Downsize Your Life: Why Less is More | Rita Wilkins | TEDxWilmingtonWomen

[@geoffowen4158]

Don't go to the shop!!!!! Do something else. Go swimming. Go for a walk. Visit your neighbours. Check on the elderly. Be kind to yourself. Save your money. Money is useful. Clutter isn't.

[@AnnaSzabo]

Amen! Amen! Amen!!!! I’m moving out of a 2BRD 2BA in Atlanta to a smaller city to save on rent. I sold EVERYTHING and have cash instead of stuff. I’m so free!!!!!!

[@katrinm9286]

So true. One should teach this in school.

[@jelizabethpetrie6656]

My best times playing with my kids, my dogs & working the garden. Better than a vacation.

[@softtrain-1550]

@@AnnaSzabowhat do you have now?

[@dinaschirripa95]

HAHAHAH FULLY SPOT ON RIGHT

[@heathsavage9459]

My partner and I recently decided to sell our house and move to rural Spain, where we will teach English online and run three rooms on Air B&B. No more early morning commute, fighting for parking space, arriving home on a Friday exhausted and cranky, and living for the (short!) weekend. It's a gamble, but we will live mortgage-free, grow our own food, and spend more time together in the fresh open air.

[@Wookieeoidia]

may i ask where you found that type of work online? I have looked at a few sites but cannot find a real opportunity to do this

[@GenghisCalm692]

That's inspiring and brave

[@TSunshineful]

I want to do that but have no clue how to start

[@pragawa]

Wishing you joy. Love from India.

[@Cate7451]

Road Runner road runner start by just researching what does it cost to rent an air b&b. Talk to some who do it. It's probably moe of a time commitment than you would think. Downsize and sell all you can. Take courses in running a business. Hire a lawyer, agent who deals with business abroad. Go to Spain and check things out.🙂

[@charliewilkins8888]

I was raised that you live below your means. Reward yourself once in a while but never be extravagant. And always have emergency money.... I follow that plan today.

[@jakejake7289]

Yes! This outlook has served me well also.

[@luisitotv7699]

Is that you Dave Ramsey?

[@danalissy5811]

When we downsize, we become the... nightmare of economists/consumerists ! In other words, we become truly FREE !

[@globalmuffin2]

free from what?

[@jeannesjoberg8656]

Yes agree, free from stuff that weighs us down and never satisfies our heart’s emptiness. We all NEED God.

[@scottsmith2613]

Dana Lissy You’re very correct. Where you from? I’d like to know you.

[@scottsmith2613]

Jeanne Sjoberg God is the greatest .

[@FatallyYours230]

Did this a while back, got rid of 95% of my stuff and I am so much more happier, minimalism is the key to a stress free happy environment!

[@rozenart5768]

ANDY WRIGHT how did you start it? How did you get rid of stuff?! I need help I could just walk out of my house and leave it all behind but there’s my husband... Please give me some ideas!!!

[@morningmom6]

ANDY WRIGHT Was it difficult for you? Any tips? Tia!

[@acajudi100]

ANDY WRIGHT controlled clutter for bartering in hard times.

[@acajudi100]

Simply Julie I hope you gave it to the homeless shelters.

[@Nate1975]

yes, i am going through 'its still too much' and i am down to 20 items and i keep on wanting to get rid of more

[@villavictoria4615]

We buy stuff that we don’t need, with money that we don’t have, to impress people that we don’t like👆 less is more indeed

[@NewEarthBlog]

That is not true of everyone.

[@linanicolia1994]

I don't think we buy to impress but we buy because we like what we see and we want it....that simple. Stuff owns us......

[@MrChrisGER]

Fight Club

[@lavenderhearts101]

Well said.

[@chrisdurgin1209]

George Carlin stuff look it up

[@64ytb]

We want so much, we need so little. -Enlightened master Sri Chinmoy.

[@OldMeanGeezer]

You don't OWN things! Things OWN YOU!

[@ruthmaryrose]

Kevin Loving Exactly!! Next time you see something you think you absolutely have to have think about that. Or I’ll pretend I’m in a museum where I can only look and not touch.

[@NewEarthBlog]

Not if you like your things, but in a detached way, meaning you don't feel you can't do without them.

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

Although most advertisers while use the concept of “it will make you better than your peers “ , it’s a delusion that most of us will not admit to .but applies none the less .

