Podcasts about soulful simplicity

If you're exhausted from trying to do it all — keeping the house clean, showing up for everyone, working, and staying “on” — you're not alone. Maybe you're craving peace, space, or just one quiet moment to breathe… but you don't know where to start. In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Courtney Carver — bestselling author of Soulful Simplicity and Gentle — who completely transformed her life after a diagnosis of MS forced her to slow down, simplify, and let go of what wasn't serving her. We dive into what it really means to declutter—not just your home, but your calendar, your mind, your expectations, and your heart. Courtney shares how she found more health, creativity, love, and presence by doing LESS… and how you can too. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in commitments, noise, or stuff—and you just want to feel like yourself again—this episode is for you. ✨ We chat about: How to simplify when you're completely overwhelmed Why your self-worth is not measured by how much you do Creating boundaries with your time, energy, and emotions The power of starting small — and starting gently The life-changing magic of Project 333 Simple, soulful shifts that will help you breathe again

Courtney Carver writes things. She wrote a book called Soulful Simplicity and the simplicity blog, bemorewithless.com. She shares things that make her laugh and cry on Instagram (@bemorewithless). She doesn't know her Myers Briggs Type but she knows she's an introvert because she needs to be free from humans several times a day (cats and dogs are always welcome). Aside from her seasonal wardrobe, she doesn't count her things.   She is the author of the new book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want, as well as has authored other works such as Project 333, and Soulful Simplicity.   Contact her here: Website: https://bemorewithless.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemorewithless/ Additional Resources:

Life is busy, chaotic, and sometimes really overwhelming. Between work, kids, relationships, and the endless to-do list, it can feel like there's no room to breathe.  And for many women, alcohol has become the go-to way to cope—whether it's wine after a long day or cocktails on the weekend to escape the stress.  But what if the very thing you think is helping is actually making everything harder? Sobriety isn't just about quitting alcohol—it's about creating space, peace, and clarity in your life. It's about simplifying things in a way that helps you feel calmer, more present, and more in control.  In this episode, I'm talking with Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity and Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want.  Courtney is an expert in minimalism, mindful living, and stress reduction, and she shares how giving up alcohol was the single biggest thing she did to simplify her life. For the full shownotes, kindly go to this podcast episode link: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/simplify-your-life-with-sobriety-practical-tips-to-reduce-stress-and-overwhelm/ 4 Ways I Can Support You In Drinking Less + Living More Join The Sobriety Starter Kit, the only sober coaching course designed specifically for busy women. My proven, step-by-step sober coaching program will teach you exactly how to stop drinking — and how to make it the best decision of your life. Save your seat in my FREE MASTERCLASS, 5 Secrets To Successfully Take a Break From Drinking  Grab the Free 30-Day Guide To Quitting Drinking, 30 Tips For Your First Month Alcohol-Free. Connect with me for free sober coaching tips, updates + videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok @hellosomedaysober. Connect with Casey McGuire Davidson To find out more about Casey and her coaching programs, head over to www.hellosomedaycoaching.com

If you are suffering from overwhelm, chronic burnout, and never feeling like you'll ever get it all done - today's episode is for you. In her new book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want, Courtney Carver offers a revolutionary, countercultural concept - Rest First. Not after we've “earned it”, but right now. By starting small, practicing self-compassion, and giving ourselves permission slips along the way, we can embrace a gentler self and rise up to enjoy the life we want - and deserve. Courtney is the creator of bemorewithless.com and The Simplicity Space, a membership program and community full of mostly women who are reducing stress and simplifying life. She also co-hosts The Soul & Wit Podcast with her daughter, Bailey. She has been featured in countless articles, podcasts, interviews, including O, The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Vogue, Success, BBC, The Guardian, today.com, Good Morning America, CNN, USA Today, Forbes, PBS, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Courtney is the author of Soulful Simplicity, Project 333, and her most recent book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want. Resources Mentioned (note: affiliate links may be included): Connect with Courtney on her website, Instagram, and read her latest book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want Everything That Remains by The Minimalists Zen Habits Related Episodes: Episode 54: How to Simplify, Minimize, and Thrive - Even with a Chronic Illness - with Ali Cornish from Everthrive Episode 97: Stuck in a Cycle of Overwhelm and Burnout? Break Free and Take Control With my 6-Step S.I.M.P.L.E. Method Episode 171: Overcome Overwhelm by Reducing Volume, Lowering the Bar, and Redefining Enough - with Shira Gill *** I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com  Podcast -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast Learn -＞ https://www.simplebyemmy.com/resources Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm   *** Don't Know Where to Start? *** 5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/   Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you! Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering and organization coaching! https://www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

