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 wonderful contribution from Cindy. I love how she shows that minimalism isn’t something that happens instantaneously, but a continual process of refinement—as she says, “like peeling an onion, one layer at a time.”
Cindy writes:
I have been minimizing different aspects of my life since 1999 – I was 34 yrs. old. My journey began with a speeding ticket. I remember the moment. I was aggravated with my job, the 45-minute commute to this job for which I didn’t particularly care, and I was given a well-deserved speeding ticket that I couldn’t afford to pay. I wanted to change jobs, but my prayer that day in the car was, “God, I can’t even afford to get a different job because I can’t afford a salary cut!” I remember God saying to me in words that were almost audible, “I sent my Son to set you free and right now you are not free.” It was a startling response; I knew the verse in Galatians that said, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Driving home, I thought of a few ways I could start saving money; the first to go was ordering pizza on Friday nights to “reward” myself. In fact, no more rewards. My reward would be my freedom!
Soon thereafter I heard Dave Ramsey speak and I read several books on finances. Though my journey started with my finances, it didn’t stop there. I went through my belongings and removed items I didn’t love or need. William Morris’s comment, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,” was my mantra. I read Claire Cloninger’s A Place Called Simplicity, Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance, as well as Elaine St. James’ Simplify Your Life. These were amazing words to read for a girl who was brought up with, “Bigger is better,” “Buy as much house as the bank will allow,” and family members who collected EVERYTHING! My family thought I was crazy when I stopped collecting Christmas ornaments, Precious Moments figurines, dolls, and home decorations. Even more concerning to them was my saying “no” to going places with them because I wanted to do something different, something I wanted to do. I went hiking in the woods instead of shopping at a mall. I went camping instead of the annual home tour with my sisters. Saying “no” was difficult when I was expected to go along as I always had.
Two years later, I read a scripture passage from Isaiah and I again heard from God; He told me to not sign my next year’s contract; confirmation of this came in several ways. My obedience required that I trust God to take care of my next job. I had to wait four months to get that job. At the end of July, two weeks before school started, I was hired to teach at a school within a 20 minute drive of my home.
It wasn’t until a few years later, that I wondered why all this happened. I realized that I bought things and said “yes” because I was lonely and I wanted to “fit in” with my family and friends. I had to get comfortable with being myself and find a new set of friends. I was clearing my calendar too; I was making room for things about which I was enthusiastic. Afterall, the word enthusiasm means, “God within us.”
The show, Clean Sweep, with Peter Walsh inspired me and I read all of his books. I learned that as we clear out and make room, we’re really making room for something else. I didn’t have to wonder long – I met my future husband, Jeff. By the time we married two years later, I had paid off all of my debt. I had paid over $40,000 of debt and I had cleaned out enough space in my house so that he could move in. After the wedding, we sold his house and had a garage sale for all our unneeded/unwanted items. When he moved in, all of our clothes fit in our master bedroom closet! Two years later, we cleaned out the garage enough so that both cars were parked in the garage. This was a major breakthrough! In 5 more years we were totally debt-free when we paid off our home. I cannot express the relief and joy I felt; there are no words.
We have decided to live in our 1200 sq. ft. home instead of buying a larger home. Neither of us want to spend time maintaining a big yard or a large home. We’d rather travel, enjoy time spent with family and friends, or just relax at home.
My journey of minimalism has been similar to others’ experiences of “peeling an onion, one layer at a time.” Though I never counted the items I released, I wish I had. Our home still has too many items for my taste, but I am continually assessing.
For example, my body is healthier. I was able to heal my thyroid after I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism; I found a solution that worked well for me. My life is easier because I don’t have to wake up to take medicine every day for the rest of my life.
Also, this past year, I emptied a 4-drawer filing cabinet; I digitized or recycled all of its contents. I released over 30 cookbooks and digitized all of our loose paper recipes. I am currently digitizing 50 years of photographs.
Christmas is much simpler now; instead of decorating every room in the house, a wreath adorns the door and a tree decorates the den. Instead of a busy calendar during the holidays, we actually have several quiet weekends.
I’ve experienced Project 333 and was successful with it. I no longer count my clothes, but I have very few. When I do purchase clothing, they are quality, classic items that I will enjoy wearing.
My life is much simpler now; I am happier and I am free because of simplicity!
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or joining my email list.}
Oh please please, would you be willing to share how you healed your thyroid?
I had a cat whose thyroid was healed with radioactive iodine. He had hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism but I have heard there are similar therapies for humans.
Yes, please point us in that direction!
Cindy! I love your essay. Like the three ladies above, I would love to hear how you healed your thyroid! Also, what are you using to digitize your photos? Many blessings! Samantha
Several readers wanted information on how I have been able to heal my thyroid. Here is a link to AlternaCare: http://www.alternacareinc.com/
Dr. Rob and his staff are knowledgable, informative, and kind. Each person’s treatment is individualized. Though it’s expensive, I can certainly say I am glad I tried it; I had tried everything else to no avail. I hope it helps you, as well!
