Minimalism - Why?

[@milesandcoffee]

I'm never going back to impulsive buying and 'storing stuff!' Minimalism has changed my life for the better! Thank you for sharing!

[@montealegre_rp]

Yes Sir, you are 100% right on your take on life, specially the golden years. My motto is: Life is like ice cream, enjoy it before it melts away...

[@JCTravelStories]

I like that ... life is like ice cream. I learned one last night .... There's plenty of time left, but not time to waste. :)

[@montealegre_rp]

@@JCTravelStories Randy will soon see his Twin Shaft Putter!

[@JCTravelStories]

Looking forward to it. :)

[@65adela]

I would use forest gumps quote. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get

[@Mmm...yummymummy]

That,s very good. Ice cream. Yeaaaah.

[@boomer525dog]

Freedom , is just another word for nothing left to lose. That could be personal possessions or the respect of the people in your life. I admire how you tell your life story to us. Sometimes I feel all alone on this roller coaster of life. Thank You JC

[@JCTravelStories]

You sound lonely. Be well friend. :)

[@salas231141]

I watch tangerine travels for the let's go kind of vibe also the kinetic kennon's. But I watch you fur the real knowledge for the real reason and the real method of how to move to Mexico so thanks for that JC

[@elgringoec]

Exactly. Those kids are great for laughs and the occasional cringe.

[@jacklong7048]

Kinetics focuses on food and culture. Tangerine likes to use click bait in description, oh how they were cheated everywhere. Nope, Jerrys the real deal, sincere and knowledgeable.

[@HamiltonRb]

Minimalism starts with knowing the difference between your wants and your needs. If you can't park your car in the garage because of all the stuff in it, there is a good place to start to simplify your life.

[@JCTravelStories]

I agree, but ... Hamiltion .... Is it YOUR garage or someone you know from whence you garner this wisdom. LOL!

[@HamiltonRb]

JC Travel Stories Definitely not me my friend. If anything I have too much space with two cars in a three car garage, but I know so many people who park in their driveway because their garage is so full of crap that they can’t use it. I say kill 3 birds with one stone, by cleaning the garage out, make some money on a garage sale, give everything you don’t sell to charity and put the car in the garage

[@JCTravelStories]

Buena idea amigo! :)

[@summerland6397]

Or paying storage every month on useless things.

[@Kevin_Carlson]

It is liberating to not be owned by too many possessions. It's good to value what one has instead of wanting what my neighbor has.

[@esotericsolitaire]

There is homelessness, and then there is houselessness. Thank you for helping to educate people on the difference.

[@debicaron6046]

Dependable income is why I sold my house, and most of my possessions. I have been in my van 2 years..happy..thanks for the common sensical video And, I am debt free

[@leew3rd]

JC, I enjoy your style. This particular video almost made me feel that we were conversing in your back yard about life, its ups and downs, picking yourself up off the floor when you've been knocked down. It continued in your living room. A couple times I wanted to say, "yes, but....." Oops, this is not a live conversation, it is just that your video had a easygoing, (not rambling at all), comfortable conversation. Well done and yes, it makes me think how I'm going to downsize. It stresses me how to do it but it must be done or I will never leave the U.S. and attain the lifestyle I want that is only possible in Mexico.

[@missannettep6796]

Not dull at all, a very wise man you are. The values we learned by tradition were wrong. Glad you publish!!!!

[@Connor_Dempsey]

Thanks. When i get tired of all the hate, division and lies spread by the Fake News, i enjoy relaxing and watching your channel. 🌈☺️

[@coffeewithmike3916]

I live in a camper for 4 years now on 20 acres in the middle of no where in Northern Arkansas my County has a population of 10,000 people I am currently 26 years old. I did not grow up in a Minimalist Life style but i had too because of lack of money and jobs when i first start it seems like i cried for the first year or so. But looking back on it now. It is a great way to live you don't need all that crap from amazon. Now i grow a garden and working on fencing my land off for animals. I guess one day i will build a tiny home of some kind one day.But not having alot of bills is great and you dont feel trapped by the debt machine.My family thinks am crazy for living like this but its ok with me. There nothing like no bills living free and simple and rolling my left hand cigarettes. Great Video JC God Bless

[@perryortho1609]

Thank you for the insight I’m 56 and thinking about everything you’re talking about even Mexico

[@annthrockmorton5594]

This was so interesting. What a varied life you have lived! You've looked at life from about every angle possible! This video helped me today with decisions I am making. Thanks for all your efforts, and being willing to share life lessons with your viewers.

