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Real Life Minimalists: Sarah T.

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, Sarah T. tells us how she and her family dramatically downsized their home and streamlined their stuff. Surf on over to her blog to learn more.

Sarah writes:

One day I was as content as could be with all my stuff, and the next day I’d had it. We had moved from Florida with no basement, garage, or storage to Pennsylvania where our square footage was much more than records indicated.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Belle

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 a lovely contribution from Belle. Her recent marriage inspired her to declutter, and she details for us the progress she’s made in her quest for a simpler life.

Belle writes:

I wouldn’t be considered a minimalist by most people’s standards. I enjoy owning books, nail polish, and little knickknacks I pick up at thrift stores. I dislike traveling and have no desire to live out of a suitcase.… {Read more}

Decluttering Update: Hello eBay, My Old Friend

Hello eBay, my old friend I’ve come to list with you again…

Sometimes you reach a point in life when you have things all figured out—you’ve accomplished that elusive goal, you’ve designed that perfect lifestyle, you’ve tweaked and fine-tuned your way into the ideal routine.

And then what happens? Well, things change, of course. One of the tenets of Zen Buddhism is that life is never static—and that the desire for it to be so is cause for great suffering. Better to accept that change is the rule, and embrace the twists and turns that occur along the way.

I had once decluttered my way to minimalist nirvana.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: John

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 John. He tells us how reducing his possessions has given him a new mental freedom, and enabled him to focus on the important things in life. Check out his blog to learn more.

John writes:

Greetings Minimalists! My name is John and part of what I write about over at practicalcivilization.com includes minimalism and the avoidance of over-consumption. Recently, I got my belongings below the famed 300 number.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Karen

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 Karen, who describes herself as the “not-quite-there” minimalist. Visit her blog, and learn more about her gentle evolution towards simplicity.

Karen writes:

When I was 16 I remember looking around my bedroom and seeing all the typical teenage flotsam and jetsam on the floor and the crammed-full dresser and suddenly realizing I didn’t want to live like this. I wanted clear spaces and less of everything.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Fawn

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 Fawn, who was first featured as a Real Life Minimalist in September 2010. Her minimalist lifestyle, as a single mom of four, is truly inspirational—please visit her blog to learn more!

Fawn writes:

I have had minimalist leanings since I was a child. I used to make up games where I had to leave my home and stuff and pack only what I could take on my (imaginary) horse for a month on the range.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Denise

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 share this story from Denise. She and her daughter Aly (who was featured as a Real Life Minimalist last year) blog about their challenges and discoveries at minimalismissimple.com.

Denise writes:

Just over a year ago my daughter, Aly, introduced me to minimalism. Immediately I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. As I continue to make my way down the minimalist path now, I find myself thinking that I wish that I had found this path 30 years ago and how drastically different my life would have been. … {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Ellen

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, Ellen tells us how she went from packrat to minimalist—and the wonderful freedom she enjoys with less stuff!

Ellen writes:

My name is Ellen and I’m 27 years old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I run a fashion and advice blog called Ask Away (www.askawayblog.com) where I post about fashion trends, organizing, building a wardrobe, and living on a budget. Oh, and I’m a self-proclaimed minimalist. When anyone called me that in the past, I would get defensive, as if they were calling me a derogatory name.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Vince

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 Vince, a writer and photographer who travels the world in minimalist fashion. Read more about his adventures (and see his wonderful photos!) on his blog, www.20LiterLife.com.

Vince writes:

When I traveled to Australia in 2009 I brought so much stuff. I think I took five or six pairs of shoes with me – and I’m a guy. In my defense, I was moving there for almost a year, so I would need pretty much my life’s worth of stuff, right?… {Read more}

Give

A story so sweet I had to share…

This morning my husband was heading out to work, and put a bag of unwrapped presents (meant for a charity that serves underprivileged children) by the front door. Plumblossom, our always-curious almost-2-year-old, made a beeline for the bag.

“No,” my husband said. “Those gifts are for other kids—kids who don’t have any toys to play with.” I sensed he was bracing for a toddler-style protest.

Instead, Plumblossom took off for her room without a word. She returned a few minutes later, and dropped an armful of toys and an empty bag of seaweed salad at my husband’s feet.… {Read more}