you and are of similar age and situation: i come from generational hoarders and maximalists, and do not want to continue that cycle of burdening someone with a bunch of junk accumulated over my lifetime that they don't want, and make it harder to find meaningful keepsakes after I die. also, while I'm still shuffling along my mortal coil, I really, really just don't want to clean all that junk either. less is more, because I don't want to live to work.😂 ❤❤❤ thank you for not quitting your channel. i understand why you needed to before, but I'm really happy everything worked out well enough for you to continue posting on here!!!
The moving story...reminded me of when I studied for the bar exam with 'a freind'. We studied a topic he asked for. When we finished covering that topic I wanted to continue with a topic I was struggling with. He stood up on his feet saying he knows that topic and has no intention to cover it with me and walked out. It happened in 1999 and I still remember my shock. That's a friend for you 🤦♀️😬 but after all...you seem to choose your life partner wisely😊 I appreciate how you reflect on both your childhoods. It took me years to understand that less is more but I still I have 'no needed' items. Getting there... Finnaly I like your open space apartment. I think it helps you keep your mind free.🕊
I'm still learning, but I'm definitely seeing how having less stuff gives me more time to *do* things, and less time cleaning and caring for things! If I can declutter a bit more clothing, I might trade a small nightstand in my room for a more permanent space for recording equipment! But in the meantime it's nice to just begin to grasp that extra mental and physical space :)
For efficiency, cleaning less stuff, running a household with less things to think about. So you can actually get all your duties and responsibilities done. Have the satisfaction of completion, rather than constantly treading water.
My less’s , less TV , less processed foods , less talking , less debt and square footage in my smaller townhome , my mores , more reading and piano playing
Being more present with my kids and husband is one of my most important "less is more" practices. Once I decluttered stuff, I found room in my home, my heart, and my schedule for the things that matter most to me.
Funny story - I was in a beauty pageant as a teen and my on stage question was “less is more…what does this mean to you?” I said “ the less bikini you wear, the more attention you get.” 😀🤣 now I smile every time I hear it.
I'm so sorry that your "friend" was so unsupportive. Please know that you have thousands of "fam" out here who would be happy to help you move. You have already helped us move so many things in and our of out homes! Thank you, Marissa.
When my husband and I retired we moved from Long Island with huge taxes and moved to South Carolina.we sold our 4 bedroom home, and downsized to a brand new tinier home. We were able to pay cash, and we also decluttered and donated before the move. We have never been happier. Less is MORE for sure 😀
I don't remember seeing this one but it is so wonderful! Your husband's story is the perfect way to show that all the wealth doesn't create a better society.
For me, having less hobby supplies meant I have more time to actually live. I can do hobbies now, instead of just being overwhelmed by the idea that I *should* be making use of all the supplies I bought. ❤
This resonated deeply with me. All my life I’ve been a people pleaser and it really is exhausting. It explains so much about my environment too. I keep things because other people think I should without giving any thought to what’s best for me.
Hi Marissa! My "less is more" is: smaller house, less stress. My husband and I chose a smaller house and mortgage, and the result is less stress and more money to save or spend on other things. Great video as always! 💖
I have been downsizing for around 6 or so years and the time between me keeping something, then purging it from my life is getting less & less. I have brought countless truckloads to Goodwill, sold a lot of furniture, & thrown away old notes, papers, & pictures. It never seems to end! Ever since there was a big wild fire a few years ago, I have kept all my favorite things in boxes, ready to go in case of evacuation. Last year, I had them packed up in my vehicle as soon as I saw flames nearby & was able to get all my favorite things out. But this year came, I removed my things from my vehicle, and they're still sitting in boxes, along with a ton of other stuff. I went through & did yet another purge, but still had way more things than I imagined I'd want to keep. Lots of random things like stationary & many other things (barely used MAC makeup, toiletries, etc.) that can't be given to donation places, sentimental items that had no use, & a bunch of other random stuff. Even though all neatly packed away, I can feel its heaviness weighing me down, ALL THE TIME! I'm not even near the stuff! I know it exists, I know it will be trashed if a fire comes blazing through, & it gets in the way of my entertainment room. It's so stressful to me. After packing up all my fave things a few years ago, my house has a few pieces of nice furniture remaining, a couple of decorative things on the wall, and that's it, and that's closer to how I like it! As soon as I start putting things on shelves (I have a nice display cabinet), I feel stuffy & stressed, even if it's stuff I like. I am now planning on selling my antiques & display cabinet at some point since I realize I am just having them to fill space, but don't want to actually put anything in them, and am always worried they're going to get destroyed in the fires, broken, or scratched up. A waste of time! I walked into my garage yesterday, prepared to accept even getting rid of a small % of my items. Box after box (not my fave things boxes), I realized there was NOTHING in them I needed. The entire floor is covered in stuff that is going goodbye. Around 80% of all my things I no longer need or want to hold on to. I'm so done with "just in case" objects! I know how much I enjoy doing barely any cleaning compared to before since I have no more knickknacks on the shelves. I am looking so forward to having my garage back for entertainment purposes again, along with less stress & my life back! Less really is more. I am so excited after all these years, your videos (which are inspiring because you actually show emotion like a real human having to separate your feelings away from objects, instead of sounding like actress trying to sell something) have finally helped me "click" into place the feeling I needed to separate myself from countless unneeded objects. The biggest problem I have now is to find a place/someone to sell a ton of gentle used stationary to and actually have the energy for it. I have a lot of ADHD issues like executive dysfunction that make it hard to get anything done, let alone begin (one of the reasons why I haven't gotten rid of some of my stuff in the first place) & no one to help me. Hopefully, I can get past that hurdle easily. Good day!
Hi, maybe consider donating the stationery, that doesn't seem like a very marketable resale item. Maybe to a school or non profit. Great job on all your work thus far. You can see the rewards of your efforts.🌷💪
The Arcane, Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I relate to virtually everything you said. It can easily get so overwhelming when you don’t have a supportive family that ethically, practically, physically and conceptually work in unison. Someone else to make a meal, offer a drink or a kind word of encouragement!!! Although I have 3 daughters 25,21, (who have left) and 17 still at home and pets! Unfortunately despite laying the groundwork none of my daughters help or lift a finger around the house (or even when I need it due to a natural emergency, or my osteoarthritis) and never have (despite setting up incredibly helpful fly lady routines when they were young). I am over hoping , waiting, for when they might help and the paralysis of storing keeping their things for them so THEY can be minimalists. Decluttering takes so long (tip it needs to be done daily). I do try to avoid things going to landfill. I have donated 181 boxes of books clothes and china in the last 3 years. It is such a huge effort getting it out. Washing, rewashing, polishing, cleaning. 40 steps and an overgrown garden to just get it into the car. OP shops are super fussy and want perfect items to sell. I am an only child of 2 only children migrants. My grandmother (who I did not know)was an antique collector and an artist (I have her things) My single mother also was an artist and a collector of beautiful pieces, I have her things) Nothing is junk. Everything is beautiful. Too much to look after. I would prefer the $ to the object in many cases. I do miss going to thrift shops but I haven’t gone except to donate since 2016. I feel sick when I see the treasures instead of excitement like I used to. I only buy food and essentials now. I really do admire Marrissa for selling everything. As a single parent with a mortgage I would like to do that very much. For unpostable items that need to be collected, I am really worried about my /our security though. I have taken all the photos ready and written some descriptions (takes SO much time!) as Marrissa advised.