[@jimroper5809]

It's not boring to me. 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years or more, I always enjoy your videos. Keep em coming.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@karmathegiant]

You are almost at 30,000 subscribers! You make a lot of sense. All those changes in your life lead you to the beautiful place you and Lynn are enjoying now. Love that yellow flower lamp! 🌼I’m in the process! 🌞

[@chrisr6157]

Financial freedom is a wonderful, peaceful way to live! I agree with you! I have seen so many of my family and friends live a life of wanting more material things and then end up in bankruptcy. I feel that being grateful for what I have and buying used items has helped me save more for my future. Thanks for sharing!

[@BettyA]

That was the best talk I've ever heard. You're so down to earth and practical, and I love it! Other people talk as if minimalism is the goal unto itself, with no other goal in mind. Never made sense to me. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@secymoya8804]

Thunk you mr. JC is bery importan this vídeo, í lern someting í can do before is late, god bless you guys.

[@jvasquezsykes7053]

yes, you are right. Some of us are right where you are talking about. Thanks for posting!!

[@keithcozort2905]

Love your videos JC! You are a wonderful storyteller and sharing your life experiences and extreme wisdom is much appreciated. You are a gem! Thank you.

[@oceanebrieze2050]

To have the freedom to seek life and happiness in abundance, on our own unique terms, every single day is a precious gift; one that is easily eroded in the trivial traps we encounter every day. Mindfulness might need be the goal first? Peace, and Thank you for posting.

[@dianner6637]

Thanks, JC. I appreciate you sharing your personal story . That's what makes your story come to life. For those that think you take too long to tell the story, well, I just say TOO BAD. Say hello to Lynn!

[@alfredogarcia3190]

Excellent advice Jerry. We learn lessons from different sources especially paying attention to people who already experienced them.

[@Klawdyach]

Hi, you are a great conversationalist. I wish I was there near to that beautiful Bugambilia. You are right, planning is a must; I am in that process of getting a “minimalist life “ I am starting with classification of my staff, (donation, garbage, sale etc.) but I got stock destroying papers, documents, bank statements, copies of check books, even pictures that never liked 🤣etc this process takes A LOT OF TIME!!!! So I recommend to start right away if getting minimalist is your plan. Good luck 👍

[@prieten49]

Bougainvillea.

[@Klawdyach]

Stuart M. Bugambilia is in Spanish. 😉

[@prieten49]

@@Klawdyach ​Well, my apologies, I didn't think of that! Oh, Google Translate says it's spelled "buganvilla" in Spanish.

[@Klawdyach]

Stuart M. No need to apologize my friend, in Spain they call this Brazilian plant “buganvilia” but if you ask a Peruvian they call it “papelillo” In Honduras “Napoleon”, in the Caribbean “trinitaria” Sudamerica (some countries) “veranera” etc. But Mexico and some Central America countries they spell it “Buganbilia” , so, do what the romans do..... Saludos 😁

[@elgringoec]

@@Klawdyach Haha and... You can get a real laugh sometimes if you innocently use a word perfectly normal in one country that's a groceria in another. 😋

[@juanrodriquezjr6228]

I admire what you had to say and I think that was said perfectly. Freedom is not what people in general think. Thanks for sharing the information as I make my transition to Mexico and enjoy life the way I want and enjoy true freedom.

[@claytoncomeaux7653]

I appreciate your bringing clarity to my mind. Have no doubt it will impact my future plans.

[@herbert8128]

I enjoyed your seminar. budgeting is key. I lived in a 5th wheel trailer when I worked in California and saved a bunch of money, and being a welder I could work at any time. 45 years part time is what I did. I like what you are doing there in Mexico, and watching Trent and Allie in southern Mexico looks very attractive. I'm not that bright that I think I could learn Spanish that easy. I live rural north of Seattle and I think I'm set up close to what you are doing. I try to grow my own food on acreage I bought 27 years ago. I do slink to Az. for 1 1/2 months Feb. and part of Jan. escape the horizontal rain. Looking forward to your next video.

[@elgringoec]

Skagit county? Nice dirt biking / dual-sporting area.

