Answers that may SURPRISE you ~ Minimalism, Leaving the USA

[@ConnieRiet]

The first 100 people to sign up with this code OPENINGSALE Get 30% off of a lifetime membership Go To: www.connieriet.com/plans-pricing

[@agl5132]

I moved abroad 5 yrs ago and what a difference it made in my life. I'll be 65 in a couple weeks. Slow travel is fabulous.

[@peachy_reina]

I'm 31 years old with 5 children ages 5-13. I grew up putting THINGS first...I had so much junk growing up and was always overwhelmed. To this day I dream that a disaster comes and I don't make it because I'm trying to pack up everything! So I'm finally letting go.... I'm on a journey to minimalism for my family. And hopefully when the time comes, my husband and I can be like you two. Sending high hopes! .... From a homeschooling, stay at home mom of 5, and wife of 14 years 😊

[@ВалентинаКазакова-е1щ]

Dear, Coonie, you're increadible woman! You're very smart, honest, clever, your voice's very nice! I wish you a lot of health, happiness, harmony in your life! ❤❤❤

[@georgelove1321]

I was listening to Warren Buffett this week. He recently turned 90 and he said: "The most important decision a person makes in their life, is who they choose for a mate. It affects everything, and sometimes for several generations."

[@ConnieRiet]

I completely agree!

[@Areutherehello]

What if you stay single?

[@soaringhigher777]

Did you know "Boring Old Guy" mentions your channel in one of his recent Q&A videos as one of his favorite KZbin channels? (On his Q&A Part 3 at minute 9:25) He has over a million followers so that was kind of a cool "shout out" to you. Of course you're one of my favorite channels too! 🤗

[@javiersoto8868]

Dear Connie, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for generously sharing your life experiences with all of us. In a world marked by turmoil, it is truly uplifting to encounter individuals like you and your family who exemplify a meaningful way of life. Your journey offers not just a respite for the mind but also a profound perspective on aspects that can enhance the lives of everyone. Keep traveling safe! Javier (Santiago, Chile)

[@ConnieRiet]

Hi Javier! Thank you so much for your kind words of support. I appreciate them more than you know. Sending you thoughts of happiness & peace my friend

[@Sketchbook9999]

Wow you live in Chile? What languages are spoken there please Sir?

[@deyanirazandbergen5023]

​@@Sketchbook9999Spanish is the oficial language in Chile!

[@traveler65]

My husband and I for the last couple of years have been doing the same thing you are doing. Our kids are gone and moved away. Sold our home and traveling around the world. We love it...we have experienced so much and you are not weird. It's not for everyone and it comes with some stresses but the experiences absolutely outweigh any negative. ❣️🌍

[@ConnieRiet]

I love it! I agree that full-time travel is an unusual lifestyle choice, but Joel and I also have enjoyed the experience. Please keep in touch with me via email [e-mail]. It would be wonderful to develop friendships with other travelers. Sending you thoughts of happiness and peace my friend 💗

[@klimtkahlo]

@@ConnieRiet it takes wonderfully solid and loving relationships to accomplish this! 💞

[@kimgordon3695]

You can't travel without a way to access your funds. That means you're still a citizen somewhere

[@gailhorrocks]

Wow...could not be scattered like that... I need a consistent place to plant myself. Even when my husband was alive, we needed home

[@j.sahulka9024]

My grampa used to say there is nothing as permanent as change. It is great to follow you Connie.😊

[@ConnieRiet]

Very well said!

[@mari161718]

You’re a wonderful example of mindfulness and I admire your courage in being your authentic self. We need more of that in today’s world ❤.

[@ConnieRiet]

Thanks so much!

[@heather11129]

Sometimes someone or something appears to remind you of something you need to hear, thank you ❤️

[@healthylifeingredients6211]

Connie. You two are so brave! Hubby and I have 2 girls (one in HS and one in college). He has always says, " we will end up where ever they end up". I'm holding out hope ie somewhere amazing. I too am a minimalist but would like to be a bit more extreme. It's difficult being as minimal as I'd like to be with a big house and kids still at home. Here's to hoping we too will pair down to only the essential. I see it as incredibly freeing.

[@lowell62]

Yes!

