How Minimalism Changed My Life | sharing my story... 

Wow! God is in the details. This was so perfectly timed for me! I am 44, and have been married for almost 22 years. I grew up poor. My good father worked as hard as he could but never made "enough" money, and always believed he was a failure. My mom went back to work once we were in school, but they still struggled. I adopted their scarcity mindset. Not just in money, but in beauty, style, thinness, etc, I was never enough. Temporally, my husband and I started with nothing but our clothes and my husband's rock collection. (Not kidding. He finally let it go, but now my son has an even bigger rock collection.) We spent the first 5 years of our marriage acquiring things and bought our first house and had our first baby in 2004. In 2006 I heard about minimalism for the first time and it resonated with me deeply. I did a big purge and loved the clean, free feeling in our home. In 2007 we had another baby and bought more stuff, and a bigger house to put it in. I purged again in 2010 when we moved to our 3rd and current home, which was slightly smaller. We kept acquiring anyway, until we finished our basement 7 years ago and had to purge again so the constructioncrews could build the walls. The cycle continued. I finally recognized the madness of my pattern and started asking myself why? Why do I constantly declutter and then keep buying more?? I looked back and questioned for months until I finally figured it out! Literally, this morning, I figured it out. I have been playing the minimalism game this month, feverishly searching for more items to declutter and promising myself I won't buy more this time. As I said my morning prayer, I finally got quiet enough to hear the Spirit tell me, "You are doing all this because you still don't believe you are enough. You buy things to appear as though you have it all together, but you don't believe you do. Minimalism appeals to you because it says 'You don't need more. You already HAVE enough.' And I am telling you that you already ARE enough." The part of me that says I will never be enough and the part of me that knows I am enough have been duking it out for YEARS! What a gift that you had that experience in your 20's. I know the Lord allowed me to go through this for 20 years for a reason, and certainly it has solidified my testimony that He will meet me where I am and help me walk His path, but it sure would have been easier if I had figured it out 20 years ago. So. Thank you for your testimony and keep telling people! Keep teaching these things, because they ARE life changing!! Any positive change in another's life is part of God's work. You are doing it!

As a Muslim listening to this I can feel this how going back to the creator and finding peace from him , nothing can fulfil you like that thank you for sharing

Minimalism is healing! I've suffered from bad depression and anxiety for years. After learning about minimalism on RU-vid, I started taking tiny steps in that direction. It's been about 3 years; my place is still not what I would like it to be, I'm still decluttering. But man! Just the consistent, small act of decluttering and simplifying has not only cleared up my place but other areas of my life! I am so much more peaceful and live slowly now, enjoying a simple life. God bless all you RU-vidrs who have started this movement. My life has changed for the good!!

This is one of the most endearing testimonies I have heard in a long while. I am 68 years old and my word for the year is being content.

I am a 62 year old woman raising four of my grandchildren alone after a recent split from my partner of 12 years. I cannot tell you how badly I needed to hear what you are saying in this video. Thank you for helping me to regain my focus on what's important to me. Thank you!

Wow, SO well said Margaret, this is so powerful ❤️

Years ago, when I was having an eating problem, I got so tired of it I cried out to God for healing. He used a verse to speak to me and healed me. Your testimony shows me yet again that scripture heals.

This was such a blessing to me. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” 😊 “be content with what you have” Heb 13:5 & “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” Phil 4:11 has been what I have to remind my self daily as I find myself constantly discontent & I want the Lord to satisfy me.

I had a very stressful 10 months, and decided today to sit in my easy chair and try to de stress and chill out. I found your channel in my feed .I have been living simply for 5 years. I will tell you when I saw your intro I thought look at this beautiful woman, I can’t wait to see her story. I am old enough to be your mom, and living simply has made me stop wanting things. I am happy with what I have and appreciate what I do have material thinks don’t matter to me anymore, I had such a huge awakening once I decluttered, donated and only kept what I love and need… my daughter asked me yesterday what I would like for my birthday, I said absolutely nothing you can buy me in a store, I said why don’t we go on a mothers daughter lunch date, spending time with you is my greatest gift… I only shop intentionally now… and I go thru my belongings monthly, and I still,find a few things to donate…. Loved hearing your story, and I needed this today. Thank you

Your epiphany about being discontent was powerful and moving. Praise God for the wisdom we get from others, for the wisdom in His word, and for your awesome testimony.