[@DaPoopIsInDaPudding]

Kevin Loving I like caps lock too

[@YogaWithBri]

Ooo I’ve never heard this but I like.✊🏼

[@prashant199219]

Just incredible. The less you own the more happiness you will possess.

[@MikhailTrishin-c4z]

exactly

[@mariekatherine5238]

I had a three room apartment in a pre-war building in Manhattan. Every closet was packed, bookshelves overflowing, working 14+ hours day for its upkeep and maintenance. After cleaning a deceased relative’s home and selling it, I decided not to put anyone else through it. I still live in Manhattan, but in a single room made into a mini studio. It suits me fine. I work 45-48 hour weeks and rediscovered the joy of my job. Best move ever!

[@spenser9908]

I'm thinking of doing the same by swopping me 3-bedroom house for a 1-bedroom flat so I can work less and have more time and freedom to try other things.

[@befree9579]

@@spenser9908 How did it go?

[@CarmenShenk]

We loved our tiny house, and now we love our small house. Getting rid of stuff and embracing a more minimalist approach has been great for us! I enjoyed her message!

[@truelily7]

Are most of you commenting from middle class childhood homes? I was not. We lived below poverty level and I live below it now that I am elderly. I know stuff doesn't Make you happy but I enjoy the things I have acquired over time. I spent most of my life on low income and sometimes welfare. I was not very happy when just trying to make ends meet. Poverty is not fun. I have a very strong spiritual path so I do accept whatever comes my way, And I am happy but life is a struggle to just keep utilities on and food on the table and medical. I need dental work done into the thousands and there is no way. This lady is well dressed and has her own company. Most of my clothes are thrift shop. All I am saying is it is much different when you have always been middle class or above. I notice that many with this philosophy have never been poor financially.

[@returnofthereasoner3200]

Truelily7, I can so identify with what you are saying. It is much easier to downsize and let things go when you have the means to replace/re-buy those items if and when that becomes necessary. I am in the same boat with you and am paddling furiously just to stay afloat. Wishing you all the best.

[@devlevine2782]

I can relate to what Youre saying. People have no idea what its like to be poor.

[@jimsmith9853]

Your correct. The rich hanging out on the other side of the tracks for a while is as old as time. They can go back any time they want and that makes all the difference. Many do when "slumming" loses its fun factor. Then they can tell of their "Adventure" at the cocktail parties and get points for knowing the struggles of the downtrodden.

[@belssage]

I was thinking the same. I was born with a life-threatening illness and struggle with health care and, of course, poor health. I did downsize and live simply. Not because I needed a change, but because it is the only way. I'm 55 with over 8.5 years of higher education and I'm required (by law) to disclose my illness prior to being hired. I can also be denied employment because of my illness and have been. My illness is neither contagious nor does it affect my ability to do my job. Denied disability. So I've lived in poverty the majority of my life as well. Still interested in hearing others stories.

[@annikajohnson2100]

I absolutely see your point here and I think it really is something we need to take into consideration when we discuss all these “downsizing” “living with less”ideas. Most discussions like these never taken in to consideration people who are poor financially and don’t have the means to rebuy. I believe you should have possessions and take great pride in them but they shouldn’t control you life. At least to me as someone who has grown up in a middle-low class home this mindset seems particularly aimed toward middle and upper class for a reason. The amount of stuff people accumulate when they have excess money is insane, and to me humans simply don’t need that much to survive. I can’t say I’m ever going to be a minimalist but there is definitely some truth is having less just because you don’t want to be wasteful and have things you never use. To have food, clothes, makeup, cds or whatever in mass amounts is bad for the environment and not a necessity if you never use them. That is the main reason why I am watching this video. As nice as it seems living in a mansion doesn’t make sense for one person middle upper class (myself included) just need to think more consciously about what we buy. Materialism isn’t everything and contributes to pollution and urban sprawl among other things. Sorry for the long post, I never post comments especially ones this lengthy. Just thought you brought up an interesting point and wanted to add on. Thanks 🐞🐞🐞 edit: I’m not saying I agree with everything she says here but she makes a few good points

[@mspoetminor]

I've been practicing being a minimalist for a year. Love it!

[@ionascholtz1036]

She's older and wiser. It takes many years to get to this profound understanding. I decided this 20 years ago and it is a great feeling.

[@mamashiraz]

YES. 👏 I’ve been sorting clothes and gave 6 bags away to an organization that helps the homeless and I feel so good! My environment is cleaner, less clutter and feels lighter. Feels free!! ❤️

[@eugenefromaustralia4644]

Thank you Rita, so true; it's not rocket science. I walk the Caminos in France, Spain and Portugal and for months at a time only have 7-8kgs of essentials on my back. The sense of freedom - less is best. I have also totally de-cluttered my home and my shed!! Yes it is life-changing and I am happier now than ever before.

