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Clean Slate Part 2: Bundle of Joy

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On the course of our minimalist journey, my husband and I had never seriously entertained the idea of having children. For a long time, we couldn’t imagine how an infant/toddler/adolescent/teenager could fit into the carefree, nomadic lifestyle we had created for ourselves.

But last year, after purging all the excess from our lives, something changed.

In my book, The Joy of Less, I liken minimalism to “emptying our cups”—not for the sake of being empty, but for discovering what’s truly special to us and making room for it.

Well, after my husband and I stripped everything to the bone—giving up our home, our possessions, the expectations of others—we discovered the potential of our “empty cup”: the capacity to love, care for, and share this amazing world with a child.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Lucent Imagery from Australia

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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, Lucent Imagery from Australia writes about how minimalism has contributed to her vision of the world; I think you’ll find her story very inspiring! After reading, don’t forget to check out the beautiful photos on her blog.

Lucent Imagery writes:

When I look back on my childhood, I know that minimalism in some shape or form was always a part of me. My mum and I always loved “throw out” days where we would purge excess belongings or clothes that no longer appealed to us.… {Read more}

Clean Slate Part 1: Homecoming

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Hi everybody—I missed you all during my sabbatical! Oh boy, do we have a lot of catching up to do…

If you’ve been following my blog for awhile (or reading the archives), you know that in 2009 my husband and I sold our house, and almost everything we owned, to move overseas. The whole experience was like starting life anew with a clean slate. We traveled extensively, and lived a mainly nomadic life—moving every few months with all our possessions in our duffel bags.

Well, it’s time for a clean slate once again. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be filling you in on some big changes in my personal life (and revealing why I’ve been taking some time off).… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Ritu

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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, Ritu shares her story with us. She began her minimalist journey several years ago, and tells us how the experience has positively impacted her life.

Ritu writes:

I was born and raised in India. In my early twenties, I moved to the USA for graduate school, and have recently started working as a scientist in a research lab. I was introduced to minimalism about three years ago when I accidentally came across Julie Morgenstern’s book “SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life.” I enjoyed this book a lot and got instantly connected to the minimalism philosophy.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Andy

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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 a story from Andy. He’s an aspiring minimalist, who’s using his overseas work assignment to re-evaluate the excess stuff in his life.

Andy writes:

I’ve really enjoyed reading your website, so thought I would share my own story – well the story so far!

I’m calling it: Preparing to take the plunge. By “gonna be a” minimalist.

My name is Andy and I am a hoarder. I want to say it out loud and confess to the world.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Jake from Australia

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, Jake writes from Australia. He tells us about his decluttering progress, and how it’s had a positive impact on both his own mindset and his family life.

Jake writes:

Dear Miss Minimalist,

Thank you for being an ongoing inspiration to help me remove so much clutter and junk around my house. Just today I donated a whole boot load of stuff from the back of my car; the things had been collecting gradually just in the last two weeks alone.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Heidi from Kingman, AZ

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

Today, Heidi from Kingman, AZ shares an inspirational story with us. She explains how her minimalist philosophy helped her through a very difficult time in her life.

Heidi writes:

The past few years have been so stressful. I was overworked and exhausted. I was also terrified of becoming a hoarder like my mother’s best friend. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I needed help. I started by researching stress relief and found tons of really decent websites that basically said too much stuff makes you stressed.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Heidi J

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, I’m pleased to feature Heidi J. I just love this story of how she decluttered a former creative pursuit! Check out her blog, knithappiness, to read more.

Heidi writes:

Inspired by Real Life Minimalist Robert Hickman.

I started reading Miss Minimalist last June, after devouring Francine’s book, “The Joy of Less.” Reading the blog weekly, helped me move along on my journey of reducing the unnecessary from my life. I found pure simple joy in decluttering room by room, reducing my wardrobe to 30 pieces of well fitting clothing, and wading through unused kitchen gadgets.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Brasilicana

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

Today we hear from Brasilicana, who reduced her possessions to the airline’s baggage allowance for her international move. Please visit her blog to learn more about her life in Brazil.

Brasilicana writes:

I’ve always had minimalist tendencies; I was never one to accumulate lots of clothes or knickknacks. Throughout my young adulthood, I preferred spending my money on travel and experiences rather than on acquiring things.

However, the true test of my convictions came when I got married and moved to Brazil.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Karen

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Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, Karen writes from the Philippines. She’s applying a minimalist philosophy not only to her possessions, but also to her relationships and career. Check out her blog to learn more.

Karen writes:

Hello guys! I’m Karen, 23 years old and I live in the Philippines with my family! I am a minimalist before I knew what it is called. From time to time, I’ve been de-cluttering my collection of letters and journal books. I also see to it that my closet is not always full.… {Read more}