My favourite (and living) "less is more" ways are: (1) Less furniture - more space; (2) Less to do - more time for me Thank you for this video. I always enjoy seeing your nice home - and using what you have is exactly what I do as well. That's how my low (and only) cupboard also serves as my standing desk.
Thank you so much You and the minimalism/clutter free community on RUclips have completely changed my life, my mindset especially. Sometimes i just walk through my house for no reason other than just to look at it. I never thought i would ever be happy to just look at my house and see hardly anything but im genuinely the most happy, most calm I've been in years So thank you I only stumbled on your channel like 2 weeks ago but something clicked so fast and im selling stuff on ebay, throwing things out, reading my bible, having quiet me time, eating better and sleeping better ??? I didn't think this could ever be me lol, Thank you so much I hope i can keep this up because i don't think I've been happy in 10 years, and im also actually SAVING MONEY 😭😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 i NEVER HAVE MONEY My mood tracker all year has been in the red right up until the end of April. GREEN FOR A WHOLE WEEK Y'ALL! Im doing a 30 day no spend challenge right now and it is difficult! But im trying my best
Wonderful to read all your progress…are you doing the 30-day no spend challenge yourself or did you see my video on this? I challenged everyone in my audience to do this for the month of February, so if you haven’t seen it you might find some helpful tips or ideas: ruclips.net/video/KWvFpZn0liU/видео.html Cheering you on! 📣
Honestly I really envied u. Really! I agreed ur say 200%! I'm also ex-hoarder n it's took me years to declutter all the clutter. It's not easy to let go things. I have watched all your videos and it's gave me a power to go on and on.. Let's walk together to improve our lives better and better. Luv, me Aida.
Fun fact: I discovered and applied the principle of less is more in music when writing songs and playing drums long before I actually started to declutter my physical possessions. Less is more in music meant to focus on the most important aspects of the song and scratching everything else and not to overplay. This makes the parts of the song you want people to focus on much more clear and enjoyable. Love your videos!
Thanks for so many great points! My favorite "less is more" policy is to be more intentional about buying less, high-quality, ethically sourced products instead of more cheap stuff!
Marissa. I love it when you tell the story of your husbands humble beginnings. It just feels my heart with so much joy. I do consider myself to be a minimalist even though we live in a big home. I'm a wife and mom to 2 teenage girls. I've instilled this minimalist lifestyle when they were very little The shear amount of toys sent me over the edge. It's been tough though, because the norm (for teenage girls) is to have a closet full of clothes (which I despise) and a cluttered room. Despite their friends saying our house is too clean and not "lived in", and a neighbor looking at me strangely as I shared I was into minimalism, I continue on this path. THIS lifestyle SHOULD be the norm. If only society would be still and listen to how we are being marketed to and stop trying to keep up and filling that void. Our planet is suffering! Our mental health is suffering! I still hold out hope that society will come around..... Leslie
I must say that no other minimalist channel is as powerful as your channel. It's so real and all your information has really helped alot. Just when I think I've decluttered, and it's OK, you remind me that stuff can accumulate again, especially for me who has 3 young kids and I homeschool all of them. It's been 3 months, but I'm loving the improvements I've made so far! Pls keep on posting💐
Less is more for me is "having less stuff" so I get more time for relaxing and I can play more with my daughter. Would also like to share that recently we were decluttering my daughters stuff who is 8 years old. At that point she was a little hesitant to let go a few of her things. Also in India ,by the time the videos are uploaded on this channel, it is almost sleeping time and yesterday night when this video was uploaded,my daughter was beside me watching the video with me. She was making me elaborate each point and explain each point in the video. And when the video ended, she said that now she understood why her room was decluttered and she now wants to declutter her stuff on a regular basis so that she gets more time and space to play her friends and with me.Thank you so much for this video. It was a really well explained video that even kids can understand it.
I'm an interior designer and I appreciate you Marissa. I really like these stats on emotional and physical conditions that can manifest given a cluttered environment!
I have been on this journey for the last 6 years and now I am refinishing my basement and planning to downsize completely by moving there and renting my house, which will give me even more freedom. As an empty nester I cannot justify having an entire house to myself and hubby. I have always been attracted to the tiny house option and I am building a place that will feel exactly like that.
Yay for another video! I've been re-watching some of your others as I find them so helpful. Okay, my favourite 'less is more' has to be not over scheduling family activities. My kids have ADHD so I thought that by keeping them constantly on the go I was helping them expend some of their seemingly limitless energy. Now I know they need a lot of down time, as they also have autism and need time to process and unwind. Lesson learned!
Hi Marissa! Thank you so much for sharing your family and life! Before grocery shopping, I shop my fridge, freezer and pantry to create a new meal using up what I have before going to get the staple items to make the standard meals I'm used to. On most occasions these "creative meals" turn out better than I expect! And I too know the happiness and joy you saw thru your husband in China. My family is from a small mountain town in Italy and there was a time the water ran out at midday for conservation purposes and no heat. The fridge was tiny and not really used as we do now. Everything was prepared daily and stored in the cupboards for the most part. The chickens lived in coups by the house, the pigs not too far. Everyone had these little plots of land where things grew. There were wild herbs too, I used to be sent to go pick fennel by the cemetery because that's where it grew! And we would pick wild blackberries by the side of the road and make fresh jam for morning. Thanks for stoking the simple beautiful memories in my mind! Hugs, Rachele~
I love to decorate my house with seasonal curtains. A big curtain with a big x-mas-tree can make your room look festive and is stored in a very small space when not in season.
Oh man! The "When people tell you who they are, do youself a favor and believe them" hit home! A so called friend of mine told me that he wasn't to be trusted. Naturally I took for granted that he was joking! He was NOT. I was being chased by an stalking ex and this "friend" gave him my number and new adress, giving me years of hell as a result. Afterwards I was so angry at myself for not listening to the dude saying he couldn't be trusted! How much clearer can it be!?
@@AtoZenLifeThank you. It was. But I'm good now, and after the 5 yrs of hell that followed I am now starting a new life, decluttering, ready to move from this place and city to make sure I never have to se either one of them again. And thanks to YOU I am getting a new start in life after losing both my parents at an young age as well. (Actually the ex was banging at the door as my father was laying here dying, finally forcing himself in to "say his peace to my dad".... ufff that was hard!) But yeah. Cheers for a new life. We are two strong ladies!
I love when you include photos from your past, in a way it makes me feel more connected to your story, even though the themes and emotions you describe in your videos are already virtually universal ❤️
I have learned that lesson about believing what a person tells you about himself. Recently, a male friend who seemed to have been "breadcrumbing" me for several months said in a joking way "You really don't know the real me!" I was stunned for a minute and then I said "You are so good at hiding yourself from others that I am not even going to try!" And I haven't made any further effort to contact him.
Dishes. Only have enough for me, my husband and our 2 kids, plus 2 more for when my parents come to visit. That's 6 plates, 6 bowls, 6 glasses, 6 knifes, 6 forks, etc. We don't need more. So freeing and way less dishes!