[@ConnieRiet]

When we had a house full of kids, I too had more things (even as a minimalist). Minimalism will adapt to our lifestyle and other family members. 😉 It is so fun to see children grow and begin their own journey! happiness & peace my friend

[@freetowandernow]

I'd like you to know that this video has encouraged me to continue on our journey of travel and minimalism on a day when I had doubts that I had made the right decision three years ago when we sold our home, put things into storage and set out on our new life. You have reminded me that the experiences we have had are valuable and we are forever changed by them. All the best to you in the year ahead!

[@Deva-no3dn]

Interesting. So many moves, so many changes, searching for…? All we humans really need to know is that “no matter where you go, there you are”.

[@laurasibley6293]

Totally on board with your lifestyle. Have just disposed of everything I own to repat to the US. My life is now contained in 2 suitcases and a backpack. I will never return to a consumer lifestyle; we are literally taken hostage in one place by all our 'stuff.' Stay free xx

[@rubylimey7614]

I agree our stuff has held us hostage... We can't go anywhere without paying ransom.😂

[@CesiraKelleher-im5nu]

Thank you for being open and sharing. I feel in the US everything is becoming unattainable. I just got a quote on dental of 10k. I call it greed. If I could I would leave. Peace to you🙏🌎

[@ConnieRiet]

Dental costs in the US can be outrageous. We have been traveling to Cancun, Mexico for the past 12 years for our dental. www.cancundentalspecialists.com/ is what we have used. They are incredible and 1/4 the cost including hotel and flights.

[@leeanncleveland3375]

Wow…your videos are always so good. I learn something new with every one that I watch. This one however was really spectacular! You nailed it, describing the essence of who you are and why, how you got there, and how you plan to approach whatever is next. You’re always so transparent and authentic but you took that to an even deeper level with this video. Thank you!

[@ConnieRiet]

Oh, thank you so much! I'm glad I was able to share more of my personal story with you.

[@Gigi-rg7xy]

You are absolutely gorgeous even with the minimal makeup! Love your videos and will be starting my minimalist journey too. :)

[@babotanamalia5444]

You are such an inspiration❤ Thank you for sharing your life style with us!

[@Ivy-kp9pk]

Been following you since early this year. I'm Learning to be a minimalist too. It's quite hard when I'm the only one in my family of 5 tryin to adapt with this change.

[@ConnieRiet]

It can be challenging to create a change when that choice affects others in the home. Give others space to be who they wish to be, while at the same time honoring your personal transition. At the end of the day, minimalism is not worth compromising peace and love in your home. Sending you thoughts of peace and happiness.

[@pennygrimes8425]

Thank you Connie for making this one - I found it really inspiring and thought provoking 🙏

[@ConnieRiet]

I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@lesliedonovan8123]

Love your hair!! Well, and everything you represent, especially being vulnerable and saying you didn’t choose this lifestyle at the beginning. My husband and I are slow traveling in Belize for a month !

[@Countrygirlgirt]

Nomad Country Girl supporting you from our home on wheels. Thank you for sharing

[@suzannerogers-pt1xx]

I find you very inspiring and turned my mind set of dread of becoming empty nesters to excitement 😊

[@ConnieRiet]

😊

[@robertross8565]

I think minimalism is a fantastic way to find out what is important in life. When I see Buddhist Monks, who essentially have few possessions, go forth in the world by helping people and being happy with very little it is inspiring. And I am not a religious person. We can learn a lot from those who are happy with less stuff.

[@natalialopes719]

I can so relate to you in the way that you want to spend more time with your children who are all in different places. That’s me I raise three children and they all moved to different places. I am much older than you, but I am also by myself, so the thought of selling my cozy secure home that I have taken care of for a good part of my life is so scary. But it’s always a dream in the back of my mind so I can be more free to spend time with my children.

[@ConnieRiet]

It is so hard to be away from children, even though we love to see them flourish in their lives. I'm fortunate to have my husband to enjoy travel with.

