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, Lauren tells us how she discovered the joys of minimalism through long-distance hiking. Visit her blog to follow her on her journey.

Lauren writes:

Some aspects of minimalism have always come naturally to me, but I can point to my 2006 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail as a turning point. I had not done much backpacking before I set out for this 2,200 mile walk up and down the hills and mountains of the eastern United States, but it didn’t take long for me to learn that the more stuff I carried on my back, the more uncomfortable I would be and the less able to enjoy the stunning scenery or conversations with fellow hikers.… {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 wonderful contribution from Nyamka, who tells us how minimalism changed the course of her career and her life. Stop by her blog to learn more about her journey.

Nyamka writes:

Recently, it dawned on me that my life would be just like everyone in my life, busy. Growing up my parents were busy. My father was quite busy as a doctor, often working over time staying at the hospital overnight.… {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, Minimalist Mommy gives us an inspiring account of how she decluttered her toddler’s toys. I think all of us with little ones can relate to her story!

Minimalist Mommy writes:

I am a stay at home mom of 2 wonderful children. My son is 3 years old and my daughter is 3 months old. Before my son was born we were so excited for his arrival that we gathered up as many toys we could from garage sales and hand me downs from friends and made our entire bonus room into quite the playroom!… {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 Amity, who writes about the benefits of being a “Mini Me.” Check out her blog to read more of her story!

Amity writes:

Once, long ago, I had an astounding number of knickknacks and t-shirts. That was the tip of the iceberg. I had two drawers (one that was meant to hold hanging folders) filled to the brim with stationary. One wide shelf of my pantry was entirely devoted to tea.… {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, I’m happy to introduce you to Agilborder. She decluttered a tremendous amount of stuff in a very short time, trading a house full of possessions for the freedom of early retirement. Wonderful!

Agilborder writes:

A year ago my husband and I found our dream retirement location, but we really had not considered retiring. House prices in that area were low and “live lightly on the land” was the motto of the place we chose.… {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 meet Magalie Linda, an aspiring “semi-minimalist.” She’s documenting her decluttering process on her Tumblr, so be sure to check it out.

Magalie Linda writes:

I am not a minimalist. I don’t want to be one. At least not the one that has 2 pairs of pants or 2 shirts and lives out of a suitcase. But I am turning into a “semi minimalist”. You see, I do like to dress up.… {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, Maryn tells us how she traded the dream of a glamorous life for a simple one. Please visit her blog to learn more about her journey.

Maryn writes:

Growing up in Los Angeles, I thought I needed a glamorous occupation to be happy. I had this vision of me in a chic black suit making moves in designer shoes. People told me I could do anything. Queue the music. People told me I could change the world.… {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 SimpleSophy. She tells us about her frustration with having too much stuff, and what finally inspired her to pursue a pared-down life. Read more about her experiences on her blog.

SimpleSophy writes:

“I have too much stuff!”

It’s a decadent ‘First World’ moan, but it’s no less real and burdensome for that. I cannot tell you how oppressed I became by all my stuff, and how much I began to long to be rid of it.… {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, Pia tells us how some difficult situations inspired her minimalist journey—and how much happier, and more meaningful, her life has become. Be sure to visit her blog to read more!

Pia writes:

I wasn’t always very mindful of the way I lived my life. Every paycheque went to shopping for the latest trends or eating out too much. I’d spend countless hours surfing the internet, Facebook and watching YouTube videos.… {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 wonderful contribution from Irene. She shares the inspiration behind her minimalism, and the techniques she uses to achieve (and maintain) her simple lifestyle.

Irene writes:

Hi, I’m Irene from California and this is my minimalist story:

I was 17 years old when I discovered Elaine St. James’ book, The Simple Life, on display at Barnes and Noble. Elaine’s minimalist philosophy resonated with me and I reread her book several times.… {Read more}