Thanks for another great video. One thing minimalism does for me is that it releases me from unhealthy connections with possessions. Sometimes I have already released myself from the item, so it is easy to let go of it. Other times I have to let go of the item in order to be released from it. So fewer possessions means more freedom and health. My father hoards family items because he is still traumatized by his childhood. I think releasing clutter is part of the healing process. 🙏
I am soooo happy to watch your husband"s smile... my husband grow up in a small village in India, they had nothing, but they were happier than now. After living in india for a while i have not a lot of stuff as well but i feel soooo rich 😍 , less material things is more rich life ❤️ i Love your vidéo as usual 🙏🏼
What a wonderful video ❤️. It spoke so loudly to me as I’m drained everyday due to try to keep my house nice/ safe. I have 3 kids so I’m always standing on toys and the mess stresses me out. I’ve decluttered so much over the last 3 years but don’t feel done. I’m a single mum in the UK so it can be hard to find the energy/ time . Thank you for making me realise I need to keep going until I feel more peace . I showed my 8 year old the beginning part of your video the bit about your husband as that was so motivating xx
I really like how you have so much open space in your home. I could do with less furniture. The openness is appealing. One way we do less with more is not eating out. I enjoy cooking, and usually we enjoy more what I cook than when we eat out. It's also less expensive to eat in than to eat out. So, it allows us to save money.
I was inspired by your minimalist, intentional decor and sold things that I owned because they filled the space and I didn’t use or love. I thought I’d be missing them and not like the empty space. But I love it.
I can't imagine people commenting that your home needs more "things" in it. Kinda missing the point. I'm putting forth a concious effort to get to where you are. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are such a help to me.
Thank you so much for what you are doing Marissa. For all the kicks in the b..t you´ve giving me the last months. I´m a newbie minimalist in Sweden turning 46 and I enjoy every second of it. It has been a long journey, similar to yours dear M. There where times a nearly didn´t made it - overwhelmed and exhausted, but then I just took a break and cried for 3 days with extra cream in my coffee. I`m now debt free and own a flat I payed cash. Big hugs and blessing to you and your family. Wishing you happiness and health always. "Less is more" fore me, in a very personal and maybe poetic way - means that theres more space for the smiles I have never smiled ever in my life. Gabbi.
your husbands story is very inspirational. It is so true that many of us have too much stuff and still not happy. I also hear you about giving too often and at the detriment of self. I have done this too many times and just starting to learn to say no more often.
I struggle with being a doormat too. It's crazy how such a small word (NO) is so hard to say. It's hard to say NO without apologizing and/or explaining, and I have to tell myself that I don't owe people anything, especially when it's always been one-sided. If NO is not enough for them, & they're angry/hurt/demanding reasons, or trying to change your mind, that's manipulation. I have to make myself mentally step back & look at the situation logically (not emotionally), to recognize manipulation and stand up for myself. I've had to distance myself from some people who made this a constant struggle. Distance is the only thing that seems to help for me.
Well said! I used to have I hard time with this as well until my husband told me to say”no sorry I’m booked”. They don’t need to know that you’ve booked time to relax by yourself or to do something more enjoyable. If you got plans to do nothing they don’t need to know.
Beautiful video. We've all been there - trying to help - but getting used. So glad he's not the one you ended up with. Beautiful pictures of your visit to China too! I hope your husband's family in China are well outside of all the turmoil in the big cities.
Hi there! This is my very first comment on RUclips and yours was the very first channel I ever subscribed to. I'm not a huge fan of social media but I have been an avid follower of your channel for more than a year. I've been too shy to ever leave a comment but I feel compelled to tell you I love your channel, your philosophy in life and admire you for your courage and outlook in life. You have a beautiful home and family. Thank you for sharing your experiences and life story. I find them inspirational. All the way from South Africa, I send you the very best wishes. Mel
I saved money through the winter by withholding impulse purchases. This spring I bought with this money (200 euros) to buy a wide variety of fruit and berry trees. I believe this investment with be game changer in years to come. Thank you for inspiration 🙏♥️
Like you I have no more my parents and this makes more difficult the process … every thing I own remember me a piece of my life with them. Declutter the items of my parents is a lot more difficult than mine.
Less is definitely definitely more! I started with decluttering kids toys 4.5 years ago and ended up getting rid of 80-90% of their toys. It was such a positive impact in my life that I started applying decluttering to other areas and wow what a transformation. We are definitely living in complete excess and gluttony in the US compared to other countries. It's unreal. Great reminder that the simple things are the most important things and the most important things aren't actually things at all. 🍍
I downsized my clothes to 1 4 drawer dresser..both my winter and summer clothes fit in it. Makes getting dressed so easy..and I love each piece😊 I also downsized the kitchen to just what we need on any given day...so freeing and I love all the empty space I have.
I think it's absolutely 💯 % wonderful that you have so much space. That is truly a awesome thing. I think your home is just right. I've been working on minimalizing my home since the summer/fall of 2018 and while I'm not perfect at it and I still feel I have more to go, I'm grateful and content that im on the right path and I know that its a day to day thing. Working on my home. Thank you for sharing and letting us learn from you.
One major memory that stands out to me is a week at family church camp. My parents and I shared one room. I didn’t have toys, or a TV or radio. I had my bike and human interaction. I remember being bored and annoyed at first. But I quickly looked forward to prayer group, meals in the huge cafeteria, and the chores we were all assigned. Everyone worked together and spent the whole week without outside distractions. And I remember when the week was over. All of us cried, we didn’t want to leave. It was the first time that my family had spent so much time together without disruptions. That memory has helped me in my minimalism journey. Especially as a parent myself. I often have felt guilt for not giving our son all of the things other kids have. But that childhood memory has forever given me the meaning of “less is more”. The less we have the more meaningful interactions we can have. With less stuff to clean and manage the more I can spend time focusing on my son. The fewer toys he has the more focused his play is. And at 3 and younger he’s been able to clean up after himself. Having a few toys and on rotations has allowed him to build confidence that he can pick them up and put them away himself. I long for a more simple life with less stuff, less electronics, less distractions, and more meaningful time well spent.
I like enough furniture. Enough to suit our needs. Like a bookcase is a must have. One open cupboard for all the dishes. To have something to store the essentials is less is more and homely, organized but cozy.
Haha, I am a former doormat, would stop what I was doing and help anyone and everyone when they needed help then I learnt the magic of the word NO! .. I was friends with a woman for 10yrs, lost track of how many times I helped her move, clean, declutter, paint after she burnt the kitchen twice! baby sat her 2 month old baby 3 days a week from 8-5 for a month til she found a daycare and one day she popped in while I was painting my office, she stood and watched me the entire time, she literally lived 2 minute drive from my house and could have easily gone home to change and came back to help but NUP! ZILCHO! We're not friends anymore ... and I stopped helping people, unless they have proven to be true friends that arent just going to just take, she is just one example, I have many many more, my hubby is the same and if often hurt by people that use him but he has a hard time saying NO ... Less is more for me is saying NO and slowly working my way thru my house and simplifying, giving myself more time for the family and finding enjoyment in what we have like our pets and working on projects that we have put off for a long time ..