[@alyahamzah3605]

I think its all about perspective. I used to want to live in a smaller space with minimal stuff, and that was exactly what I did..but now that I am older, I realise that what I really want and is actually to have less stuff but more space because as with most Asian cultures, my life very much revolves around my family. The family does not just consist of the nucleus family but also ageing parents, aunties and uncles, cousins and their children, as well as neighbours and friends. So its not really practical to live in a small 'jewel box' where family and friends are not able to comfortably visit and congregate. In my culture, it is still normal for relatives to come unannounced from out of state and its good manners to offer them a few days stay in your home. So small living spaces that cater just for 1 or 2 individuals does not really work for communities that have a great emphasis on maintaining family ties. I guess its great to live in a small space when you dont have parents wanting to stay overnight or a battalion of nephews and nieces who will visit you.

[@LucyPooh777]

Amen to that sister 👍 Sometimes perspective of bigger space is not necessarily more or less stuff. But for more family members and friends who visit & to have enough space for all of us to commune, in particular aging parents and uncles, who as you said is typical of our Asian culture.

[@TheresaTV1]

I agree. My goal is to get rid of the clutter so I can enjoy the space more.

[@elizabethwilk9615]

Same here. We are of a Mediterranean culture and we like hanging out with family - close and extended and also love having friends. My aging parents are included in all. We love that and of course space helps.

[@kimhazelwood5337]

'Stuff' never makes you happy. Love, sharing, life experiences, interaction with others is what makes us as a species feel most fulfilled.

[@globalmuffin2]

love is a fairy tale and experiences e.g. trips are overpriced.

[@scottsmith2613]

Kim Hazelwood You very correct. Where you from? I’d like to know you.

[@israelphoenix]

I wish companies understood this principle. You can't get more productivity out of eternally exhausted employees.

[@soglossytv9794]

Oh amen,couldn't have said it better my self.

[@angiebutler227]

Tiny Home Georgia, Amen!!!! You are soooo telling the truth.

[@marycasper6514]

Tiny Home Georgia "AMEN" again from CASPER your friendly ghost writer ((>:)

[@sandrawinfrey5176]

Six sets of dishes just to use poolside and I never had a pool party. Divorce downsizing was a reality check and ultimate relief. Years later still developing 💆🏽‍♀️🇹🇹 invited people to take any of the expensive things I collected and were now in my way

[@juliannacalifornia]

I did the same. But after I gave everything away, i bought a new hightop van, decked it out, and now i live and travel in 68 square feet on wheels. Im gloriously happy.

[@wonthefight]

I am slowly but surely getting rid of the excess in my home. It's not easy, but I'm determined.

[@AprilJoi5]

How did it go? Are you still in transition?

[@acrazydream9408]

I've been letting go and cleansing and I am loving the experience. I'm releasing.

[@greyferguson9319]

A Crazy Dream , So have I! I donate, consign, and give away. What a great feeling. . .decluttering and helping others too.

[@globalmuffin2]

@@greyferguson9319 since when throwing your work away is a great feeling?

[@globalmuffin2]

@@Julie-ev5js One can't right past wrongs. yes. well said. problem with giveaways is that they usually land on landfields. it would be wise to use something until it becomes unusable. this is the only way of saving the planet.

[@susanbehring3401]

My daughter was in the Peace Corps for 2 years in Gambia and she is the same now. I learned a lot from her.

[@helengore8655]

In 2016 I was forced to downsize - and I thought the worst! I am now living the life I love being able to afford to travel and do stuff I enjoy because I have freed up my money! Less is more for sure and I am now going to do some designing for my future life. Forget shopping - live with less and live happy!

[@rosiecruz5926]

I'm working on decluttering my life now, that includes apartment, debts, and unhealthy things in life. Tough journey for someone that was a shopaholic!

[@anitavirginillo]

Been a minimalist for over 20 years and I love it!!!!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

We did this and couldn’t be happier. Sold our 3000 square foot home and most of our stuff. We are now living full-time in our motorhome and enjoying a life unencumbered by all the trappings or a “normal” life.

[@chuckhines459]

I lived in Kenya for a year and knew so many people that had nothing but were always happy.

