Journey into a Minimalistic Life

 June 3 – A New Chapter in Less


Hello there,


It’s June 3rd, and I’m nearly five weeks into embracing a minimalist lifestyle. This shift has felt surprisingly natural, especially after spending the past six months immersed in the teachings of Stoicism. That philosophy gently nudges us to find joy in less, to stop comparing ourselves to others, and to cultivate peace from within rather than from possessions.


As a result, I found myself diving into books on minimalism, signing up for online courses, and slowly transforming our home—room by room, even including our cars. And though I’m still just at the beginning of this journey, I’m already amazed at how much lighter and more peaceful I feel. Open space soothes me. It reminds me of the joy I feel when hiking in the mountains near our home—surrounded by quiet, fresh air, and wide-open skies. That same sense of calm now greets me when I walk into a room no longer crowded with trinkets and “dust catchers.”


Clearing out has also made daily cleaning easier and faster. No, I haven’t gone sterile—our beloved artwork still adorns the walls, and my art and craft space is now thoughtfully organized and inviting. But the difference is noticeable, both physically and emotionally.


I started this blog to document this new chapter, not only for myself but in hopes it might inspire or support others. My husband and I have a shared goal: to prepare our home for sale within the next year. We built this house 14 years ago, and it holds so many memories. I want our final year here to feel like a sanctuary, not a storage unit. By letting the space breathe, I believe we’ll find more joy in it now—and less stress when it’s time to move on.


One powerful lesson I’ve learned—especially from Joshua Becker’s writing—is this: The things you own can end up owning you. And I feel that truth in my bones. Over the past few weeks, I’ve made seven trips to Goodwill. Just our closet alone—still a work in progress—has yielded eleven large garbage bags full of clothes, bedding, shoes, and bags. It’s wild how much we accumulate without realizing it.


If any of you are curious about this journey or want to join in, I’d love the company. I enjoy giving and receiving feedback—it helps keep us motivated.


My personal tips for getting started:

🎶 Create two playlists—one upbeat to energize you while purging, and another calming one to nurture you afterward.

📚 Try listening to audiobooks while you declutter.

💛 Be kind to yourself. You’ll likely hit emotional walls along the way, but what’s on the other side is so worth it.


With gratitude and hugs,

Anke


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