Your husband lived in a beautiful place, so I understand why he smiled. I live a simple life. My gardening feeds my soul. Birds chirping is better than the noises of humans. Lol
I enjoyed the story behind your husband’s childhood village and how he has such fond memories there. The pictures were beautiful. You presented another wonderful video! Since our family moves a lot due to my husband’s job, one of my favorite ‘less is more’ is having less inventory of things to reduce packing and unpacking time. Moving is stressful in general, but it is less stressful when you have less items to manage.✨
I really enjoy your videos. The images of your husband's village and his smiling face was a joy to see and gave me food for thought. One area where I think "less is more" is music in the background of these types of videos. Sometimes I find myself distracted by the barely discernible noise, and I'l turn off the video sound to see if it's coming from somewhere else! I love listening to music but not if it's just noise in the background. Just a thought...
Oh this is so valuable! Thanks as always for your amazing videos! I'm on the road to 'less'. Already reaping the benefits of less. I'm decluttering my home as well as my schedule. As a chronic people-pleaser too, this part has been the hardest, but now I have more time for my family and the friends that matter. More time for art and music and books too :) Great message!
Less is more is so true. In my husband’s and my childhood our favourite memories are of camping with family. Simple times with no pressure. Our kids love camping too. I smiled at your boys reading Asterix. My husband is French and he loved them as a kid. Our kids are bilingual, and loved reading Asterix in French. It was a great way to encourage them to read, and so funny.
I'm recovering People Pleaser too. I have so many stories of times I went way out of my way to help people I hardly knew. Once when my kids were little I offered to babysit for another mom I met at a play group so she could go out dancing. I had no idea she was planning on staying out ALL night. My kids and I had to sleep on a blanket on her living room floor. When she got home I thought she might offer to pay me, but no. Then weeks later I asked her to watch my kids for an hour so I could go to an appt, and she just told me she doesn't babysit. I'm much more careful with my time and energy now.
when I took a look at some of your videos, I thought you were too extreme, but now everything makes sense and I think we have so much in common! I visited Morocco in 2019 and I came back with a different outlook on life, a similar feeling to what you had when you visited China with your husband, and also pretty much everyone in my family with who I grew up is also gone now...the house is also gone, after my grandma died in 2013, it was sold to someone else and the new owner demolished it and decided to build a new house instead. I'm 28 now...pretty much lost in life, glad I've found your channel! Some inspiration is definitely coming my way❤
Great video ! Specifically lesson #9. Decluttering your mind, get rid of toxic people in your life , believe your friends when they show you who they are the first time . Learn to say NO, so that you make more time for the things that bring you joy ! Excellent . I’m stepping into this
Dear ¨ Zen Life ¨, You have condensed in 10 clear steps what often we have to read in very elaborated books! Thank you so much! I have tried to apply ¨ Less is More ¨ for many years now and one thing in particular is to say ¨ no ¨ to choose to be with my husband and children; to do things I cherish and find precious. Thank you so much for your video, a gift to human beings!! ;)
I love your home and all the open spaces. I'm currently working towards less is more especially since we will be welcoming a new baby into our home soon.
Beautiful video, Marissa! Your experience in China and observations about your husband and the people there touched me. I longed to be in your photos to know such simplicity if only for a day! I am a year and a half in on my more intentional decluttering mission and my "less is more" freedom really stood out in two ways: 1. Empty space is refreshing! Despite what my efficiency brain always told me, we do not need to strategically fill every nook and cranny with as much as possible 😆 Letting a space breathe actually let's *me* breathe. I follow what I now know as the container concept and it is wonderful. 2. Letting go of ill-fitting clothes and being honest with myself about what truly suits me and what I genuinely love was completely transformative! Curating my wardrobe has been strangely life-changing because of the small but significant habits I have now adopted in every part of my life. Thank you for sharing your minimalist wisdom!
When I see this, I think: What a marvellous place to grow up. For me, less money, less food, and fear of my violent father were outweighed by more beautiful countryside and freedom to roam. Even now in my old age I would love to live in your husband's old home. Fewer things, a simple home are my "less is more' response to my desire for contentment. Like the author of Catch-22, Joseph Heller, I have something many people will never have. "Enough."
wouah I learnt to say NO too ! I used to be a Yes pleaser always and then, I felt tired to create my dream projects that of course, there were no-one there to support then, even worst, to envy my steps ! sincerely I did a declutter and learn that less is more in social relationships too and since, magically, lovely people, less but more sincere and honest come into my way :) and thank you to share your story with your husband.. :) you remind a lovely philosophy of life and it reminds me a personal experience too that has changed my life too :) I lived one year in a very small village in Mexico.. and sincerely I never felt so happy. no bathroom. no running water, no electricity, was very simple life.. sincerely.. they were lovely people, kind, smiley AND grateful for all they have. never complaining ! coming back in France.. I felt no more confortable. when living with less in Mexico, I discovered people grateful for what it is .. so I confirm totally and feel totally what you express, and thank you to spread this message. I do not have the facility to create video but will try a blog in French to try to spread as I can about this experience :) feeling to honour this lovely village that host me like a part of their family, so openly, purely.. :) I wish you to continue your lovely projects, channel etc.. you deserve this as you offer us a lot :)
I was inspired by Frugal February. I tried something else - I did a 3 day Mobile Phone Freeze (a Phone Fast/Phone Detox). It was great to buy back some extra time over Easter while I didn't need to check I for work.
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Drop me YOUR favorite way to use "less is more" and read the full blog post here: atozenlife.com/less-is-more/
you and are of similar age and situation: i come from generational hoarders and maximalists, and do not want to continue that cycle of burdening someone with a bunch of junk accumulated over my lifetime that they don't want, and make it harder to find meaningful keepsakes after I die.
also, while I'm still shuffling along my mortal coil, I really, really just don't want to clean all that junk either. less is more, because I don't want to live to work.😂
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thank you for not quitting your channel. i understand why you needed to before, but I'm really happy everything worked out well enough for you to continue posting on here!!!
The moving story...reminded me of when I studied for the bar exam with 'a freind'. We studied a topic he asked for. When we finished covering that topic I wanted to continue with a topic I was struggling with. He stood up on his feet saying he knows that topic and has no intention to cover it with me and walked out. It happened in 1999 and I still remember my shock. That's a friend for you 🤦♀️😬
but after all...you seem to choose your life partner wisely😊
I appreciate how you reflect on both your childhoods.
It took me years to understand that less is more but I still I have 'no needed' items. Getting there...
Finnaly I like your open space apartment. I think it helps you keep your mind free.🕊
lingerie! the classic "less is more" for a happy hubby🥰
I'm still learning, but I'm definitely seeing how having less stuff gives me more time to *do* things, and less time cleaning and caring for things! If I can declutter a bit more clothing, I might trade a small nightstand in my room for a more permanent space for recording equipment! But in the meantime it's nice to just begin to grasp that extra mental and physical space :)
For efficiency, cleaning less stuff, running a household with less things to think about. So you can actually get all your duties and responsibilities done. Have the satisfaction of completion, rather than constantly treading water.
My less’s , less TV , less processed foods , less talking , less debt and square footage in my smaller townhome , my mores , more reading and piano playing
Being more present with my kids and husband is one of my most important "less is more" practices. Once I decluttered stuff, I found room in my home, my heart, and my schedule for the things that matter most to me.
Love that AND your family. ❤️🤗
I have never thought your house looks empty. I’ve always thought it looked relaxation inducing.