[@tinalemna7998]

I’ve been watching you for quite a while but you answered so many questions today. Thank you for such a beautiful video. As always I look forward to following your journey. ❤

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you for your support! I'm glad you enjoyed this video

[@gionagrace6279]

Simply amazing❤❤ I always said if i could do it over...I would have taken 5 years in my 20s and lived in a different place each year. I still think about how amazing that would have been. Kudos to you 2 for living out your dream. 😊

[@debbiepalmblad7627]

thank you for this honest update about your life, I understand your channel much better now. Wishing you the best turns and changes to come!

[@alinet4271]

Hello from France I love your voice and your wise vision of life thank you. While emptying my family house and switching to a new phase of my life your gifts really help. Thank you my friend❤

[@Theresa-jq3dw]

Weird is good❤️ it’s so great that you are able to do this.

[@DW...]

Learning to become a minimalist 😇 Your videos are like my therapy! Thank you💕

[@ConnieRiet]

I'm so glad you enjoy them

[@justnoticing]

Thank you for all that you have shared with us this year. You are inspiring. Have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to following your journey next year.

[@Lilrosa-cs1pn]

My husband has passed but if he was alive, we would be doing the same thing - travelling, living in an RV. We lived in our car for many years before we had children. Enjoy!

[@Mary-zk8lo]

Connie One of your best vids. Thank you for your honesty

[@pruhorwood8473]

Thank you Connie. This year has been incredibly challenging for me and I have found hope and inspiration from watching your journey to courageously and optimistically face your future. Safe travels ❤

[@goldenera7th]

Thank you for sharing your minimalistic life. I believe in impermanence as a buddhist so, what you have aspired to do really resonates with me❤

[@ConnieRiet]

The teaching of Buddha also resonates with me. He had so much wisdom that has carried throughout time.

[@gypsy785]

Thanks for explaining this Connie, I was quite confused but now it makes sense. You guys are amazing for living the way you do. I hope to do the same one day.

[@ConnieRiet]

My pleasure! I'm glad I was able to clear up the timeline.

[@daniellecarney1487]

Thank you for your candid answers to viewer’s questions, Connie. ❤ I think it’s about embracing the uncertainty, and that’s why it’s so hard for people to understand it.

[@ginnycleary-zq2pu]

Connie - Thank you for another great video, and for giving us info on life out there as a "minimalist". It's got me 🤔 thinking for myself. Peace to you and family and good health.

[@virginiaafulcher9626]

Thank you for sharing your end-of-year recap about you and your family. As you noted, nothing is permanent except change. What new changes will come your way to present you with opportunities for growth, only time will tell! All the Best, Jenny ❤

[@ConnieRiet]

My pleasure🙂

[@Peggy0559]

Where do you spend Christmas Connie. I am a mum of 3 too. Who do you spend it with ? Costa Rica, Germany or USA or do they all meet you in the middle or do and your husband spend it alone ? You are beautiful inside and out. How could there be wars if everyone was as humble as you. Thank you for sharing 🇬🇧🤓

[@margarettownsley9500]

Hi Connie enjoy your travels it will be memories one day and very happy ones you both have plenty time to settle down one day thank you for your video

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you for your well wishes💗

[@letsmakeamesstoday]

Thats awesome, it helps to have people in diff places I am sure!

[@CraftyComeLately]

Fascinating still!😊

[@buffybowman1192]

Thank you for all of that information. And thank you for being so open about your financial ups and downs, and also what worked and what didn't. Sometimes it's ok to sell a house you just bought because it isn't right for you. I'm finding as I grow older that this is true more often than not. And I don't mind changing my mind so much. It's all part of the adventure!

[@Sue-N.B.NatureTrailvan]

Watched for the first time today and found your video really interesting. 😃

[@michellefaure5202]

Thank you Connie. I love your channel and can relate to so many of your choices. My husband and I have just sold our tiny house and are moving into a campervan. We have also travelled and lived in other countries. We have nothing in storage and to be honest most people think we are a little crazy. Its wonderful to know that you and your husband are out there. We live in Africa and intend exploring more of our beautiful continent. We also work online. Wherever we go next I will be sure to keep checking your posts.

[@ConnieRiet]

Hey Michelle! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I love hearing about others living an unconventional life! It makes me feel more connected to my fellow humans. Africa has always been on my wish list. Please keep in touch with me via email [e-mail] . It will be wonderful to make connections with other travelers around the world. Sending you thoughts of happiness & peace my friend.

