I threw it all away ✨ What growing up with less taught me about Minimalism

[@JeanVoronkova]

Do you think your childhood determines who you are as an adult, or do you also believe we can choose?

[@michaelchristophergutierre7244]

We are programmed as children by our environment. Our caretakers and experiences shape our world view (good or bad). But we have something called resilency that gives us the strength to change to be better. Nature vs. nurture. Its not binary but both influence who we become But we have the keys to the kingdom. Life will either make us bitter or better. It was and is a tough process but i chose better Thank you Jean for your content Michael.

[@h28628]

Priority changes, but my dream to travel the world never change since childhood. I used to think I need a lot money to travel the world but working holiday in oversea taught me the other way. I used to think my job and career are my primary objective but corporate world & red-tape are cruel. I used to think money is more important but burnout and resignation gave me a relief. I earn less now as compared to a fix job & salary, but my investment income is sufficient to cover my daily life and travel now. Typical Asian mindset always money money home la ...

[@vinozarazzi5633]

❤I am so lucky to have found your amazing channel❤

[@shawntolani5354]

Our childhood and our values being taught by our parents determine who we are

[@vinozarazzi5633]

@@shawntolani5354 These factors determine a part of our starting point. And we can can become aware of our behaviors and develop. Thats why we have the field of psychology.

[@VietTennisUSA]

I cried listening to this because it hit home for me

[@Kopie0830]

When your a minimalist, you don't have to worry about your stuffs and you only enjoy the best.

[@Giul_conway]

Hi Jean I had a similar upbringing in Sydney. My family are Italian and I remember both my parents working so hard to pay the mortgage, bills, food and to clothe us. Mum used to shop at St Vincent De Paul for clothes, and I use to enjoy going with her, searching for $1 dresses and shoes etc. it was so much fun. It taught me to how to turn a simple little outfit into something Beautiful. I became so creative with my clothing. I’m such a bargain shopper because of that experience. I had one stuffed dog which I adored. We spent most weekends down the beach playing in the sand and rock climbing. Dad grew his own vegetables and we had chickens too. I thank my parents for giving us the simple things in life, great food, adventures in nature and showering us with love. I appreciate everything and have so much gratitude because of it. We don’t need a lot of stuff that’s for sure. I cut my hair too! lol 😂 love your channel 💖

[@simply.k3573]

I'm over 50 and have lived almost my entire life with very few possessions, just because I've always dislike clutter in my home or surroundings, plus I traveled a lot as I grew older. I never knew the word "minimalist" existed until about 7 years ago on KZbin, but still don't understand why people feel the need to label themselves. We all live under very different circumstances/environment, so live your life the way you see fit and just be happy 🥰

[@xinleizhang9624]

To really understand and come into peace with who you are is a liberating feeling. All my life I have genuinely listened/trusted what society/mainstream seemed to be good. I studied hard and got into the best school, joined sports team, participated in social event, found a good job/what people viewed as a respectable job, and really performed and worked diligently. However, deep down I’m always in stress. I realize I’ve been doing everything that conflict with who I am. It’s like an introvert trying to fake it as an extrovert. I made peace with myself since. Fancy material things/meeting society expectations means nothing to my inner peace. I just wanna be nice to myself now and life a simpler life where I belong.

[@JeanVoronkova]

love this - thank you for sharing, and am so glad you seem like you're much happier now that you found your true path :)

[@arvindgupta3864]

Your Story narration is very heart touching, calm and it gives alot of peace !! Love to watch your videos.. thank you Jean

[@sanja12]

yes, so true the true values of life are the kindness and what we have in our heart.

[@MelanyLim-z5c]

I agree, childhood determine who I'm today, but we still can choose❤❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

Self determination despite childhood conditioning 💪🏼😍

[@br8979]

I think having plenty of love to go around is what makes you truly rich. It's the most important thing in life and a cornerstone to be successful

[@JeanVoronkova]

fully agree :) my furkid brings me so much joy hehe

[@linnysheff]

I love your channel! You popped up in my feed with one of your viral videos about living with no ambition. And I cannot stop watching your content. it brings me comfort and hope that I can change my life for the better as well. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you Linny - i'm glad the videos resonate so much with you. Thanks for listening 😊🌻

[@michaelchristophergutierre7244]

I love your channel, and i share it with friends. I will be starting to chronicle my own journey on social media ... 6 years ago, i was making 125,000 usd , i my own home living in Silicon Valley. Then I Retired early, sold my home, donated, and gave away everything i owned but my car and two suitcases of belongings Visited SEA and then covid hit and ended up in the caribbean. Made a lot of mistakes on the way but kept moving forward. Now im going back to SEA, and hopefully will settle in thailand. Thank you and everyone for the inspiration.

