Trying to live a simpler life is a bit like swimming upstream in mainstream society, with powerful messages flowing against us. But there are lots of sources of inspiration for those of us striving for a simpler or minimalist lifestyle. Today I’ll highlight one blog that I have found worthwhile, with more to come in the near future.
Cait Flanders has been blogging for several years and has recently released her first book, The Year of Less. I haven’t read the book yet but have enjoyed her blog posts for years. Her writing was initially limited to personal finance, as she dug herself out of $30,000 debt. Over the years, Flanders expanded her reflections into discussing her efforts at personal growth and eventually shifting her life towards minimalism. Each post has an authentic, thoughtful voice, weaving in her personal struggles with information on practical strategies she has used to strive toward minimalism. Some people may find her writing too self-reflective, as Flanders opens up about efforts to overcome addiction and anxiety. Yet for me, it is her greatest strength; by sharing her own stories, she illustrates how making efforts toward a simpler life relates to all parts of her life. A final reason that I’d recommend Cait Flanders’ site is that she does an excellent job of using her website to highlight the work of other writers; the people she profiles are all focussed on simplicity, but from a wide range of approaches and writing styles so if you don’t enjoy Flanders’ style, there is a good chance that some of the individuals she profiles may appeal more to you. I’ll offer one caveat. For those who have already made dramatic lifestyle changes or intentional choices, you may find Flanders’ approach too moderate; she does frequently travel by airplane, for example. If you are put off by this, I would still recommend her blog as a resource that might encourage change among your loved ones who are new to ideas of simplicity and minimalism. Check it out and see what you think; in future, I’ll share a review of Flanders’ recent book.
Eleanor Alexander