Fifteen years into her journey of simplicity, Courtney Carver continues to inspire people to do more with less. In this special Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, we revisit a past conversation from March 2020 about Project 333, her minimalist fashion challenge that has helped thousands streamline their wardrobes and their lives. But before that, we catch up on her latest book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want.Courtney and I discuss the natural evolution of her work, moving from simplifying physical spaces to creating mental and emotional spaciousness. She shares the origin story of Gentle, which began with a 3 AM epiphany, and why she believes we need to rethink our relationship with time and space. Then, we dive into the practicalities of Project 333, its impact beyond decluttering closets, and how it can lead to greater peace and clarity in everyday life.Key Discussion Points How Gentle came to life and why simplicity isn't just about stuff—it's about creating space. The evolution of Courtney's work from Soulful Simplicity to Project 333 to Gentle. The hidden emotional weight of clutter and how removing physical items can lighten mental loads. Why spaciousness—physical, mental, and emotional—is something we rarely talk about but deeply need. The common misconception that Project 333 is only for women and how anyone can benefit from a curated wardrobe. Decision fatigue, the power of limiting choices, and how a minimalist wardrobe can reduce daily stress. Practical tips for starting Project 333, dealing with sentimental items, and handling gifts that don't align with a simpler lifestyle. Courtney's approach to simplicity is thoughtful, actionable, and, above all, gentle. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by too much—whether it's in your schedule, your home, or your mind—this conversation will give you both practical steps and fresh perspectives on what truly matters. (Originally released March 2020)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Courtney: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Get Courtney's book: Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want Get Courtney's book: Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More Weed Out the Clothes You Don't Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick Everything You Need to Know About Project 333 Related Conversation: Episode 75: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver Related Blog Post: Do You Want Fast Or Do You Want Forever? Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen years into her journey of simplicity, Courtney Carver continues to inspire people to do more with less. In this special Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, we revisit a past conversation from March 2020 about Project 333, her minimalist fashion challenge that has helped thousands streamline their wardrobes and their lives. But before that, we catch up on her latest book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want. Courtney and I discuss the natural evolution of her work, moving from simplifying physical spaces to creating mental and emotional spaciousness. She shares the origin story of Gentle, which began with a 3 AM epiphany, and why she believes we need to rethink our relationship with time and space. Then, we dive into the practicalities of Project 333, its impact beyond decluttering closets, and how it can lead to greater peace and clarity in everyday life. Key Discussion Points How Gentle came to life and why simplicity isn't just about stuff—it's about creating space. The evolution of Courtney's work from Soulful Simplicity to Project 333 to Gentle. The hidden emotional weight of clutter and how removing physical items can lighten mental loads. Why spaciousness—physical, mental, and emotional—is something we rarely talk about but deeply need. The common misconception that Project 333 is only for women and how anyone can benefit from a curated wardrobe. Decision fatigue, the power of limiting choices, and how a minimalist wardrobe can reduce daily stress. Practical tips for starting Project 333, dealing with sentimental items, and handling gifts that don't align with a simpler lifestyle. Courtney's approach to simplicity is thoughtful, actionable, and, above all, gentle. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by too much—whether it's in your schedule, your home, or your mind—this conversation will give you both practical steps and fresh perspectives on what truly matters. (Originally released March 2020) Links Worth Exploring Connect with Courtney: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Get Courtney's book: Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want Get Courtney's book: Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More Weed Out the Clothes You Don't Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick Everything You Need to Know About Project 333 Related Conversation: Episode 75: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver Related Blog Post: Do You Want Fast Or Do You Want Forever? Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think the only thing I'm consistent at is being inconsistent, but what if I told you that maybe we're confusing consistency with perfectionism? In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, I reframe what healthy consistency looks like, why we need to find the grace and space to embrace inconsistency, and how to become and remain consistent, not perfect. Keep it locked below: IG: @⁠⁠soulfulxsimplicity⁠⁠ Website: ⁠https://soulful.crd.co⁠ Recorded from the soul, for soul.

