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 Jessica, who tells us how decluttering can lead to so many positive changes in life. Please visit her blog for more inspiration!
Jessica writes:
Hi, I’m Jessica. My favorite mantra is “less is more.” I am truly a minimalist at heart. If I don’t love it or it isn’t useful, then it doesn’t deserve to take up space in my home. Hello, Thrift Store. :)
I became a Life Coach to empower people and coach them to possibility and truth so they can create a life they love. Whether that is with their home, relationship, finances or goals. Clutter isn’t just physical stuff it’s also mental and emotional. The less “clutter” we have around us, the clearer and more deliberate we can be about living a life that supports who we were created to be. My passion is helping people gain the momentum to move forward and intentionally take action in their lives.
In 2006 I met my husband and started living the American dream; working more and spending more. When my daughter was born in 2011 I started to weigh the cost of owning so much stuff. A quote that struck me was, “money is replaceable, and time is lost forever.” I wanted to stay home with my daughter as children are little only so long. I wasn’t a reader at the time, but when I would get home from working as a nurse on the evening shift and I couldn’t sleep…I started to read. The first book I read was “The Joy of Less.” Thank you, Miss Minimalist! I then read everything I could get my hands on regarding simplifying, minimalism, downsizing, decluttering and owning less. As I read I acted. Each day I would go through drawers, closets and cupboards to decide what really mattered to me. If it didn’t serve a purpose or spark joy, I released it. With each trip to the thrift store, I felt lighter and had so much more energy and clarity.
When we clear away the clutter, we clear away limiting beliefs that keep us stuck year after year. I have seen the positive impact that clearing the clutter has had on so many areas of my life. Simplifying and downsizing doesn’t happen overnight. The great thing about that is when we do things slow and steady, they tend to last.
My husband and I started paying off one bill at a time and eventually sold my dream equestrian facility we had built. We became crystal clear with our goals to become financially free. Let’s just say material belongings and debt didn’t win. Yes, I loved my beautiful 20 acre farm, heated barn and indoor arena but I love my little farm so much more!
I’m not going to tell you I don’t like nice things, but I am a lot more conscious now about what I spend my money on and what I bring into my home. I don’t just buy things to buy. I will choose experiences over possessions any day. I’m so thankful for what my journey has taught me up to this point in my life, and I want to encourage you on your path. I highly recommend having a support system in place because people will question you on your new ideas and think you’re crazy. If you are new to this journey, it can be very discouraging and really set you back. I’m here to tell you to keep foraging ahead. Simplicity is about the path less traveled, and it might not always be easy, but it will be worth it. POWER UP!
Please visit my website to learn more about me: www.poweruplifecoaching.com.
{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.}
“Money is replaceable, but time is lost forever” — GREAT quote!
Carolyn,
It’s so true when we think about in those terms. Have a great day!
I’m in the process of getting rid of things I don’t cherish and you’re right – it is actually freeing versus hard. I love paring down to surround myself with useful or loved items.
MontanaHappy.com,
When we are surrounded by only the things we love and cherish it feels so amazing. We hand picked only what love and use the most instead of keeping things around because they were given to us or they were expensive. We are then coming from an empowering place. Make Room For What You Love:)
I loved that you said, slow and steady and that’s what lasts. It’s a battle, (hello, Target) but these posts continue to amaze and inspire me.
Sonja,
Slow and steady applies to so many things in life! Have a lovely day:)
Fantastic Jessica, I am a minimalist too. every 2 months I throw away things that I do not need. It not only declutters but also feels good from inside out.
Sudha,
I agree! Decluttering rejuvenates you from the inside out. That is so great you pare down every two months!!
I have never had many things because my mother was a hoarder. I have one shelf of fiction and one of nonfiction. I have my craft items and my house plants. I fill boxes and bags for Goodwill and other groups every week. I have 4 pairs of shoes. I don’t remember ever having 4 pairs of shoes before. I like to look at pictures of minimalist homes.