[@kamolhengkiatisak1527]

My generation (I am 71) works hard just to survive and provide a good home for children. So I am used to minimalist lifestyle and I am truly happy. Glad to hear that a younger generation who can earn a high income chooses to live minimalist lifestyle. My daily expense is less than $5 including 3 meals. This is possible if you live in Bangkok's perimeter. In my housing village, freshly brewed hot capuchino costs only $1 (30 baht) and box meal is also $1. I have retired for 11 years now and my savings don't even dip as interests from investment fund is enough to cover my annual expense. I don't buy clothes for one year now and every year, I gather some old clothes and donate them to charities.

[@mayolasbones6831]

Good for you.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hey man thanks for sharing the details about your retirement minimalist lifestyle on outskirts of Bangkok it’s so interesting n useful to know an alternative like that exists (in case we ever move from Bali lol). We loved the food in Bangkok too when we visited earlier this year, and I love the lifestyle u described - I also prefer quiet living over city life

[@dominichill1492]

Jean this is what makes you stand out from other people on KZbin, because you give us all life lessons, and you help us people who listen to you grow up. Jean also you are a positive influence in the KZbin community in my opinion Jean sweetheart. I will always support you Jean my favorite KZbinr.

[@shawntolani5354]

Awesome!!!! Love It!!!! Especially when you said bought your mom Gucci bag on your first pay check .Gave me goosebumps!

[@br8979]

You have created a beautiful life for yourself that you enjoy, that the greatest goal we can reach. There will always be people who don't understand your choices but you should be proud of yourself for being authentic and living the life that's right for you. Listening to your story made me very emotional and your voice is very soothing, thank you for sharing and the beautiful video. Lots of love ❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you for listening to my story 😊🌻

[@vinozarazzi5633]

@@JeanVoronkova Did you ever check out Eckhart Tolle?

[@sxleung]

Your childhood reminds me a lot of my own. I grew up in public housing with both my parents always working, saving things in case it is useful in the future, and repairing as much as possible. Unfortunately, my parents never got that big break and still lives in the same public housing unit (USA) where I grew up over 50 years ago now. Similar to you, I got a good job and saved money but therapy has helped me understand that it was to build a sense of safety and stability that was missing in my childhood. I’m turning 50 now and have found your videos helpful to release my need for stability and find the courage to embrace the uncertainty of not having income and moving to another country where I can geoarbitrage my savings. Thank you for making this video. It’s adding to my courage to make the move, quit my job and start living in a more meaningful way ❤

[@evb1601]

I did the same and we are soooo happy. We often remark that we live so well...we have slipped through a crack that few find.

[@RomanVarl]

Thank you for sharing such personal things 😊

[@RobinPolin]

Just Beautiful ❤

[@YashoShasho]

Thank you for creating your channel & sharing what you have gained in experience & wisdom. We appreciate your honesty. It is beautiful. An inspiration for humanity.

[@donroy7825]

Hello again my friend Jean 👋 !! Thanks for this ‘long term’ over view 😊👍 !! Lives well lived, and eventually working out the best course of action, and way of life for yourselves 👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻🏡 ☀️ 🌊🌊👍 !! Cheers, Don 🙋‍♂️

[@JeanVoronkova]

hey Don it's been a while thanks for stopping by it's good to see you! 🌻

[@HonChoiChan]

this is the most beautiful speech I have ever heard, thank you so much.

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you :) this video meant a lot to me and was very personal - so i'm glad you liked it :)

[@adammorra3813]

Jean I am so proud of you! You found what makes you happy and live a joyful life, spreading that joy around the world. Most people don't have the courage you do to just run with it.

[@SagaJohanna]

I absolutely LOVED this video! Although I'm pretty good at not wanting more stuff, I struggle feeling like I don't have enough money, and sometimes it feels as though that dream number I have envisioned in my bank account just keeps growing. This was the first time I actually got some relief from that, because impermanence means it does not matter in the end! Thank you

[@wry10]

Jean, your content is awesome. I recently retired (at age 55) and I can totally relate to everything you talk about. I wish I had the means to quit my job decades earlier (but alas, the technology was not yet there). I'm still getting acclimated to having so much time to explore every aspect of life that I had neglected for so many years. I really appreciate the affirmation. Terima kasih! (I hope the translation is correct)

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you - I'm glad it resonated with you :) this video meant a lot to me and was very personal - so i'm glad you liked it :)

[@mengpootan9465]

Thanks so much Jean for this heart warming video. You are so transparent in sharing on growing up.