No matter what age you are, always remember that it's never too late to start living in the moment. In this special bday episode of Soulful Simplicity, I took some time to slow down and reflect on what I've learned over the past quarter of my life. So, here are 25 life lessons I've learned so far, turning 25. Keep it locked below: IG: @⁠⁠⁠soulfulxsimplicity⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://soulful.crd.co⁠⁠ Recorded from the soul, for soul.

Do you feel overwhelmed with all of your stuff and responsibilities? Then this interview with Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity is a must-listen. Some big takeaways from this episode include: 1. Our lives of too much -- too much stuff, too much busyness, etc. -take us away from what is really important and can even lead to stress-related disease. 2. Changes don't have to happen overnight. But we can start to take steps in the direction of more freedom and less stress. Courtney models the bit-by-bit middle path. 3. Our stuff fails to deliver again and again. How can you spend your time and attention on what REALLY matters? What is the life you want to lead instead? The question that puts you into the mindset of possibility. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter's books, blog posts, free resources, and more at MindfulMamaMentor.com. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: /mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patience is much more than just waiting; it's about what you do while you wait. In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses how patience requires action, the importance of waiting with intention, and how real growth will cause you to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Keep it locked Website: ⁠https://soulful.crd.co⁠ Instagram: @⁠soulfulxsimplicity⁠ Recorded from the soul, for the soul.

Being vulnerable is not easy, but it's essential. In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses how we can overcome the fear of vulnerability by facing discomfort, the key to healthy relationships, and how we can find strength in our vulnerability by simply being our authentic selves. Website: ⁠https://soulful.crd.co⁠ Instagram: @⁠soulfulxsimplicity⁠ Recorded from the soul, for the soul.

Waiting for the "perfect time" could be delaying your success. In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses how the enemy of creativity and progression in life is often perfectionism, overcoming the fear of failure, and why we should start accepting and embracing our imperfections. Website: https://soulful.crd.co/ Instagram: @soulfulxsimplicity Recorded from the soul, for the soul.

Just because it's a new year doesn't mean you've changed your old habits. In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses how some people change; and others evolve, how to become the best version of yourself, and the top 5 things that may be holding you back from moving forward. Keep it locked Website: https://soulful.crd.co Instagram: @soulfulxsimplicity Recorded from the soul, for the soul.

Listen to your feelings, but don't trust them. Do you control your emotions, or are they in control of you? In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman how we need to listen to our feelings rather than follow them, the importance of feeling your emotions, and why we need to check the posture of our heart before we follow it. Keep it locked Website: https://soulful.crd.co Instagram: @soulfulxsimplicity Recorded from the soul, for the soul.

Self-love cannot come from anyone other than you. What is self-love, what does it look like, and why is it important? In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses the significance of practicing self-love, how self-love is a continuous journey, and how to start loving yourself again in 7 easy steps. Keep it locked Website: https://soulful.crd.co Instagram: @soulfulxsimplicity Recorded from the soul, for the soul.