Something the Lord has consistently spoken to my heart recently is "keep your eyes on me". When I do that, I notice so many temptations and insecurities and lack of gratitude slip away and all I can see is the profound love of Jesus in my life

Shall not want. This just hit me like a TON OF BRICKS. 🙏🏽

He is the only thing that matters. It is so easy to chase rainbows and end up empty. He shows us the really important things. Lovely to hear your story.

This. I love this. In so many aspects this is my story just throw in divorce and being a single mom. I feel all of this. And Minimalism has changed me in so many ways as it has you. I tried for years with "stuff" to fill a void in my life and realized that can only be filled with Christ. So I got rid of 95% of my stuff and have never looked back. Thank you for sharing your story. I love your videos they are SO calming to watch.

Remember veggie tales madam blueberry? " Because a thankful heart is a happy heart." Thank you for sharing and using your story to share how God has worked in your life!

"I have joy in my soul often." Yes!!! Thank you for your testimony.

Amen I truly believe when we get all the "stuff" out of our homes and minds God can then really speak to us and we can hear Him more clearly bc we don't have our hearts and minds on other things! Love your story and that you give God the glory for it all!!!

WOOOOW I've been struggling for awhile mentally. We've been going over Psalm 23 for a couple weeks at my church and I recently found your channel. The Lord is really speaking to me 🙏🙌

I am battling stage 1 thyroid cancer for a year now and that has been the lowest time of my life where I felt that God stripped me off of everything-- to teach me what I am made for and should live for. I thank Him that finally I found a youtuber making videos on minimalism and intentional living that is Christian and not someone who is using yoga and other universal galactic meditation to be in peace. You earned one new subscriber by sharing your testimony. Thank you very much. God bless you.

Loved your story , thank you for sharing your faith so openly . I too struggle at times with not wanting and desiring the things of this world , but true joy and fulfillment is found in the Lord - so thank you for the reminder and the reference to psalm 23 ❤️

Thankfully my Mother always taught me how important is 'contentment' in life.

The closet I have felt to god is when I had the least amount of stuff. I have never really thought about if I was disconnect but thinking about it, in a lot of places in my life I am. I just found you and I have been enjoying all of your videos! and inspiring me to do some of my own! I've currently realized how much my stuff has made me unhappy and how I have been buying things that I truly don't need. I really love that verse and am appreciate you bringing god into things !

Psalm 23!!! My 4 year old and I have memorized this verse recently and we say it together every night. Such a impactful and all encompassing passage. You are an inspiration. Thank you for being vulnerable. God Bless.

I love this, love your testimony! And I love the 23rd Psalm. The Lord also used it for me when I was in between jobs recalling to memory, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!” 🙌🏻 such a sweet reminder that we can trust Him always.

You have Peace of Mind now Margaret and that's Golden ☺️🦋🌺🔥💕

This did not just speak to me, it Screamed at me, in such a good way. Thank you so much for sharing this very powerful message.

I love this!!!!!!! Putting ourselves in a place where we're not surrounded by (greedy) unnecessary materials, but instead humbling ourselves & appreciate the little things essential things God gifts us. Also giving to those in need is a great gift for our hearts. God's knows us by our fruits for sure 🙏🏼❣️ beautiful testimony! God bless 🥰

“God brings us down to build us up. Satan builds us up to bring us down” struggling with some of the same things! Thank you for sharing ❤️

Wow!! Thank you!! We NEED more videos like this!! : ) You’re so honest, and you talk about your faith!!! ❤️

Thank you so much for sharing! I am currently going through what you went through and wow! It was so powerful and it spoke into my life! Thank you so much for sharing and for being raw and honest. May the Lord continue to bless you and use you 💕

Margaret, this was SUCH an inspirational video, thank you so much for this. Honestly, my heart was so full watching this. Im so discontent with my life, having no direction or guidance, just going for what everyone else has, but as youve stated, its exactly where im supposed to be in my life, and little by little as I go forward, I know everything will start to look up for me soon. Thank you for sharing this with us.