As for my photo digitizing, I used a company called Nostalgic Media; they posted a deal I couldn’t refuse – less than ten cents per photo! It was a great way to start!
After 10+ years and trying literally every diet (quitting sugar, Paleo – everything!) plus every herb, supplement and alternative treatment known to man, I have discovered unfortunately my endocrinologist was right. Thyroid disease has no quick fix and is a lifelong condition for the vast, vast majority of people. (Remission is rare and spontaneous – nothing we can do about it.) Don’t waste your time or money on fads and quacks who try to sell you things that promise to “heal” you. Just live a nice life and be kind to yourself.
Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by obesity (not the other way around). Reducing weight is as simple as eating fewer calories. Yes, this works for people with hypothyroidism, too. If your antibodies have not completely destroyed your thyroid, then it has a good chance of recovering normal function.
If it’s been subjected to too much abuse, though, you’ll have to take thyroid medication your entire life. But you can still lose weight. When you are on a proper dose of thyroid medication, your levels of TSH are no different from anyone else’s and have zero impact on anything related to weight and energy.
If you want to lose weight, the easiest way is to calculate your daily energy expenditure using a TDEE calculator (Google it). 6000 steps a day is required to reach sedentary and 10,000 to reach lightly active, to give you some idea of what your likely activity level is. Your smart phone will have a pedometer. Wear it in a pocket for a week and find out how active you are. Then make a free account at myfitnesspal.com and log your food BY WEIGHING IT (anything else is going to be a gross underestimate) and eat 500 calories less than you burn every day. If you aren’t averaging a pound a week lost over the next 6 weeks, then you’re lying to yourself about either how much you’re eating or how much you’re burning. Adjust as needed to get correct results.
Diets that don’t involve eating fewer calories than you burn never work. If you’re honest with yourself and are willing to spend 15 minutes a day logging your food, you can’t fail to lose all the weight you need or want.
I lost 55 pounds in a year, from overweight to a BMI of 19–my high school weight. I know people who have lost two, three, four times as much the same way. If you’re simply honest with yourself, you cannot fail.
Yes, please Cindy, I’d love to pass your thyroid advice on to my daughter who has hypothyroidism! Her dad had hyperthyroidism and was treated with radioactive iodine, and has for 20 years taken thyroid to replace what his body no longer makes at all.
Your story was very inspirational, and I loved hearing how your faith in God has inspired your journey to minimalism. I’ve found that my faith has moved me in the same direction as well. Thanks for sharing!
Several readers wanted information on how I have been able to heal my thyroid. Here is a link to AlternaCare. Dr. Rob and his staff are knowledgable, informative, and kind. Each person’s treatment is individualized. Though it’s expensive, I can certainly say I am glad I tried it; I had tried everything else to no avail. I hope it helps you, as well!
AlternaCare link: http://www.alternacareinc.com/
My hypothyroid corrected when I went off of gluten (later to SCD/GAPS style diet), and supplemented with high quality vitamins for only those areas I was testing deficient. I consistently test normal now. It took a few years for everything to normalize. At no point did anybody suggest medications to me, although I wasn’t working with a standard MD when I was at my worst.
I would certainly be cautious with thyroid imbalances, as it can potentially lead to death.
Thank you for this honest, captivating story. I really enjoy your straightforward style of story-telling.
I was struck by a few things you wrote. The first is: “I sent my Son to set you free and right now you are not free.” I’m not Christian, but that statement resonates with me so deeply. If re-worked as a secular sentence, I think it would summarize the whole minimalist movement marvelously for people of every background and belief system. We are not free in the consumerist rat race! This is not what our existence is supposed to be like in safe, “free” countries!
I also liked your perspective on cutting out expenses that were “rewards” for your hard (and unhappy) work–that freedom, instead, would be its own reward. It’s a great way to coax oneself away from “pacifiers” that don’t support our long-term financial and lifestyle goals.
I’ve been following Minimalist blogs for years, so these concepts aren’t new to me. Well done for framing them in a way that makes them seem fresh and new again, Cindy.
Wow! You seem to be well on your way on the minimalist path! You have just inspired me to go through my closet again and go through my winter tops! I was hesitant this season not to get rid of any I did not like because I did not have enough money to replace many of them, but maybe I will get rid of one or two now. ;D Also, if I had a home, I would probably just have a fake 4-foot Christmas tree instead of a really big fake tree. It would take up less space when being stored and I wouldn’t have to buy too many strings of lights for it.
Take very good care and I wish you all of the best on your minimalist journey! C:
This is my favorite post so far, although I enjoy them all. This really resonated with me. Thanks for your story.
Me too!
Great story – inspiring – and love that you aren’t afraid to share your faith.