[@laduke9876]

Hi Mr JC, I just loved this video because it makes so much sense, minimalism and down sizing. I call it simplifying my life, and continue to this day. I use go to garage sales, and second hand stores for my art collection and would see family pictures still in the frames they were selling. It brought tears to my eyes of the lack of respect for the passing of a life. I have a clear picture of making albums of all those years of baby's and family gatherings and giving each one their own album of years past. Now I can rest assured they are in the best of hands, my husband agrees it is time since we can't even reach them on the shelf anymore. I have passed up many things to put in our home knowing my taste is much different then my children and it would be sold or given away without regard by strangers. After all, this was my husband and our life together and it matters to us. Just sharing my thoughts thank you🌻 PS. Your past home was spatular and beautiful! ❤️

[@JCTravelStories]

Lynn did that with a lot of pictures when we were moving to Mexico ... made an album for each kid and passed it on to them. :)

[@laduke9876]

JC Travel Stories It's for the best, when my step dad died we never saw those childhood pictures again.😔

[@MariaGarcia-zd3st]

you're a wiseman, l thank you for explaining a concept that is so misunderstood & sharing it with such honesty. lt feels like a good talk everyone should get from their father growing up. YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, KEEP SHARING YOUR WISDOM ( Dios lo bendiga!)

[@blakesleyk.7166]

JC is a bit more gray than Brad Pitt but so much wiser. Wisdom, Class & Gravitas. Much appreciated this video, JC! The 1st wife “split up & divorce video?” Yes please! We do overvalue our stuff. But, you are a treasure.

[@murreyhall]

I hear you JC. It is about not being burdened, in a slave concept. People strive their whole lives trying to reach retirement. The thing I see working with a lot of seniors who strive and saved for the "golden years". Thing is I see a lot of seniors with lots of money in the bank. Thing is they are in a long term care. Someone, somewhere is trying to get their money. Getting to the place where you are content where your at would be my concept of freedom. Enjoying the birds chirping in the background

[@annthrockmorton5594]

I like the background birds too! They are really singing their hearts out!

[@jacklong7048]

Slave, no one makes you do anything. Its all about personable choice. Slave is like your some sort of victim. Snap out of it. You work, you reap benefits-your not a slave.

[@mariviento]

Another good one!! Thank you friend.

[@josepv]

I lost my mom 2 and a half years ago and at first I could not let go of anything as it was all sentimental and I miss her so much. Then, as time goes on and healing takes place, I realized that she wouldn't even want me to be anchored with "stuff" and letting go was a real good and healthy thing to do. Not easy. As you said it is a process, it takes time. Good, important video! Thanks!

[@elgringoec]

Poco a poco... si no, se vuelve loco. Going through same stuff here. It's our turn next. Peace.

[@josepv]

@@elgringoec Yes, we are next but hopefully a long time from now. Hang in there, peace to you also.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

Thanks for saying to people what needs to be said. I'm your age, and we have been rich, and have been poor, but we have always had a goal in life. We live in a nice place on the lake close to a city with our needs taken care of. Comfortable i think is the word most often used, but I still don't take it for granted, and even in our seventies, ready to bug out and start anew if necessary. LOL P.S. Motorhome living was a blast years ago, but we no longer want to do that.

[@kalisakay4296]

Thank You JC! Always a pleasure to watch your videos!!

[@starphase1623]

There's a kitty sneaking up on you . 😀So cute . 🐈.Good talk . You are a very wise man .👍🇺🇸

[@tammierenee8835]

What a great story. Great wisdom. Glad you decided to post it.

[@hokypoky8974]

THX for reminding me of what I used to know & somehow 'forgot'. When I was young I had a single frame 'cartoon' above my desk. It was two women with grocery carts, one had a few items in it and was headed to the empty lane with the sign that said "Speed Way of Life", or something to that effect. The other was loaded down with Things, stacked higher than she was tall headed for the long line of people at the 'regular check out' line. I had totally forgotten about that 'cartoon'. One can be one's own worst enemy. THX - maybe I'll run into you on the Mad......, something there on the N. Shore.

[@BeckyInCa]

"It's not a lack of material possessions that gives you freedom . . ." Great food for thought. Thanks for sharing what was on your mind 5 years ago :-)

[@Chayogarcia73]

Liked before I watched the video.

[@autumnskyes5633]

I love those purple bushes and what amazed me more was the purple butterfly flitting around among the blooms. Minimalism in my life to be honest is more of a necessity. I was hoping for a little bit more to show for my efforts as I earned my education and after working in a lab, sure, Sometimes we have to make due with what cards we are dealt. I feel like I did what was expected of me but I still ended up with a less than ideal situation. I'm okay but not where I thought I would be. "They call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it." - George Carlin

[@JCTravelStories]

I miss George. I was thinking of him when I was talking about stuff and having a place for it. :)

[@bigfamilyaffair]

I love watching your videos. They bring me peace and comfort. I love hearing your voice and your stories. Don't ever stop. You are not boring!