It can't all matter. There's got to be a way to rank everything that's important in your life and identify the things that really aren't. This week I'm going to share some insights from five different authors about how to do less.     Learn more about Kristen Manieri and coaching: Kristen@kristenmanieri.com KristenManieri.com   Host Bio Kristen Manieri is a coach who works with teams to increase both productivity and wellbeing. She also helps individuals navigate transition with clarity and confidence. Her areas of focus are: stress reduction, energy management, mindset, resilience, habit formation, rest rituals, and self-care. As the host of the weekly 60 Mindful Minutes podcast, an Apple top 100 social science podcast, Kristen has interviewed over 200 authors about what it means to live a more conscious, connected, intentional and joyful life. Learn more at kristenmanieri.com/work-with-me.    Coaching If you've ever considered coaching, or if you're feelings stuck or you're about to make a big transition, reach out to me and we can talk about how I can help you navigate what's ahead with more confidence and clarity. You can reach me at Kristen@kristenmanieri.com.   Full Transcript   Welcome back to 60 Mindful minutes. This is Kristen Manieri and you're listing to my four-part series on ending overwhelm. Last week, for part one, I shared my thoughts on understanding true capacity. Today, for part two, I'll be speaking about DOING LESS.   It can't all matter. There's got to be a way to rank everything that's important in your life and identify the things that really aren't. It's going to take some time—meaning you'll want to dedicate an hour or two—to get really real with yourself about what truly are the things that make your life a good life and which things are just a distraction.   This is the path of an essentialist, which Greg McKeown describes as someone who takes on the relentless pursuit of less but better. “Only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that really matter,” he writes in his book, Essentialism.   But what does really matter? It's not always easy to whittle our list down. At first glance you might say, “it all matters! I can't cut anything!” Essentialism is a skill we develop; it isn't something most of us know how to do intuitively. So, I'm going to share some thoughts from five different books I've read about distilling your life down to only the most important things.   The first book is called The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi. The book lays out 13 Lazy Genius Principles but I'm going to focus on #10: essentialize.   For Kendra, embracing what matters must start with knowing what matters. She writes: “True fulfillment comes from subtraction, from removing everything that distracts you from what matters and leaving only the essential.”    Let's say I have a jam-packed weekend ahead. In the Lazy Genius Way, the first step is to name what really matters to me. As I consider this, I land on three things that matter this weekend: rest, connection to Marc and the girls, and restoring order to our house.   The second step is removing what's in the way. Doing my laundry feels essential because that restores order to my wardrobe. Going for a hike with Aly feels essential because it creates connection. Staying in my pajamas Sunday morning and reading a book in front of the fire feels essential because it creates rest.   Something that could get in the way is weekend errands. It's amazing how much precious weekend time gets used up driving from A to B to C picking up and dropping off stuff if I'm not paying attention to being deliberate about how I spend my weekend.   While some errands feel necessary (I really do need to pick up one of those round batteries before my key fob completely dies) I can essentialize my errand list so it only takes a few hours instead of an entire day. A full day of running around would definitely be counter to rest, which I've already established is a priority.   Kendra's last step is to keep only the essentials. If it doesn't reeeaaaalllllly matter, and if it's in the way of what does, it's nixed.   The key takeaway is this: name what matters.   The next book I want to share with you is Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver. I love this book, especially chapter 26, which is all about taking a sabbath. Some of you may remember that most things used to be closed on Sunday. Can you believe that was only about 30 years ago?   What would it be like to have one day a week when you're completely free of tasks, appointments and obligations? Taking a sabbath is all about putting a fence around one day each week and keeping it protected from everything that doesn't serve you.    According to Courtney Carver (who I interviewed in episode 17), you start by scheduling your sabbath. Put it in your calendar. Number two, tell the world. “Call your friends, text your colleagues, tweet the news that you have scheduled a day off and won't be available,” she writes. “Let them know that you won't be answering the phone, checking email, or updating your Facebook status.”    What would your sabbath be like? Maybe you keep all screens off all day or at least until 1pm. Maybe you sleep in or go for a long hike or read a novel. What would feel exceptionally restorative to you and then ask yourself, why not? Why not take a full day of complete rest?   The next idea I want to share with you is from Kate Northrup's book, Do Less. Here's the big idea: receive help. She articulates it this way: “Let's both of us see what happens if we let go of the lie we've been told and that we've been telling others—that having it all together or doing it all ourselves is what makes us valuable. Let's replace it with shooting for genuine connection, true happiness, a full tank, the courage to be vulnerable by owning where we need support, and being willing to receive it when it shows up.”   Those of us who have spent a lifetime being highly self-sufficient—and likely getting a lot of praise from parents and bosses for being so reliable and having such steady follow-through—have probably built an identity around never needing anyone's help. We're the ones who chose the independent study over the group project. Why rely on others when we're so dang good at doing it ourselves. If you can identify, you're likely similar to me in that asking for and receiving help is really hard. But just like most things, it's an underdeveloped skill that can be developed. We can get better, maybe even ninja-level better, at receiving help.   Kate recommends we take on this mantra: I am allowing this day to be easy. She recommends that we ask ourselves:   Does this need to be done? Does this need to be done by me? Does this need to be done right now?   When we pause to reflect and consider, we might not only see where we could ask for help, or where we could eliminate a task completely.   This topic wouldn't feel adequately covered without bringing in some important insights from Becky Hall, who wrote the book The Art of Enough: Seven Ways to Build a Balanced Life and a Flourishing World. When I interviewed Becky for episode #148, she spoke a lot about having an “enough mindset,” which is rooted in the idea that there is enough, we can do enough, and we are enough.   Of course, we can always do more. Having an enough mindset is a deliberate approach to our lives that acknowledges the endlessness of our tasks and obligations but draws a subjective line in the sand when we're come to close to our edge. It's realizing when we're almost overdrawn physically, emotionally or psychologically and granting ourselves permission to say, “enough.”   Becky thinks of enough as a state of being and also a way of living. “With Enough we learn to live within the natural limits within our lives,” she writes. With an enough mindset, we honor that we each have limits. It's only human to reach the end of our capacity and then need to go renew our resources. In fact, those of us who learn to renew our resources effectively through rest and quality leisure become “well rooted and well resourced so that we can flourish with creativity and brilliance.”    In her book, Becky references a practice she read in Jim Collins' book, Good to Great, which is to create a “stop doing list.” Try this out. Make a list of 10 to 20 things that you could stop doing. Rethink everything through the lens of this question: do I really need to be doing this?   I'd like to leave you with one final thought from Celeste Headlee's book, Do Nothing. She writes: “The truth is, productivity is a by-product of a functional system, not a goal in and of itself. The question is not whether you are productive but what are you producing.”   We weren't put on this earth to get our to-do list done. It can't be that the purpose of life is to get everything done. What I think Celeste Headlee is asking is what is all this doing creating? Stress or happiness? Constraint or connection? Is it creating a life that you're madly in love with? Maybe the answer is to do much, much less.   I'm not suggesting we all sit on our couches and stare at the wall. What I'm suggesting is a that we look really closely at what we give our time and energy to and make really sure it's giving us the life that we want. This will require that we dedicate some time taking this closer look.   Go for a walk, sit on a Sunday morning with your journal, find a friend who can listen well and ask good questions so you can tease it out. Whatever it takes, get really clear on the essentials of your good, happy, peaceful life.   Next week I'll be talking about how to say "no" more often. See you then.          

