When the quest for a simple life found me, I didn’t even know I was looking for it.
I was a photographer, blogger, author and all-around artsy girl with a house full of supplies to show for it. I am also a mom of two clothing obsessed teens and wife to a wonderful man who loves his toys. Our home was full…our schedule was packed…and our complicated life was starting to feel like an ill-fitting shoe.
What do they say? When the lesson is ready to be learned, the teachers appear.
Well, they showed up in spades and showed me there was a much simpler, happier way to live. I must have been searching on a subconscious level because a couple of years ago I found myself tapping simpler life into my browser. Joshua showed up. The boys from Ohio came into the picture. A sweet woman living in a tiny house and a life-changer joined my little blog viewing party. And finally…a couple who just seemed to get it magically began to talk to me every week on my runs. Vanessa and Dan’s podcast sealed the deal. This simplifying thing could really be done in baby steps.
It could happen by starting right. where. I. was.
Smack in the middle of my simplifying process, some self-examination brought me back to my old life as an elementary school teacher. This, of course, brought The Big Purge in terms of photography props, lights and gear galore at my studio…which then in turn propelled me into every room in our home, Goodwill-bound bags in hand. I think my husband referred to this timeframe as the Kickin’ butt and takin’ names project. Honestly, I think he was afraid that I would enter his man cave and his toy area in the garage with mission-like force. I knew he wasn’t ready, so I fell back, behind the clutter border and waited like a hungry lion.
All the online minimalist voices had written about the importance of being an example, and not an enforcer, when it comes to loved ones and their stuff. It wasn’t my journey to push on them and I didn’t expect miracles in the beginning, but I do have to say that my whirling dervish purging trips must have made an impact, because slowly I was seeing some serious action taken by all members of the Blair clan.
I felt lighter. We felt lighter. It was fantastic.
With less stuff in the way, I was beginning to see a list of what was next in this simplifying thing. My photography blog morphed into a simplicity blog because, frankly, I just couldn’t think about anything else and needed a place to vent, plan and dream. I’m sure there were some followers of my old blog who thought I had lost it. First, she walks away from a successful career and now she’s writing about minimalism? What wall did she bump her head on? I answered quite a few emails about this switch-a-roo and the more I talked about it, the calmer I felt. Letting go never felt so good. I’m not usually that brave, but something was happening way down deep and I just couldn’t stop the momentum. Maybe it came from just looking around at all of the consumerism, tired eyes and hurried schedules in the world around us. Maybe it was prompted by the fact that I only have five more years before my kids are gone to college and I don’t want to have serious regrets about how we spent our time (and our money, for that matter).
During the planning phase of the new blog, I asked myself one question:
What do you want for your family?
The answer came easily:
To live an extraordinary simple life in a conventional world, recognizing what is important to our family: faith, close relationship, inspiring experiences and adventure.
Boom. There it is.
In the spirit of minimalism, we got an Airstream (ha!) and began to plan our suburban escapes. It wouldn’t be in a massive trip-across-the-country-for-a-year kind of journey, but we certainly pack in the trips in every little crevice of the calendar. It’s funny how many summer nights we actually spend in our backyard. It ain’t many, and I love it that way. There’s something about being out of our nest, into the world that supports all four of our family desires. It’s true that getting away and letting it go takes a lot of planning and simplifying because:
a) teens have their own agenda and
b) stuff and extracurriculars can cloud what’s really important.
My daughter’s mouth was on the ground when I told her we’d be missing a track meet because of a trip (my little runner sometimes thinks the world revolves around her schedule…sigh) but, after we were on the open road, heading for some of the most beautiful country you’ve ever seen, it was all good. And, I have to say, having everything at arm’s reach and a small closet to fill in The Twinkie (our home on wheels) is super fun and freeing. Who knew?
I guess you could say that there’s no going back now. My family knows it. My immediate family fears it. Yet, in my heart I am completely sure that every step we take toward simplifying brings peace to our home and meaning to our lives. I am so grateful that the teachers showed up before it was too late for us. There’s so much truth to the statement that you can’t get that time back. I intend to subtract all the excess stuff to allow the meaningful moments to shine.