[@elainemcnary2788]

Money doesn’t buy happiness but you’re right, it buys the freedom, and freedom can make you very happy. Great video. I always loved. The Bobby McGee song. 👍👍❣️

[@homayounshirazi9550]

Living in a large house with a soaking tub and multiple fuel-consuming vehicles is not living a minimalistic life style. Living in a house that needs someone to attend to its grounds is not minimalism. Taking one's motor home in a YEARLY excursion through Mexico and western US is not an example of minimalism. Ruled by a desire to consume material goods in not an example of minimalism! In a capitalistic society we are bombarded by daily and hourly messages urging us to consume. This KZbin production is interrupted several times in 30 minutes advertising different things. We must resist the urge to consume in order to simply LIVE our lives. Our host, with due respect, does not set a good example by the surroundings he and his wife live in for someone who has discovered the holy grail of minimalism. Things that make you say: Humm...

[@normaevett]

JC, this is so timely for us. We hope to relocate in less than a year and have decades of crap to sort and dispose of. I am planning to research the purging process to gain wisdom from those who have done it. But your emphasis on the WHY is inspiring. I look forward to the freedom of less stuff.

[@JCTravelStories]

I sorted every thing into categories ... garage sale, ask the kids if they want it, going to Mexico, going to the apartment downtown, (we owned a building and kept an apt for ourselves in downtown Portland until we sold the building in 2007. ), motor home, Goodwill, trash.

[@normaevett]

@@JCTravelStories You had more options than we have! We need to get rid of almost everything. Keeping only whatever will fit in the car or a rooftop carrier. Will offer things to my sister and her kids, too. My son already lives minimalistic. He was the one who inspired retiring in Mexico. When he's ready to retire, he wants to rent out jetskis at Rocky Point! I'd rather be somewhere higher and more green.

[@JCTravelStories]

Higher, more green, cooler, less humidity, and liveable all year long instead of just in the winter. You got it. :)

[@Contreras-z4e]

Thanks for making the video I learned from you I am 29 but I like these ideas

[@whatever_it_takes6691]

It's just a superior, more peaceful and far more prosperous way of living.

[@jamesoliver505]

My moment came when I realized that I had misplaced values. A trip to the dump is a wake up call when you see the same thing you valued laying in the container with the rest of the garbage .or go to the thrift shop and see the same thing you have been holding on to and cherishing for five bucks.

[@elgringoec]

Some monetarily valueless things sitting around are cherished simply for the memories they evoke. Life ain't all about building wealth, it's about building memories too.

[@gladysalbizua4736]

Your video in minimizing one's life was the best yet..Things and stuff is worthless, when you don't have your freedom to live it..

[@judithaner7506]

Thanks again JC for talking about this concept. Changes in one's life is a continuing process. The ability to make those changes is part of a person's freedom. You reach many people through KZbin and you inspire them. Keep up this good activity. I enjoy each of your videos. Judy (Las Vegas)

[@debiobrien9321]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. My husband and I are in Ajicjic this week just so we can look to see where we want to live in Mexico and he is having some dental work done tomorrow. We are in the forced minimalism state right now and have decided Mexico is the only way we can make it. i have been holding on to many "things" such as family heirlooms and needed this video to really get a perspective on wants vs. needs. so again THANK YOU! I actually save all your videos in a file so that I can go back to them and get inspired. My hardest paer is leaving family, parents, children, grandchildren...the emotional aspect.

[@JCTravelStories]

Maintaining family ties is so much easier now than it was when we first came down. 20 years ago even making a phone call was a challenge. Now with all the online media social interaction can be daily with friends and family. :)

[@Albert-ez6fx]

Great video JC. I gained some excellent insights that helped me see minimalism in a different way. Mexico could be in my future. Sincerely, Aspiring Minimalist.

[@JMMGarza]

I look forward to visiting the area "again" soon. Gracias!

[@JCTravelStories]

Nice beard. :)

[@crehbein9793]

👍🙏💞😁😁😁💞🙏👍 Always love your stories and life's lessons.... thank you for sharing💞

[@JCTravelStories]

Thank you for watching. :)

[@eliwilliamson7849]

Goodwill turned down my childhood furniture! I felt like I'd been slapped across the face and cried all the way home. It was all solid maple furniture with very little wear and tear. We've gone from a 3600 sq. ft. house with a pool, hot tub and beautiful yard to 1444 then back to 1600 and now we are living in a 25 ft Class A

[@josepv]

I was disappointed when after 3 pickup truck loads of donations to Salvation Army, I never even got a thank you.

