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Real Life Minimalists: Lena

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 Lena from Germany. She just recently discovered minimalism, but it’s already changed her outlook on life!

Lena writes:

Hello! My name is Lena and I live with my husband & two kids in Germany.

At the beginning of February I visited some friends in their new house. They are a family of five living on 900ft2 and I expected it to be totally crowded. To my surprise I loved their house–it was clean, serene and didn¹t feel too small at all.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sofia and Drew

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 Sofia and Drew; they’ve truly discovered the time and freedom that minimalism can bring! Read more about their experiences on their blog.

Sofia and Drew write:

A few years ago, as we approached our dreaded 40s, my wife and I began to feel a sense of unease. On the surface, we were experiencing a good deal of success, particularly career-wise. But something wasn’t quite right, and we eventually narrowed it down to a problem of “trajectory”.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Amanda

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, Amanda tells us how minimalism has enabled her and her husband to pursue careers they love. Be sure to check out her blog to learn more!

Amanda writes:

My name is Amanda, and I am a minimalist.

I didn’t start out this way. In fact, I was a pack rat and a hoarder until a few short years ago.

Shortly after my husband and I were married, we got jobs 1,000 miles away from where we’d been living.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Kendra

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, Kendra gives us a glimpse of her version of minimalism: one that includes two children and a lovely renovated house. Surf on over to her blog to read more.

Kendra writes:

My parents gave me a taste of minimalist life when they packed us into a 35-foot camper and lived up and down the west coast for a few years. While I liked some aspects, I daydreamed of normalcy and putting down roots, you know, having classmates who weren’t my sisters.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sarah P

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 think you’ll enjoy this story from Sarah P, a law student from Singapore who discovered minimalism while studying abroad. Visit her blog to read more about her travels and experiences.

Sarah writes:

Last year, I spent 9 months studying abroad in Southampton, UK.

Prior to leaving home, I agonized for weeks over how to compress my life into a 30kg luggage and a 7kg hand-carry. I had a closet full of clothes, a dazzling array of shoes, every color of the rainbow, and bags, accessories and books galore.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Francesca of Tasmanian Minimalist

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 Francesca of Tasmanian Minimalist, whose original feature appeared in July 2011. She tells us how she strayed from the minimalist path, but has returned with renewed vigor and determination.

Francesca writes:

It’s been two years since I had my minimalist life under control. Where my house was only inhabited by useful, practical and well loved items. My debt was almost cleared, my wasteful spending a thing of the past.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Bheng

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 Bheng, who writes from the Philippines. Her story provides wonderful inspiration for those trying to declutter craft and hobby supplies! Please visit her blog to learn more.

Bheng writes:

I am a crafty person, I live and breathe crafts. I prefer to make my own things rather than buy them.

I dreamed of owning a craft shop, one where I can sell crafty tools and teach them as well.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Caroline McGraw

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 share an update from previous Real Life Minimalist Caroline McGraw. We first heard from her in April 2011, while she was a live-in direct caregiver with the L’Arche DC community, caring for adults with intellectual disabilities. Read on to find out where she is now on her minimalist journey (for more details, surf on over to her blog, A Wish Come Clear).

Caroline writes:

Hello Miss Minimalist readers!… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Susan

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 Susan, who tells us how her 1900-era house led her down the path to minimalism.

Susan writes:

This is a story about how I learned to start listening to my house. My family and I live in a large east coast city, in a modest house built in 1900 for working people. There are no grand entrances or roomy hallways, and very little storage space.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Anna

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 Anna, who tells us (quite beautifully) how minimalism has awakened her to a more mindful, happier life. Please visit her blog to learn more.

Anna writes:

I began decluttering my living spaces about a year and a half ago, and have been consciously downsizing ever since. Like a lot of Miss Minimalist readers, I reached a breaking point with my stuff. I hadn’t run out of space yet, but I came to the realization that all of the things I’d acquired weren’t working.… {Read more}