It’s been a while since I have been touched by a story, then today I read your account and I just had to comment. The reason I really connect with your story is that I also believe in God’s redemptive power. When HE said he carries our burden and our sorrows, he spoke both in spirit and physical world. I became I minimalist just of late, but boy!, I am passionate about it. Marie Kondo asks ” does this spark joy?” I ask a different question, “will you take this with you when you die?” .
Godspeed in your journey, and God Bless!
So are you saying you don’t have a bed, dresser, lamp, kitchen table, chairs, cutlery, soap, wallet, clothing, shoes, boots, underwear, etc.??
Love it and God bless you for letting Him guide and use you. Most inspiring!
You are inspiring! Well written.
This is one of the most inspiring stories I have read in quite awhile. I follow everything minimalist and am a work in progress. Also had a question about the thyroid. I am hypo also. Am going to talk to a nutritionist about that. Thank you also for the spiritual help you have received during your quest. God bless.
I really loved this post too. I also would be interested to find out how you healed your thyroid. I also have hypothyroidism. Thank you so much for your story!
Very inspiring story and I also been purging for a while little by little, I hope soon I can get to the bottom of everything.
I also have hypothyroidism, and I would like to know how you cure yours, I been taking medicine for it for twenty two years and I really sick of it. TIA.
Thank you Cindy for sharing your story, which I could relate to very much. Last year for health reasons I decided to give up alcohol entirely for 4 months to see if it made a difference. I only ever used to drink on Friday night, 2 glasses of wine as my reward for getting through the week, and Sunday night, another 2 glasses as my final relax before the new week began. I found it was not the wine itself that was hard to drop, but the sense of rewarding and relaxing myself. It tool about 4 weeks before I truly felt that the sense of freedom on a Friday night was reward in itself. And similarly, because of that feeling of freedom I didn’t need a wine to relax on Sunday night. So now, even though my self-imposed time limit is up, my wine club membership can go. A very nice, though unintented, minimalist consequence. Best wishes on your journey.
I am very inspired by your story. I myself often use “rewards” to make me feel joyous at the end of the week. And although, it is not about something very expensive or unhealthy, I find truly intersting the idea of trying to do without them. It might just be a door to a deeper level of consciousness!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Cindy. It is truly inspiring. It has also got me thinking about all the areas in my life where I’m not ‘Free’, because by making choices that are not in the interests of Freedom, I am not accepting that amazing gift of Grace. Thank you for helping me see Freedom in a different way today. :)
Cindy’s story resonated with me because I began a similar journey in 1998. I began by reading Elaine St James books and Your Money or Your life. Changed my life but over a period of ten years. Cindy is right; it is a slow steady process….constantly but not obsessively evaluating activities, expenditures, friendships, spiritual life, learning…
I no longer run with the pack and my life is more quality than quantity.
Hi. I’m Jeff, Cindy’s husband. Reading her story, much of which is from before she and I met, I’m reminded of what an amazingly self-aware and Godly woman she is. I’m so proud of who she is and grateful for her including me in her journey. I tell her this all the time: “Blessed am I among men.”
You certainly are, Jeff!
Beautiful…
Cindy, you are the minimalist with whom I most am like. I steward my(really God’s) $, time, possessions based on how I believe He wants me to. Your story is similar to mine including God speaking directly to my heart. Thanks fr sharing sister
I am 58 and have recently started on my minimalist journey.Thank you for sharing your inspirational story.
Beatifully written! I ca identify very much with your story. I practice a similar kind of minimalism! One that uses minimalism as a way to give a deeper meaning to live.
I loved reading your story, Cindy! I too read (and kept) Elaine St. James’ book, “Simplify Your Life” when it first came out. Truly a life changer. I also enjoyed being inspired by “Clean Sweep” with Peter Walsh too. Dave Ramsay is a financial wizard! I enjoy listening to his radio show and reading his books. I’m thankful for people like yourself, the people you mentioned, and Francine Jay who encourages us to focus on our faith, family, and friends and not on”stuff.” Love and Blessings to you and your husband!
Thank you, all, for the positive feedback. I’m so glad my story has been an inspiration! That was my reason for sharing it. Thank you for your continued encouragement!
Cindy,
many asked how you healed your hypothyroidism. Would you share please?
Thank you
Victoria
Oh I loved reading Cindy’s story! It’s so interesting how people find minimalism in similar, and yet wildly different ways. I was so inspired years ago by Clean Sweep too! I especially liked how Peter Walsh was so kind and understanding – while still being firm – when helping people manage and purge their belongings.
http://www.meredithtested.com
Always so nice to find minimalist Christians around :)
Thank you for the inspiring words!
Loved your post. Thanks! Happy Easter. God bless you.
Minimalism is a journey. I continue to reduce the number of things in my home. My daughter told someone that we have nothing on the floor.