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Real Life Minimalists: J.

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 thought-provoking contribution from J., who wonders: what to do after decluttering? A decluttered life is like the empty cup I talk about in my book—full of potential, but with what do you fill it? Please share with J. what you did with your newfound space (both physical and mental).

J. writes:

Dump the STUFF and then what?

This story begins as most of these do. I was a young woman.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Leesa

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 Leesa, who tells us how minimalism is helping her redefine the role of consumption in her life. Read more of her thoughts and experiences on her blog.

Leesa writes:

My Minimalist Life… May not look like yours. While moving began my journey in earnest, the truth is that the change in mindset began a couple of years ago. Sometimes I am slow to the party.… {Read more}

Furniture Update: A Couch and Table and Chairs, Oh My!

Two years ago, my family and I moved into a 3-bedroom, 1700-sq-ft house. It was a big change from the 390-sq-ft apartment we’d left behind in England—but just about the smallest home we could find within a short commute of my husband’s office.

Several readers have asked me how our larger space has affected our furniture needs. In particular, inquiring minds want to know: do we have more, less, the same, or different stuff than we had before?

The answer: a little bit more, but really just different.

Our house has an open floor plan—the kitchen, living room, and dining room are all in one big space.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Kevin

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, Kevin from Ecuador tells us how his new minimalist mindset has changed his life in so many ways. You can hear more about his experiences by following him on Twitter.

Kevin writes:

Hello. My name is Kevin. I’m 26 years old from Quito, Ecuador.

I apologize for any mistakes in my English.

I just want to thank you because since I started to read your blog really changed my life completely.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: K.

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}

Real Life Minimalists: Zsolt

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 happy to introduce you to Zsolt, whose cultural upbringing has given him a unique perspective on hoarding and minimalism. Be sure to visit his blog to read more.

Zsolt writes:

Most of you people reading this have probably been lucky enough not to have experienced life in a socialist dictatorship. I was 6 years old when the political transitions happened in Hungary so I can’t say I have experienced it either.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sarah T.

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, Sarah T. tells us how she and her family dramatically downsized their home and streamlined their stuff. Surf on over to her blog to learn more.

Sarah writes:

One day I was as content as could be with all my stuff, and the next day I’d had it. We had moved from Florida with no basement, garage, or storage to Pennsylvania where our square footage was much more than records indicated.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Belle

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}

Decluttering Update: Hello eBay, My Old Friend

Hello eBay, my old friend I’ve come to list with you again…

Sometimes you reach a point in life when you have things all figured out—you’ve accomplished that elusive goal, you’ve designed that perfect lifestyle, you’ve tweaked and fine-tuned your way into the ideal routine.

And then what happens? Well, things change, of course. One of the tenets of Zen Buddhism is that life is never static—and that the desire for it to be so is cause for great suffering. Better to accept that change is the rule, and embrace the twists and turns that occur along the way.

I had once decluttered my way to minimalist nirvana.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: John

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 John. He tells us how reducing his possessions has given him a new mental freedom, and enabled him to focus on the important things in life. Check out his blog to learn more.

John writes:

Greetings Minimalists! My name is John and part of what I write about over at practicalcivilization.com includes minimalism and the avoidance of over-consumption. Recently, I got my belongings below the famed 300 number.… {Read more}