What minimalism & moving abroad has done to our relationship

[@ConnieRiet]

Big thank you to my husband, Joel, for sharing his thoughts about our minimalist life.❤ Check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@MeditationwithConnie

[@fletch2117]

Connie, thank you for your helpful and stunning content! You have the perfect LBD (v-neck, gorgeous sleeves and cut!) but it is not mentioned in 'What I'm wearing.' Do you know the brand or have any idea where and when you made the purchase? I am working my way toward a similar peaceful, minimalist lifestyle as yours. Thank you. 🙏

[@nancyelizabeth8364]

Would love a video with the financial part of doing this lifestyle- maybe the getting ready for it and the cost you don’t have to be exactly as for your privacy but it would be great thanks some may even want to try it for a year

[@saffanna725]

Agree. I'm craving details!

[@danjobry333]

Meee tooo!!

[@swgirl777]

You and your husband are a beautiful couple. You both are a good example of respect and honor towards each other. I feel like it is very rare in this world. May you be blessed with a long and blessed life together.

[@dianeyoung8068]

I appreciated your husband speaking honestly about getting rid of family heirlooms, this has been the #1 mental hurdle for me in decluttering, I do not think I could be an extreme minimalist for that reason. I do enjoy having much less than most people. I don't have the ability to travel a lot but having fewer possessions has improved my life counter to what society tells us.

[@toddenicol9080]

My wife and I rent out our house and flat on air bnb. Just got back from touring the south in a rented car. Going to the Sierra for two months in august then Latin America in the fall. The key is minimal. We’d rather be free. I was always that way because I am autistic and was never really included in maximal living. This I taught my wife. Good show. I have no advise. You make it and you become it. It’s your own music.

[@odetteuys1111]

Being a minimalist too, I appreciate the whole lifestyle of anti-consumerism, freedom from stuff and living mindfully. It just works for my brain. I also love travelling. I can go anywhere for weeks with just carry-on luggage. No problem there. But you can't live a nomadic life without having money to pay for travel, accommodation, food etc. It would be great if you could elaborate on that.

[@andeebee2530]

You are so lucky to have each other. You are both beautiful people and deserve much happiness. 💕

[@songbird5266]

People seem to be happy getting rid of other people's stuff. One has to set the example, and pare down their own things, and show that this lifestyle opens up the way to joy.

[@danjobry333]

My husband and I are slowly embracing extreme minimalism with the hopes of traveling all over the world when he retires within the next 2-5 years. I have been selling all our stuff and we love this no furniture ❤lifestyle. I love how the buyers are so excited about owning something that I have sold them! Win! Win! It's so freeing/ liberating to let go of our stuff that I am certain our adult son would never want! We are now down to selling our coin collections and jewelry. We have our health and enjoy everyday. Hoping to go forward with excitement and embrace each new day with strength and a positive attitude. Thank you for being one of my KZbin inspirational minimalist gurus!

[@cherrybb3888]

I’ve now lost both of my parents. It is comforting to me to have a few of their special items around my home. It reminds me of them and keeps them close in my heart. Couldn’t imagine giving up everything like this. I would feel like I was erasing my parents completely. Also, my home is more comfortable than any place I have stayed while traveling, and I’ve stayed in some pretty nice places. We also have active hobbies so need our bikes and hiking gear, gardening tools etc. More power to you in this phase of your life which I believe is definitely a temporary adventure while you are young enough. I am curious about your adventure so will keep watching. Good luck to you both.

[@barbsinclair7352]

Agree, I'm such a moderate in general, that EXTREME minimalism would be really tough, I have my own version of minimalism that I have happy with, very organized, nothing falling out of closets, I know pretty much every item in my home, perfect for me.

[@cchawk6280]

I am curious what type of work you both do remotely. Thank you for sharing this journey. I like it.

[@melindaferreira9879]

Beautiful! The way he looks at you and patiently listens... All the best. Safe travels 🧳🥾

[@wilzagadelha]

I love you both! Have a long blessed life together.