[@JCTravelStories]

FINALLY! Enjoy the RV lifestyle. We sure do when were in the RV. :)

[@suzanneblaylock9598]

@@josepv the salvation army and goodwill and ARC are privately owned and yes, they don't care.

[@cacatr4495]

Because you're living in an rv, do people who live in houses accuse or perceive you as being " homeless"? A lot of people who believe in an anchored, permanently-affixed structure at a particular address, look at anything on wheels as being homeless. I even heard a police officer talk like that of someone who was in a hotel. It's like there's a culture of judgement against the mobile lifestyle, like anything outside of their accepted framework is viewed as a shameful 1930's hobo, and they seem to want people to feel ashamed, they shame people.

[@cacatr4495]

Since few people own their homes outright anymore, they smugly suggest, out and out, that if you don't have a lease or a mortgage, you're homeless. They act like they get to define the terms of Life. Who made them a jury, and how did the manner of people's lives and housing become theirs to try in the courts of their seeming bigotry? How the nineteenth century Little House on the Prairie would be judged today!! Social Services would remove children from such homes. The "Ingles" didn't have indoor plumbing, they had an outhouse. Shepherding families into the 1940's and beyond, used to move and live with their herds as their sheep grazed, living in warmly covered wagons year-round, homeschooling their children. One gets the sense that one's life choices aren't theirs to make anymore, that the system judges them. How do you guys feel about this?

[@karenfoux5793]

I really enjoyed hearing your transition to where you are now. I just retired and am struggling with the transition.

[@oscarpicon7164]

That’s why we love your videos!

[@patsymartin3925]

Your best video yet! Thank you.

[@bloodbought3029]

Tons of stuff and no time to play with it.Too busy chasing the peanut. Great video for our lives right now , beginning the process you went through. And it feels very good. We are heading your way when we are done , but my oh my all this stuff !!! What were we thinking.

[@JCTravelStories]

Been there. Good luck. :)

[@befuddled2010]

Informed advice which I very much agree with. Thank you again for your openness. Although I am a bit younger than you, I recognize that we have reached a point in life when sharing our thoughts and feelings without regard to how others may judge us is paramount. This post might be dated, but the observations you share are eternally valid. Free yourself from financial shackles and you open up a world of possibilities. I especially warmed to your mention of growing up with a father who was raised during the depression. Both of my parents were raised during that time and I can absolutely tell you that their experiences as children impacted my childhood as well as the adult I have become. I was raised in a middle class family in the 60's and 70's, but during the 1984 presidential debates when social security solvency was hotly discussed, I made my mind up that I would live my adult life as if social security would not be around when I retired. I have saved and invested ever since and have arrived at the destination you described as having enough income to fund my life without obligations. My house (a mere 1100 sq. ft.) is paid off and I owe no one anything (no car payments, no credit card debt, etc.). You are 100% right Jerry - that is freedom because now my money works only for me (aside from regular expenses from being a property owner). Thanks again for being a decent guy willing to share his life experiences and offering good advice. I wish all of KZbin was like your channel. Cheers!

[@JCTravelStories]

Thanks for you comment and your kind words Aladdin. One more step ... property taxes. Mine are less than $300 per year. :)

[@befuddled2010]

@@JCTravelStories Yeah, my friend, you really know where the pressure points are don't you? My property taxes here in San Diego are 10x that. I'm pretty sure I mentioned to you once before in a comment that your posts make me want to move south more and more, even though I can afford to stay put. That said, the lessons I'm learning here are preparing me for the eventuality of moving south, and for that I thank you once again.

[@jburgett45]

Hi! New subscriber here- I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Your story about Value Village was invaluable for me! I know can visualize myself achieving my goal to move abroad. Before watching your video, my over-valuing my possessions have been blocking me from doing that. Thank you JC- you are a wise man😊

[@JCTravelStories]

Thanks. I wish you much success in freeing yourself to pursue your goals. :)

[@cjmxbkr]

Awesome Topic And Video JC! Thanks For Sharing!!! Cheers!!!

