Eight years ago, I sat in an old rocker while my young kids played on the floor in front of me and the sun painted soft strokes of gold across the sky behind me. I was hundreds of miles away from family, raising our kids while my husband traveled for work, and trying so hard to be everything for everyone in my life.
It’s funny… What first drew me to a simpler lifestyle wasn’t a positive feeling. It wasn’t a fire of inspiration from an article I read online or an uncontainable burst of motivation after watching a minimalism documentary.
It was the feeling of overwhelm. Of too much.
Too many toys to pick up off the floor. Too many commitments to people who weren’t even in my immediate circle. Too many phone calls to make and errands to run…
Too much.
It was then—in that quiet moment on the rocker—that I felt an unexpected rush of comfort wash over me, and I knew I was being tugged toward a simpler way.
In the eight years since, I’ve donated most of what we owned and slowly replaced the bigger items with pieces we really love. I’ve decided to focus my energy on the things that matter most to me—my family, my writing, my faith, and my closest friends. I’ve found margin in my life—the space to play with my kids, explore my part of the country (and even some of the world), and take naps just because. (??)
Last year, a publisher approached me with the idea of distilling what I’ve learned in the last decade into a book, and together we came up with a concept I could get behind. A concept I really hope you can get behind too.
It’s with so much excitement and gratitude that I get to introduce you to…
The Minimalist Way: Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy
Every day I work with people who are tired of feeling like they can’t keep up with their schedules and their households.
They’re overwhelmed, overworked, and honestly, just over it.
I get it, because it’s those exact feelings that first drew me to minimalism—to a life of less—and inspired me to write this book.
If you’re overwhelmed with your life and are ready to pare back, refocus, and finally find peace, think of The Minimalist Way as your guidebook.
I worked hard to make sure it’s both inspiring and practical, so it’s filled with specific tips and strategies to help you simplify your home, your family life, your work life, your relationships, and your use of time.
What Others Are Saying about The Minimalist Way
From Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist:
“The beauty of this book is that you will finish with a clearer picture of the life you want to build—and how minimalist principles can help you get there. You’ll walk away with actionable steps and a personalized plan to help you get there. This is a message we all need to hear again and again.”
From Marc & Angel Chernoff, New York Times best-selling authors of the book, Getting Back to Happy:
“The stories that weave the these beautifully designed pages together inspired us to take a deeper look at the belongings, habits, and relationships we’ve holding on to. The result is a life with fewer distractions, less stress, and more space for what truly matters. A must-read if you’re looking to make life simple again.”
From RB, an Amazon reviewer!
“This book is truly wonderful. I have been feeling overwhelmed recently, and by taking a moment to throw myself into this book, I feel so inspired and motivated to make the changes in my life that I need to in order to more fully enjoy it. Nothing in this book is demanding, or forces certain expectations – every category has various options of how to adopt the root principle in a way that will work for you… She is so kind and accepting and genuine; her personality lifts off the pages and inspires me to make those small alterations in my life that I know will produce worlds of difference.”
Thank you so much for ordering, sharing the book with friends, and even more than that, just celebrating with me! I’m SO stinkin’ grateful to have such good people behind me.
Here’s to living with less overwhelm & fatigue and more focus & peace!
xo,
Erica
PS. If you read the book, I would be so grateful if you’d take one minute to leave it a reviews! Reviews are one of the best ways to get this message to more people. Just visit here, and click “write a customer review.” Thank you!
PPS. While we’re at it, I’d love to hear what first drew you to a simpler way of life! Was it the feeling of TOO MUCH, like it was for me? Was it an event or particular moment that made you re-think your priorities? Let’s hear it!
What drew me to a simpler way of life was developing mouth cankers that would not clear up and they eventually would spread down my throat and make me very ill. It was time, I needed professional help, I couldn’t do it any longer.
Good morning . Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge on how to live simpler. I have been drawn in by the fact of I can’t do it all. I’m a wife, mother, friend and on top of that I’m a paramedic/firefighter. My job invites me to people’s worst days if their lives and leaves me emotionally and physically exhausted. I leave work trying to turn a switch to be present at home for my family well trying to organize my house and family. I feel like I am being stretched to the point of breaking.
Sadly I can’t order the kindle version as I am from the Netherlands. I would have pre ordered it if I could.
Hmm, my understanding was that you could order it from anywhere, especially through Amazon! I’ve had tons of international readers buy… both the paperback and the Kindle version. Weird! I’m sorry to hear that, Jolien!
What drew me to a minimalist life is being pregnant and realizing that I will need a simpler system to keep up with a baby/growing family. (to be less stressed) Also, I truly value helping others, so it goes hand in hand. The less I have the more I have to give away. So much of this new lifestyle is training my mindset to be content and not WANT. Thank you for your book, looking forward to reading it.