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 compelling story from Kathryn, who explains how some volunteer work changed her perspective on possessions. Visit her blog to learn more about her current endeavor, urban farming.

Kathryn writes:

My first steps into minimalism happened when I did a semester abroad working in an orphanage in Iasi, Romania. I remember feeling as if there was no way I could possibly pack enough for 3 months, yet when I arrived I realized these few things I had were more than so many of these children would ever possess.… {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, The Budding Minimalist tells us how she overcame her shopping and collecting habits, and found the courage to purge the clutter from her life.

The Budding Minimalist writes:

I believe I inherited my “collecting” habits from my father, who loves to keep around Japanese artifacts from his childhood on his desk (in addition to the small trinkets he’s been given over the years) and has a collection of baseball bats, baseballs, and photos (all signed) from the local sports team.… {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 hear from Aly, who’s embarking on her minimalist journey together with her mother. Follow the duo’s progress on their blog, minimalismissimple.com.

Aly writes:

My mother and I have always struggled to find balance in our lives. We wondered where the extra money vanished to, why we were always so disorganized, and what we could do to reverse the never ending cycle of having too much but never having enough.… {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, I’m happy to feature Marianne, who tells us about the variety of changes she’s made to simplify her life. To learn more, surf on over to her blog.

Marianne writes:

I came across Miss Minimalist several months ago and was inspired by the posts that were written. I like to keep my home uncluttered, but this took things to a new level. I think that it takes time to find balance in your life and for habits to stick.… {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, Miss Mini tells us about her decluttering goals, and the progress she’s made so far. Please visit her blog to read more about her journey.

Miss Mini writes:

I have spent most of my life surrounded by things I love. In spite of having things around me, I wouldn’t call myself a hoarder or a messy person. I could probably say that I had more than what I needed, but not excessively.… {Read more}