[@mariawoodspersonaldevelopment]

What a beautiful video! You are wise beyond your years❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you Maria - this video meant a lot to me and was very personal - so i'm glad you liked it :)

[@MIdnightChick197]

I love your story. It mirrors my own childhood and the sacrifices. After years of acquiring nice clothes and things, I constantly work to minimalize and keep only what is used and brings joy. Your hair has a pretty pinkish cast from the middle of the head on down. I would love to hear how you achieved this hue.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you dear, happy to hear we're on similar paths! I think about the hair - it's actually the leftover from a dye job some months ago which i then black-dyed over - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnKbf2d9hqxsepI here's the video of what i did from my hair channel lol - so yeah the pinkish cast - not really intentional but hey glad you like it!

[@PursuingImpact]

Jean, your soothing voice always makes me feel so good. Beautiful video, and your message is right on. Keep up the great work! 🙏

[@yutaka6936]

Hello, Jean I was awestruck by your courageous decision to settle down in Bali, giving up on your promising career as a corporate lawyer in Singapore. I was all about passing the bar exam in Japan in my twenties and failed at it. But when I visited Tianyar in Bali for volunteering in education, I realized being surrounded by nonchalant local kids is my purpose of life, Ikigai! Ever since then, I have meaning to move to Bali. I have been struggling with financial planning so far. But your videos encourage me so much. Thank you, and I hope you and your husband do well.

[@macym1703]

Thank you for sharing this. This is beautiful, I actually teared up. As I age, this is the life I truly want and I hope someday I will have the courage to pursue this route. I love all of your videos! ❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you Macy i'm so glad this video resonated with you since its so personal to me :)

[@tiashadae1143]

I can relate to your story so much, thank you for sharing! ❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

I'm so glad, thank you for letting me know this resonated with you

[@marktang9074]

Hi Jean ! All your videos were interesting, honest and made in humility. They all made loads of sense and pretty inspiring ! Your courage to step out of your "comfort zone" and turning dreams into realities speaks well of your positive outlook in life. Your investment philosophy and strategies for passive income, minimalist and active lifestyles to achieve happiness and financial freedom resonated with me. I'm from SG too. I'm Mark, retired 3 years ago, living with my wife and a 1 year old puppy in Danang, Vietnam, since last year. Life was a little challenging and unpredictable at the beginning but I'm glad now I had made the right choice. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to more exciting experiences and thoughts coming out from you in the days ahead !

[@lesliechiangwengmeng]

Glad you have found peace with your decisions , and enjoy your inspiring life journey….as the saying goes, 随遇而安。

[@JeanVoronkova]

its very true! life at any moment in the present is always all ok if we think about it truly.

[@ErlJimenez]

love,love,really love this video.thank you for the helpful videos always ms jean

[@peg9459]

Dear Jean, thank you very much for your inspirational videos, Happiness seems to be overflowing from your blog.I believe what counts is compassion and happiness. You seemed to have found both. Great and good for you two. Have fun and enjoy life. Best wishes. Peg

[@veganspace]

Loved you sharing your life story!

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you - this video meant a lot to me and was very personal - so i'm glad you liked it :)

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

This is a really good video. You have gained the wisdom that few have. I also learned these lessons the hard way.

[@JeanVoronkova]

🙏🤓

[@richardfoo7379]

Well said Jean, you know what makes you happy & what you want in life cheers

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks Richard - this video meant a lot to me and was very personal - so i'm glad you liked it :)

[@YashoShasho]

There is a quote I once heard that said “What we buy or own, also owns us.”

[@docselva]

excellent Jean...will share.

[@mohammadhasniibrahim9752]

Great sharing Jean! Agree on hoarding items at home. We realized that so many things were not used when we are moving back to our new house. So much were donated since they were kept in boxes for three years and we don’t ever look for them.

[@jayaramanramakrishnan3251]

Beautiful discovery you have made of your life and elegantly stated with your soothing voice, nicely thought out and well written! I have similar beliefs and enjoy your journey!!

[@karenellaway869]

Great video , i hear you loud and clear , thank you ..

[@pramodsnayak837]

Loved your video. So true. 🙂 Wish you a happy life ahead.

[@marizramos8619]

❤❤❤thank u for being an inspiration❤

[@raysorayaray]

Jean 🎉 all the very best in life, I was in bali for 12 days, left bali on the 4th of august. Bali is my dream land

[@TheFurlock]

The generations are the ties we have not the objects, the living things are the most important to the idea we are the true intelligence. The object of living is to draw the essence of life itself that reflects that you are part of the small and the whole thing that surrounds you. There is only one living state and that is eternity.