[@mungimichael3131]

Come to Uganda, im already to take you around

[@Noor-jw2tn]

"Can anyone relate?"No! My teenage daughter 20 years ago said one day." Mum, I never see you buy clothes " to which I replied" I don't have money to buy myself clothes. " Sounds sad and it was to a degree. But things never owned me, and I was never weighed down by them. I probably live on 05% of what this women now lives on. I love my life. Ps. I now have more than I have ever had. X

[@PHDinMeTV]

Keeping affection for things but losing attachment to things helps in this process. 🌸

[@neetikhanna558]

I can relate Even I am drowning in my stuff and want to downsize I have seen this video a number of times Well said Choose to live with less

[@razashah4878]

Once a wise man was asked that why we hate DEATH. He replied that We have exhausted all our efforts in decorating this world and have nothing for next world. So we dont want to shift from this world to next world. Someone asked Mola Ali asws that what gives strength to our body. He asws replied FOOD. Than he was asked that what gives strength to our spirit. He asws again replied FOOD. People said hows that possible? Mola ALI asws replied that when u put food in your mouth it gives strength to your body and when you put food in someone else mouth then it gives strength to your SOUL.

[@usaputhawong8706]

Me too, I try to eat one meal a day, not buy anymore clothes, things which no need in life. I find it more happy I am.

[@Maddie-fb2fl]

It's not what we possessed outside our heart but it's what we possessed inside your heart. Much love Rita. ❤🌹

[@priyankasarvaiya7150]

I also downsized. I found my happiness. I realized that i was filling that void with useless stuff which never made me happy. It would collect dust. Cleaning is easier. My home looks peaceful and clutterfree.

[@MotherMuse]

priyanka sarvaiya So great for you!! 💗 Work in progress for me! xo

[@turkrane12]

More is less, today i live a simple life, ride my bicycle, spend very little money and am happier than i have ever been. No tv, vegetarian, just a simple me.

[@elizabethnorman8365]

Mike Turco it’s amazing what a trained mine can do every night watching the box ! I’m finding out there’s living going on outside the box🙂 I’m very proud of you as a person for taking that step you did . It must of been so refreshing in your mind

[@markwhittaker6866]

Wonderful stuff. Stay blessed.

[@rijalulfikri9109]

sounds like you want some approval i guess?

[@lizbrian5288]

I used to own a 3,700 square foot house on a half acre lot. After 2 moves, I own a 1,542 square foot home on .06 acres. I owe nothing on my home, or 6 year old car. I carry no credit card debt. My life now is so much simpler. I am retired so I do whatever I like - volunteer, travel, play Bridge. I now live in south Florida, but I miss Southern Rhode Island, where I lived for 15+ years. I struggle with the urge to buy a small home there, even though I can afford it because I know that buying a second home will add a lot of complication to my life. In future years, I plan to rent for 2-3 months each summer in Southern Rhode Island. It’s much simpler that way.

[@patriciabrennan5518]

F

[@keepitsimpleydb6151]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@jakejake7289]

Good plan. Mine is the same. Have one small home base in Michigan. Rent one part of the year in different warm parts of the country during the winter.

[@KyriaNunNuit]

I hope she thought of those villagers, too, when she was downsizing and giving away to those who need and sent a bit of her redundant overabundance their way as well. What really gave those villagers the strength to survive in their extreme poverty without despairing was their sense of community; their ability to love and care for each other and to share the little they had.

[@ericab9050]

I'm sure her boy is taking care of the villagers😇

[@LACahn]

What a powerful message. Daring and wonderful to redesign and downsize your life for more happiness.

[@choosetoshine2610]

I, too, living on this new journey! I love it! It's total freedom.

[@soglossytv9794]

I agree with you.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I did it. It took several years because I had to re decide, every time I got through what I thought was the goal, to go further. Eventually, I knew I was going to sell my house and seriously downsize. Then it all went in to high gear and now I'm in my small space and love it. I'm not sure, I'm home, though. I've been resting and, getting acquainted with my surroundings/the area. I have time. Life is a series of decisions. Moving here is just one decision. Downsizing is a 'spiritual' experience. Thank you for sharing some of your experience.

[@mamabear8565]

small footprint I've been on my minimalizim journey for about 6 months now. Over & over I purge & re-purge. It helps to designate a container of sorts for a particular group of items. If it doesn't fit in that container, either something already in it has to go or the thing I'm trying to fit in there has to go. We won't even get into how many various robes I had. I found a 3 hook shelf. I now have 3 robes. A terry cloth bath robe, a fleece house robe, & a satin summer house coat for say answering the door when I'm not decent. Still a lil excessive. But. I love & use them all of them. And they all have a home on that hook shelf.

