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. About 18 months ago, I took a huge leap of faith and change directions in multiple areas of my life. Career wise–I left healthcare after 20 years and I am now pursuing my Masters in Education, so I can teach. I cleaned out my closet to literally 7-8 outfits, with a few other things I truly use on a daily/monthly basis. I added some simple dresses and shoes/jewelry and I can actually fit everything into one closet. I started decluttering and gave away anything I had not used in over 2 years, including Christmas items, décor, books, etc. I finally donated the sewing machine my husband bought me 10 years ago. I used it maybe a dozen times and it’s been sitting, in a closet, for years. Yes, I did it. It’s gone and I could not be happier. I am always grateful for everything I am given but again, times have changed and I can’t live with guilt in a closet. I call it right sizing my life.
Even as a teacher, I am very picky as to what I will purchase and truly need or use. I try to store 90% of what I need in my classroom and I do have a small bookshelf and storage drawers at home that are mostly school related, with some inspirational items/books on it, but far less than I had. That darn dollar section at Target has no hold on me anymore!!! :) I even organized all of my lesson plans into binders, with all the resources I need. It’s great to be prepared. I set aside a spot in my home to work. I have a lot of paperwork that comes with teaching and having a designated spot helps me accomplish my tasks quickly and efficiently.
As far as my home, I am still loving simple décor. I spent some money on getting all the walls painted. This has gone a long way in bringing personality and life to my home. I decorated with a few candles in clear glass holders and flowers here and there and a few select pictures on the walls. I have added curtains, because they are helping with the Texas heat we live in. I have seen a drop in my electric bill. We changed out a large couch to two loungers and a love seat and one large square coffee table and it’s perfect now. I repainted the dining room table and added a new chandelier in the kitchen and just these small changes have had a huge impact. I have added some new plantings outside, to the front of the house and now I feel like my home is a happy, welcoming, warm place to be. My inspiration came from visiting apartments in town. They have one called the Parisian and the colors and style are EXACTLY what I was looking for and I already had a lot of similar style in my house. So I copied it and I love the outcome!!! One last item on our to do list are wooden floors. That will be next year.
I guess my whole point is don’t be afraid of change, especially the big changes. I look back now and I am excited about how far I have come and who I am now. I am as close to the real me as I have been in years. I don’t miss anything I have gotten rid of nor do I feel guilty about spending a little money to get where I needed to be. And if you are afraid people are going to judge you and say something, let them go too. I have found the more me I become, the less time I have for people who don’t want the best for me. It certainly has been a good change for my soul.
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, or joining my email list.}
Wow Heather! What a fabulous leap! I think you have the right idea and doing what is right for your soul. I’m on that jury now and it feels great and not-so-great (when you realize how much money and time you wasted on “stuff.”)
Congratulations on your transformation.
Thank you MontanaHappy!!! It’s been so much fun and I feel very FREE now!!!
Awesome. Thanks for sharing Heather! What color did you paint the walls in your house?
Thank you so much for sharing your update, Heather. 7-8 outfits is impressive and your home décor sounds lovely. You are an inspiration!
Tracy- Thank you!!! My kitchen is Urban Bronze-a dark brownish/grayish..but lovely with all white and camel accents. I then when 2 up on the color card and painted the living room/entry way/up the stairs this color. My half bath is a white with a pinch of pink- I call it blushing. It has no windows, so I needed something to lighten it up. My ceilings are all bright white and I love it!!! Our Master is a silver grey and again, I went 1 shade lighter in the Master bath. It sounds weird but my accents are wood and champagne colored tables. It looks cool!!!
Pinki- Thank you!! I am going with a simple, I guess we could call it Parisian wardrobe. I found a lot of great ideas on PINTEREST and I am building a simple wardrobe. I actually just bought a trench coat, on deep discount, this week. I have been eyeing it for awhile. Since it’s already hot here in Texas, I am adding 2 more dresses for summer, which I can wear early Spring to late Fall around here. If it is too chilling, I can add either my leather jacket or jean jacket. I am learning alot about styling clothes. I basically lay them on the bed and make combinations.
Sorry this turned into another posting. LOL
One more thing- I have a HUGE storage closet in my classroom. I am shocked at what teachers hoard but I get it. We have VERY little money to buy things. I am sure my stash will grow, but I work very hard to only have what we use as a class. And I am refuse to store anything at home, exception being a HUGE map I use for teaching that won’t fit in my cupboard. I don’t like to have things laying about.
A woman after my own heart. Simple is the way to go. I really like the 7-8 outfit idea. My husband and I downsized a year ago and we donated so much before and even more after the move. When you live in a small space you get a clear picture of what you really use and what you can donate to lessen the burden of “stuff”.
Betsy- BINGO!!! It’s been inspiring to get down to what matters. I am finding that happy balance in all areas of my life. Our space is still too big and we will make a decision in about 3-4 years if we want to stay or go, but right now, it works and I like having all the open space to just breathe.
I’d love to see pictures of your place!
I will try and get some. Ms. Minimalist..how can I add pics or do I need to have my own link? Thanks.
Hi Heather! A Flickr or website link would be great.
I will work on it. Thanks!!!
Wow-
I can really relate with Heather! Although I am a relatively new minimalist, her story is an inspiring indication that I am headed in the right direction! I felt like finding minimalism was the key to unlocking many dreams and replacing fears, stress and doubt with hope and confidence. I d like to submit a story here because I think I might have something unique to offer so I will be in touch. Thank you for featuring these. It is so interesting and motivating to see so many on this journey! Love it!
From me:
minimalistfitnesschic.com