[@Holly_Fischer]

It is interesting to hear you didn't intend to become minimalist but ended up there and enjoying it. I kept being drawn to the aesthetic for a few years but never could see how I could shift into that for myself, though a part of me wanted to so much. But then I went into total burn out, my nerves fried and my entire being shut down. Within the hyper sensitivity of that I began to notice when I went into a particular room where I had paintings all over the walls, I began to suspect my state of being was worse in that room over other rooms where there was less things around. After a few days of noticing this, it was really seeming that this was the case. Even my head space would become worse. Within a day or two of this, a video was suggested about clutter making you sick. So I clicked it and it was very revealing that I was, in fact, being negatively impacted by the volume of things in my space. I had to go into a slow life way of being to just manage being in a total state of burn out and I began to declutter. I knew I became minimalist in my mind and entire being and THEN had to begin working to rid the clutter - slowly, as it's all I could handle. But this is a better way to exits. Slow, intentional living and minimalism. It's life saving and a breath of fresh air.

[@licyortiz22]

Loved having your husband included in the video. Hope to see him more .

[@ConnieRiet]

Thanks! I'm sure he will continue to make appearances. 😀

[@Junkmail007]

This was such a wonderful video on one couple's message on how two people can re-write their story and inspire others to re-write re-think about "what really matters in life". As someone who also travels and lives in Budapest teaching, I can tell you as an American, these videos are so positive and inspirational.

[@gramarye_cottage]

You can absolutely see you guys have a special bond ♥️

[@amandasymon4363]

You seem genuinely changed for the better - I applaud you both 🙏

[@lolitapop38]

I read about minimalism as an important key to keep a house organized . After that I started to live more simple. Thank you for this Channel. I am single and I also would like to have a couple interested in Minimalism.

[@laurindamota5791]

You are very brave to have sold out everything and take to the Road into the unknown not being sure if it works out. You and your relashionship is solid so i am sure life will workout in whatever you do. I would probably would have rented out the property instead if selling so rent would be coming in and if things didn't work out i could always come back but hey i am probably not as brave as you both. Well wishes to you both on your journey.❤

[@ConnieRiet]

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement!

[@cbrashsorensen]

In the past two years, I have been involved with "minimalizing" the homes of two close family members whose spouses have died. Though the grief is heavy I have observed a new "lightness" as they rid themselves of the unnecessary and thoughtfully handled the letting go of heirlooms and other memory items. It is freeing and has rubbed off on myself and my husband. It is amazing how simply you can live your life and it the height of happiness.

[@tereclemmer7923]

I'm so glad for you and admire your strength for having made a choice that would be so difficult for most of us. Just the thought of doing anything close to what you have done almost paralyzes me. I love traveling and, in fact, I do travel quite a bit. But in my heart, I always love to return home. You are on a wonderful adventure and I wish you all the best.

[@que2h.690]

Appreciate your lifestyle working for you. My husband and I enjoy our very full life and home.

[@eac906]

Thank you for giving some insight of your life. The two of you are beautiful. May God bless you guys and your marrige🙏

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you so much!

[@tamiwilliams5903]

Connie, thank you so much for such lovely videos. It’s so encouraging. Though I’m not a complete minimalist yet… I’ve always been accused of being one 😂. It is a way for me to feel more in control of the more important things in life.❤

[@ConnieRiet]

I agree! I also feel more in control of the things that I value.

[@Kinduvblu]

Wonderful meeting Joel! And knowing how you share your life together.

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Kathleen, how's your day going with you?

[@robindeangelis]

I have so many questions…Healthcare? Visas? There are more, but these two are in the forefront. I absolutely love your videos and philosophy.

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

When u take care of your diet and teeth then don't need dentist/ doctors. High blood pressure fibromyalgia diebetes hepatitus can be cured even lipoma lumps n cysts fibroids, hair loss, can be cured.

[@dianeyoung6256]

So you fall and break a leg-- are you going to set it yourself and wrap with an ace bandage? Sure, don’t need those doctors. LOL. You need health care. Accidental fall 7 years ago, confound fracture of knee and broke femur bone. Oh, no problem, I will fix it my self.

[@suzieferguson1065]

@@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook Your comment is not helpful. Its also not realistic. Anything can happen, control is an illusion. No one can control getting sick or an accident.

[@susanparker534]

@@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook type 1 diabetes can not be cured!!

[@robindeangelis]

@@dianeyoung6256, exactly.