[@glasser2819]

thank you for all this personal wisdom 'migo don JC. Once people free themselves from materialism, they can empower themselves to think about living life by design and more spirituality. 👍🏻 To each his own truth... "I think therefore I am!" - Pls give us more of your well matured thoughts, gracias.

[@MisterCurious]

I enjoyed watching your 5-year-old presentation about minimalism but was quite relieved to see that you sensibly transcended that idea and focused, especially for the benefit of your viewers, on the far more important concept of "increasing their spendable income". At least to me, it is far less about ejecting "stuff" and much more about enjoying the ride through life while always being mindful to generate more than enough income to support your desires and thus afford a lifestyle that you enjoy. Unfortunately, life does not come with an operating manual. It is even sadder that schools don't teach people about money and how to thrive throughout their lives, especially in their senior years. Like lemmings, we all pursue owning things until one day a change in circumstances, often outside of our control, moves us rapidly ever closer to those treacherous falls you mentioned, where hopefully it finally dawns on us that we don't actually own things, but instead the things actually own us. Your home, even a super fancy one, is not an asset, regardless of how it is shown on your balance sheet, it is a liability and thus a financial burden on your income. A real asset pays you to own it whether that is a business where you sell things or it is an investment in housing or a commercial building that you rent out so that others pay you to own that asset. There's nothing necessarily wrong with debt as long as that debt was used to acquire an asset that throws off income above and beyond the underlying debt rather than taking on debt for liabilities which then require an ever-increasing amount of personal monthly expense to maintain. Debt for personal stuff is like allowing the banker to strap a saddle on your back and ride you into the sunset like a pack animal for years to come. If you really must acquire an expensive item which does not pay you to own it, then first go out and create a new additional income stream that will more than pay for it and then simply enjoy it stress-free as it won't then become a financial burden. Hopefully, some of your younger subscribers will take the strong hint and get on the right path before it is too late. In time, most everybody finds out that fun and interesting life experiences, especially those shared with a loving partner and/or good friends, are far, far more valuable, than owning "stuff" and a great deal less burdensome.

[@JCTravelStories]

Always right on point, Randy! Thanks. :)

[@elgringoec]

When your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep becomes your downfall.

[@MisterCurious]

@@elgringoec That's an old quote by Bill Earle, but still true as ever. :-)

[@elgringoec]

@@MisterCurious Cool. It was part of my friend's wisdom repertoire - he had a lot of great sayings (rip Chuck). I had no idea who was credited with penning it for the first time so thanks for mentioning it. You've accumulated good wisdom yourself in your tenure - pass it on to future generations as it's the best gift we can give.

[@1956model1]

Enjoyed your video. As for your warning about rambling and getting off point.... The antenna in my brain must be tuned to the transmitter in your brain. Because I didn't get that impression at all. It felt as though I was listening to an old friend tell me his life story. I appreciated the raw, unedited openness of it. These are my favorite episodes on your channel. Carry on, my friend. Tell Lynn hello for me.

[@jacosdad3751]

I loved your co-star's guest appearance from 4:40 - 4:50! Can't believe no one has given a thumbs up to the kitty yet! (Oh, and great video overall as well.)

[@JCTravelStories]

We lost Poncho to renal failure at the age of two a few years ago.

[@jacosdad3751]

Awww. So very sorry to hear that. It's always tough to lose a pet, but even harder when they're that young.

[@fazequeso1247]

I have come to the same conclusion, but I believe it is a mind set, it is easy for the one who travel the road to talk about the road but for the person who has not been there is very hard to visualize, I like you lived thru minimalism by happenstance today I want to minimize but the wife won't do it, all these toys are only important to oneself and nobody else, they are just extra baggage, and is just too much work to lug around, to enjoy life you really do not need many material things, I would rather enjoy spending quality time with the family, during the time that I may have left to live, the fancy car or the fancy house are just more work, distractions from what is important in life. any way , keep it up and enjoy your day

[@jacobthrockmorton5073]

I chased my tail on the wheel for many years accumulating many things and always trying to get the next bigger better thing. I have been going to Mexico my whole life for party/vacation trips never more than a week long (it’s just a 4 hour drive from AZ to the beach) during my divorce I decided to take off and spend time down there (over 3 months) I learned a new appreciation for the culture and the people, it was there all along and all I ever knew was the tourist vacation side. I have since downsized, met a beautiful Mexican woman and spend 3 weeks out of the month down there and hope to be full time someday. I did this by focusing my income on what makes me happy and not trying to keep up with the Jones’s Jerry, I just want to thank you for your honesty and sharing your experiences with other people so we can learn from your wisdom and your mistakes. I don’t agree with you on everything but more often than not I see your point of view. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@jaliscoguanajuatotravelsan5679]

Good concept. Jimmy Carter worked doing labor with Habitat for Humanity. for years. He has freedom too. I made some changes myself. I’m not a millionaire but I I often look to maintain the financial freedom I have. Thanks

[@andyshelly3473]

love that star burst outside bench , one mans treasure is another mans junk and the things that i care about and love are only important to me and no one else . sometimes less is more freedom is having nothing left to loose .

