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Real Life Minimalists: Elisabeth

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 story from Elisabeth, a 25-year-old from Austria. She tells us how studying abroad inspired her to pare down her possessions and embrace the minimalist values with which she grew up.

Elisabeth writes:

I remember when I was a kid and I wanted some fancy snack wrapped up in too much plastic and heavily advertised, my mother would say: “We don’t have money for that.” Because of that, I always thought that we were poor or at least that money was tight.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Michael

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, Michael reminds us that we don’t have to reach certain milestones to become minimalists. It’s an ongoing process of living mindfully each day.

Michael writes:

For about six months I’ve thought: “When I become a minimalist, I’ll submit my story to Miss Minimalist.” Gradually, however, I’ve come to realize that minimalism is not a destination. Minimalism is a state of mind cultivated over the lifespan.

I don’t share some of the surface features common to some more popular minimalists–I have a wife and kids, a mortgage, and a 9-5 job.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Frangipani Bloomfields

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, Frangipani Bloomfields celebrates her simple lifestyle with us—rightly noting that we don’t have to count possessions to call ourselves minimalists. Read more of her story on her blog.

Frangipani Bloomfields writes:

It has only recently dawned upon me that I am a minimalist. I have been reading Miss Minimalist for quite some time now and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the posts by other real life minimalists I have always thought I stood just outside the box.… {Read more}

The Joy of Less – A New Era

I have some exciting news to share with you today!

As many of you know, I self-published my book, The Joy of Less. Back in the day, there wasn’t a lot of mainstream interest in minimalist living, and it was the most expedient way to get my book into your hands. Thank you for reading it, and spreading the word to your friends and families! We all know I’m not much of a marketer, and I’m eternally grateful to all of you for making it a success.

Self-publishing was a wonderful and empowering experience, save for one drawback: while you could buy The Joy of Less from Amazon, or check it out at your local library, it was never available in bookstores.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Wild Poppy

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 update from Wild Poppy, who was featured in this series a year ago. She explains how a recent experience hosting some friends gave her new insight into her minimalist lifestyle.

Wild Poppy writes:

How can one lone egg radiate such a sense of accomplishment?

I enjoy my minimalist aspirations. I’m sure we all do. This, however, has an impact on how others view us. Take, for example, a recent enlightening encounter.… {Read more}

Throwback Thursday: Just One

I’m keeping it short and sweet this week with a Throwback Thursday photo from my childhood:

See, even as a toddler I loved the concept of One. :)

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been reading and enjoying all your Comments on my One Coat and One Shoe, and really appreciate your insights and suggestions. The feedback and discussion has been fascinating. I feel so lucky to have a great community with which to share ideas, as it’s not exactly a topic I can bring up at a dinner party or preschool play date. (Can you imagine opening a conversation with “Hey, I’m going to wear these same shoes every day for the next year…”?) Ha!… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sandra

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, Sandra tells us how she pared down after the birth of her son, and found her true calling in her newfound space. Visit her blog for more inspiration.

Sandra writes:

Hello! My name is Sandra and I live in Spain with my partner and my five year old son. I have read all kind of stories in this Real Life Minimalists’ section so I know I am nothing out of the ordinary.… {Read more}

The Joy of One: Shoe

I feel a little guilty that last week’s One Coat challenge was so easy. It was a good warm up, though, and I hope it inspired some of you that yes, it can be done! We often discover on our minimalist journey that what might seem daunting or pointless at first can actually be quite doable and gratifying.

But still—a bit of a struggle makes for a more interesting blog post, doesn’t it?

Well, I have that struggle for you today, as I tackle what might be the most difficult item to reduce to One: shoes.

Now, I’m no Carrie Bradshaw when it comes to footwear; beyond looking presentable and feeling comfortable, I have little interest in what’s on my feet.… {Read more}

Let’s Connect

I don’t have a Real Life Minimalist this week, so I thought I’d use this slot for an administrative announcement. Not quite as exciting, but stay with me—I think this development will really help build our community.

(And if you’ve been thinking about submitting your story for the RLM series, now is a great time. It’s first come, first serve, and no long wait!)

So onto today’s note…

I’ve decided to move away from Feedburner for emailing posts. It hasn’t been supported for years, and truthfully, I’m a little afraid it may disappear one day. I’ve moved all subscribers to a new list over which I have a little more control.… {Read more}

The Joy of One: Coat

When I moved from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest, I took the opportunity to rethink my outerwear. I no longer needed my heavy winter coat (goodbye snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures!), but I did need something more waterproof (hello rain!).

I wanted just One Coat that would work for fall, winter, and spring, and settled on a mid-weight raincoat with a removable quilted liner. I opted for one with a hood, to eliminate the need for a hat (and hopefully, an umbrella—optimistic, I know, but so far, so good).

As far as color goes, I normally default to black for outerwear.… {Read more}