minimalist

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, Clara reminds us to deal with our clutter now, rather than making our heirs clean it up later. Simple living makes for a more serene life and legacy.

Clara writes:

Two years ago, a very close friend passed away. He had no family, so it fell to me to empty his house, garage and shed. It was a monumental task. This dear person loved life, loved people, and lived life fully.… {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 Laura Beth, who explains how having fewer possessions brought freedom and financial stability to her life. Read more of her story on her blog.

Laura Beth writes:

Five years ago, I was a discontented divorced empty-nester, suddenly alone for the first time in decades. My life had been turned upside down, my finances were in disarray, and I was completely alone. I knew that I needed to make a change but I didn’t know how.… {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, Liddy tells us how moving to a small village in France has inspired her family to pursue a simpler, more serene lifestyle.

Liddy writes:

My Simple But Productive Life

We are an Australian/Belgian family recently relocated to a sleepy fishing village in France via Italy and England. We are living in a holiday house long term that is fully furnished and so all of our things are in permanent storage. I am a lawyer by profession but have returned to study as I can’t practise in France without converting my degree.… {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 happy to feature this wonderful contribution from Candace. She shares her perspective as a minimalist and single parent, and invites you to read more of her story on her blog.

Candace writes:

I suppose I have been a minimalist most of my life. I only discovered there was a term for a person like me within the last two years. When I was a young person, I remember my mother asking me what I was going to wear if I got rid of all of my clothes so often.… {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 Cindy Ann. When she and her husband became empty-nesters, they got rid of the nest—and are now enjoying the wonderful freedom of a minimalist lifestyle! Read more of her story on her blog.

Cindy Ann writes:

My husband and I are 59 and 56, respectively. We’ve been together 42 years. We have two grown children. We have IT jobs. He just got transferred to another city.… {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, Shelley tells us that she’s naturally drawn to minimalism, and is now trying to (gently) introduce her family to the lifestyle. Visit her blog to read more about her experiences.

Shelley writes:

I’ve always had minimal tendencies and have had some challenges throughout my life to stay true to this nature. One thing I loved to do when I was young was clean out my room. I remember gathering my favorite things into several drawers of a dresser and getting rid of the rest.… {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 inspiring story from Annie, who gave up her McMansion lifestyle to live aboard a boat and follow her dreams. Follow her sailing adventures on her blog.

Annie writes:

“I see you smiling,” he said.

That’s all he needed to say. Phillip knew why I was so happy. It was the same reason he was so dang happy. We had just completed the first passage aboard our 35’ sailboat to the Florida Keys!… {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 hear from Marina Marshenkulova (Amara), who tells us how she’s downsizing her possessions (including her wardrobe) now that she’s living in India. Read more about her experiences on her blog.

Marina writes:

It’s time to stop envying minimalists and become one. And keep in mind that being too minimalistic and obsessed about it is another side of the coin that I would like to avoid. First of all, I signed a contract with myself.… {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 Amy, who tells us how a series of moves opened her eyes to the joy and freedom of living with less.

Amy writes:

I realised I was interested in the concept of minimalism a couple of years ago, whilst living in a flat in Paris which was full to the brim with things. On leaving England to move to France, although I had sold and given away a lot of my belongings, I moved a lot over to France with the help of a friend who was willing to make the journey via the Eurotunnel in his car.… {Read more}