[@karlyg8170]

small footprint

[@collettecaraway2759]

Think I'm next

[@lisanicholls2706]

yes clutter +stuff weighs you down and holds you back. accumulated junk really, worthless stuff really. I need to declutter. How do we get it anyway...... stuff...... What we need, live, travel.

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

That was the first thing I did...got rid of more than three-quarters of the clothes I had in my closets... really expensive stuff too...dresses that cost over $300 and suits more than$700... etc and etc...true I can't wear a 4 or a 6 anymore... but that's not the point...I only buy what I absolutely need... been on several mission trips... had to pay my own way...more generous now and I am much happier... have a wonderful son and a beautiful granddaughter...I am blessed and so thankful for where I am and what I have... be blessed...

[@michellemoore0970]

I just downsized from a 1200 square feet home to an 800 square feet home and it feels really great!

[@rachelgong9739]

I was fully attracted by her talk and the way she presented.

[@marih3286]

I faced the same challenge. I first moved into my smaller home taking only the bare necessities. I sold items online and through a Consignment shop. I gave away tons to charity and I still had 3 large storage units! It took 1.5 years to clear them out, (covid-related, weather-related delays), but I finally broke free. My simpler life is much more rewarding.

[@tracieogrady5049]

There more happiness in giving than receiving.

[@DaPoopIsInDaPudding]

Tracie O'Grady unless it’s head then it’s good either way

[@damianthorne4145]

HahahHhaah

[@normadavid1239]

I once was lost But now I found Was blind But now I see

[@abedubai1]

Amen!

[@linb7932]

I admire this lady. She's an inspiration to all.

[@mov1ngforward]

Bravo! Travel has an incredible way of showing us what really matters. I went from 2000 sf to 605 sf...and I kept the best of the best. My posessions went far and wide and I still get rid of things, some have sentimental value but I don't want that particular memory any longer. I replace clothes or items when broken or worn out and I no longer buy multiples. I always wondered how overwhelmed Candy Spelling felt in that large house of hers with a gift wrapping room !! I admire you for asking for help. I couldn't and it took me took much longer...but it's done now. My best to you! 👏

[@Sophesi]

We knew once the kids were all done with college, we were going to downsize. The house was 3300 sq feet Over the course of two years, I began consigning all of our stuff they sold 70% of our stuff. The remaining stuff went to a pet charity Our new house is perfect for us in so many ways life is better with less stuff and it is truly the ultimate freedom

[@atis9061]

Excellent. Good for her! This is a new health movement, the movement of minimalism.

[@im7175]

What a beautiful message to those in NEED of additional support with overflowing shortage of closet space, making a CONSCIOUS decision to pass on your goods to ppl who are much more in NEED of your surplus of requirements. I really appreciate the thought process of GIVING, to BLESS another. Especially helping the less fortunate in society.we've got no control in the SPIRITUAL gifts that may cross our PATHS. It's much more than a NEW clothes garment, answered with a all clear from our DOCTORS...is our REAL wealth. A GIFT of good HEALTH we may receive fr above, from our OWN good DEEDS 🕊️

[@francismausley7239]

I became a Minimalist in a spiritual rebirth in 1967 and it goes on. True seekers should "Put away all covetousness and seek contentment..." "He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire." ~ Abdul-Baha, Baha'i Writings

[@danielstocker4729]

If only the 7 richest people in the world would come to this, there would be no more hunger in the world.

[@arlingtonguy54]

It’s not quantity or lack of that makes you happy or burdened, its attachment to those things. Just drop your attachments to people places and things to find peace. There are a lot of very poor people that have very little that are miserable.

[@marymacdonald1651]

arlingtonguy54 Drop your affections for persons, also?

[@Tony32]

Exactly, just like there's rich people who enjoy the heck out all the stuff they got.

[@arlingtonguy54]

Mary Macdonald Drop your attachments not your affection

[@jeanettenaumiec7784]

arlingtonguy54 I dropped my attachment to eating meat.

[@Hypatia52]

Whereas, I'd say attachment to inanimate objects is the problem. I relish my attachment to my brother, although when he dies, it will be much sadder than he and I were clashing all the time. But some things do give joy and that's my choice and I'm good with that--my framed Otsuka print. The big fireplace in my tiny house. The silly coffee mug that my friend of 50 years gave me when I turned 60. But most people have way too much stuff.

