

Today, I’m a minimalist living in a family of hoarders and packrats. Everyday, I return home to boxes stacked to the ceiling, piles of unfiled paperwork, and a pantry flooded with expired items. For my fellow minimalists, I’m sure you find this thoroughly horrific!… {Read more}

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).… {Read more}

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.

Today, I’m happy to feature Claire. She’s at the start of her minimalist journey, dissatisfied with her old consumer lifestyle and determined to live a life with less stuff. Check out her blog to follow her progress.

Claire writes:

I’m Claire, I live in the north of England and my wife and I have been downsizing since last summer. Minimalism really appealed to me, partly because I craved the simplicity but mainly because my finances had hit crisis point.… {Read more}

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, Laura and Mark Tong share their story. They radically downsized—from three houses to a small studio!—and have found substantially more freedom and fulfillment in their new minimalist lifestyle. Please visit their blog to read more.

Laura writes:

Okay, I admit it. I am a minimalism evangelist!

You know why?

Because I find minimalist living allows me to breathe and to think. It gives me the physical and mental space to truly enjoy the important things in life .… {Read more}

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.

Today, Marissa tells us how her new baby inspired her to reevaluate and reduce her family’s possessions. By minimizing her stuff, she’s able to maximize the time and attention she can give to her daughter.

Marissa writes:

This is our path towards a more intentional life.

I’ve always had some minimalist tendencies.

I grew up in a suburb where our neighbors had in home saunas next to their pools and sweet sixteen celebrations the size of weddings.… {Read more}

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 we have a wonderful contribution from Sarah, whose words radiate the calm and peace that comes with a lighter lifestyle. Visit her blog to read more.

Sarah writes:

I had a messy bedroom my entire youth. Oh sure every once in a while I would be inspired to clean up all of my crap… cramming it into drawers and my closet, only to see it all toss itself on the floor and pile itself up on every flat surface it could find within a couple of days.… {Read more}