Funny story - I was in a beauty pageant as a teen and my on stage question was “less is more…what does this mean to you?” I said “ the less bikini you wear, the more attention you get.” 😀🤣 now I smile every time I hear it.
Hahaha, great story!
I'm so sorry that your "friend" was so unsupportive. Please know that you have thousands of "fam" out here who would be happy to help you move. You have already helped us move so many things in and our of out homes! Thank you, Marissa.
When my husband and I retired we moved from Long Island with huge taxes and moved to South Carolina.we sold our 4 bedroom home, and downsized to a brand new tinier home. We were able to pay cash, and we also decluttered and donated before the move. We have never been happier. Less is MORE for sure 😀
I don't remember seeing this one but it is so wonderful!
Your husband's story is the perfect way to show that all the wealth doesn't create a better society.
For me, having less hobby supplies meant I have more time to actually live. I can do hobbies now, instead of just being overwhelmed by the idea that I *should* be making use of all the supplies I bought. ❤
Good one, thanks Rachel! I too was guilty of the “too much hobby stuff”. 😅
Less stuff makes us more agile in an uncertain world.
This resonated deeply with me. All my life I’ve been a people pleaser and it really is exhausting. It explains so much about my environment too. I keep things because other people think I should without giving any thought to what’s best for me.
read the book co dependent no more such a great book by Meody Beattie
Hi Marissa! My "less is more" is: smaller house, less stress. My husband and I chose a smaller house and mortgage, and the result is less stress and more money to save or spend on other things. Great video as always! 💖
I have been downsizing for around 6 or so years and the time between me keeping something, then purging it from my life is getting less & less. I have brought countless truckloads to Goodwill, sold a lot of furniture, & thrown away old notes, papers, & pictures. It never seems to end!
Ever since there was a big wild fire a few years ago, I have kept all my favorite things in boxes, ready to go in case of evacuation. Last year, I had them packed up in my vehicle as soon as I saw flames nearby & was able to get all my favorite things out. But this year came, I removed my things from my vehicle, and they're still sitting in boxes, along with a ton of other stuff. I went through & did yet another purge, but still had way more things than I imagined I'd want to keep. Lots of random things like stationary & many other things (barely used MAC makeup, toiletries, etc.) that can't be given to donation places, sentimental items that had no use, & a bunch of other random stuff.
Even though all neatly packed away, I can feel its heaviness weighing me down, ALL THE TIME! I'm not even near the stuff! I know it exists, I know it will be trashed if a fire comes blazing through, & it gets in the way of my entertainment room. It's so stressful to me.
After packing up all my fave things a few years ago, my house has a few pieces of nice furniture remaining, a couple of decorative things on the wall, and that's it, and that's closer to how I like it! As soon as I start putting things on shelves (I have a nice display cabinet), I feel stuffy & stressed, even if it's stuff I like. I am now planning on selling my antiques & display cabinet at some point since I realize I am just having them to fill space, but don't want to actually put anything in them, and am always worried they're going to get destroyed in the fires, broken, or scratched up. A waste of time!
I walked into my garage yesterday, prepared to accept even getting rid of a small % of my items. Box after box (not my fave things boxes), I realized there was NOTHING in them I needed. The entire floor is covered in stuff that is going goodbye. Around 80% of all my things I no longer need or want to hold on to. I'm so done with "just in case" objects!
I know how much I enjoy doing barely any cleaning compared to before since I have no more knickknacks on the shelves. I am looking so forward to having my garage back for entertainment purposes again, along with less stress & my life back!
Less really is more. I am so excited after all these years, your videos (which are inspiring because you actually show emotion like a real human having to separate your feelings away from objects, instead of sounding like actress trying to sell something) have finally helped me "click" into place the feeling I needed to separate myself from countless unneeded objects.
The biggest problem I have now is to find a place/someone to sell a ton of gentle used stationary to and actually have the energy for it. I have a lot of ADHD issues like executive dysfunction that make it hard to get anything done, let alone begin (one of the reasons why I haven't gotten rid of some of my stuff in the first place) & no one to help me. Hopefully, I can get past that hurdle easily. Good day!
Hi, maybe consider donating the stationery, that doesn't seem like a very marketable resale item. Maybe to a school or non profit. Great job on all your work thus far. You can see the rewards of your efforts.🌷💪
The Arcane, Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I relate to virtually everything you said. It can easily get so overwhelming when you don’t have a supportive family that ethically, practically, physically and conceptually work in unison. Someone else to make a meal, offer a drink or a kind word of encouragement!!! Although I have 3 daughters 25,21, (who have left) and 17 still at home and pets! Unfortunately despite laying the groundwork none of my daughters help or lift a finger around the house (or even when I need it due to a natural emergency, or my osteoarthritis) and never have (despite setting up incredibly helpful fly lady routines when they were young). I am over hoping , waiting, for when they might help and the paralysis of storing keeping their things for them so THEY can be minimalists. Decluttering takes so long (tip it needs to be done daily). I do try to avoid things going to landfill. I have donated 181 boxes of books clothes and china in the last 3 years. It is such a huge effort getting it out. Washing, rewashing, polishing, cleaning. 40 steps and an overgrown garden to just get it into the car. OP shops are super fussy and want perfect items to sell. I am an only child of 2 only children migrants. My grandmother (who I did not know)was an antique collector and an artist (I have her things) My single mother also was an artist and a collector of beautiful pieces, I have her things) Nothing is junk. Everything is beautiful. Too much to look after. I would prefer the $ to the object in many cases. I do miss going to thrift shops but I haven’t gone except to donate since 2016. I feel sick when I see the treasures instead of excitement like I used to. I only buy food and essentials now. I really do admire Marrissa for selling everything. As a single parent with a mortgage I would like to do that very much. For unpostable items that need to be collected, I am really worried about my /our security though. I have taken all the photos ready and written some descriptions (takes SO much time!) as Marrissa advised.
My favourite (and living) "less is more" ways are: (1) Less furniture - more space; (2) Less to do - more time for me
Thank you for this video. I always enjoy seeing your nice home - and using what you have is exactly what I do as well. That's how my low (and only) cupboard also serves as my standing desk.
The videos of your husband's childhood village had me in awe. It's so beautiful. And that stream! I'm in love.
I was too - pictures don’t even do it justice! We hope to take the boys with us soon. 🤗
Wow - your “friend” and the sofa - unbelievable!
Shifting house is a good example of friendship and very telling in whether it is reciprocated or not.
Thank you so much
You and the minimalism/clutter free community on RUclips have completely changed my life, my mindset especially.
Sometimes i just walk through my house for no reason other than just to look at it. I never thought i would ever be happy to just look at my house and see hardly anything but im genuinely the most happy, most calm I've been in years
So thank you
I only stumbled on your channel like 2 weeks ago but something clicked so fast and im selling stuff on ebay, throwing things out, reading my bible, having quiet me time, eating better and sleeping better ??? I didn't think this could ever be me lol,
Thank you so much
I hope i can keep this up because i don't think I've been happy in 10 years, and im also actually SAVING MONEY 😭😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 i NEVER HAVE MONEY
My mood tracker all year has been in the red right up until the end of April. GREEN FOR A WHOLE WEEK Y'ALL!