[@piairawan]

This kind of thing stuck in my mind the last few years,downsizing life,make it simple and more time to travel and enjoy other part of world ,thanks for the video 🙏🏻❤️

[@mytinyretirement]

I can so relate. We're wanting to retire and are going tiny in order to do so. It is SO hard to brutally go through your belongings.

[@kafizola5695]

My Tiny Retirement Take it a day at a time and it will happen.

[@mamabear8565]

My Tiny Retirement Put things you really struggle with that is excess, in a box. Leave it there for 1 month. Have someone else help you with the next part. Without you watching, tell them what's in that box you must absolutely keep. They take those things out & give them back to you. The rest you forgot about, they donate for you. :)

[@lolitamarkovich7586]

My Tiny Retirement we did it, and started traveling 6 months ago with 2 carry ons, because travel makes up happy. It is liberating!

[@mytinyretirement]

That's part of our plan. Our tiny house (our cabin) in Maine will be where we "summer" and we're hoping to travel around the south during the winters. I haven't decided yet if I'm excited or scared to death. But I know it's the answer for us. But shedding the belongings, wow. It's cathartic.

[@elizabethnorman8365]

Mama Bear good advice 👍🏼

[@chicfrancisco6845]

It is best to live a simple life. May I have this in mind.

[@rosafrances9889]

Chic Francisco .Nice to see you here ! I admire your sewings and teaching s!

[@rosafrances9889]

I did it years ago and I am also happier!

[@starwish2468]

I understand what you are saying about other cultures. But I found in my travels, that those other cultures often SHARE resources and items. OUR culture does not, as a common practice. So there IS a cultural difference in downsizing.

[@jacquelinemcgrathcurtis2787]

starwish246 in those other cultures they have very little and they still give and give the shirts off their backs. I don’t have much and if I can and also when someone approaches me for help I help it get the things that people need. I see it as if I was in a bind I would hope someone would assist me. If we all put ourselves in other people’s shoes and have empathy than we all have a understanding of what struggles each of us have.

[@kherise]

Yeah but even with that, poverty brings a lot of social problems too: poor education, unwanted children from very young mothers, delinqincy, you cannot think is a wonderful world where there is less of everything

[@waynestewart1054]

Same thing happened to me went on a mission trip in 98 came back changed my perspective started investing in real estate and retired at 53

[@elizabethk3238]

I made the same decision after volunteering in Ghana for a year in 2011.

[@DanaDobsonPR]

Rita's story inspires me to simplify my life and keep what matters.

[@ajohonly3721]

Dana Dobson love your first name Miss Dana

[@scottsmith2613]

Dana Dobson True. Where you from?

[@joblake3646]

This is so inspirational, why do we think stuff/things- she helps me see what life is about. I want to go to the Congo, maybe Senegal. Downsizing is the key, and grew the company. I pray to live with less for more. I want to use my mind and heart to get into control and disrupt my life for good.

[@sureshkothari8329]

In one of my visits to a remote village in Uttrakhand I found people living on frugal means but found them to be peaceful and happy & enjoying every small moment of happiness.

[@dianaboughner7977]

Consumerism is a very time consuming and addicting way of life that we have been brainwashed into doing. Minimalizing is a wonderful thing to do if it is what you need to do to feel more freedom and globally balanced materially. There are families and individuals who are not ready for this phase in their lives due to many issues including two vehicles, sports equipment, hobby equipment, farming equipment, kitchen cooking equipment, and the list goes on. It is much easier for single or retired persons to make the downsizing to minimalization a reality.

[@saints82]

Diana Boughner You make a lot of sense Diana

[@LisSimpleLife]

Diana Boughner th

[@LisSimpleLife]

Diana Boughner has a pyy llama

[@darinakalinova2180]

Well yes and no. I have absolutely not a bad feeling of I sit next and knit pullover on one of my knitting machines or make a dress or pair of summer trousers for my partner. I love all my kitchen equipment as it makes life easier. I am refusing to by cake for 6 persons for 25 eur or woollen pullover for 100 eur. Minimalism is ok to prevent storing things you never use. Minimalism is not about to stop living. I am not going to give up on my hobbies and cooking and baking passions just to be minimal. I am working full time whole my life, having said that I will work another at least 22 years before I can retire. I want to have fun in my life and hobbies help me. I do not want to come home at 6pm and sit and watch TV. I believe that minimalism is extreme same as overconsumption. Just balance what you have get rig of old and broken each year. All is ok.

