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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 some inspiration for all aspiring-minimalist families: Jennifer shares how she’s trying to pursue a pared-down lifestyle with 13 children (11 still at home)! Be sure to visit her blog to read more of her story.

Jennifer writes:

The first thing I minimized in my life was digital. I started there because it seemed easy, plus I was doubtful minimizing would make THAT much of a difference to someone who’s fairly OCD about organizing.… {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 we have a lovely story from Neens Bea, who reminds us how a minimalist lifestyle leaves us free to embrace opportunities as they arise. Please visit her blog to read more about her experiences.

Neens Bea writes:

In February 2012, I had to go home to Norway to clear out all the stuff I had stored in my dad and step mum’s loft – they were downsizing to a smaller house, and would no longer have room to store stuff belonging to my sister and I.… {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, Mary shares how a vacation condo inspired her to pare down her possessions and pursue a simpler lifestyle.

Mary writes:

For as long as I can remember, I have always preferred a tidy home with simple décor and fewer possessions. Yet somehow during my adulthood I still managed to accumulate more things than I actually wanted or needed.

I can trace the moment when I decided to let it all go.… {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 Daisy Chain. She shares with us both the inspiration behind her minimalist journey, and the steps she’s taken to simplify her life.

Daisy Chain writes:

Growing up I wouldn’t have described myself as minimalist – like lots of girls I collected fancy papers, smelly soaps, postcards, cuddly toys etc. I was neat and tidy but I loved my stuff. But at some point stuff started to stress me out.… {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 Pierre, who details the life changes that started him down a minimalist path, and the joy he’s found in paring down.

Pierre writes:

I have been considering minimalism for a few years, but until a few years ago I got nowhere. I used to live a life of accumulation like many people and had so many things that might come in handy one day, most of which were in the loft.… {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, Elizabeth tells us how moving to Thailand, starting a microbusiness, and living a simple life has helped her family maximize their time together. To read more of her inspiring story, please visit her website.

Elizabeth writes:

Simple living was something I grew up with as a child. Our house in France had little room for stuff. Clothing and food were pricey, so whenever we bought something, we wanted it to be nice and serve a purpose.… {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, Sacha reminds us that even if you don’t consider yourself a “minimalist,” paring down and simplifying your life can bring much peace and happiness.

Sacha writes:

I have never been and will never be a minimalist. As a child I firmly believed that 10 ten cent coins were more than a guilder, I can always find a new use for anything and as a child of a former antiques dealer, my heart flutters when looking at a beautifully made article from the 1920s.… {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, we have a wonderful contribution from Marianne, who tells us how decluttering her stuff has brought her more happiness than owning it.

Marianne writes:

I grew up in a house that was perpetually cluttered. Not hoarders but just a lot of stuff. I would visit friends houses and dream of having all that space in a neat and tidy home. I have two parents that would rarely part with things (and had a lifetime full of stuff) – my dad restored antiques and repaired furniture – many times people would give him castoffs, etc, that he would always accept.… {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, Maureen shares with us a very interesting story of how she came to live in her van. I’ve always been fascinated with such alternative (and minimalist) living arrangements; if you are too, I encourage you to visit her blog to read more.

Maureen writes:

My name is Maureen and over three years ago I decided to sell almost everything I owned and sleep in my van.

My youngest child had left home for college and I decided that since it was just me now to take care of, I didn’t have to work 2-3 jobs anymore to keep a very expensive roof over our heads.… {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 we have an inspiring story from Jared Brock, the author of A Year of Living Prayerfully (a humorous travel memoir about prayer). He tells us how minimalism has helped him and his wife tackle projects like founding charities, making documentaries, and traveling the world.

Jared writes:

A few years ago, my wife and I asked some friends to help us move. We packed our bags, rented a moving van, and assumed we’d be done by lunch.… {Read more}