[@debward3712]

Thank you Jean ❤

[@marcodotmar]

Jean! thanks for the video again. I am also going thru the process on "unattaching". And yes, in the eyes of the society ( their judgement) they cant understand, and yes some people around us might get upset. But I am really focus on living for myself first strong, and the see how i can help and influence others ( the young ones and the trap ones ).

[@JeanVoronkova]

yes.... i don't think it's selfish to love ourselves as much as we love the people around us, or even first. I think healthy relationships with our surroundings start with self love. Good luck with the unattachment :)

[@elliotroyston7116]

I love your accent, and your softness. Very moving piece. E R

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you - this video was very personal to me - i'm glad you could see it the same way i do :)

[@lizzie7929]

Thank you for the video🪻🪷

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you Lizzie xoxo

[@LonganLee]

Life is short, either way . Just enjoy the decision you made❤

[@warrenaspeling602]

Very inspiring ❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you so much 🌸

[@ronaldneehao9723]

Thanks again for your great advice jean 😅

[@brucechavers3848]

Great video . Happy Saturday!

[@RobertTerbrugge]

I'm over 60, laid off last year in the Financial Sector at the heart of Canadian finance. The Corporate life was a treadmill. Yes. I had never earned more. But stress and time are also important. I may actually 'retire' for good, rather than pursue another $100K after-tax. Being a frog in a boiling pot is dangerous. Today I am earning minimum wages just being outside working at a golf course and I am happy. I still drive an 18 year old car but that's okay, for the first time in 40 years, my time is truly my choice.

[@DreadlockSoldierSubliminals]

What a profound narrative ❤🇦🇺

[@fatimasantos2719]

Obrigada pela inspiração

[@aundriamorgan4210]

I love what you have shared. My family is very diverse in culture. However, I feel like my views on life are influenced by my families Asian culture. I enjoy just living in the moment. Living with intention. ♥️

[@darrylsolomon3849]

Awesome Video as always Jean!!!!

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you Darryl - this video meant a lot to me and was very personal - so i'm glad you liked it :)

[@lindaw.fossum3285]

Absolutely beautiful 💖

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you - so kind :)

[@adika1800-w3l]

I chose this path too, but it wasn't easy leaving my well paid salary. However, I realize that I am no longer happy with my job. I'm losing most of my friends and some family members along the way because I am no longer relevant to them. At least now I know who's genuine and who's only there for personal gain.

[@JeanVoronkova]

yeah weeding out the weeds is one of the side benefits. Less distractions anyhoo. Not a bad thing :)

[@noelafranco5446]

What a great video 😊❤

[@SnowS162]

I am glad it worked out for you but not everyone can do the same. If 😂 I was making a lawyer's salary, I wouldn't be buying Gucci bags or designer clothes. I would probably be a minimalist and travel. My Asian parents were poor growing up working long hours. I live in Canada but i wish i lived in Bali or somewhere with no winter. I have a good job now but I am not wealthy to quit. Rent here would be too expensive and appartment is small. I keep my job but I am also a minimalist because it's hard for me to not worry about money after being poor so long. I don't own much clothes and now that i have money from my job, i am afraid to spend much. I keep worrying I will be laid off or become sick to work. My only weakness is buying some art supplies in hopes of using them. Unfortunately they are starting to accumulate and i have no time to use them. I have a good job now but i never go out to eat (unless it's for some special occasion), and it's difficult to push myself to buy new clothes. I have never been much of a spender. Sometimes i wish i could buy some takeout food after working long hours overtime but i try to put it off...and I tell myself that it will only feel temporary satisfying and i will be stuck with that habit and losing my money when I don’t know if i will always have regular income... I don't know how to enjoy myself without worrying about being poor again. I'm tired of working overtime but I would be too scared to not work and not have income. Congrats to being able to pull it off. I am sure it must have been difficult earlier on with your parents.

[@RisingPhoenix527]

In my twenties i went crazy and kept buying lots of junk in hopes to be interesting or cool enough tobecome popular. I slowly learned that being popular has a very dear cost, your soul. I was not only not willing to pay that price, but i lost interest because i had to care for my family through my early thirties. The energy now required to basically function has completely drained me of any desire to do extravagant things or go fancy places. Everytime i splurge on myself i feel guilty and also very empty. Like a gap that can never be healed. so i am reducing activities and belongings because peace matters way more to me than getting fickle attention

[@JeanVoronkova]

Yes.... external validation matters very little in the end.... but what concerns me is the sense of exhaustion in your words... its very noble to care for your family... but you must also make sure to care for yourself.... otherwise in the end no one is gonna be around to care for them! u take care girl!