[@charissemarei4272]

Inspiring, Impactful, Life-Changing! To remove the 'stuff' from physical spaces also rejuvenates the body, the mind, and brings forth new freedom. Thank you, Rita, for sharing your remarkable story and to be living the life you speak of. Hats off to you!

[@DrFeliciaClark]

Just love your message Rita!!! It is inspiring me right now today to get rid of stuff I am keeping only because it looks good, "belongs" in a furnished home or was given to me with an obligation to keep it for an undefined long period of time. It feels good to release. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@nachis3]

I had started to declutter about 3 years ago as I kept hearing the Lord telling me to get my house in order. Then last year around this time my home flooded with hurricane Harvey and I had water in there 8 days. We lost so much but now my home is remodeled and I love it now because I don't have much and I don't want much more. How liberating. Thank you God. So much freedom.

[@alnoove9064]

Good luck Rita, all the best and thanks for your thoughts.

[@sharonwalters6135]

This is all good. And I so agree. I think one of the most important element that you missed was the time to spend with God and being prepared 4 living forever with him. We cannot exclude him from any part of our life.

[@prizantsproducts4u]

Oh, Praise God! What a wonderful and blessed story. I was there in 2010 from sickness (now cured via Jesus the supreme healer!) I lost everything, but I had previous prayed to the L-rd for a simpler life, and BOOM, he sure did. I was jobbed (you know Job from the Bible) lost everything! At the time I was wondering L-rd what is going on but then I found it to be a blessing in disguise! G-d bless you dear lady, you did find happiness! You know it is NOT the stuff! Store up treasures in heaven! Matthew 6:19 & 20 G-d bless!

[@sanhara2747]

I just moved from 2,500 sq ft house to 35 ft RV. What an experience

[@svetlanak7804]

I decided to switch to minimalism , was so inspired to educate myself and start a new life and after watching all these videos realized I already am one without knowing I am))))) and I posess much less then them after decluttering, what americans find an act of heroism and a topic for a 15 minutes talk we, the rest of the world, find just a common sence. People talk proudly on youtube about 50 things they live without after switching to minimalism and I realize I have never ever used those , as well as my parents and friends, like paper towels and devices for cutting food. I have a knife, just one, and 3 books, and their 40 piece capsule wardrobes after down sizing are even bigger then normal wardrobes of Russians and Italians.

[@kalusuganaquasea5427]

I Love it, thankfully Im awake now I live my life in a peaceful way, living in the Island is everything. No shopping

[@thumbprint7150]

Thank you for this. Very impressive to reduce so much and I was glad to hear you say it took a year because it is a painful and surely faltering faltering process. You were fortunate to have such dedicated helpers too.

[@tonyasilvey9666]

I am beginning my journey!! Jumping in with both feet!!

[@Kiwionwing]

Tonya Silvey post on airlines & travel secrets exposed Facebook I got rid of everything after my last son left home for university. I was a single dad. I have 30kgs of stuff now

[@moonharp]

Tonya, how is it going?

[@Linda-oi4pj]

Downsizing from 1400 sq ft to 660 sq ft. Feels 👍 great

[@scottsmith2613]

Linda It doesn’t get better than that. Where you from? I’d like to know you.

[@francismausley7239]

Can't get enough spirit in my life... "Be content with little." "Put away all covetousness and seek contentment; for the covetous hath ever been deprived, and the contented hath ever been loved and praised.” ~ Baha'i Faith

[@Kotyk_Murkotyk]

I'll believe in your happiness, when you give away while having very little.

[@originaltube5794]

I love it Rita! You have hit the mark so perfectly here! Great to work with you this past week and i think your message is profound! Keep up the good work on the Best life!

[@lightdweller1]

Yep that’s me... I could build an 867 sq ft home with all the books I haven’t read 📚.

[@cliffordl.2943]

I love this story. I love that you are making more money and working less. I am so happy for you. God bless.

[@GardeningMa]

I love that this lovely lady thinks that 800 square feet is small... All is perspective: we will in more or less 800square feet (80 square meters) but there is 5 of us, including 3 homeschooled kids and my husband who is in a wheelchair... It is not easy but we manage... Perspective again! Thanks for a lovely and inspiring video!

