Real Life Minimalists

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 story from K., whose experience living in Vietnam has inspired her minimalist journey. I love the description of her living arrangements–a reminder that most of us have an abundance of space and stuff.

K. writes:

Throughout my life, I’ve always felt the desire to simplify. To me, a simple life meant the opportunity for clarity and focus. However, these thoughts and desires were buried underneath my ‘normal’ American upbringing, and only surfaced sporadically and mystically.… {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 a lovely contribution from Belle. Her recent marriage inspired her to declutter, and she details for us the progress she’s made in her quest for a simpler life.

Belle writes:

I wouldn’t be considered a minimalist by most people’s standards. I enjoy owning books, nail polish, and little knickknacks I pick up at thrift stores. I dislike traveling and have no desire to live out of a suitcase.… {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 Karen, who describes herself as the “not-quite-there” minimalist. Visit her blog, and learn more about her gentle evolution towards simplicity.

Karen writes:

When I was 16 I remember looking around my bedroom and seeing all the typical teenage flotsam and jetsam on the floor and the crammed-full dresser and suddenly realizing I didn’t want to live like this. I wanted clear spaces and less of everything.… {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 have an update from Fawn, who was first featured as a Real Life Minimalist in September 2010. Her minimalist lifestyle, as a single mom of four, is truly inspirational—please visit her blog to learn more!

Fawn writes:

I have had minimalist leanings since I was a child. I used to make up games where I had to leave my home and stuff and pack only what I could take on my (imaginary) horse for a month on the range.… {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, Ellen tells us how she went from packrat to minimalist—and the wonderful freedom she enjoys with less stuff!

Ellen writes:

My name is Ellen and I’m 27 years old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I run a fashion and advice blog called Ask Away (www.askawayblog.com) where I post about fashion trends, organizing, building a wardrobe, and living on a budget. Oh, and I’m a self-proclaimed minimalist. When anyone called me that in the past, I would get defensive, as if they were calling me a derogatory name.… {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 hear from Vince, a writer and photographer who travels the world in minimalist fashion. Read more about his adventures (and see his wonderful photos!) on his blog, www.20LiterLife.com.

Vince writes:

When I traveled to Australia in 2009 I brought so much stuff. I think I took five or six pairs of shoes with me – and I’m a guy. In my defense, I was moving there for almost a year, so I would need pretty much my life’s worth of stuff, right?… {Read more}