What a great read! Thank you for taking the time to write it and putting yourself out there in this way, I can so relate to what you are referencing. A simple life is a more meaningful life. And I agree that life tends to flow in such a way that it provides what we need – teachers popping out of nowhere to guide us. Love it, thanks for writing!
Thanks, Kaylin! It feels so great to know that others can relate. It’s a slow process, but the rewards are tumbling out 🙂 Thanks for reading my story!
Lara
What a wonderful post and introduction Lara! Thank you for sharing…along with SLT of course 🙂
I have been living a simple lifestyle for the past twenty years or so and yes, when one is ready, the teachers do show up! And when they do, hopefully one recognizes them as such and allows them into their lives as you did.
As a single male with no dependents, it is easy for me to live this way. I can’t imagine what it would be like to accept this lifestyle with others living in my household, especially if they weren’t as accepting of the life choice as I was. I think, in this regard, you are doing great and such changes will only benefit your family and hopefully their later years as well.
Thanks again fro sharing and take care.
Lyle
What kind words, Lyle! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I enjoyed reading your about page—you are one busy guy! I love that you have time to do all of the things that make you happy.
Lara
Thanks for dropping by Lara 🙂
I may be a busy guy, but it’s the kind of busy I like, rather than the stressful busy which I don’t like!!
Take care and all the best.
Lyle
Beautifully written, I can feel the glow from your spirit as I read this. Love especially: What do they say? When the lesson is ready to be learned, the teachers appear. We often say things like, “where were you all of my life” and I feel like the answer is simply “you weren’t ready for me yet”.
I can’t wait to check out your blog.
Love your blog, Tania! A new fave 🙂
I love that —“you weren’t ready for me, yet”….all in time, right?
Lara
Loved your interview with Dan and Vanessa. I had to chuckle about your make-up and beauty routine pare-down…that has been my biggest success too! I’m getting it down to three minutes of mirror time 🙂
Funny—I did a search awhile back about minimalism and good design (because you can still have simplicity AND style in the same life, right?) and your blog popped up. I was so delighted to see you on the SLT blog. I have a Hawaii obsession and you made it sound even dreamier. I’m taking ukelele right now in anticipation of my retirement on Maui 🙂
Great to meet you via this site!
Lara
I had are very similiar introduction to the whole world of simple living through the same blogs and personalities. I love that. Great read, I love a good journey story. Bookmarked your site 🙂 Enjoy your day!
Thanks for visiting, James. Enjoyed visiting your site as well. Loved your blog post about greeting cards…I totally agree! I wrote my Valentine a poem this year..no trip to Target required 🙂
Best, Lara
Lara,
Your creativity and “artsy” background seemed to have easily transitioned into your writing…because it shines! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us here on SLT. I’m smiling as I type because I too can feel your glow and enthusiasm for this lifestyle and am so glad you’re sharing it with the world!
Thank you so much for the opportunity, Vanessa. I’m a big fun of all that you two do. Your podcasts are such a treat on my runs (as a runner, I know you know the value of something that can take your mind off aching muscles!).
Looking forward to the exciting things coming up on your blog and podcast. BTW, don’t stop saying “anyhows”…it’s sweet and part of your charm 🙂
Lara
This was a very inspiring story to read. There are many minimalist journeys out there- all unique- but I have to say yours definitely inspired me the most so far. I think because your whole family was on different pages that really captivated my interest. I embrace simplicity and my boyfriend is quite the opposite. He likes his toys and although I don’t enforce it on him, I like to show him what living simply had done for me in hopes of getting him to possibly think along the same lines. I love him for who he is- and if it means drawing a line and respecting his space and stuff then I will. But I think he’s getting the picture more. Thank you for sharing your story, it really gives me hope for the people you never think might jump on the bandwagon 🙂
Believe me, Mariel, if years ago someone had told me I’d be exploring minimalism, I would’ve had a great laugh 🙂 When I started off, I was feeling a little hopeless, but with little steps, I think my family’s reaction has changed..mostly because I didn’t get preachy (which is so hard to do when you’re looking at a mountain of athletic shoes in the garage!).
Thanks for the encouragement…so appreciated. I would love to be able to relay the message that this process really is possible with reluctant family involved. I wish you and your boyfriend the best in this journey!
Lara