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 an update from Rhiannon, who was originally featured as a Real Life Minimalist two years ago. Her story is a wonderful example of how minimalism can ebb and flow in our lives, and help us find balance when we need it.

Rhiannon writes:

It has been so inspirational to read so many people’s updates on their journeys in minimalism. I wish I had a smoother story to tell, but the last years have been busy and full.… {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 Courtney. She tells us how a near-tragedy inspired her to pursue a more minimalist and mindful path. Read more of her story on her blog.

Courtney writes:

Unfortunately, wisdom is earned through pain. It took an almost divorce and a car accident for me to really pull the plug on our old life. But the pain was brewing for years.

In late 2012 we had just about everything that you are supposed to want in your early 30s.… {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, Camille shares her story of loss, letting go, and healing with the help of minimalism. Please visit her blog to connect with her and read more.

Camille writes:

Looking back, there have always been indications that I was a minimalist. As an active kiddo, I used to make my barbies live in a tent and allow my friends to use the barbie house. In college, being an avid lover of the outdoors, I had a few big backpacking trips with a dear friend and I was always enamored that we could carry everything we needed on our backs.… {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.

I’m so happy to receive this update from Apple, who was originally featured in June 2011. I love how her family has continued to refine their minimalist lifestyle, rejecting busyness and embracing ways to live waste-free.

Apple writes:

Since my last feature on missminimalist, I have been opening up to, and braving the quietness of an even more uncomplicated and mindful life. Both myself and my husband completed our studies, changed careers.… {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, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Marilyn. I love how she was finally able to embrace the minimalism that called to her since childhood, and can now enjoy the “silence” of a simpler lifestyle.

Marilyn writes:

I’ve been dedicated to minimalism since I was 12 years old and heard Thoreau read aloud in my elementary school library. That was 1952. Since then I’ve read every book I’ve come across on simplicity, simple living, downsizing, frugality, etc.… {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 share an update from Belle. She tells us how her life has changed since her feature in 2014, and how she’s striving to maintain a clutter-free home with a growing family.

Belle writes:

Last time I shared my story, in January 2014, I had started on my minimalist journey only a few months prior. I talked about my experience of moving, being a newlywed, and my love for thrift shopping.… {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 excited to share an update from Heather in Texas, a veteran Real Life Minimalist! We heard from her in 2010, 2011, and most recently in 2013. Minimalism is an ongoing process, and it’s wonderful to see the role it continues to play in her life.

Heather writes:

I am very lucky to have been chosen to appear on Ms. Minimalist’s blog several times. This update is by far my favorite.… {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, Ally shares her minimalist journey with us—from childhood to present, as she prepares to get married. I love how she limits her personal possessions to a suitcase, as I do the same!

Ally writes:

I have thought of writing a guest post on here for years but never got up the courage to do it until now, so if it’s a bit lengthy of a post bear with me please. :)

I grew up an only child in a large home.… {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, Greg shares with us the fascinating story of his minimalist journey, and how it’s led him to a place of peace, freedom, and possibility.

Greg writes:

I am one of those lucky souls to whom minimalism came by accident. During the perfect storm of a backpacking adventure, a break-up, and a move, it came into my life before I even knew what it was.

My girlfriend and I had packed all our stuff in storage and I went backpacking around South America while she started a semester abroad in Belize.… {Read more}