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}

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 share this story from Denise. She and her daughter Aly (who was featured as a Real Life Minimalist last year) blog about their challenges and discoveries at minimalismissimple.com.

Denise writes:

Just over a year ago my daughter, Aly, introduced me to minimalism. Immediately I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. As I continue to make my way down the minimalist path now, I find myself thinking that I wish that I had found this path 30 years ago and how drastically different my life would have been. … {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 a wonderful contribution from Katherine, who tells us how she is re-discovering minimalism. My favorite line: “my heart did a 180 when it came to possessions.” Surf on over to her blog to learn more.

Katherine writes:

In college, I could not wait to explore the world as a study-abroader! I purchased an adequately sized backpack from a local store to carry and was on my way.… {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 Want-To-Be-Minimalist Steve. He tells us how he and his wife came to have too much stuff, and details their decluttering efforts as they begin their minimalist journey.

Steve writes:

I’m a 38 year old man living in Wisconsin with my wife of 16 years. I’m a manager at a large company and my wife works in the public schools. We have no children and at the moment have no pets (our 14 year old Shih Tzu just passed away a month ago).… {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 previous Real Life Minimalist Gigi. We last heard from her in January, when she was decluttering and planning her next travels. Visit her blog to read more about her adventures.

Gigi writes:

In early 2012, I sold, gave away, or trashed almost everything I owned. I gave up my lease on a little house in urban Denver. And I took off around the world with my business and my little dog, leaving just 8 boxes behind in a friend’s basement.… {Read more}