[@k.h.7575]

It's rare to see such equal, loving, calm, respectful and soulful relationship as yours. Very beautiful and inspiring 🙏

[@robertashaffer3950]

You are beautiful together and I learn so much from you Connie in all your videos. When you & your husband look at each other, it is obvious how much you love & care about each other ❤❤❤

[@junehulton9776]

Love. And health...is really all you need 😊❤...and you show ....you have love for each other in abundance..... x

[@Dovid2000]

When your possessions start to possess you and you find that you are not free to go to places that you want to go, because of your attachment to your possessions, or else the burden to carry and haul them all with you, that is when it is a good idea to become a minimalist.

[@lizzabbott]

So true ! Great reminder !

[@user-dj9nz1qy6f]

당신의 아름다운 삶을 보여주셔서 감사합니다 저는 한국에 살고 있는데 당신의 삶을 더 가깝게 배우며 즐기고 싶어 영어를 배우고 있습니다 언제나 행복하세요^*^

[@w_w_whitey]

You seem like a lovely couple - I wish you continued happiness.

[@createandliveyourbestlife]

Thank You both, grateful for you sharing, your authenticity have given me hope. I remember when I was young being told “ The best things in life are free -the sunrises, spending time in nature, the sunsets, the stars in the night sky, genuine love and genuine friendships, peace of mind, caring for living things” finding a way back to that thinking 🙏🏻🙋🏻‍♀️🇦🇺

[@Kate42]

It's nice to hear both of your thoughts on the subject of Minimalism. Thank you for sharing.

[@ConnieRiet]

My pleasure!

[@margarettaylor7918]

Thanks connie for the insight along with your husband, you both seem very happy & peaceful with what you are doing! & very brave to do it !! I think it is an amazing way to live & wished I could do that!!!...but at least we get a glimpse into your very exciting travels along the way & appreciate the time and effort you put into your filming all the lovely places youre in or going into....all the very best until your next video...from Margaret in South Australia.

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you so much Margaret for all of your support!

[@phylissbrassey8431]

I am having to go through this now and while i look forward to having less,it is heart wrenching to give up cherished items. Thank yyou for your content. It is definitely helpful

[@KITTEEKAT]

I love your channel. Thank you for showing us how to live a meaningful and intentional life with having less things.

[@margot3552]

Beautiful couple! Enjoy your life! We take no materials stuff with us the day we part this life. I learned that when my parents passed away. We are so attached to material things and so saturated with excess of things in this country. At the end and sadly, the new generation is not interested in family heirlooms regardless of how valuable they are.

[@carolzizich7584]

Thank you both for sharing! I'm in the process of clearing out and understand the struggle. Watching your videos helps. Gratitude!💕

[@maxiemills6982]

I am a lot jealous, yet still happy for you. I can also take many lessons from your lifestyle. Thank you.

[@eileenbell8965]

Smiling right back at you both when you say goodbye 😊

[@Barbara-my1xh]

You are a beautiful couple. Good luck!

[@ConnieRiet]

Thank you so much!

[@bhemitchell]

Ah...so this was the surprise. I've been mia for about 3 months with my mom's health declining and having to travel to see her so I missed your channel so much. But in the back of my head I knew Connie would still be here to help me refocus after my mom's loss. I actually came here to thank you for making that video about your supplements. I take almost all or maybe a couple of different ones you suggested from naturelo and lions maine and MY HAIR IS FINALLY GROWING BACK! I'm able to function on a lower dose of aderral and caffeine (working to hopefully get off both eventually but will accept my brain's limitations, lol). I love that there are people like you out in the world who are making a positive difference in other people's (mine) lives. I love that you guys are able to travel too! I look forward to hearing about all your adventures and seeing how you navigate your personal health schedule while traveling (because that's always been a challenge for me anytime we do travel). Really happy for you guys!

