Gerde - Minimalist living for a maximum life: the joys of stress-free living

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to my family and friends for supporting this crazy adventure. Especially to John, David, and Steve of KPT.

Photos by St. Paul Pioneer Press

Minimalist Living for a Maximum Life

2018 KPT Publishing, LLC
by Emily Gerde

Published by KPT Publishing
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
www.KPTPublishing.com

ISBN 978-1-944833-39-8

Designed by Koechel Peterson & Associates

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any meanselectronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, with prior permission of the publishers.

First printing March 2018

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in the United States of America

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

ROBERT FROST

I dedicate this book to my husband, Justin, and son, Wyatt, who embarked on this minimalist journey with me and all those who helped make this book a reality.

W hat does the word minimalist mean to you? Is it about size? Design? Less clutter? Or is it about more freedom, more money, and more time? Whatever the word minimalist means to you is what counts. Many people are out there defining the movement with specific benchmarks and classifications. The current minimalist movement is often defined as living in a house under 500 square feet. For others, its about minimizing clutter while maximizing the illusion of space with color and design. Others feel its about having fewer responsibilities and more freedom. For our family, its about simplifying life and maximizing experiences. We have come to realize that the old saying less is more rings true now more than ever. We find ourselves with less stress, less stuff, less responsibilities, less space, less distractions, and less chaos. Of course, that means we have found more love, joy, and adventure through following our passions and desires. I share my story of simplifying in hopes to touch even just one persons life. I want to inspire humanity to heal their mind, body, and soul by getting back to the basics.

A s you read this book, I want you to think about what pieces of my story resonate with you. We are all unique and beautiful beings, so some strategies will work for you and others wont. I made a point to provide several options and resources so you can investigate topics on your own as well. We can be told to do and believe certain things, but until we experience it ourselves, we cant fully understand the world around us. There is no RIGHT WAY to do anything, because we are always learning and growing. As I grow and learn, I will find even more resources to simplify and heal myself. My opinions on topics will change as we collectively come up with new and better ideas. This book will provide you with information that will change your life forever as you search for a better more vibrant life. Together we will find ways to de-clutter your living space, while saving you money at the same time. We will minimize your consumption of goods to give you the financial freedom you deserve while doing your part to save the environment. Then we will dive into your health and how you can minimize the toxins in your diet without breaking the bank. Next, we will simplify your cleaning and hygiene routine by eliminating harmful chemicals and replacing them with affordable options. After that we dive into the world of self-care, where we minimize stressors in your life and maximize your vitality. Finally, we will take a look at how you can maximize the relationships in your life. By the end of this book, you will feel freed from possessions and self-defeating practices that have kept you down. You will find a new vitality in your life with the time and money to do the things you love with the people you love. May you begin this journey with joy in your heart and love on your mind as you take simple steps to the new you.

A s with most great stories, mine starts with a problem. I lived in a quaint 2,200 square foot home on a beautiful five-acre property with my husband, Justin, son, Wyatt, four cats, and one dog. We had chickens, a small marsh, and visiting backyard animals a plenty. We had an abundance of beautiful sunsets and great neighbors. Every spring the thunderous roar of hundreds of frogs would echo from our marsh down the cul-de-sac, awakening the slumbering creatures from their hibernation. We loved our slice of heaven, but there was a hidden fire brewing in my soul. As with most families, we thought we were living the American Dream. Then one day, out of nowhere, I awoke to the truth. I wasnt happy! I was far from happy! I was tired, sick, stressed, and in turmoil. You see, I was running a licensed organic daycare in our home and coaching gymnastics. I loved both these jobs dearly and excelled in both, but I was worn down. I became pregnant a year and a half into my daycare adventure and quickly began to lose touch with self-care. I was up almost every night past midnight cooking, cleaning, doing daycare paperwork, researching how to have a natural pregnancy, and trying to spend as much time with my husband as possible. I felt as though I was walking on eggshells while I made sure everything got done and everyone was happy. I made it another year and a half living this way until my health started failing. At the time I didnt know, but I later found out that I had adrenal fatigue and hyperthyroidism. With a heavy heart, I closed my daycare and so closed the door on teaching and caring for other children. With very little income coming in from coaching gymnastics part-time, we needed a big idea for minimizing our expenses.

Ill never forget when the light bulb went off in my mind. We were sitting on my mother-in-laws porch discussing how to live more simply, and my sister in-law, Frances, introduced us to the tiny house movement. I was instantly hooked! She mentioned that the local news had featured a family that was currently living in a tiny house and a local contractor who builds tiny houses, Jim Wilkins with Tiny Green Cabins. The research had begun in haste. Turns out, I already knew the family that lived in the tiny house! I had worked with the husband when I was an elementary teacher. Not a coincidence in my mind. They graciously offered to have us over for a tour, so off we went to visit and unknowingly start our minimalist journey.