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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 we have an inspiring contribution from Chris, who explains the steps she’s taken to simplify her life and reduce her carbon footprint.

Chris writes:

Although I’m late to minimalism I’m a work in progress. I’ve been on the outskirts of it for years, telling my friends and children not to buy Christmas, birthday, etc. presents; if they had to “buy” me something they could make a donation to Heifer International or a charity of their choice.… {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, Caitlin shares her story with us. A post-divorce move into a flat of her own inspired her to do some major decluttering; read more about her experience on her blog.

Caitlin writes:

I want to preface this by saying that I discovered the Miss Minimalist blog about two weeks ago and have purged about half my stuff (and read the entire archive) since then. Plus, I moved into my first flat all on my own.… {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, Tony tells us how minimalism helped him rebuild his life after some personal setbacks. Check out his blog to read more about his journey.

Tony writes:

I guess my journey to minimalism started back in 2003. At age 40 I found myself divorced and one morning I drove away from the family home with the few things I could fit into my 10-year old car. It doesn’t sound like an auspicious start, but I learned one thing, even when you have nothing life goes on.… {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 meet Hulya, who tells us about her decade-long minimalist journey and the inspiration behind it. Be sure to visit her blog, A Minimalist’s Musings, to learn more.

Hulya writes:

Although I’m new to the blogland I’m not new to minimalism. For the last 10 years I have been methodically, diligently minimising my possessions, decluttering my environment and my mind. The benefits are enormous. I’m much calmer, more organised and definitely jollier.… {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, Marni shares her story with us. She’s found that minimalism helps her manage life as a single mother, while providing wonderful experiences for her children!

Marni writes:

I am a single mother to 2 kids, and being a minimalist has helped make living a single life with kids manageable and enjoyable. Cleaning house is painless and they only have a few toys.I teach my kids that experience brings more enjoyment than stuff.… {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 was so happy to receive this submission from Elizabeth B. What a wonderful, generous alternative to a bridal registry!

Elizabeth B. writes:

I came across minimalism during the most non-minimalist time of most people’s lives: while engaged to be married. Between bridal showers, the bachelorette party, and the wedding itself, the amount of stuff one can accumulate during this time can be overwhelming. It can feel especially burdensome if you and husband-to-be are not ready to settle down, buy a house, and subsequently fill that house with non-essential household items.… {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, Starlet Rose tells us how minimalism gave her the freedom and confidence to conquer her anxiety problems. She’s currently chronicling her journey and interests on her blog.

Starlet Rose writes:

I wasn’t born a minimalist. I was always organised but I wanted to collect something. I suffered anxiety problems from being young and suffered social phobia as a teen. By the time of fourteen I felt to terrified to leave the house in case I met ‘someone,’ saw me.… {Read more}