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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 pleased to feature Diane. She tells us how she went from being a minimalist youth to an adult with too much stuff–and how she’s now downsizing with great enthusiasm!

Diane writes:

I became a minimalist very young due to a severe respiratory allergic reaction to dust. My poor mom had to wash my painted bedroom bureau, desk and shelves every other day since I can remember, so in order to help mom, I left few items on my furniture.… {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, Kay tells us how minimalism has given her a new perspective on life, as well as the freedom to embrace any opportunity.

Kay writes:

Me and minimalism had a late start because throughout my teens and early twenties I was a conspicuous consumer who didn’t know any better. Money was earned to be spent and things were in the stores to be bought. It was time and life experience that brought me closer to simplicity and I only wish I’d have known then what I know now.… {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, Jana tells us how a new pair of shoes ultimately led her down a simpler path. I think many of us can relate to this kind of “light bulb moment!”

Jana writes:

Hi there! I’m so inspired by the amazing transformations reported on by such a number of brilliant people on this site; it’s incredible to me that so many people have radically changed their thinking in order to free up their lives.… {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 Archan Mehta, whose meditation practice led him to minimalism. He’s a writer, consultant, and teacher with a Ph.D. in Management, and invites you to connect with him on LinkedIn.

Archan writes:

Okay, I admit it: I’ve had a tendency to acquire things and hoard stuff. You could say: Well, you almost made a career out of it. I would go shopping and save up for a rainy day.… {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 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}

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}

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}