[@elgringoec]

Calling me to task here, Sr Jerry! It was a worthwhile video to post. The main point you drove home is key. I know people who swear by the mantra if they haven't used it in a year then get rid of it at all costs. These people, needless to say, are continually re-buying things. I have tools I've had for more than 50 years, get more as needs present, and there's some tools that don't get used every year. Am I going to sell them off for pennies on the dollar? No because, how valuable are they when I need them to get a job done? Invaluable. So a lot of stuff I'm just keeping for my kids and grandkids. Stuff that doesn't cost me anything to keep, and stuff that I use to save myself money. but I do have several projects I've come to the realization I'll never get to do. I do need to organize and start unloading. Guess what - we have nine couches, too - must be the magic number! Only one was bought new and that was a scratch and dent thirty something years ago. I built our house so our needs are met and no payments. In financial respects, we are living a minimalist type existence. *Question* - when you moved there full time, did you title & register (import tax?) your vehicles in Mexico, or how did you handle that? Que quede seguro y feliz amigo!

[@JCTravelStories]

For several years in the beginning, we had our old motor home and Suzuki tow car here with US plates. Then I brought down a US van and nationalized it. The import tax was about 20% of its value. The Honda ATV and the BMW I bought here in Mexico with Mexican plates.

[@elgringoec]

@@JCTravelStories Nice! Thanks Jerry. Do you still have a motorcycle?

[@JCTravelStories]

I have a 1972 Honda 90 Trail that hangs on the back of my motor home. :)

[@elgringoec]

@@JCTravelStories I love those bikes! I'm working on teaching our grandsons to ride so that would be a fitting one to add to our stable right now. Enjoy it Jerry. I hope to come ride there one day. Blessings!

[@esotericsolitaire]

In all groups of people, there are those who commit less than desirable acts. Lol. Just want it understood that not all minimalists carry flies for the mayo. No, not at all :-) Wonderful, thoughtful video. I needed this today.

[@JCTravelStories]

Thanks Susan. Glad you don't need the flies. :)

[@esotericsolitaire]

@@JCTravelStories not yet!

[@problemwithauthority]

Great insight Jerry, In the process right now. Hmmmm, my toughest thing to give up is my tools....only because I can do anything with them...almost 60 years of fixing things, it is like my right arm.

[@JCTravelStories]

I hear that. I moved a ton of tools to Mexico along with shipping other house hold goods. In the RV .... Harbor Freight!

[@prieten49]

My dad passed on in January, five years after my mom. Thankfully, my older sister and I could be with him (in California). On top of the emotional upheaval, we were faced with the task of emptying out his two room apartment. My sister's house was still full of boxes from five years ago when my parents downsized into the apartment in an assisted living facility. I live in Japan so I couldn't take anything big with me to Japan. My little sister was selling her home and downsizing. We had to give away/throw out everything. It was amazing how much my parents had accumulated and packed into a small apartment. I kept a few photos. We managed to get rid of everything and give the apartment back within one week. But every time I remember something that went into the dumpster, a feeling of shame overcomes me. It makes me very happy that I am a minimalist. The only things I have accumulated are money and memories.

[@debraliggett7897]

Met you in the dairy aisle today! Nice to meet you and keep on posting!

[@JCTravelStories]

It was my pleasure. :)

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

Oh my oh my such a pretty background of gorgeous flowers. The blooms look like the Rose Of Sharon bush/tree's. Those that worked hard to acquire the material things deserve them, and to be enjoyed when retired. That is when one has the time to enjoy them, not too busy working and taking care children & their pets, and a home inside and out. Some people never had anything to begin with to lose, and love to live day to day with no tomorrow plan is just plain laziness. Many like that, well they think God will provide some how some way. Great topic and educational as always! The thrift stores won't take faded, what looks used marked furniture anymore like they did when we were kids. They only take what looks to be new condition, as it will take up too much room for the money to be made on them. He probably didn't have the space for what they make on them. What is that above your head? It is yellow and black like it might be a huge light but yet looks fake, like drawn on the wall and ceiling.