How come we can care for everyone else in our lives besides ourselves? In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses the different types of self-care, common misconceptions, how self-care is not a moment in time, why you need to normalize taking yourself out on dates, and how you deserve all the self-care in the world. Keep it locked Website: https://soulful.crd.co Instagram: @soulfulxsimplicity Recorded live from the crib

After working in a high powered, incredibly busy job Courtney noticed she had developed vertigo and was struggling to walk in a straight line. After her diagnosis Courtney focused on simplifying and being less stressed, one habit at s time. The thread of simple and stress free are strong throughout Courtneys life. We talk about the line in the sand, the before and after that comes from a chronic illness diagnosis and how it often feels self indulgent to really take time to care for ourselves with out a life changing diagnosis. Courtney's beautiful book, Soulful Simplicity inspired me to create more physical space in my home to create more emotional and mental space. There's so many great tidbits throughout this interview, I really hope you find something to take from this episode. Find Courtney on Instagram Find Courtney's work here Find Courtney's podcast here

You can't control time, but you are in control of what you do with your time. In this episode of Soulful Simplicity, Eman discusses the importance of trusting your timing, learning to trust yourself instead of putting all your trust onto others, the difference between waiting vs being actively patient, and the beauty of living in the eternal now. Keep it locked Website: https://soulful.crd.co Instagram: @soulfulxsimplicity Recorded live from the crib

