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Real Life Minimalists: Layla

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 pleased to feature Layla, who addresses an important question: what happens when you finish decluttering?

Layla writes:

When I was younger, I used to make up stories. One of them is about a time-traveling gal who goes back to the past and lives simply for many years, making amazing friends and falling in love. At the end, she comes back to the present and immediately goes through all her old stuff, putting it in boxes to give away.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Vanessa

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}

Real Life Minimalists: Kim

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}

Real Life Minimalists: Joel

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}

Real Life Minimalists: Sarah

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}

Real Life Minimalists: Diane

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 pleased to feature Diane. She tells us how she went from being a minimalist youth to an adult with too much stuff–and how she’s now downsizing with great enthusiasm!

Diane writes:

I became a minimalist very young due to a severe respiratory allergic reaction to dust. My poor mom had to wash my painted bedroom bureau, desk and shelves every other day since I can remember, so in order to help mom, I left few items on my furniture.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Kay

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, Kay tells us how minimalism has given her a new perspective on life, as well as the freedom to embrace any opportunity.

Kay writes:

Me and minimalism had a late start because throughout my teens and early twenties I was a conspicuous consumer who didn’t know any better. Money was earned to be spent and things were in the stores to be bought. It was time and life experience that brought me closer to simplicity and I only wish I’d have known then what I know now.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Terry

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}

Real Life Minimalists: Jana

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, Jana tells us how a new pair of shoes ultimately led her down a simpler path. I think many of us can relate to this kind of “light bulb moment!”

Jana writes:

Hi there! I’m so inspired by the amazing transformations reported on by such a number of brilliant people on this site; it’s incredible to me that so many people have radically changed their thinking in order to free up their lives.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Archan Mehta

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 Archan Mehta, whose meditation practice led him to minimalism. He’s a writer, consultant, and teacher with a Ph.D. in Management, and invites you to connect with him on LinkedIn.

Archan writes:

Okay, I admit it: I’ve had a tendency to acquire things and hoard stuff. You could say: Well, you almost made a career out of it. I would go shopping and save up for a rainy day.… {Read more}