Im doing a 30 day no spend challenge right now and it is difficult! But im trying my best
Wonderful to read all your progress…are you doing the 30-day no spend challenge yourself or did you see my video on this? I challenged everyone in my audience to do this for the month of February, so if you haven’t seen it you might find some helpful tips or ideas: ruclips.net/video/KWvFpZn0liU/видео.html Cheering you on! 📣
@@AtoZenLife yes! It was your video on it that inspired me to do so ! 💙 i binged your videos 😂😂😂!
Thanks a lot. Now I need a glitter filled timer😁😁😁
Honestly I really envied u. Really! I agreed ur say 200%! I'm also ex-hoarder n it's took me years to declutter all the clutter. It's not easy to let go things. I have watched all your videos and it's gave me a power to go on and on.. Let's walk together to improve our lives better and better. Luv, me Aida.
Fun fact: I discovered and applied the principle of less is more in music when writing songs and playing drums long before I actually started to declutter my physical possessions. Less is more in music meant to focus on the most important aspects of the song and scratching everything else and not to overplay. This makes the parts of the song you want people to focus on much more clear and enjoyable. Love your videos!
Thanks for so many great points! My favorite "less is more" policy is to be more intentional about buying less, high-quality, ethically sourced products instead of more cheap stuff!
Wonderful! What stores can you recommend? I want to explore this but am wary of greenwashing- there’s so much to know!
Marissa. I love it when you tell the story of your husbands humble beginnings. It just feels my heart with so much joy. I do consider myself to be a minimalist even though we live in a big home. I'm a wife and mom to 2 teenage girls. I've instilled this minimalist lifestyle when they were very little The shear amount of toys sent me over the edge. It's been tough though, because the norm (for teenage girls) is to have a closet full of clothes (which I despise) and a cluttered room. Despite their friends saying our house is too clean and not "lived in", and a neighbor looking at me strangely as I shared I was into minimalism, I continue on this path. THIS lifestyle SHOULD be the norm. If only society would be still and listen to how we are being marketed to and stop trying to keep up and filling that void. Our planet is suffering! Our mental health is suffering! I still hold out hope that society will come around..... Leslie
I must say that no other minimalist channel is as powerful as your channel. It's so real and all your information has really helped alot. Just when I think I've decluttered, and it's OK, you remind me that stuff can accumulate again, especially for me who has 3 young kids and I homeschool all of them. It's been 3 months, but I'm loving the improvements I've made so far! Pls keep on posting💐
Less is more for me is "having less stuff" so I get more time for relaxing and I can play more with my daughter.
Would also like to share that recently we were decluttering my daughters stuff who is 8 years old. At that point she was a little hesitant to let go a few of her things. Also in India ,by the time the videos are uploaded on this channel, it is almost sleeping time and yesterday night when this video was uploaded,my daughter was beside me watching the video with me. She was making me elaborate each point and explain each point in the video. And when the video ended, she said that now she understood why her room was decluttered and she now wants to declutter her stuff on a regular basis so that she gets more time and space to play her friends and with me.Thank you so much for this video. It was a really well explained video that even kids can understand it.
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I'm an interior designer and I appreciate you Marissa. I really like these stats on emotional and physical conditions that can manifest given a cluttered environment!
I have been on this journey for the last 6 years and now I am refinishing my basement and planning to downsize completely by moving there and renting my house, which will give me even more freedom. As an empty nester I cannot justify having an entire house to myself and hubby. I have always been attracted to the tiny house option and I am building a place that will feel exactly like that.
Yay for another video! I've been re-watching some of your others as I find them so helpful. Okay, my favourite 'less is more' has to be not over scheduling family activities. My kids have ADHD so I thought that by keeping them constantly on the go I was helping them expend some of their seemingly limitless energy. Now I know they need a lot of down time, as they also have autism and need time to process and unwind. Lesson learned!
Such a smart obsession 👍
Hi Marissa! Thank you so much for sharing your family and life!
Before grocery shopping, I shop my fridge, freezer and pantry to create a new meal using up what I have before going to get the staple items to make the standard meals I'm used to. On most occasions these "creative meals" turn out better than I expect!
And I too know the happiness and joy you saw thru your husband in China. My family is from a small mountain town in Italy and there was a time the water ran out at midday for conservation purposes and no heat. The fridge was tiny and not really used as we do now. Everything was prepared daily and stored in the cupboards for the most part.
The chickens lived in coups by the house, the pigs not too far. Everyone had these little plots of land where things grew. There were wild herbs too, I used to be sent to go pick fennel by the cemetery because that's where it grew! And we would pick wild blackberries by the side of the road and make fresh jam for morning.
Thanks for stoking the simple beautiful memories in my mind!
Hugs,
Rachele~
I love to decorate my house with seasonal curtains. A big curtain with a big x-mas-tree can make your room look festive and is stored in a very small space when not in season.
Oh man! The "When people tell you who they are, do youself a favor and believe them" hit home! A so called friend of mine told me that he wasn't to be trusted. Naturally I took for granted that he was joking! He was NOT. I was being chased by an stalking ex and this "friend" gave him my number and new adress, giving me years of hell as a result.
Afterwards I was so angry at myself for not listening to the dude saying he couldn't be trusted! How much clearer can it be!?
That is HORRIBLE and I’m so sorry you had to go through that. ❤️
@@AtoZenLifeThank you. It was. But I'm good now, and after the 5 yrs of hell that followed I am now starting a new life, decluttering, ready to move from this place and city to make sure I never have to se either one of them again. And thanks to YOU I am getting a new start in life after losing both my parents at an young age as well. (Actually the ex was banging at the door as my father was laying here dying, finally forcing himself in to "say his peace to my dad".... ufff that was hard!) But yeah. Cheers for a new life. We are two strong ladies!
I love when you include photos from your past, in a way it makes me feel more connected to your story, even though the themes and emotions you describe in your videos are already virtually universal ❤️
Less IS more! We're downsizing our home from 3600 square feet 5 bedroom to a 24 ft travel trailer. Getting rid of so much stuff. It's so freeing.
That’s epic! Good luck 🍀
I liked your video! I'm a Mom too...struggling to keep order in my house...looking forward to learn from you
I have learned that lesson about believing what a person tells you about himself. Recently, a male friend who seemed to have been "breadcrumbing" me for several months said in a joking way "You really don't know the real me!"
I was stunned for a minute and then I said "You are so good at hiding yourself from others that I am not even going to try!" And I haven't made any further effort to contact him.
Red flags 🚩🚩🚩 Glad you found out early!
Open space in the home is calming.
Dishes. Only have enough for me, my husband and our 2 kids, plus 2 more for when my parents come to visit. That's 6 plates, 6 bowls, 6 glasses, 6 knifes, 6 forks, etc. We don't need more. So freeing and way less dishes!
Your origin story almost brought me to tears. What truth there is in joy of simplicity like your husbands village. Thank You
I love the simplicity of your house, don’t worry what others say. They don’t live there. Love the open space
It's funny how friends only want to be around you when you're happy or you don't have any problems thanks for sharing Marissa.