[@dtbambrick6175]

That was about the size of my home with 5 homeschooled children, now grown. When my husband had an accident and was in a wheelchair for 3 months it was awkward so I understand its not always easy, but seriously when I see people with 2 kids in a larger house they almost take on the 'entitlement' attitude because they usually get more stuff too. make up for size by playing outside more, visiting more, playing games more, reading more etc.

[@jeanettenaumiec7784]

For someone to go from 5,000 square feet to 800 is a considerable change. The average home being built in the USA Today is something like 2,400 square feet,. That’s crazy. Most Americans have been sold on bigger or more is better. Marketing and keeping people wanting more is the dream of many corporations including advertising agencies.

[@MotherMuse]

Yes perspective is key. We have usually lived in 900-1000 sf homes or apartments (renting). We are a family of 6. xo Still figuring out where to put our six year old as there’s no room in the other kids rooms, she has always shared a room with her parents. But she seriously needs a bigger bed Postponed this too long. xo

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

Yes, I thought the same!

[@chooselove4all574]

I am in 400 sq feet but it is way too small. I have no kitchen- it is the size of a small closet. I literally can hardly prepare meals, but I don't eat out. I've broken a lot of dishes because there is no room and they suddenly fall. This is too small. I feel claustrophobic. It's not about THINGS it's about breathing space. I want to live in a cob house in country. BIG KITCHEN, with green trees and beautiful gardens. So tired of cramped urban apartments.

[@sarahmcgee6269]

I can truly, truly identify with what she's saying. My husband and I worked many years, bought a BIG house, beautiful furniture, cars and trucks, and lots of clothes. We retired and changed our life!!!!! NOW, we live very simple. We got rid of"everything, it took 2 years to get rid of all that "stuff", including the house and moved to another State (in an apartment). We now live VERY simple, no fancy furniture or clothes (or cars). We have one car, a small apartment, and PEACE OF MIND, and we've never been happier.

[@quartytypo]

A week later after throwing something out, I suddenly need it.

[@MariaLopez-hc2nm]

OMG!!! I know... it sucks .... LOL...

[@tagaway6173]

That's my hardest part. And that's why I take too long. I still have school supplies because they are kept in a small drawer and I tend to need school supplies for whatever reason I don't understand. But some people dont. My cousin came to visit me the other day and she said "You should start here" I'm like... "Woahhhhhhh why not the closet? Why a small drawer that's has necessary things" Lol

[@shyelu7072]

Yeah but if you had never de-cluttered, you probably wouldn't have been able to find it anyhow...

[@mlow9884]

That’s what I’m afraid of lol

[@hamidkhodapanah1123]

I agree with downsizing the life part. But leaving the countryside to go to a city?! What I really wish for is to leave city life which is making many troubles for many people.

[@Frank-gc1oe]

I agree handsome

[@wildflowerwind6941]

She has more time now because she is not shopping all the time accumulating stuff.

[@Vesper_Songs]

I downsized too a number of years ago and could not be happier with the decision. I love living in my 1,100 square foot condo and I don't miss any of the stuff I got rid of. I have more time, more money, fewer worries, less stress and less work.

[@jeffinetlyjeffbi9770]

I had a friend (passed away) whos brother went to South America with intention to drill oil Wells... Somewhere in that quest he drilled a water well for a small community, the people held him high! he never went without. The very act of giving others clean water is awesome, that saved lives made quality of life better... As a former water well driller i can tell you i drilled Wells that now supply Las Vegas with water.. that's awesome! My point is the little things in life are the most important.

[@livondiramerian6999]

We better focus on the essential things in our life.

[@bircruz555]

I cannot imagine how much people hoard. I realized myself that I had too much of everything and decided to do something about it. I quit buying clothes and shoes altogether. And my place is only 550 sq. ft. and I have lived in it for 20 years. It is far from a cluttered place, but I do have stuff I want to get rid of. I am just so glad I do not own a home or live in a big space. I can empathize with what these people are going through.

[@dianazamoras]

One of the Condos in the world! 😍😍

[@websurfer1585]

If a man owns a piece of land, the piece of land owns him!

[@NeoAndersonReloaded]

I have so many clothes that I still cant decide what to wear.

[@53cateye1]

So grateful I backpacked from wealthy Australia in my twenties to several impoverished countries for a year. Life long lessons were learned and have never been forgotten.

[@corinnegeras5975]

Going to do this. Just putting it off, but you've inspired me. Thanks.

[@Radnally]

If your things don't make you happy, get new things.

[@sophiahalatchev658]

Radnally 😆

[@isabellazielinski6695]

This video provides great insight into the consumerism our world runs on.