[@cathyjackson8021]

Thank you for sharing this! What a beautiful life you are living! Enjoy!

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you!

[@marissaclaridge7627]

Hi Connie...You and your Husband are amazing and SO adventurous!!!Wonderful !!!xxx

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you for the lovely compliment.

[@karinaprado4663]

Love this video! Thanks

[@sheilajoseph9953]

What a lovely way to live, been connected and free. 💚

[@tallulahboo9924]

Also do you not miss week to week friendships that you would have if you were settled in one place? Like meeting up with a friend for coffee etc...

[@ConnieRiet]

I'm fortunate to have made friends all around the world. I may not have the chance to physically join them for coffee but our friendships remain strong wherever any of us have moved.

[@AlohaBlessed-e5l]

......i forgot in my previous comment: please share your skin care routine! Your skin looks amazing, of course so much goes into that. But I am sure others would love to know too. BIG THANK YOU and BLESS YOU guys from Hawaii!!!!

[@angellawalker4948]

Such a beautiful journey. I admire you alot. You are such an inspiration. ❤

[@ConnieRiet]

You are very kind

[@tallulahboo9924]

May I ask how old your youngest daughter is and does she find it hard being on her own in America?

[@ConnieRiet]

My youngest is nearly 19 years old. She likes living on her own, working, and going to college. I did want her to come traveling with us again, but she was like, "No thanks." ☺

[@kd2533]

Lovely! Life is too short to stay in one place forever 😊

[@wendybowman5305]

thanks for this video and talking about your minimalism journey.such wonderful life experiences and just living in the moment of now. I so enjoyed the visuals of the places you are in. Looks wonderful. You are so right that each person's journey is how life works for them. Very inspiring

[@autobotdiva9268]

changing to minimalist living. got my 22 year old with adhd also, it works best. im down to 6 fall/summer work pants and 6 winter work pants. rotate sweaters in the winter

[@conniestone8367]

Thank you for sharing your journey! It has helped me navigate the new chapter in my own journey. When I was rehoming about 85% of my belongings a few months ago, your calm, thoughtful videos were therapeutic for me in my challenging process. Thank you again SO much!

[@dharmitas1]

How beautiful you are nd how beautifully u made a connection with us ❤❤

[@rottenbanana20]

Thank you for the amazing encouragement 😀 have a good day❤

[@Lunay08]

Thank you so much for this video Connie! I really want to experience this lifestyle but can't at this stage of my life, due to debt and the fact that my partner would never be comfortable with this at this particular point. Maybe one day, but not right now, and that's okay. I wish you and your husband all the happiness in the world and I hope you both continue to go on amazing adventures together!

[@bhemitchell]

It's been so wonderful learning about your life. We have a lot of similar experiences, though I wish I'd been able to travel more when we were younger. You've been so instrumental in helping me through some really difficult times over the last year and a half. I remember meditating to your videos at a GA rest stop on the way to visit my mom who was dying from Parkinson with dementia. I imagine it's been quite different for you spending your time in Costa Rica compared to Utah. Much like here in FL, which took me forever to get used to. It must be so interesting to experience seasons differently wherever you are in the world and the traditions that surround those seasons. I did actually want to spend my life traveling, but I also wanted to be a mom and couldn't make the two co-exist so far. Maybe after my older one graduates I can convince my husband to get an RV...but I saw that one video you made, so maybe not, lol. Right now we're hoping to just focus on travel between school since he's also able to work from anywhere. Happy New year! Thanks for being such an awesome human being :-)

[@beckykueng3017]

I really enjoyed this special look into your amazing life !! Thanks for posting !!

