Podcast - The Practical Minimalists

Sometimes it's can be easy to identify the excess when it comes to the technology we are consuming, but it can become difficult to identify which technology tools and mediums we actually want to be using.  How do we figure this out?  Why does this even matter?  How can changing your approach to the way we consume technology change your life? If you are someone who finds yourself spending more time that you want online, are curious about the challenges we've faced in this area, or want some fresh ideas on choosing technology, this episode is for you.  Tune in for a special episode where Eryn and Heather are TOGETHER in the same room as they chat about intentional technology choice and their challenges along the way.  Enjoy!

In this episode we take on the topic of technology. We are setting this up as a series because there is so much ground to cover when it comes to technology. This week will be part 1 and in this episode we’ll be dealing with digital excess, what that means, how we’ve identified and dealt with digital excess, and our challenges along the way. Do you feel overwhelmed by technology?  Do you feel like you spend more time that you'd like on your devices, but don't know how and where to cut back?  If you answered yes to either of those questions or you are interested in hearing some of our stories on where we've run into excess with technology and how we dealt with it, this episode is for you.

In this episode we answer all your questions about kids, clutter, sensory processing disorder, gifts, trophies, laundry, Friday Folders, and art projects.  We go deeper into the whys behind these questions. We speak on blending minimalist values with raising kids, the benefits of minimalist values for families, and practical ways to simplify the stuff that comes along with raising kids so that you can experience more joy in parenthood. If you are a budding minimalist and want to hear about some practical ways we have helped to share our values with our children OR if you are a parent who is interested in simplifying when it comes kids and their things, this episode is for you. P.S. - We appreciate all our listeners who aren’t parents. We believe there are still some universal nuggets of wisdom in this episode that you can still apply to your lives, even without children.

In this episode we discuss how hanging on to sentimental items can become a roadblock in our journey to minimize and declutter.  We also get into the deeper implications of clinging to sentimental items.  If you struggle with letting things go  because of attachments issues, want to know why we should care about addressing this these types of things, or simply want some tips to let go of some of the more sentimental "stuff" in your life, this episode is for you.

Relationships. They can be a big part of what makes life worth living, but they are not always easy. Do you think you may need to set some boundaries, but don't know how? Maybe you find yourself struggling with getting too entangled in the lives of other people.  Do you find that you have tons of surface level relationships out of convenience or circumstance but struggle to make intentional deep connections?  Maybe you are a loner and have trouble letting people in.  No matter how you relate to people relationships are tricky but they are key to our existence and happiness.  Join us as we dive deep into the topic of relationships.  Even if you aren't into this minimalism thing, we think everyone could get something out of this episode.  Because after all...relationships are a big part of what make the word go round.  

In this episode, we tackle the tough topic of social engagements.  Is your calendar filled with things you think you "should" do?  Do you want to cut down on your social obligations but have a hard time figuring out when to say yes and when to say no?  Does it get even more confusing when it comes to kids activities?  If you answered yes to any of these questions or if any of these topics sound interesting, this episode is for you.  Listen as we dive deep into these questions and share what has helped us build a calendar that brings us joy.

n this episode Eryn and I talk about what can happen physically and emotionally when you start downsizing your possessions, calendar, obligations, social circles, etc. Sometimes we can make big strides in minimizing our possessions and are very good and deciding what we want to keep, but often people can get stuck when it comes to how to release, dispose of, sell, or donate what is leftover. We talk about some steps we have taken in order to help us peacefully release our possessions, and hopefully you will benefit as well. Additionally, we discuss what can happen emotionally when we start to simplify our possessions and time. Sometimes it's pure joy, and sometimes it's a tough ride emotionally. Join us as we discuss some of our own struggles with this and what has helped us along the way. This episode if perfect for you if you want to downsize, but feel overwhelmed with where to take it all, how to sell it, or how to release it peacefully. You'll enjoy this episode if you're curious about the emotional journey that often happens as a bi-product of minimizing. We hope you enjoy! Wishing you peace, wonder and joy...and the freedom that comes with less.

In our first episode we lay the groundwork for you for future episodes. You'll find out why we have found so much joy in having less as well as a peek into how it all happened in the first place. We'll tell you why we wanted to start this podcast and what we hope it will mean to you. Thanks for listening!

In this episode Eryn and I deconstruct some of our own misconceptions around minimalism and discuss what led us to become intimidated by it or think "That's not me." We also give some practical tips for getting started on your own journey. Additonally we introduce some new segements to the show which we are pretty pumped about: Wins and Challenges and Recommendations. Yes, we still watch TV and eat candy sometimes!