30.9.13

Minimalist Monday: Just a Year


























Whoop, whoop. Twelve months of blogging... and I'm still here!

On the 30th September 2012 I started this blog after many months of pondering... mainly about the name... but also about the commitment... and the exposure. Should I?... Could I?...

I knew my niche would be minimalism because this is what first drew me into the blogging community. I also knew I wanted my blog to have a lifestyle and style vibe but could I pull it off? Did I have the design skills? The technological knowledge? Enough content? Probably not but sometimes you just have to act a little impulsively and have a go.

Eventually I bit the bullet. I launched myself into the unknown and I was smitten. 

It took me a few months to find my feet but I was warmly welcomed by the blogging community both here in the UK and across the world. Slowly connections were made with fellow bloggers and readers - each equally supportive.

I've had my lows. Yes, blogging is hard work and it can be overwhelming to start with. How do you reconcile documenting your 'simple' life with living a 'simple' life? How do you balance blogging and privacy? How do you make time for blogging when life gets busy?

I don't know the answers but I know that sometimes the ideas and enthusiasm flow and other times there are doubts. 

Luckily, I've also had many highs. I've stuck with it because blogging has given me so much - confidence, opportunities, inspiration and friendships. It's given me the chance to connect with some wonderful people and to give something back - hopefully a little inspiration to brighten your day.

Three years ago I felt overwhelmed by my lifestyle, commitments and possessions. I started to read minimalist blogs and gradually by paring down my possessions, my debts, my shopping and my working hours I began to find a better balance in my life. The positive impact of these changes inspired me to start a UK minimalist blog.

Just a little less is my mantra. It works for me. I need less stuff, less pressure and more life. Simple stuff really.

I think the smallest changes can make a huge difference to your life. Decluttering one area of your home, purging your wardrobe of unloved pieces, breaking the habit of shopping and finding alternative ways to treat yourself can give you new energy. Somehow reducing physical aspects of your life opens your mind to new possibilities. You start to question how much stuff you really need and what your values are. How much does chasing money, success and status cost you in terms of time lost?

Thank you all for reading, commenting and following Just a little less and I hope I can continue to share my journey, my ideals and my practical tips. It's a journey we can share. I love writing here - both about minimalism and the simple pleasures in my life.

Oh, I nearly forgot, there'll be a lovely giveaway later in October. Something hopefully to inspire you to want Just a little less. Watch this space xo



SHARE:

24 comments

  1. Congratulations - Happy Birthday xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations on your first birthday and hope there are many more to come! I too have gained so much blogging , although it takes sometime take lots of my time! Thank you for all the inspiration you have given me over the past year.
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy birthday to your fabulous blog!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Happy 1st Blogging Birthday. I really enjoy reading your blog and your views on minimalism, even if I'm not so good at putting your ideas into practice. Keep inspiring us for a long time to come.

    ReplyDelete
  5. congratulations to my favourite blog ! ,and a very happy birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cograts. I do enjoy your blog so much. I too decided a few years back to live a simpler life and be more in the moment enjoying life more and needing less "stuff".
    Back to you ...well done :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well done on your first annaversary, I enjoy reading your Blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations! Love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy blogiversary. I always love reading your blog, it's very inspirational. So glad you've made it to a year, and I'm looking forward to many more!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Happy blog birthday! I think you have described all common and normal feelings around blogging. I remember Sarah sending me an email about you around Xmas last year and that was how we were connected! I love our blog communities! xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy Ist Blog Birthday Claire! It's a wonderful achievement and it's great to think you are encouraging others in their journey to less stuff and more happiness as well as enjoying your own journey.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Happy 1st Blog Anniversary! I love your blog. I too am aiming to live with a little less, if not a lot less. Chipping away everyday! Thank you for the inspiration, when I have felt overwhelmed.

    Cheers to many more years!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy anniversary! Is it really a year? I like your blog very much - your ethos and values come across well, but in a fun and inspiring way, rather than a worthy and earnest way. x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Anniversary x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congratulations on one year of blogging,I can't recall how I came to your blog but am very glad I did, I really enjoy it, thank you for sharing your writing and wonderful photography!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats. I really enjoy popping Into your blog for inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations on your 1st blog anniversary and may there be many more :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! I visit your blog almost every day and want to thank you for inspiring living well by simplifying and being frugal.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Just wanted to say "Hi" & "Happy First Birthday".
    Only discovered your blog last week but I spent all my spare time reading from the start (oh no, hope that doesn't sound stalkerish!!??)
    Love the way you write, the content and you photo's too, Xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wishing you a belated Happy First Birthday. Thank you very much for taking the time to write those posts and sharing your experiences and your lifestyle with us. I find a lot of inspiration in your writing, even if I am far from being a minimalist.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and leaving your comments. Keep in touch xo

BLOGGER THEME CREATED BY pipdig