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.

This week, I’m delighted to feature Dana. She and her family are embracing minimalism so they can take a big, wonderful bus adventure! Visit her blog to see how they’re preparing for their journey.

Dana writes:

My husband and I had planned on one day living in a tiny house after our three boys were grown and out on their own. We thought we’d maybe take a year to travel when they were older, too.… {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, A. B. tells us how children’s stuff can make a minimalist journey particularly challenging—but with time and persistence, it’s possible to pare down. I think many of us will relate to her story and be inspired by her progress!

A. B. writes:

I don’t know how long I’ve been on this minimalist journey. My first memory of it was in 2007 when I decided to take a break from work in hopes of simplifying my life, I was in my early 20’s and already tired.… {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 an update from Real Life Minimalist Caroline Garnet McGraw. We heard from Caroline in 2011 and 2013, and now she’s here with an account of recovering from perfectionism and decluttering her fantasy self. Read more insights from Caroline on her blog, A Wish Come Clear.

Caroline writes:

We’re alike, you and me: both of us are haunted by our fantasy selves. We’ve spent years in the shadows of perfectionism, so the light of reality leaves us squinting.… {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 introduce you to Jenn, whose minimalist lifestyle helps her maximize time with her little one. Visit her blog to read more of her thoughts and experiences.

Jenn writes:

I’m Jenn, minimalist and mindfulness blogger at Hello Brio.

I’m a single mom to Beans (he’s about one and a half years old). Just about every day I am thankful I’m a minimalist; it allows me to spend just a few minutes every day cleaning up and keeping our lives organized so I can maximize my quality time spent with my son and other loved ones.… {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.

I always love receiving an update from Heather in Texas! We heard from her in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2016—and now she shares with us her recent experience with Hurricane Harvey. I think her perspective is very inspiring, and testament to how minimalism can help us through difficult times.

Heather writes:

Hurricane Harvey. Water damage and mold. One doesn’t even know where to start. Thankfully, handed a check but what do you buy first?… {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 delightful story from Kelly. After purging their excess possessions, she and her husband found themselves open to a wonderful new possibility: parenthood!

Kelly writes:

My minimalist adventure may have begun the day I first saw a picture of the Tumbleweed tiny homes. Those homes became like an adorable 3D puzzle to me. What do you really need and how can you make it all fit together?… {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 M. C. Starbuck, a former packrat whose decluttering transformed her life. Read more about her experience on her blog.

M. C. Starbuck writes:

As a packrat for so long, I thought getting rid of stuff would only lead to regret and frustration.

I’m so glad to finally see that I was wrong!

I began getting rid of clutter at the end of 2014, so I’m finally starting to see some of the long-term benefits.… {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, I’m pleased to feature Pamela, who tells us about her step by step journey to a more minimalist lifestyle. She writes about frugality on her blog.

Pamela writes:

My journey to minimalism came about through a series of steps. Whenever I moved, I became more of a minimalist.

It all started with my first place after university. A 400 square foot apartment filled with heavy wooden, hand me down furniture.… {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, Jennifer from Maryland tells us how she’s created more space, time, and peace in her life. Check out her blog to learn more.

Jennifer writes:

My journey with minimalism began a few years ago. I didn’t intend to become a minimalist. I was a wife, a mom, and a teacher who was tired of being overwhelmed and exhausted all the time.

I had a very full life. But I was going through the motions, feeling like a hamster on a wheel, and barely keeping up with my family, work, and relationships.… {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 Hannah, who writes about why she adopted a minimalist lifestyle and the happiness it’s brought her.

Hannah writes:

When you search on google or YouTube “minimalism”, you’re bombarded with links to learn about the practices of 20-somethings who have adopted the lifestyle as the NBD. I fit into every stereotype of the 2017 minimalist: young, vegan, and (obsessively?) environmentally and financially conscious. The one way I believe my story sticks out is how I arrived at changing my lifestyle.… {Read more}