How would it feel if you could simplify your business… and your life? Let's be real: our modern, hectic lifestyles are overwhelming, exhausting, and downright unhealthy. We are often on a quest for more; we give in to pressure every day to work more, own more, and do more. But why? To what end? When you push so hard, it inevitably leads to burnout. You simply can't produce great work when you're burned out, nor can you take care of yourself and be truly present to what matters most like your relationships, health, and overall well-being. The truth is, if you're always keeping score of how you're doing based on anything outside of yourself (like if you checked enough items off of your to-do list that day), then it's time to question your motives for WHY you're doing what you're doing. When you embrace more of a minimalist approach to your life and business, you'll counterintuitively discover that you can create more with less--all while being happier and more free. My guest today is Courtney Carver, a well-known simplicity and minimalist expert. Courtney is the author of Soulful Simplicity and the blog Be More With Less. Courtney moved from a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2006 to feeling the best she's felt in decades, from being deep in debt and clutter to living debt and clutter-free. She realized after years of decluttering and letting go that happiness isn't waiting for us, it's within us. Courtney also writes about dressing with less in her book Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More. Some of her concepts have truly changed my life, and I can't wait to share her wisdom with you today!   What you'll learn in this episode: How to let go of obsessing over your analytics Why people's comments and reactions are not about you (even when they are!) How do you make soul-centered, big decisions in your business? Tips for creating a minimalist business that prioritizes your health and well-being (instead of always pushing to do more and leading to burnout) A minimalist's perspective on how to measure and keep score of your progress How to let go of fear, scarcity, and not having or being enough Tips for simplifying your email management   Subscribe and Review Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you liked what you heard, please leave an honest review for The Success with Soul Podcast on Apple Podcasts so we can improve and better serve you in the future. Plus, you could be featured on a future episode during our listener spotlights. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic updates. My goal for this podcast is to inspire those who seek flexibility and freedom in their lives by making something happen with holistic, soulful, step-by-step strategies from me and other experts.   Links + Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really Is So Much More If you are thinking about launching a digital course someday, do yourself a favor and save some major headaches and expensive trial and errors by taking my mentor, Amy Porterfield's, free quiz to discover your personal path to creating a profitable digital course here. In less than 2 minutes, you'll figure out action by action what steps YOU should take based on YOUR goals, audience, and business level. 16 Personalities (free Myers-Briggs Personality Test) Get a free 30-day trial of ActiveCampaign, my favorite email service provider, here! Courtney's blog post: There's No Such Thing as Being Caught Up The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle Follow Courtney at Be More With Less and on Instagram @bemorewithless Follow me on Instagram @katekordsmeier and @rootandrevel   More Ways to Enjoy Success with Soul Download a transcript of this episode Download on Apple Podcasts Email me new episodes Don't forget to join our free Success With Soul Facebook community for follow-up conversations about the podcast episodes and where I also often go live to answer your burning questions. Hangout with like-minded bloggers and heart-centered online business owners exchanging priceless feedback, encouragement, and other golden insights from the trenches.   EPISODE CREDITS: Produced by Danny Ozment at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Minimalism: Purposely living with your items so we can make more time and space for what's important to us all in our careers and our lives. In today's episode, blogger, author, and speaker Courtney Carver joins us at Brave Women at Work. We will be speaking about the importance of minimalism, not only for personal reasons but also for professional. Courtney explains why she got into minimalism, what it is, and a few tips to help your thoughts and careers. About our guest: Courtney Carver is one of the most known bloggers, authors, and speakers within the minimalism world. She has also written two books called Soulful Simplicity and Project 333. She also has a simplicity blog bemorewithless.com. Resources: Be More With Less - https://bemorewithless.com/ Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More https://www.amazon.com/Project-333-Minimalist-Fashion-Challenge-ebook/dp/B07X6RPYL3/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Be+more+with+less&qid=1614711932&sr=8-2 Soulful Simplicity: https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Simplicity-Living-Less-Lead-ebook/dp/B06XZJFDWJ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614711969&sr=8-1 The Simplicity Space: https://courses.bemorewithless.com/the-simplicity-space/

Minimalism: Purposely living with your items so we can make more time and space for what's important to us all in our careers and our lives.  In today's episode, blogger, author, and speaker Courtney Carver joins us at Brave Women at Work. We will be speaking about the importance of minimalism, not only for personal reasons but also for professional. Courtney explains why she got into minimalism, what it is, and a few tips to help your thoughts and careers.   About our guest: Courtney Carver is one of the most known bloggers, authors, and speakers within the minimalism world. She has also written two books called Soulful Simplicity and Project 333. She also has a simplicity blog bemorewithless.com.   Resources: Be More With Less - https://bemorewithless.com/ Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More https://www.amazon.com/Project-333-Minimalist-Fashion-Challenge-ebook/dp/B07X6RPYL3/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Be+more+with+less&qid=1614711932&sr=8-2 Soulful Simplicity: https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Simplicity-Living-Less-Lead-ebook/dp/B06XZJFDWJ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614711969&sr=8-1 The Simplicity Space: https://courses.bemorewithless.com/the-simplicity-space/

Have you ever felt like you were shopping and buying things just because you're bored? Or maybe you feel like you need the newest style of jeans or workout machine to keep up with your favorite social media influencer? Well today we're talking about breaking that cycle and living more with less. I'm super excited to be welcoming author Courtney Carver to the podcast who is an expert in this space. Courtney is the author of Soulful Simplicity and most recently Project 333, the Minimalist Fashion Challenge, featured in Vogue and Oprah Magazines, as well as her simplicity blog bemorewithless.com. We discuss how reassessing our relationship with the things we buy or own can truly transform your life, igniting confidence, financial freedom and better health. If you enjoy this podcast, you can take a screenshot and tag me at @plantyou and Courtney at @bemorewithless on Instagram so we can share the love. And since this is a newer podcast your five star reviews mean so much to me. Thank you so much for your support. Find Courtney's latest books here: https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/ Find Courtney's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/bemorewithless/ Find Carleigh here: instagram.com/plantyou For weekly plant-based meal plans: https://plantyou.com

