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 Vanessa. After embracing a consumerist lifestyle for many years, she’s now finding freedom by slowly shedding her excess stuff. Visit her blog to read more.

Vanessa writes:

I was never fond of the word minimalism. It connotes want, frugality (another term I hate), lack, and scarcity. I didn’t like the word simple either – it means boring, unattractive, pared down, too retiring, lacking in imagination.

I like having the good things in life, I like pleasurable experiences and a comfortable place to live.… {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.

I love this story from Kim, who tells us how she gave up her possessions to travel the world. Follow her adventures on her blog, So Many Places.

Kim writes:

In a span of two weeks my husband and I sold almost every single one of our possessions.

We sold our house (furnished!), our car, our silverware and our patio furniture and our knick-knacks. We kept photos and old letters and the things that held meaning in our lives, which was a surprisingly small amount of stuff when we got right down to 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, Joel tells us how impending fatherhood sparked his interest in minimalism. He writes about how to simplify, organize, and be money wise on his blog, Value of Simple.

Joel writes:

It all started with, “Honey… I’m pregnant!”

That’s what my wife Melinda told me that wonderful day in April 2010, and that’s when my minimalist journey really began. By the time Grant – my first son – was born in November 2010, I was a fundamentally different person.… {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 Sarah, who extols the joys of downsizing her family’s home.

Sarah writes:

My journey into minimalism started roughly a year ago when I realized I wasn’t enjoying my home or my job (homemaking) anymore. I was caught up in a failing attempt to corral the physical clutter in our beautiful 2.5 story, 100 year old, 2246 square foot home during the long hours my husband worked and feeling like I didn’t have time to really enjoy spending time with my two small children, despite the fact that I was with them constantly.… {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 hear from Terry. She shares with us her minimalist dream, and what she’s doing to make it a reality.

Terry writes:

I have tiny tears in my eyes as I jump from The Minimalists to Zen Habits to Miss Minimalist and back. For so many years now (at least 30) I’ve had a recurring dream– I live in a small travel trailer which I love and share with my canine companion.… {Read more}