Thanks for another great video. One thing minimalism does for me is that it releases me from unhealthy connections with possessions. Sometimes I have already released myself from the item, so it is easy to let go of it. Other times I have to let go of the item in order to be released from it. So fewer possessions means more freedom and health. My father hoards family items because he is still traumatized by his childhood. I think releasing clutter is part of the healing process. 🙏
I am soooo happy to watch your husband"s smile... my husband grow up in a small village in India, they had nothing, but they were happier than now. After living in india for a while i have not a lot of stuff as well but i feel soooo rich 😍 , less material things is more rich life ❤️ i Love your vidéo as usual 🙏🏼
What a wonderful video ❤️. It spoke so loudly to me as I’m drained everyday due to try to keep my house nice/ safe. I have 3 kids so I’m always standing on toys and the mess stresses me out. I’ve decluttered so much over the last 3 years but don’t feel done. I’m a single mum in the UK so it can be hard to find the energy/ time . Thank you for making me realise I need to keep going until I feel more peace . I showed my 8 year old the beginning part of your video the bit about your husband as that was so motivating xx
Thanks Rachel and cheering you on from Germany 🇩🇪!
@@AtoZenLife 🥰thank you
I really like how you have so much open space in your home. I could do with less furniture. The openness is appealing. One way we do less with more is not eating out. I enjoy cooking, and usually we enjoy more what I cook than when we eat out. It's also less expensive to eat in than to eat out. So, it allows us to save money.
I was inspired by your minimalist, intentional decor and sold things that I owned because they filled the space and I didn’t use or love. I thought I’d be missing them and not like the empty space. But I love it.
I can't imagine people commenting that your home needs more "things" in it. Kinda missing the point. I'm putting forth a concious effort to get to where you are. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are such a help to me.
So happy to have you here! ❤️
You don't need anything more! Your apartment - Wohnung - is just perfect.
I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and long life!
I love your open spaces without all the clutter.
Many thanks for your video. I loved your husband smile when he sat under the frame picture. He looks so happy ☺️☺️☺️☺️ God Bless your family ❤️
I love your living space. It has both open space and coziness, feels calm but not stagnant. It takes a lot of intention to get the right tone.
I like that you said seemingly, your right!
Thank you so much for what you are doing Marissa. For all the kicks in the b..t you´ve giving me the last months. I´m a newbie minimalist in Sweden turning 46 and I enjoy every second of it. It has been a long journey, similar to yours dear M. There where times a nearly didn´t made it - overwhelmed and exhausted, but then I just took a break and cried for 3 days with extra cream in my coffee. I`m now debt free and own a flat I payed cash. Big hugs and blessing to you and your family. Wishing you happiness and health always. "Less is more" fore me, in a very personal and maybe poetic way - means that theres more space for the smiles I have never smiled ever in my life. Gabbi.
I love the space in your house. I am trying to get rid of more stuff to make more room
your husbands story is very inspirational. It is so true that many of us have too much stuff and still not happy. I also hear you about giving too often and at the detriment of self. I have done this too many times and just starting to learn to say no more often.
I struggle with being a doormat too. It's crazy how such a small word (NO) is so hard to say.
It's hard to say NO without apologizing and/or explaining, and I have to tell myself that I don't owe people anything, especially when it's always been one-sided.
If NO is not enough for them, & they're angry/hurt/demanding reasons, or trying to change your mind, that's manipulation.
I have to make myself mentally step back & look at the situation logically (not emotionally), to recognize manipulation and stand up for myself.
I've had to distance myself from some people who made this a constant struggle. Distance is the only thing that seems to help for me.
Well said! I used to have I hard time with this as well until my husband told me to say”no sorry I’m booked”. They don’t need to know that you’ve booked time to relax by yourself or to do something more enjoyable. If you got plans to do nothing they don’t need to know.
Beautiful video. We've all been there - trying to help - but getting used. So glad he's not the one you ended up with. Beautiful pictures of your visit to China too! I hope your husband's family in China are well outside of all the turmoil in the big cities.
Hi there!
This is my very first comment on RUclips and yours was the very first channel I ever subscribed to. I'm not a huge fan of social media but I have been an avid follower of your channel for more than a year. I've been too shy to ever leave a comment but I feel compelled to tell you I love your channel, your philosophy in life and admire you for your courage and outlook in life.
You have a beautiful home and family. Thank you for sharing your experiences and life story. I find them inspirational.
All the way from South Africa, I send you the very best wishes. Mel
Thanks so much for this comment and I appreciate you being here! Waving from Germany 🇩🇪 👋
I saved money through the winter by withholding impulse purchases. This spring I bought with this money (200 euros) to buy a wide variety of fruit and berry trees. I believe this investment with be game changer in years to come. Thank you for inspiration 🙏♥️
I watch or read stories about The Great Depression. Never fails to make me feel gratitude for what I have and not think about what I don't have.
Very moving🥰 Beautiful place and beautiful people
what a beautiful story about your trip to China.
Thank you!
Like you I have no more my parents and this makes more difficult the process … every thing I own remember me a piece of my life with them. Declutter the items of my parents is a lot more difficult than mine.
Less is definitely definitely more! I started with decluttering kids toys 4.5 years ago and ended up getting rid of 80-90% of their toys. It was such a positive impact in my life that I started applying decluttering to other areas and wow what a transformation. We are definitely living in complete excess and gluttony in the US compared to other countries. It's unreal. Great reminder that the simple things are the most important things and the most important things aren't actually things at all. 🍍
I think your home looks amazingly peaceful ... great content, thank you!
I think your home is beautiful
and has everything your family need
to lead a happy and healthy life.
wow the gray color of the sweater accentuates your eyes very well )
I downsized my clothes to 1 4 drawer dresser..both my winter and summer clothes fit in it. Makes getting dressed so easy..and I love each piece😊 I also downsized the kitchen to just what we need on any given day...so freeing and I love all the empty space I have.
I think it's absolutely 💯 % wonderful that you have so much space. That is truly a awesome thing. I think your home is just right. I've been working on minimalizing my home since the summer/fall of 2018 and while I'm not perfect at it and I still feel I have more to go, I'm grateful and content that im on the right path and I know that its a day to day thing. Working on my home. Thank you for sharing and letting us learn from you.
One major memory that stands out to me is a week at family church camp. My parents and I shared one room. I didn’t have toys, or a TV or radio. I had my bike and human interaction. I remember being bored and annoyed at first. But I quickly looked forward to prayer group, meals in the huge cafeteria, and the chores we were all assigned. Everyone worked together and spent the whole week without outside distractions. And I remember when the week was over. All of us cried, we didn’t want to leave. It was the first time that my family had spent so much time together without disruptions. That memory has helped me in my minimalism journey. Especially as a parent myself. I often have felt guilt for not giving our son all of the things other kids have. But that childhood memory has forever given me the meaning of “less is more”. The less we have the more meaningful interactions we can have. With less stuff to clean and manage the more I can spend time focusing on my son. The fewer toys he has the more focused his play is. And at 3 and younger he’s been able to clean up after himself. Having a few toys and on rotations has allowed him to build confidence that he can pick them up and put them away himself. I long for a more simple life with less stuff, less electronics, less distractions, and more meaningful time well spent.
I like enough furniture. Enough to suit our needs. Like a bookcase is a must have. One open cupboard for all the dishes. To have something to store the essentials is less is more and homely, organized but cozy.
I can relate! My husband is from India and I am there as happy as I can because of the focus on joy from simple life.
Thank you for making this kind of content ❤
I watch this video many times..I think that this video is one of the best stories about less is more♥️
Whilst decluttering, I have changed from thoughts of ‘What can I get rid of?’ to ‘What do I need to live?’ which ends up being very little.
