My story: I would’ve been voted least likely to ever write a book on minimalism! My home was less than peaceful when I first started the journey to create minimalism.

I hit my limit; I was past overwhelmed. I had left my corporate job and walked away from a full ride to the grad school of my dreams. I was home with my babies, but I wasn't sure I was prepared for this task.

The healing started slowly. I began with one concept. "Get my house, and my life, in order." I did not want to leave chaos or debt as the legacy for my children. One bag to charity here, another drawer cleaned out there. Piece by piece, I began to think of the essentials. One more bill paid and then another. A student loan erased and then another. Clearing my calendar of that life-draining guilt-creating commitment was freeing. Canceling unused services - a relief. Donating all that unfinished project to someone who would delight in it brought joy. Deciding my beloved extended family did not have the right to constantly redecorate my house, ever again, was priceless!

Slowly, I took back my home and my life by giving (almost) all of it away.

Even while I knew we needed the money, I still chose to donate it all. Over 560+ bags donated to charity later, I thank God every single day for the space this minimalist journey has created. It completely changed how I value material items and did a complete overhaul on my financial mindset.

Whether you've always lived simply or you are just starting on your journey without a map, you are in the right place. You are welcome here to breathe and think and look and wonder. What would your best life look like? Cleared away of all that does not serve your purpose? What would it mean for you to be truly free to choose what you were meant to be, without looking at the bank account in sorrow? What if choosing meant hard work (because it will) and conflict (it always does)? But what if, oh my sweet friend, what if the life you were designed to live is right next to you, brushing your very finger tips at this moment, whispering to you, "this is the way - you are only one simple step away from finding your best life." What if you could choose to make it happen today?

One step at a time, you can - starting right now!

Come have a hot cup of tea and read money-saving and minimalist tips in my NEW book Minimalism Room by Room.

Feel free to search topics of interest and visit here in my little log home in the woods on my blog as well.