[@BuzzSargent]

This is a particularly heartfelt monolog that really gets to me. I was wondering how your parents took your leaving the successful legal career with all the money behind. Does your husband still work a regular job to keep your lifestyle? We do, after all still have to pay bills, put food on the table, and live. That cost money. Love your voice, it makes me feel good. Have a Magical Day.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks a lot for tuning in. My dad took it particularly hard. He didn't speak to me for about 2 years when he first realised that i wasn't going back to my legal career. But they've come around now that they see how happy I am. Neither my hubs nor I are working anymore. Our current simple lifestyle is sustained by the small amount of passive income we are making out of our investments - rentals mainly.

[@BuzzSargent]

@@JeanVoronkova You & your husband are smart to realize at such a young age what's important to you. At 69 I want to stop working but just can't afford to. Love your talks 🦜

[@LonganLee]

Freed from the shackles of urban jungle , liberated into the natural jungle❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

lol lucky there's not a preponderance of mozzies!

[@leo78874]

can I ask where is the trail at 3:27? it looks good

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Your home is lovely❤ And it is beautifully decorated too with gorgeous furniture and a huge TV which I love. How is your TV screen? What does it measure, please? And, where did you buy it in Bali? Thanks so much for your responses. 😊

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks Abs - I had to ask V about tv size he says he thinks its 50! He ordered it online here in Bali!

[@silverwolf2643]

It is true that somehow humanity has given too much meaning in ultimately pointless things. They have phone on credit, car on credit, house on credit, go on vacations via credit. Basically living some life that is not really yours. Life not yours and that you cannot actually afford.

[@guillaumecds5833]

I m curious … How about retirement plans , or home ownership plans ? This is all great while young and active but then ?

[@davidchan9187]

You have chosen a life with your heart and had the courage to stop racing with the other rats back home

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

What was your dad’s company Jean, please? What did it make? Thank you so much for your responses always! ❤❤ You gave such a wonderful way of speaking.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hey Abs happy Friday night! My dad is an electrician by training and his company provided electrical services!

[@JeanVoronkova]

I’m glad you liked the video thanks for always tuning in 😍

[@mayolasbones6831]

Very nice Jean. Thank you for your wonderful story. My life story and beliefs are similar. I've tried to care for my parents. I still have my mother she is 93 now. They had seven children and now 36 grandchildren and great grandchildren. We meet once a week now I'll take for a drive to the coast and lunch. She happy and doing well. Life is eternal. When the body dies the Soul lives on. The wonderful Doctor Pim Van Lommel with his expert research is one of many who have proven this. Enjoy Jean, Best to you both, Dave

[@JeanVoronkova]

Wow youre so fortunate to still have your mom around and that’s one big family! That once a week family lunch sounds really nice happy for you guys 😍

[@mayolasbones6831]

@@JeanVoronkova Thank you Jean, so nice of you to write me back. Yes I am lucky to still have her with us. She grew up in Mill Valley. Her dad and grandfather were builders. Together they built over 400 houses. To this day people look for a Klyce built house because of the design and quality. Have a wonderful day Jean. So nice to hear from you. I know allot of people write to you. I have an Ant and Uncle who live in Mill Valley. My uncle met his wife in Japan learning Architecture. She is Japanese and a wonderful woman. He design Asian with Western Architecture. He does very beautiful work. Retired now at 91 yrs old. Thank you for your Awesome videos and your life journey. You are helping many, many people. Best Dave

[@nicky_bee]

Lovely 😊🥲

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you 😋

[@cheexiong1634]

❤❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

🦋

[@sofiyaswelt]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

😍🌻

[@AndrewTube]

First (after a long time!) :)

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hey man! No obligations lah heh but thanks for dropping by!

[@AndrewTube]

@@JeanVoronkova all good :)

[@liwending2992]

这是哪个国家的英语口音 挺着舒服

[@โอเหนือChanel]

Hi

[@jaredvaughan1665]

Do you and your husband know your mbti type?

[@phucnguyentv7541]

i wish i was you❤

[@lionuscahyadi2603]

Manage financial by minimalist is not easy, manage time with mininalist can be boring …… need to choose wisely for make your life feel in peace n balance n useful

[@Luckey900]

Scam !

[@joyestrada3597]

❤❤❤

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you Joy 🌻