This is so encouraging 💛 I’m so so happy I found your channel while researching pro metabolic eating! You are such an awesome light in this community and I’ve almost finished catching up on all the videos you’ve made ✨ thank you for sharing your heart and knowledge 💕

I saved this video on my “watch later” list for weeks and I finally had the time to listen to it today. What a blessing. Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been in the same boat and simple living has played an essential part of our happiness as a family

Wow, I just started my “minimalist journey” as well and it was actually to get through a harsh winter, I just had so many harsh realizations etc and like you said I literally looked in the mirror and seen discontentment my mind was so cluttered and chaotic.. I had finally seen it and after that day I have been doing everything I can to make my life simpler and easier. After decluttering my mind I’m finally moving up to my many many many, physics attachments, to the meaningless things I look to for security

I really enjoyed this video. The way you explained your journey really hit home for me. I feel like I am in the low, I have faith in the Lord however, I know my whole life won't feel this way. Watching your videos relaxes me and gives me hope. I truly value and enjoy your content! Thank you! ♡

It's nice to hear people talk about God. Thank you for your testimony.

Thank you SO much for this. I actually am dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome, and I can’t help but feel that the constant stress I’ve been in and perfectionist personality… so much like what you described. I feel so hopeful for the first time.. more than when I was doing the supplements and elimination diets.. and way more now when I focus on slow living and minimalism. Thank you, deeply from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your story

The first 3 minutes into this video brought a tear to my eye because I feel like you’re telling my story too! You did the opposite of trigger me by the way, it’s nice to hear someone else talk about what I also went through but from their own point of view. It makes me not feel as lonely and ashamed, thank you. 💗

This video is so so so good! Thank you for being honest and for giving God credit for changing your life. What really resonates with me was how you said God withholding things from you was actually a blessing! Amen!

Thank you for sharing your testimony! So helpful and such a blessing. ❤

So sweet and honest. Thank you. You said what many of us are afraid to admit.

Thank you for your words and sharing your story. Whilst I’m not religious (where I grew up, the church was basically banned from society), I totally get what you wanted to get across and I think I can absolutely relate to you. Even though I feel totally “worldly”, I’m sick of always wanting (more) of the worldly things. I want connection and contentment and I won’t find these in clothes or any other luxury article. Our home is pretty minimal, I have a small wardrobe and people often comment on how little “stuff” we have, but minimalism is not just about how little you own, but how much you actually live. I need to work on the second part! I think that’s why I found you and that’s my sign to work on myself. Thank you! x

Hi Margaret, thank you soo much for this amazing honest talk! I am also on a journey similar to yours of reaching some lows that have allowed me to understand that God is here with us every step of the way and all does happen for a good reason to allow us to find real happiness, love and joy inside. But oh it is such a hard journey : D. So happy you are finding the light, many blessings from Denmark!!

This was a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing your story!

Thank you, I have a lot to contemplate now. Things I never considered were bringing me down. I'm ready to climb back up. God bless you and your family.

I love all of this. Thank you for letting the Lord use you...being vulnerable and helping so many people. God bless you.

This is the first of your videos I see and it gave me so much joy to learn you are Christian. I've been going through something similar and, like you, my b-day is coming and I'm evaluating my life. I believe God wanted me to see this, to see that it's possible. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability. This has been a blessing.

What a powerful testimony 🙌🏼 To be honest I was not expecting this! But our Lord knew I needed to hear this … what a mighty God we serve. Many blessings to you❤️

This touched me so deeply. I will keep and rewatch when I'm struggling. Thank you

Thank you for sharing. Just what I needed to hear. We moved 4 states away from family. I lived in the same state for 65 years. I turn 66 in November. I’m so sad, angry, discontented right now. Deep depression. I feel so far from God. Your testimony gives me hope. Thank you 🙏🏼😘

I can relate to your feelings of discontent, and parts of your story are true for me as well. I became interested in minimalism several years ago, and have definitely found that living with less/being intention with the things that I buy and bring in to my home has helped me tremendously in the sense that you don't always realize the weight of all of your stuff. That being said, the Lord also met me where I was and has shown me that He is the only one that can truly satisfy my soul. As you mentioned, you can do all of the things no matter what that may be, but our true contentment comes from Him. I love that you give him the Glory on your platform. He's doing great things through you Margaret.