[@marirenvall1569]

Thank you❤❤ Best regards from Finland🇫🇮

[@user-bs9mh8xy3v]

My husband and I are also in the process of downsizing in order to travel full-time. We are finding the process of getting rid of things very liberating! Thanks for the video :)

[@Mimi-wq5cz]

Merci de votre partage . Mon ressenti est que le défi auquel vous faites face n'est pas nécessairement dans le fait de ne plus avoir de possessions. Malgré les difficultés,cela faisait quand même des années que vous étiez mentalement dans cette démarche. Pour moi ,le défi consiste essentiellement à être passés de sédentaires à nomades, d'avoir eu le courage de "rompre les amarres",de laisser derrière vous ce qui peut être considéré par la plupart d'entre nous comme un véritable port d'attache : son chez-soi... Prenez bien soin de vous 🙏💙

[@raquellefloch5805]

Live it up and enjoy the ride ! Peace calm and happiness are your rewards for all the difficult disciplines you've accomplished over the years. You listened to your inner guidance system and your life is reflecting what you really wanted from the inside. You did the work... not everyone can do this - you absolutely deserve it ! And now you're giving back by sharing your path and all the techniques that you used to stay standing when everything was crumbling around you. It's a beautiful thing... very inspiring ! I hope that your most amazing and absolute best dreams continue to come true for you ( as well as for your beautiful family ) your whole life through! 💥👍👏👏👏👍💥

[@ModernChristianChick]

Beautiful. You are inspiring me in my journey to less. Thank you both.

[@lizzabbott]

Lovely ! Great to see you both together , sharing what it’s like in this new exciting chapter of your Life ! Blessings always !

[@user-iv7nm3ox7m]

Lovely couple. ❤God bless u both always n the good life you r living n inspiring. Love n hugs from India.

[@ConnieRiet]

thank you so much !

[@abigailvomelmo1167]

Hi..Hi..Hi 🥰! I'm SO HAPPY to see you taking a walk!!! Back to your video.

[@Moonlvr555]

Thank you to you and your husband ❤for sharing your journey with us 🙏

[@christinelozano4349]

Thanks!

[@jossefjossikajit4169]

FANTASTIC Video ❤❤❤GREETINGS FROM MAASTRICHT The Nederlands ❤❤❤

[@fulmoonn]

I would love a video showing how you cut your own hair! I tried before and it was a disaster! 11:41

[@carlitaticconi6655]

Yes please!!

[@kodeywhitewolf6408]

A great video. Thanks for sharing with us both perspectives

[@ConnieRiet]

Our pleasure.

Come visit Portugal. 🇵🇹 You'll love it. ❤️

[@johnhutchison2268]

I agree with you. It is a beautiful country with lots of good people. I say this as a Scot

[@pam3744]

Visited Portugal from the US several years ago - absolutely loved it! Beautiful country !

[@tanyajohnston8262]

My husband wants to visit Portugal. Never been, would love too and will soon😊

[@tanyajohnston8262]

As I look at your life I think, wow that would be nice but I’m not sure I’m a type that does not need a home base. We live on a few acres, I’m retired but my husband owns a business on our property and has not retired yet. Most of our children and grandchildren live close by with one family on Vancouver Island, lovely place to visit. We live in Ontario just outside a small town b Lake Huron, beautiful place to live but we also like to travel some. I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff especially decor and clothing and furniture without emptying our home. I’m thinking my husband and I will be more the type who travel maybe 6 months of the year and home for 6 months. Love your videos.

[@ConnieRiet]

YES! YES! YES! Portugal is at the top of the list.

[@beaterose3759]

I love that you were both on the same page embarking on this journey! I would love to sell about 90% of my stuff. Do you have a video on how to do this and quickly at that? I find that people really don't want to pay much for second hand things. The things I have to sell are in pristine condition :)

[@lizzabbott]

I’m no expert on it, but have heard good things about selling on FB marketplace. I’ve also heard from the very same people that they do wind up donating more than they may have anticipated ( instead of selling). The “hidden cost” of hanging on to the things was too much ( anxiety it caused , clutter, mental clutter, not being able to find things, overwhelm… a constant to - do list… & more). It was more freeing , & a relief , to just donate.

[@marie-christinedouare7833]

Could you tell us what you use as makeup as a minimalist, I still have too much 🤔

[@marywilson1948]

Do you both work remotely? That’s a wonderful way to travel !

[@maitev-p9582]

What you depict in your video is an interesting and alluring way to experiencing life, but if me and my husband, both full-time hospital based doctors, do what you do, we wouldn't be able to exercise our careers or taking care of patients, nor to be able to fulfill our daily personal and professional responsibilities. I can imagine many people of different walks of life struggle to balance the same issues. It seems to me that it may not be realistic, even though it sounds great and appealing

[@marissaclaridge7627]

Lovely to see your video Conniexxx...thank you for sharing!!!xxx

[@user-oq2hm3nk9e]

Thank you 💓

[@ConnieRiet]

😀

[@williamclark1244]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. They're very inspiring.

