Simple Living Interview #8: Midlands Minimalist

This month’s simple living interview is Catherine from Midlands Minimalist. The monthly interviews are designed to give you a glimpse into people’s lives who call themselves minimalists, or are pursuing a simple lifestyle or living slow.

Each month the bloggers are asked the same questions in order to see the similarities and differences in their experiences. It’s a wonderful way to be encouraged in simplifying our own lives! You can read the other interviews HERE.

Can you introduce yourself to my readers – who you are, where you live, and what you blog about?

I’m Catherine Gordon, a mid-life minimalist from the Midlands of England, hence the name of my blog: MidlandsMinimalist.com
I live in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, with my little family: husband, teenage daughter and cockapoo, Ollie.

I write from the perspective of someone juggling full-time work and family, having also adopted a lifestyle which has minimalism and simple living at its heart.

I believe that the topics I write about have universal themes; I write about minimalism and decluttering (the cornerstone of an intentional life), as well as consumerism, values, sustainable living, slow living, frugal living, money and…love!

Catherine’s living room

What initially attracted you to simple living?

My keen interest in simple living began back in 2014, when I started my journey towards a truly clutter-free existence (tidy is not minimal!) I began to see the benefits of decluttering straight away, but took things one step further around the time I started my blog. A quiet week on vacation with my daughter made me see that I needed to make some significant changes so that I could enjoy a life of more, but with less. I wanted more peace, more time, more family, fewer obligations but a lot less stuff.

What are the benefits that you have found in simple living?

The key benefit for me is that I have created more capacity in my life to focus on the things that matter and that add value. Before, I was dashing from one thing to the next feeling over committed and overwhelmed. Now, I make more intentional choices about how to spend my time and enjoy a greater sense of balance.

Catherine’s kitchen

If someone wanted to start living simply, what advice would you give them?

Start with your ‘why’. Ask yourself what you want to change and set your intention to move towards your goal.

Decluttering is a very good place to start; it provides a literal and metaphorical ‘clearing of the decks’. The act of decluttering delivers not only physical but psychological benefits so prepare for some recollection and reflection, as you work through your stuff.

Then, depending on your goals, keep chipping away little by little. Read as much as you can to help you develop your own version of ‘simple’. That’s really important because what works for me may not work for you.

If you’re trying to get a grip on your finances and live more simply, have a go at my Life Energy Experiment. Perhaps you’re keen to discover how living a simpler life has benefited others? Take a look at The Love that Flourishes when you let go of stuff.

Rome wasn’t built in day, so living your very best life might take some time. It will certainly be worth it. I promise.

I’m Catherine. I live in the heart of England with my husband, teenager and dog. Based in the Midlands, the perspectives on this blog are also from mid life, as I find myself in the ‘midlands’ of my life, as well as being geographically central. Hence Midlands Minimalist.

Find Catherine on Twitter @MidsMinimalist or on Instagram @MidlandsMinimalist

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