[@jenniferlee7167]

You have opened up your world to us and it is good to see what is possible. I wonder if you would find it so easy if you were not married or somehow alone in life. I almost feel I need an anchor for my life since I would be afraid not to have a home to come back to. I love to travel too and Munch, Germany is a favorite as well as Salzburg, Austria as it is my heritage. I have gone to London, UK as well and had a great time, I am older now and I fear being alone while travelling. I am divorced and have no children. In some ways that should free me up, yet in other ways it does not. Thank you, Connie

[@da.4302]

I wish I could give this particular video more thumbs up. Thank you so much Connie, for everything in this. I'm also a minimalist, by both, choice and circumstances I was raised in. A very happy and blessed childhood. My husband and I are empty nesters now, but not retired, and can't travel. But we don't really have the travel bug. However, your videos and especially this one in which you've shared more clarity is most inspiring for me to in fact aim to live more extreme minimalism in one spot, but pretend we have to be ready to move from month to month. To live as light as possible. This is my new aim or goal, whatever you wish to call it. Again, thank you for inspiring those of us who want to "edit" further for less to carry on our journey. God bless you, your loved ones and your channel. 🙏❤

[@ConnieRiet]

Hi! Thank you for your very kind words. I'm thrilled this video resonated with you. I love how you said, "edit further for less to carry on our journey." That is a beautiful approach to minimalism and life. Sending you thoughts of peace and happiness

[@da.4302]

@@ConnieRiet You're most welcome.

[@bunnobear]

Thank you for offering a discount, I have signed up and looking forward to hearing more. It was lovely to hear about your life story. All of our children have finished school now and we will be doing alot more travelling in our immediate future, we just leave our kids at home to look after themselves :)

[@ConnieRiet]

Hi! I'm looking forward to seeing you 😊in our online classes!

[@robertross8565]

You have a beautiful family Connie. Enjoy the time you spend together.

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

Thank you so much for letting us know all of these things. I was curious for a very long time about your situation - so you must’ve lived in Park City. I live in Utah I just moved from Salt Lake to Logan in the spring. I moved from a three bedroom house that I sold to a one bedroom apartment and I’m not a minimalist. I am much more content not having the responsibility of the house and financial responsibility for all of the bills associated with the house I live in a beautiful area, and I sit on my bed and look out and see mountains all around me which is just amazing.

[@WalkingDead2024]

Need to find a job that will align with travel. I'm an OTR truck driver and have a travel-trailer for a home in UT. Would like to travel outside the USA for adventure.

[@liberatedlioness6478]

Beautiful video. Much appreciate your choice to be so transparent with your community.

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@NIKOLITA4686]

What about photo albums and things from your kids childhood?

[@rachelhowson6595]

You must visit Sweden, Stockholm in particular x

[@lolajacomino6574]

Very interesting. Enjoy every minute of your life ❤

[@musiclassica]

That was not an RV, it was a house on wheels. 🙂 Thank you for the video, Connie. I think you’re living life as it’s supposed to be lived. Stay true to yourself.

[@ConnieRiet]

😂 I know, it was completely oversized! We were downsizing from a home and thought 'bigger is better'. It was so large that we chose to downsize the RV 6 months into traveling. Lesson learned. Bigger is not always better 😉

[@TEPO--]

Inspirational. Wonderful, thank you.

[@carterb43]

Connie- I admire you both for being able to let go of things. My question is, how did you let go of sentimental things like boxes of photos, family heirlooms, etc. My mom died last year and I am having a hard time letting go of her things but I also feel weighed down by them.

[@dianadougherty1082]

I also want to know how to let go of photos....

[@erikasolgos2066]

Thrilled to discover your channel! Looking forward to checking out your past videos.

[@elenater-ovanesyan4709]

Dear Connie, Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us. I used to think, “What would happen if I only had the bare minimum of things, how could I get rid of the things I love so much?” You answered all my questions. I understand that we can live our lives equally well and even more fully in both scenarios. I think God is multidimensional in His script for us, where everyone can choose their own. I'm not ready to do it, but I know it's possible! Thanks again for your videos!

[@AlohaBlessed-e5l]

aloha from Hawaii!!! I watched only a few videos and I totally got what you all were doing! Love it! so know some of us got it right away. And I am a new subscriber and got it. Thank you for putting all this greatness out in the universe! I moved to Hawaii as my dream of living minimalist here and working a job that is full of pleasure, 5 mins from my condo. and my belongings now can go in 2 suitcases. I am finally living my dream. I wish I would of done this in my 30's, not my 50's. But I am doing it now. I am so happy being a minimalist. I love your channel. Thank you from Hawaii!!! PS. love the Ukulele!!!!