Thank you for sharing! That was so beautiful and helpful!🙏🏼💕

As a family we move every few years (so far not within the same country) It’s stressful and one of the ways I tackle that is to try and stay more minimal. I didn’t even realise I was a more minimalist person until I started watching RU-vid videos on minimalism. I know when we are gaining too many things as it affects my health. I have learnt to say I don’t need that, knowing I am making the healthy choice for myself.

I cannot tell you have much this video means to me! I've been feeling all sorts of ways lately. Longing for simplicity. I've watched many videos on this subject matter, yet none have touched me as deeply as yours. Such beauty, wisdom, and grace just pours from you. The moment you mentioned Psalm 23 I knew the Lord had led me directly to your video....only in His perfect timing. THANK YOU for the encouragement and for sharing your beautiful testimony.

I memorized that verse age 7 as a kid in Sunday school. It’s my rock. Your testimony is so so powerful. Thank you. Sunday nights I get discontent anticipating work in frontline health in covid. This was perfect timing.

This video came at a perfect time for me. I have been struggling to go minimalist for a while. I even follow The Minimal Mom because she inspires me to be more minimal. I just couldn’t figure out why I was failing. I would go on a low buy and then buy too much creating more clutter. I have my own RU-vid channel and can’t film in some parts of my home, where I could film comfortably, because of the clutter. I always thought my home lacked storage when in reality my heart is not content on the things I already have. Thank you so much for sharing this! I really needed to hear this today!!!

Wow so much heartfelt wisdom in your words! You are truly a genuine, and authentic person beautiful inside and out ! Thank you for being a vessel for the Lord to use to speak truth into a lost world. Blessings 🌸

Thank you for your story. I'm so happy I could hear what you said. I'm at the beginning of starting the journey with minimalism, and by listening to you I just found the new hope. And the way you talk about God is so beautiful. Thank you!

Absolutely LOVE that you talked so honestly about your faith!!

Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share your testimony/story. I love that you are in a good place right now. May God continue to bless you with wisdom and strength to continue.

Wow Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful message. I needed it. God is really working through you. My soul sensed that you are speaking the truth and you helped me realize I am on the wrong path. I need to change. I started to value and obsessed more about what I want and do not have. Always on the look out for something new to make me happier or to make me look and feel better. I need change in my life

Tk you so much for sharing this part of your life and being so vulnerable, I needed to hear I am not the only one ✨

What a beautiful story/testimony. You are an inspiration to where I want to be. Dry seasons are not fun but once on the other side and we see what all of it was for, THEN we can give God the glory for his faithfulness.

This is exactly what I needed to hear today - thank you so much for making this video and sharing !

I’m so thankful to have come across this video❤️ I’m going to memorize Pslam 23. I haven’t been one to memorize scripture either, but Romans says to be transformed but the renewing of our minds. Thank you for pointing me towards the Lord & giving me a strategy!

Hi , just wanted to say how the message of being intentional about simple living and being content is conveyed by you in a very authentic way. It's very inspiring and calming to watch .Thank you! As a Muslim mum I appreciate how you bring in your spiritual connection to show up well for your family and share goodness with others ! ( It reminds me of " you cannot serve from an empty cup " mindset and you remind others to fill up theirs :)

I love that you said you pray for God to withhold things that are essential to our growth. That is SO HARD TO PRAY! Especially when you are in longing disparities.

Such a beautiful testimony! HalleluYah!

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing! This has been me lately...thank you for the encouragement to put my focus where it really needs to be❤

Praise the Lord! "So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed"! I love you testimony, sister. Thanks for sharing. ❤

Wow I needed to see this video today. I’ve been wanting something and it didn’t go as planned. The scripture you quoted really hit home for me. I will meditate on this. Thank you for allowing the lord to use you. God bless you sister! 🙏🏼❤️

Wow! Beautifully done. Thank you for sharing. This was a gift. God really uses His people in remarkable ways. You're testimony encouraged me just when I needed it. I felt stuck and confused, but, God is good. He always comes through.

This is so beautiful & real! Thank you! Sounds so similar to me ❤️ thank you for speaking truth out into a world full of lies & deception.

