Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

Today, Heidi from Kingman, AZ shares an inspirational story with us. She explains how her minimalist philosophy helped her through a very difficult time in her life.

Heidi writes:

The past few years have been so stressful. I was overworked and exhausted. I was also terrified of becoming a hoarder like my mother’s best friend. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I needed help. I started by researching stress relief and found tons of really decent websites that basically said too much stuff makes you stressed.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, I’m pleased to feature Heidi J. I just love this story of how she decluttered a former creative pursuit! Check out her blog, knithappiness, to read more.

Heidi writes:

Inspired by Real Life Minimalist Robert Hickman.

I started reading Miss Minimalist last June, after devouring Francine’s book, “The Joy of Less.” Reading the blog weekly, helped me move along on my journey of reducing the unnecessary from my life. I found pure simple joy in decluttering room by room, reducing my wardrobe to 30 pieces of well fitting clothing, and wading through unused kitchen gadgets.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

Today we hear from Brasilicana, who reduced her possessions to the airline’s baggage allowance for her international move. Please visit her blog to learn more about her life in Brazil.

Brasilicana writes:

I’ve always had minimalist tendencies; I was never one to accumulate lots of clothes or knickknacks. Throughout my young adulthood, I preferred spending my money on travel and experiences rather than on acquiring things.

However, the true test of my convictions came when I got married and moved to Brazil.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, Karen writes from the Philippines. She’s applying a minimalist philosophy not only to her possessions, but also to her relationships and career. Check out her blog to learn more.

Karen writes:

Hello guys! I’m Karen, 23 years old and I live in the Philippines with my family! I am a minimalist before I knew what it is called. From time to time, I’ve been de-cluttering my collection of letters and journal books. I also see to it that my closet is not always full.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, we have a very interesting story from Louisa Rogers . She tells us how she’s tackling a particularly difficult decluttering challenge—the journals she’s kept since childhood. (Louisa also has a website, if you’d like to learn more about her.)

Louisa writes:

The year I was nine, I received my first diary. It was pink and pocket-size, with a gold latch and key. I recorded what I got for my birthday (a Tower watch), my teachers (Miss Eckhert and Mr.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to Emily. She shares with us the lessons she’s learned living in Indonesia and Paris, and her current progress in her minimalist journey.

Emily writes:

My upbringing was split into two parts – the period of plenty, and the period of frugality.

When I was very young, we lived as expatriates in Indonesia and got used to a life of luxury. Buying what we wanted when we wanted seemed completely natural.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, we have a great contribution from Mark in Toronto. He tells us how a cross-country move started him on a minimalist path, and the benefits he’s experienced from an uncluttered life.

Mark writes:

After I graduated from college and moved to Vancouver, I brought what I needed in 2 suitcases. Since I didn’t have much money I had no need for stuff. Over time I changed apartments and had more roommates and was amazed at their junk!… {Read more}