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 Chelsea, who explains how her minimalist lifestyle is helping her achieve the financial freedom to pursue her dreams. Stop by her blog to read more.

Chelsea writes:

I grew up in a somewhat frugal household.

Frugal in the way that if it could possibly be useful, we didn’t throw it out.

A lot of things we did use (and therefore saved money on), but a lot of things we didn’t.… {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, Conrad tells us about the pared-down lifestyle he and his wife enjoy aboard their boat. I love how he describes time as “the great equalizer,” and shares how his minimalism helps him make the most of it. Please visit his blog to learn more.

Conrad writes:

Living in a country where bigger is synonymous with better, being a minimalist is a title my wife and I often kept to ourselves.… {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 excited to share this fascinating perspective from Viktoria. Memories of her Ukrainian childhood has brought challenges to her minimalist journey; but she’s worked hard to overcome them, and is now embracing the joy and freedom of a lighter lifestyle.

Viktoria writes:

I grew up poor in the Ukraine. Please forgive my spelling mistakes.

When I came to the United States at 19, all I brought with me were the clothes I was wearing and one bag.… {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 truly inspirational story from Jen. She tells us how her family’s minimalist philosophy has enabled them to embrace some amazing opportunities!

Jen writes:

If you saw my house, “minimalist” is not the first word that would spring to mind. Or even the tenth word. I have a family of five and all the accessories that typically come with it–clothes, books, sports equipment, school papers–along with a couple of doting (and shopping-obsessed) grandmothers.… {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, Megan and Jeff tell us how they were inspired by the tiny house movement, and share details on how they’re downsizing their living space as well as their possessions.

Megan and Jeff write:

In December of 2013, we found ourselves looking for a simpler life. We had a 1600 square foot house that had been full of people for exactly 1 weekend of the 3 years we had lived there. We had, however, somehow managed to fill that space with things.… {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 Becca. She’s one year into her minimalist journey, and shares with us her challenges and triumphs along the way—as well as the joy and peace a simpler lifestyle has brought her.

Becca writes:

I began my journey to minimalism/simple living in March of 2014. My family and I had a very rough year with two significant deaths that radically changed my perspective on, well, everything as they often do.… {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 Betsy, who tells us how her travels inspired her minimalist journey. Please visit her blog to read more about her experiences.

Betsy writes:

Hello friends. My name is Betsy Ramser Jaime and I blog weekly at www.betsyramser.com. In January 2013, I embarked on an 11 month 11 country mission trip around the world. During that year I lived out of a Osprey Ariel 75 backpack and a Patagonia day back.… {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 meet Melissa, who tells us how her family’s new home inspired them to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.

Melissa writes:

My husband and I began our minimalist journey last year when we bought our first house. When we walked into the solid log home, we fell in love. It was staged minimally for showing, and we adored how the gorgeous wood walls and architecture took center stage. We knew that filling it with all of our belongings would destroy that beauty.… {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 have an inspirational story from Lori. She and her husband retired early, downsized their possessions to two carry-on bags, and are pursuing their dream of long-term travel. I for one look forward to following their adventures on their blog!

Lori writes:

Upon asking my mom about a picture of a four-year-old me on Christmas morning long ago, she said, “This was a Christmas we spent at your grandparents’ house in New Jersey.… {Read more}