Haha, I am a former doormat, would stop what I was doing and help anyone and everyone when they needed help then I learnt the magic of the word NO! .. I was friends with a woman for 10yrs, lost track of how many times I helped her move, clean, declutter, paint after she burnt the kitchen twice! baby sat her 2 month old baby 3 days a week from 8-5 for a month til she found a daycare and one day she popped in while I was painting my office, she stood and watched me the entire time, she literally lived 2 minute drive from my house and could have easily gone home to change and came back to help but NUP! ZILCHO! We're not friends anymore ... and I stopped helping people, unless they have proven to be true friends that arent just going to just take, she is just one example, I have many many more, my hubby is the same and if often hurt by people that use him but he has a hard time saying NO ... Less is more for me is saying NO and slowly working my way thru my house and simplifying, giving myself more time for the family and finding enjoyment in what we have like our pets and working on projects that we have put off for a long time ..
I have pared my wardrobe to just favorites, comfortable and easy to wear. They mix and match well.
I love the amount of furniture you have in your space! I don't have much either as it feels cluttery ! I too prefer lots of open space!
Honestly this was one of the best eye opening touched unreality videos I've ever watched. Thank you
Your husband lived in a beautiful place, so I understand why he smiled. I live a simple life. My gardening feeds my soul. Birds chirping is better than the noises of humans. Lol
I enjoyed the story behind your husband’s childhood village and how he has such fond memories there. The pictures were beautiful. You presented another wonderful video! Since our family moves a lot due to my husband’s job, one of my favorite ‘less is more’ is having less inventory of things to reduce packing and unpacking time. Moving is stressful in general, but it is less stressful when you have less items to manage.✨
I really enjoy your videos. The images of your husband's village and his smiling face was a joy to see and gave me food for thought. One area where I think "less is more" is music in the background of these types of videos. Sometimes I find myself distracted by the barely discernible noise, and I'l turn off the video sound to see if it's coming from somewhere else! I love listening to music but not if it's just noise in the background. Just a thought...
Wow, that couch guy friend of yours was a piece of work! I can't believe what a selfish person he was. I'm glad you figured that out early on
Definitely stargaze!!! Especially with kids. Some good music and beer or hot chocolate for kids can make a great evening so entertaining.
Oh this is so valuable! Thanks as always for your amazing videos! I'm on the road to 'less'. Already reaping the benefits of less. I'm decluttering my home as well as my schedule. As a chronic people-pleaser too, this part has been the hardest, but now I have more time for my family and the friends that matter. More time for art and music and books too :) Great message!
Less is more is so true. In my husband’s and my childhood our favourite memories are of camping with family. Simple times with no pressure. Our kids love camping too. I smiled at your boys reading Asterix. My husband is French and he loved them as a kid. Our kids are bilingual, and loved reading Asterix in French. It was a great way to encourage them to read, and so funny.
I love the spaciousness of your home! 🙂
I'm recovering People Pleaser too. I have so many stories of times I went way out of my way to help people I hardly knew. Once when my kids were little I offered to babysit for another mom I met at a play group so she could go out dancing. I had no idea she was planning on staying out ALL night. My kids and I had to sleep on a blanket on her living room floor. When she got home I thought she might offer to pay me, but no. Then weeks later I asked her to watch my kids for an hour so I could go to an appt, and she just told me she doesn't babysit. I'm much more careful with my time and energy now.
when I took a look at some of your videos, I thought you were too extreme, but now everything makes sense and I think we have so much in common! I visited Morocco in 2019 and I came back with a different outlook on life, a similar feeling to what you had when you visited China with your husband, and also pretty much everyone in my family with who I grew up is also gone now...the house is also gone, after my grandma died in 2013, it was sold to someone else and the new owner demolished it and decided to build a new house instead. I'm 28 now...pretty much lost in life, glad I've found your channel! Some inspiration is definitely coming my way❤
not 100% on-topic but the first thing that came to my mind: "No" is a complete sentence.
Great point! Let go of the need to always justify or explain. 👏
Great video ! Specifically lesson #9. Decluttering your mind, get rid of toxic people in your life , believe your friends when they show you who they are the first time . Learn to say NO, so that you make more time for the things that bring you joy ! Excellent . I’m stepping into this
Dear ¨ Zen Life ¨, You have condensed in 10 clear steps what often we have to read in very elaborated books! Thank you so much! I have tried to apply ¨ Less is More ¨ for many years now and one thing in particular is to say ¨ no ¨ to choose to be with my husband and children; to do things I cherish and find precious. Thank you so much for your video, a gift to human beings!! ;)
I love your home and all the open spaces. I'm currently working towards less is more especially since we will be welcoming a new baby into our home soon.
I have minimal clothing, and I love it that way. I have no problem deciding what to wear, and, yes, my laundry is a much easier job.
Less comparison and more connection. I totally agree
Thank you for a great video, I love your house and your simplicity
Beautiful video, Marissa! Your experience in China and observations about your husband and the people there touched me. I longed to be in your photos to know such simplicity if only for a day!
I am a year and a half in on my more intentional decluttering mission and my "less is more" freedom really stood out in two ways:
1. Empty space is refreshing! Despite what my efficiency brain always told me, we do not need to strategically fill every nook and cranny with as much as possible 😆 Letting a space breathe actually let's *me* breathe. I follow what I now know as the container concept and it is wonderful.
2. Letting go of ill-fitting clothes and being honest with myself about what truly suits me and what I genuinely love was completely transformative! Curating my wardrobe has been strangely life-changing because of the small but significant habits I have now adopted in every part of my life.
Thank you for sharing your minimalist wisdom!
When I see this, I think: What a marvellous place to grow up. For me, less money, less food, and fear of my violent father were outweighed by more beautiful countryside and freedom to roam. Even now in my old age I would love to live in your husband's old home. Fewer things, a simple home are my "less is more' response to my desire for contentment. Like the author of Catch-22, Joseph Heller, I have something many people will never have. "Enough."
Love this! Thanks for sharing.
wouah I learnt to say NO too ! I used to be a Yes pleaser always and then, I felt tired to create my dream projects that of course, there were no-one there to support then, even worst, to envy my steps ! sincerely I did a declutter and learn that less is more in social relationships too and since, magically, lovely people, less but more sincere and honest come into my way :) and thank you to share your story with your husband.. :) you remind a lovely philosophy of life and it reminds me a personal experience too that has changed my life too :) I lived one year in a very small village in Mexico.. and sincerely I never felt so happy. no bathroom. no running water, no electricity, was very simple life.. sincerely.. they were lovely people, kind, smiley AND grateful for all they have. never complaining ! coming back in France.. I felt no more confortable. when living with less in Mexico, I discovered people grateful for what it is .. so I confirm totally and feel totally what you express, and thank you to spread this message. I do not have the facility to create video but will try a blog in French to try to spread as I can about this experience :) feeling to honour this lovely village that host me like a part of their family, so openly, purely.. :) I wish you to continue your lovely projects, channel etc.. you deserve this as you offer us a lot :)
I was inspired by Frugal February. I tried something else - I did a 3 day Mobile Phone Freeze (a Phone Fast/Phone Detox). It was great to buy back some extra time over Easter while I didn't need to check I for work.