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Real Life Minimalists: Michael

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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, Michael reminds us that we don’t have to reach certain milestones to become minimalists. It’s an ongoing process of living mindfully each day.

Michael writes:

For about six months I’ve thought: “When I become a minimalist, I’ll submit my story to Miss Minimalist.” Gradually, however, I’ve come to realize that minimalism is not a destination. Minimalism is a state of mind cultivated over the lifespan.

I don’t share some of the surface features common to some more popular minimalists–I have a wife and kids, a mortgage, and a 9-5 job.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Frangipani Bloomfields

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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, Frangipani Bloomfields celebrates her simple lifestyle with us—rightly noting that we don’t have to count possessions to call ourselves minimalists. Read more of her story on her blog.

Frangipani Bloomfields writes:

It has only recently dawned upon me that I am a minimalist. I have been reading Miss Minimalist for quite some time now and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the posts by other real life minimalists I have always thought I stood just outside the box.… {Read more}

The Joy of Less – A New Era

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I have some exciting news to share with you today!

As many of you know, I self-published my book, The Joy of Less. Back in the day, there wasn’t a lot of mainstream interest in minimalist living, and it was the most expedient way to get my book into your hands. Thank you for reading it, and spreading the word to your friends and families! We all know I’m not much of a marketer, and I’m eternally grateful to all of you for making it a success.

Self-publishing was a wonderful and empowering experience, save for one drawback: while you could buy The Joy of Less from Amazon, or check it out at your local library, it was never available in bookstores.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Wild Poppy

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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 an update from Wild Poppy, who was featured in this series a year ago. She explains how a recent experience hosting some friends gave her new insight into her minimalist lifestyle.

Wild Poppy writes:

How can one lone egg radiate such a sense of accomplishment?

I enjoy my minimalist aspirations. I’m sure we all do. This, however, has an impact on how others view us. Take, for example, a recent enlightening encounter.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sandra

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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, Sandra tells us how she pared down after the birth of her son, and found her true calling in her newfound space. Visit her blog for more inspiration.

Sandra writes:

Hello! My name is Sandra and I live in Spain with my partner and my five year old son. I have read all kind of stories in this Real Life Minimalists’ section so I know I am nothing out of the ordinary.… {Read more}

The Joy of One: Shoe

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I feel a little guilty that last week’s One Coat challenge was so easy. It was a good warm up, though, and I hope it inspired some of you that yes, it can be done! We often discover on our minimalist journey that what might seem daunting or pointless at first can actually be quite doable and gratifying.

But still—a bit of a struggle makes for a more interesting blog post, doesn’t it?

Well, I have that struggle for you today, as I tackle what might be the most difficult item to reduce to One: shoes.

Now, I’m no Carrie Bradshaw when it comes to footwear; beyond looking presentable and feeling comfortable, I have little interest in what’s on my feet.… {Read more}

The Joy of One: Coat

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When I moved from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest, I took the opportunity to rethink my outerwear. I no longer needed my heavy winter coat (goodbye snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures!), but I did need something more waterproof (hello rain!).

I wanted just One Coat that would work for fall, winter, and spring, and settled on a mid-weight raincoat with a removable quilted liner. I opted for one with a hood, to eliminate the need for a hat (and hopefully, an umbrella—optimistic, I know, but so far, so good).

As far as color goes, I normally default to black for outerwear.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Regina

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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, Regina tells us how minimalism has shaped her daily life and routine since she was featured last year. (I love hearing about the progress our Real Life Minimalists have made!) Stop by her website to read more of her writing.

Regina writes:

So what is a minimalist life like? Is it any different from the life of one who is not? I guess the answer is yes and no. Being a minimalist does not exempt one from the ups and downs of daily life.… {Read more}

The Joy of One

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I have long been enamored with the concept of One.

How lovely would it be to have One coat you could wear all year? One pair of shoes that worked with every outfit? One bag that filled all your needs? One pen, One pan, One sauce pot, One spatula, One lipstick of the perfect shade.

Ahhh…..for me, that’s minimalist heaven. It’s the culmination of all the decluttering I’ve been doing, and minsumerism I’ve been practicing, for the past decade.

One is restrained. One is elegant. One is beautiful.

I talk a lot about Limits in my book, The Joy of Less: like limiting our shirts or books or towels or plates to a certain number or certain space.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Claire

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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 Claire, who just radiates the joy of minimalism! Be sure to visit her blog to read more of her writing.

Claire writes:

I think I always had a minimalist streak in me, but it took a while to come out, as I grew up in a family of buyers and hoarders!

I remember the first time I realized I was a minimalist: I moved to Canada from the UK, and I took one suitcase with me, plus my small purse.… {Read more}