Topic: Minimalist

A common comment that I see bubble up on Minimalist Monday posts is: 

"I want to downsize/reduce/be minimalist...but I live with a packrat!"

Ahh yes. 

Sometimes the challenge with minimalism is not the actual stuff, but a loved one in your life who isn't on board with your desire to switch to simplicity(can't we also say this about changing to a plant-based diet?)

As a "step 1", it can be helpful for you (and your clutterbug) to understand …

Happy Minimalist Monday! This week's topic came from a reader's suggestion:

"I liked the comment/response on minimalist hobby storage. Maybe you could focus a Monday post on minimalist hobbies (just one or two?) or the minimalist way for hobbies or storage or something. I have several hobbies that I phase through cyclically, and I have 'stuff' for each one. It would be interesting (and maybe inspiring) to hear how to minimalize hobbies."

You may also recall from Jim's guest post …

You know how I'm always saying lead by example? It's because it works. Living your lifestyle and thriving is the best testament and sales pitch there is. I'm never quick to pitch or push my lifestyle on others, but because I love it so much and am so happy and thriving, it starts to rub off.

Recently, I was out to dinner with a mixed group of friends and one friend, an omnivore, ordered one of the vegan options …

This comment was left on one of my previous Minimalist Monday posts:

"I have so much junk (good stuff) — not sure where to start or how to get rid of anything!! HELP!"

Just start. Starting is the hardest part. If you've ever had to move, you likely stood in your home, new boxes and tape in your hand, and felt entirely overwhelmed. Where do I begin? There is just so much.

Eventually, you just picked something, put it in …

I seem to have these days where a central theme is on loop. The most recent theme? Focus.

It started with walking the pugs. Lily Bean is easily distracted, and this is quite problematic on her walks. I try to take her out during "less busy" times when there won't be cars, doors, other dogs and noise because it doesn't matter if Lily Bean is mid-poo. She will start running in the direction of whatever got her attention. One time, …