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 just adore this contribution from Xandra, a self-described “writer, expat, productivity fiend, and bookworm living in Edinburgh, Scotland.” She tells us how minimalism helps her follow her passions and dreams.

Xandra writes:

As I teenager I believed I ‘could never be a minimalist,’ because I liked books too much, and I adored my massive collection of clothes. My high school schedule was like Hermione’s in Prisoner of Azkaban: I took 10 classes instead of the required 5 and maximum 6, except with no Time Turner.… {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, Ann B tells us what she loves about being a minimalist, and how it helps her make time for her family and community.

Ann B writes:

I discovered minimalism in 2012 when Miss Minimalist was mentioned on The Simple Dollar blog. I happily read through all her archives and decluttering really appealed to me. I liked to keep a clean house, but was overwhelmed with cleaning, “organizing” old high school things and photographs, working full time as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, and supporting my husband as he went through Law School (and also worked full time).… {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 Vivi from Indonesia. A stay-at-home mom to two young children, she tells us the steps she’s taking towards living a more minimalist, intentional life. Read more of her thoughts on her blog.

Vivi writes:

First, let me wish everyone A Happy New Year… And a good luck for everyone this year.

During December till today (3 Jan 2017), I have done some decluttering, including 1 of my 4 shoes.… {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 lovely contribution from Dee, who tells us about her sweet family and simple life in small town Minnesota. What an inspiration!

Dee writes:

Growing up I learned more and bigger is obviously better. If you like a top for example, you must buy every color. If it’s on sale there is even more compulsion to buy. And if it’s from a thrift store every item should be considered.… {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, CJ from the Philippines tells us how she’s embracing minimalism as she graduates college. What a wonderful way to embark on life as a young adult!

CJ writes:

I’m CJ Sasuman from Philippines, and I am a minimalist-in-training. The concept transpired to me just a few months ago. In the course of that time, I was in search for people who were also into paring things down to basic, keeping only the ones I need and actually use.… {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 Amnesty, who tells us how she and her husband radically downsized to a hotel room. (Having lived in hotels for extended periods myself, I totally relate to the freedom this affords!). Check out more of her writing (and her workshops) on her blog.

Amnesty writes:

I have always had the desire for mobility and travel. I feel that human beings have basic primal needs that can’t be met by fighting traffic, sitting in a cubicle, performing meaningless tasks and buying more stuff. … {Read more}