[@JCTravelStories]

The yellow and deep blue thing is a lamp. Glass. Beautiful at night.

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

@@JCTravelStories Ok, ok thanks! It almost looked painted on the wall and ceiling. I guess it was the angle of the camera.

[@susanholl5994]

Love the bougainvilleas. Beautiful!

[@mikemcfarlan8555]

Nice reminder of the path I am on..The Class C is coming along nicely Jerry ;) One day at a time, and one fix at a time. 3 more years till Jon graduates and is off to college and it becomes my new home. PS: God willing, I should add... :D

[@JCTravelStories]

Glad to here it. Send me a pic. Will you be setting it up to boondock?

[@mikemcfarlan8555]

@@JCTravelStories Oh yes, boondocking will be in it's future... and mine. I'll send you a dozen! LOL.

[@caboogie]

Spot on - thank you

[@loriholman6125]

Yes you are right. JC ❣ Now just doing it. All that "stuff" doesn't make a person HAPPY. After all it's just that STUFF! TAKE PICTURES."of you're stuff." I see we need to work to live,not work to die.

[@dawnsmoke2586]

not bored at all J.C. .. thanks ..

[@SD-my9so]

I recommend a book called Your Money or Your Life to anyone that wants to have a better future. It was written in the 80’s. You can still find it at on line book stores. Freedom from debt is the key to happiness. Then you decide how many things you need to be content. We think we own things but they tend to own us.

[@vickeycook6902]

Great video I enjoyed it,your thoughts have been on my mine. Thanks for sharing. Hello Lynn thinking of about you today.

[@McGrew100]

As the posters hanging in the old Head Shops used to say, I learned: "I've been poor and I've been rich. Rich is better."

[@JCTravelStories]

Its a quote from Mae West. :)

[@McGrew100]

@@JCTravelStories I LOVED Mae West!!! In fact, I have an autographed picture of her in my bedroom. I never met her, so I had to autograph it myself. You and I are about the same age, so I figure you'll probably understand.

[@JCTravelStories]

LOL! I do. :)

[@PKOXXL]

So lovely 😊 as ever!!! 😍😉😉😉😉😉😉😉

[@itsno1duh]

Minimalizing also might include to stop living a life lined up for you by others that doesn't line up with your personal and spiritual goals as they are developing now. But life is a lot more exciting when you don't have a cushion to fall back on... not always pleasant results but that is true of the cushy life as well life is LIFE! Lots of wealthy folks offing themselves or would give everything for better health! "money is a good tool and a poor master" but planning and confidential talk will get a couple a long way in a good life...

[@PalaminoHills]

I love your side tracks.

[@stemarify]

Thanks for the video JC. Having seen your videos and finding out about your views on life, I feel that were both cut out of the same cloth. Thanks for sharing and carry on!!!

[@ninucamuresan7987]

like your video and about explain the minimalism ....

[@OldEarthWisdom]

loved this video

[@seven5189]

Thanks for sharing. you are right totally to planning and everything is a process.!!! Greeting from Palm aire in pompano beach Fl usa.

[@jameslyons1624]

Thank you my friend

[@TheDUNLOP6]

I thought he was through with his channel after his brain cancer and was expecting a child, I will have to look him up again I loved his videos!

[@JCTravelStories]

I think Janet is talking about Happily Houseless who used to do great KZbin videos about selling his house and moving into a van. I, JC, have not had brain surgery .... yet. :)

[@Kitchguy]

Thank you for that. You make a lot of sense. I am a firm believer that less is more fits this lifestyle perfectly. P.S Bougainville are my favourite regardless if they are considered weeds in the south :)

[@2218_life]

lol, a vial of black flies. The struggle was real.

[@McGrew100]

All anybody really needs is a single pair of blue jeans and a small woolen blanket.....and a functioning brain. That is one way to pure financial freedom.

[@davidgardner1067]

Love your video. One of those birds in the background is singing the same tune as a bird I recorded singing in La Costa del Sol, El Salvador. I have the video. I'll post it on KZbin.

[@Stamour79]

That's a great video!

[@summerland6397]

I enjoy your video's because of your personal views. You have knowledge and a common sense opinion on matters I value at this time in my life. I also appreciate your sense of humor. Like to see what you have done with that beautiful house. Your just a damn fool! LoL

[@gwenerikson7356]

♥️....good talk ...