[@ChaNayNayAnime]

You guys are such an attractive couple

[@np8173]

Did you own your home and rent it out or sell it? Or were you renters when you made this move abroad? I ask because there was a "For Rent" sign propped up against the wall in your living room when you were packing up.

[@aratibhattarai6856]

this has been our life as Asian (most of the Asians) just did not know the term minimalism.

[@darbyh.8255]

I’d be curios to know if you offered any of your sentimental items to other family members? Did they accept them? Did that make you guys feel better or the process easier?

[@ConnieRiet]

Yes, we offered our family heirlooms to our grown children. Our girls took some of our family things. It was nice to see them passed along to the next generation.

[@sable747]

So lovely! Thank you.

[@dianerizi9119]

You are such a big inspiration for me. We are so lucky to have each other. Happy travels, I will follow you and dream.....

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Diane, how's your day going with you?

[@kindred1113]

I am so happy for you both. That was always my dream to meet someone great whom I was close to...................continue been happy................MINDY

[@phildendron4702]

you are inspiring …thank you❤

[@rachealselvaranijames3547]

Thank you for sharing

[@philwyatt2176]

Thanks guys, you are both easy to identify with. I am guessing the art of minimalism/ mindful living however is to identify with as little as possible. Oooops, a paradox 🤔 - please continue ✌🤸‍♀️🌈

[@kennethbailey9853]

Priceless!🙂🙂🙂

[@louisetilbury3443]

Lovely video. Great to see you and hubby. Are you planning to come to the UK? Safe travels ❤

[@ConnieRiet]

I'm sure we will!

[@theanswerisprayer]

I see lots of different outfits. Did you begin buying more along the way as you left USA

[@drivestorage1779]

whoa whoa !! 4.25 mins in, at the park, that is an Urban Arrow Cargo bike. Was that park in Europe or in New York? We are tandemers, love bikes. Can't help but notice.

[@chadiyaokail3932]

Is the Park in Frankfurt am Main? It is the Grüneburgpark.

[@suzieferguson1065]

Thank you for sharing but I go back to the details. I would love to check if this is possible for me. Do you still work remotely? Medical insurance? Please share what you are comfortable sharing - not just we sold everything. Thank you

[@saffanna725]

Agree. I do hope Connie will give us some practical information as well as the spiritual which is nice but details for doing this ourselves would be so helpful.

[@Michelle_Emm]

You can purchase travel insurance in 12 month blocks which covers all medical.

[@asanta2023]

So true about travel medical insurance. I read some months ago that a couple went to visit another country and I think the husband had to go to the hospital while there and at the end of stay, they wanted him to pay his medical bill and they wouldn’t let them out of the country until the bill was paid. I think Tyler Perry interceded in the situation and paid the bill for them so they could come back to the US.

[@Ron-Ton_78]

Is your husband a Pearl Jam fan? Love the videos!

[@ConnieRiet]

😂He loved that T-shirt

[@eileenbell8965]

You are both very aspirational xx

[@mrsdavidgomes]

Lovely content❤️would you also share the locations of where the videos are filmed? Is that a possibility ?

[@user-hw9vf4pl9s]

can not hear the video ... mic issues maybe

[@HerCalifornia]

❤

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Kae, how's your day going with you?

[@estherh.e.867]

What does it mean to be a minimalist?

[@ConnieRiet]

For me, minimalism is identifying the essentials and getting rid of the rest. I use this approach with my possessions, my energy, and my time. It makes life simple.

[@jacquelineclark2432]

💜Thank You

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Jacqueline, how's your day going with you?

[@cathydiamond6573]

Not sure why but volume is too low.

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Cathy, how's your day going with you?

[@sharelle7307]

♥

[@Cheri94]

How long have you two married?

[@voceaconstiintei9733]

💌💌💌

[@marylouschubert2974]

🙏❤️🕊

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Mary, how's your day going with you?

[@cheexiong1634]

❤❤❤🙏🌺

[@paulastamper6225]

Don’t you both have high pay jobs? I’m sorry this happened to you

[@real.simple.lifestyle]

💕