[@ConnieRiet]

Aloha! Welcome friend! Congratulations on listening to your heart and following your dreams. Better to live the life of your making at 50 than not at all. Sending you thoughts of peace and happiness

[@pennyheinrich5552]

Can you provide a link to the health insurance you use? Thank you.

[@larryparnell2574]

Great inspiration, and info. I was under the assumption that Costa Rica was cheaper than the U S because i’ve known people who travel there for healthcare. I guess I can cross it off my bucket list 😂 Enjoy your next move!

[@sherrillbatts1806]

Medical is cheaper! I go there for great dental at half the costs. Real estate can be higher than you would expect.

[@traveler65]

​@@sherrillbatts1806same on dental work in Uvita👍

[@ConnieRiet]

Costa Rica's cost of living is expensive. However, their healthcare is very reasonably priced and excellent! I highly recommend going to Costa Rica as a medical tourist for dental or medical procedures.

[@noagoldwasser3147]

Thank you for this amazing insight, you are truly special and inspiring🌺

[@kulwantkaur1017]

I like your authenticity

[@teresa5007]

I love your lifestyle Connie. It’s very inspirational. I’m gradually decluttering my life, both of possessions as well as mental and emotional baggage. It’s a work in progress. Just one question, have you ever owned any pets? We have a cat and it’s difficult to go anywhere because he always has to be cared for by someone. I’d love to do some travelling and I look forward to the day when this becomes possible. Take care and have a safe trip to Germany. I hope you’ll enjoy a white Christmas with your loved ones. Lots of love from Sydney, Australia (where we have heatwaves on Christmas Day). ❤️🌹

[@ConnieRiet]

Hi Teresa! When we were raising young kids and not traveling, yes we had a dog and a cat. We only had the cat when we first traveled in the RV and brought the cat along for the ride. He did really well and never strayed from the RV. When we traveled abroad we gave our cat to a family member. Travel is tricky with pets but can be integrated. My son and his wife have traveled and lived in Bali, California, Spain, and Costa Rica all the while bringing their Labradoodle with them.

[@brannand12]

Hey Connie! I am only 30, but eventually would love to live this kind of lifestyle! I have even thought of living off grid too!! I used to live in the appalachian mountains in Boone and the West Jefferson areas!! (small world!!) Where did your family live?

[@catherinebunnell2364]

Thank you for your wonderful channel. It is a breath of fresh air in our “maximalist “ culture. One question I have is how do you arrange and choose where you stay on your journey? We would love to dip our toes into slow travel but aren’t sure how to start.

[@whateverjoni]

I love this so much. Thank you for sharing.

[@sharonw4541]

Thanks for the life update - I'm learning a lot from your channel! I like how your husband seems to have the same willingness as you to try different living arrangements, etc. I would love to hear more about how you are able to find healthy foods wherever you go. It's hard just to avoid gluten and to find decaffeinated coffee when I travel!

[@danutamanabat5978]

Just go to Europe and enjoy all the gluten there.:) Many people that are gluten intolerant in USA are fine eating gluten in Europe (myself included). It would be different with celiac of course. In general food is healthy outside of USA.

[@ConnieRiet]

Great question. It is usually easy to find whole foods (eggs, fruits, veggies) wherever we live. But, it would be difficult to find specialty items. For example, I don't eat meat, and "fake meat" is not sold in many countries, so I just stick to the vegetables.

[@CatherineRoberts-n1r]

So soothing

[@theodoraplachkov5383]

You don’t save money on utilities and house upkeep by living in a rented property, no matter how cheap it is (unless you’re prepared to seriously let go of all comforts like running water and electricity). You still pay rent which includes all bills plus profit to the property owner

[@TG-ji9mi]

Thank you!

[@EarthMan1932]

Thanks. You certainly help me to tailor my life

[@janetthompson1372]

What did you do with all of your photos? The ones b/f we had digital. I have 6 boxes. Getting them transferred is costly. Thoughts? Thanks.

[@gwenwade6059]

Love you Connie.

[@rebeccal.672]

Thanks for sharing. I do have a couple of questions how do you find short term rentals when you travel? Do you use AirBNB or some other way to find your rentals? Thanks.

[@mash359]

Amazing

[@UnaBellissima]

1st time coming across your channel. Right on time. Thank you for making this. May your beautiful family continue to stay blessed up. ❤️