Thank you for this, Margaret! You captured the words of my heart that I didn't know how to express until you shared your story. I am a little at a loss of words with how much I relate to this - A God-wink.

So enjoyed this video. Your testimony makes me so happy!

Thank you!! Everything you said is spot on. You are an inspiration. We need so little to thrive. I have so much more than i need and 90% of it needs to go - starting today. Thank you!!

This is what I needed to hear. Thank you, sister in Christ!

This is beautiful! To learn this so young! God has truly blessed you!

Such a powerful testimony, thank you for sharing ❤️ I really needed this.

Thank you Margaret for sharing your story. It was moving and so helpful to hear. Much love ❤

I have chronic fatigue syndrome and my son is 22 months and it really got me thinking recently how I can simplify my life etc so I really relate to this video, thank you so much for sharing your story. I feel this so much!!

Wow thanks i really appreciate you sharing your testimony honestly you opened up my eyes in a way i didn't even know I needed 💕

You just popped up in my feed and your video was so calming and relaxing and full of your joy, that I subscribed. I wish that I had realized all of the things that you did when I was your age.At your age, I had the large house, full of stuff. I had all of the best clothes.I felt driven to "keep up with the Joneses". I do not even know a single one of those people now and furthermore, with age, comes a knowing that what other people think, doesn't not really matter at all. You do YOU and let them do THEM.(and they will want to be you anyways when they see how you shine from the inside out). I have been divorced a few times since then, gotten rid of all of my stuff and now enjoy a minamalist lifestyle.I would have saved thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars had I realized back then that I was beautiful and worthy, just the way that I was. God truly blessed you with the knowledge while you are still young enough to bring up your kids this way and truly enjoy your life instead os always striving for more.

I’m glad you made this video. Made me cry thinking about my own discontentment. Thank you ❤️

Jut found your channel yesterday, and have watched a few. This one caught me off guard with your honesty, your sincerity and your deep sense of contentedness. I am 75, and working to declutter my life physically and emotionally. I want to make dealing with my final affairs easier for my 2 boys-- I too meditated on Psalm 23 in a difficult stretch. Another scripture that speaks deeply to me is Philippians 4:11, which I paraphrase to say, I am content with the contents of my life.,,,, Your testimony is powerful. Thank you!' God is working powerfully through you! Shalom!

My experience was extremely similar. I’m still decluttering too. So nice to see you here!

What a blessing you are to others (including me). Thank you!

I just stumbled upon your RU-vid channel and this video truly touched me. Thank you so much for sharing. I can resonate with so much that you said. Bless you on your continued paths and thank you so much! I needed this today.

This is one of the most beautiful and powerful videos I've ever seen. Wow what a beautiful reminder! I keep thinking "If I can just get my house decluttered I'll feel better!" Thank you for the reminder that while that will be beneficial, contentment in the Lord is what I really need!

I honestly think this is my most favourite video I have EVER seen on RU-vid. Utterly wonderful in your honestly and clarity. Thank you 🙏🏻 bless you xx

I've just come accross your channel and this is such a deep and beautiful testimony 💖 you're an increadible inspiring young Lady. And from today you have an extra subscriber 😊 God bless you and your family +

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Great testimony. Thank you for being honest about your discontent and the baseball wife bit about our insecurities. It helped a lot.

Dealing with some of these things myself and praying to find the "up" again... 🖤 You're a dear!

I'm so proud of you. Thanks for sharing this ❤️🙏🏽

The irony is that of all the "wants" you listed as missing ...you have ! Your priorities are just realigned. I found your video so uplifting. Thank you :)

Praise the Lord!! Loved hearing your story, really inspiring x

Thank you so much. I am touched to tears by this. 🙏🌺

Needed that today. Thank you for being real.

God put me on a giving tour, and I feel this is an update of Him saying “You’re not done!” Thanks Margaret!!!

Thank you for sharing this. It's very hard to break away from the mainstream and learn to change habits and live with less. To be more intentional and not just be surrounded by junk. It took me until I was pregnant with my 3rd child to finally realize that everything was not working as it eas. Finally found minimalism through Allie Casazza and haven't looked back. Love how you give God the credit. That was an unexpected great surprise. This is the first video of yours that I'm checking out. Thank you ❤️🍍