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In Space Cometh Grace: Thoughts and a Giveaway

“In space cometh grace”—it’s one of my favorite quotes from the companion journal to my book (The Joy of Less Journal: Clear Your Inner Clutter).

As you may have discovered by now, minimalism isn’t just about having less stuff. You might start out by streamlining your socks, but the ultimate effect on your life can be nothing short of magical.

When we take control of our stuff, we gain the strength and confidence to take control of our lives. We’re able to let go of commitments, emotions, distractions, and situations that are weighing us down. Most importantly, we gain some glorious space—not just in our homes, but in our schedules, our minds, our hearts, our souls.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Patti

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 love this story from Patti! She tells us how she reached a tipping point with her possessions, then started down the road of joyful decluttering. Check out her blog to read more of her thoughts.

Patti writes:

Hi dear readers! I’m Patti – long time reader of this site, first time writer!

My journey with minimalism began about two years ago, so you might say I’m still a minimalist newbie when it comes to downsizing, streamlining and decluttering.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Jennifer

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 Jennifer, who tells us how a major weight loss inspired her to streamline the rest of her life. Read more about her minimalist journey on her blog.

Jennifer writes:

You could say that losing weight launched my journey into minimalism. After losing 40+ pounds, I needed a new wardrobe and had to do so inexpensively. I researched building a wardrobe on the cheap and discovered the Minimalist Movement.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Jess

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 Jess, who tells us how minimalism has helped her find less stress and more meaning in life. Visit her blog to read more.

Jess writes:

At 28 I was a newlywed, living in my humbly beautiful home with my husband. I had checked all my boxes; I was working as an Accountant, had recently completed my CPA, just had our perfect wedding, an amazing honeymoon travelling through Europe and were surrounded by great friends and family, but something still felt like it was missing and I couldn’t understand why.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Francesca

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 thrilled to share an update from Francesca, who was featured as a Real Life Minimalist in 2011 and 2013. It’s wonderful to follow her journey over the years! Visit her blog to read more about her experiences.

Francesca writes:

It’s been a long time since I first decided to throw everything out, pay off my debts and get my act together…and as time passes this remains a continually evolving lifestyle that I love, cherish and challenge each day.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Pauline

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, Pauline tells us how her minimalist lifestyle helped her pay off her debts and travel the world. Very inspirational! Check out her blog to see where she is now.

Pauline writes:

In 2010, I was a true packrat with lots of debts (about 20,000 USD). My apartment was full of everything. I had more clothes than I could wear, more kitchen utensils than I could use and books that I could read.… {Read more}

Minimalist Wardrobe: Leggings

For a few years now, I’ve been inching closer and closer towards a uniform. I’ve experimented with styles, and pondered the versatility of various tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. I’ve pared down to One Shoe, One Coat, and One Handbag.

Well, as of late, I’ve taken another leap forward in this initiative—I believe I am down to One Bottom. To be honest, this happened by accident; one of the unintended consequences of my Eating Less experiment is that most of my clothes no longer fit. And just when I nailed down a great capsule wardrobe—argh!

Pants (trousers for my UK readers) have been a particular problem.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Veronica

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 wonderful story from Veronica, who tells us how she embraced minimalism to live in a van. Read more about her experience on her blog.

Veronica writes:

My life as a minimalist began in an unconventional way. I was working my non-profit dream job, but it had become a nightmare. I knew I needed to make a change. Nonetheless, I had no idea how life altering of a change it would be.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Dana

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 delighted to feature Dana. She and her family are embracing minimalism so they can take a big, wonderful bus adventure! Visit her blog to see how they’re preparing for their journey.

Dana writes:

My husband and I had planned on one day living in a tiny house after our three boys were grown and out on their own. We thought we’d maybe take a year to travel when they were older, too.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: A. B.

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, A. B. tells us how children’s stuff can make a minimalist journey particularly challenging—but with time and persistence, it’s possible to pare down. I think many of us will relate to her story and be inspired by her progress!

A. B. writes:

I don’t know how long I’ve been on this minimalist journey. My first memory of it was in 2007 when I decided to take a break from work in hopes of simplifying my life, I was in my early 20’s and already tired.… {Read more}