Releasing a burden we've been carrying too long can lighten both body and soul. Yet this can be one of the hardest things to do, even when we want to do it. Why is letting go so hard? Are there things we can do to make it easier? In this episode, we talk about fostering a letting go mindset, goals for letting go, techniques for doing that successfully, and knowing when NOT to let go. My guest is Courtney Carver, the woman behind the website Be More with Less and the author of the book Soulful Simplicity. She's one of the leading voices in the minimalist community, but today we're not talking about letting go of material things. Courtney has a lot of wisdom to share about letting go in general. 

Courtney Carver's book Soulful Simplicity really changed how I think about “stuff.” I have been on a minimalist trend for years, but Courtney's story really resonated with me. On overachiever in work and life, Courtney had developed an autoimmune condition that led her to re-examine her life -- the result led to a simpler lifestyle, which led to a blog, a book, another book, and a whole movement that's brought a lot of people a lot more health and joy. I go back and read Soulful Simplicity a lot, because her messages about having more with less have brought so much Vitamin Joy to my life. It was an honor to talk with her about the joy of simplicity and minimalism -- both emotional and physical -- and we even got into the joy of sobriety, adding to the insights other guests have shared this season. This episode is packed with wisdom. Enjoy! Sponsors: Vuoriclothing.com/Shelby - for our listeners they are offering 20% off your first purchase, plus free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns. Buy a pair of the joggers. You won't go wrong. Lazy Acres Natural Market - www.lazyacres.com for the best local natural grocery store with five locations in Southern California. More from Courtney: Soulful Simplicity - https://amzn.to/38Ng7ez Project 333 - https://amzn.to/2Ow596r Soul and Wit podcast Resources from this Episode: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace - https://amzn.to/2Q2Wska SNL - Zillow Connect with Courtney: Website - bemorewithless.com Instagram - @bemorewithless

In SOULFUL SIMPLICITY: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, Courtney Carver shows us how to pare down not only our closets but our mental and emotional spaces. COURTNEY CARVER is the creator of BeMorewithLess.com and the Project 333 challenge.

In SOULFUL SIMPLICITY: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, Courtney Carver shows us how to pare down not only our closets but our mental and emotional spaces. COURTNEY CARVER is the creator of BeMorewithLess.com and the Project 333 challenge.

I'm a huge fan of the work of today's guest, Courtney Carver.Courtney launched her blog Be More with Less in 2010 and is one of the top bloggers in the world on the subject of minimalism. She is the author of Soulful Simplicity and is the creator of the minimalist fashion challenge, Project 333, a new approach to living simply starting with your wardrobe. Project 333 promises that not only can you survive with just 33 items in your closet for 3 months, but you'll thrive too. Her body of work focuses on the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our professional and personal lives. I'm sure you'll breathe a sigh of relief when you realize that less can definitely be more.Listen as we discuss:How did Courtney discover minimalism?Being deep in debt in her 20'sThe inevitable breakdown that comes from being too busy for too longHer diagnosis with MS, after training for a cycling race to support MSListening for the body's wake-up callProject 333, and how it came to beThe beautiful realization that people don't pay attention to what you're wearingHow did she pay off her debt?Getting past the need to impress others with what you ownHow she deals with negative comments and feedback"I've already settled it for myself. Flattery and criticism go down the same drain." - Georgia O'KeefeThe Simplicity Space The pressure society places on women to show up and look goodHabit stacking, a brilliant practice for easing into long-lasting habitsHow to furnish a new space minimallyCreating the environment in which you want to experience lifeInstagram: @mo_gawdatFacebook: @mo.gawdat.officialTwitter: @mgawdatLinkedIn: /in/mogawdatConnect with Courtney Carver on Instagram @bemorewithless, on Facebook @bemorewithlessdotcom, on Twitter @courtneycarver, and on her website, Don't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Monday and Thursday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy.

In today’s episode we explore the concept of living a life of soulful simplicity and it’s benefits. How much extraneous ‘stuff’ do we collect in life? The Venus Fly Trap of Consumerism comes at us from every angle. We’re bombarded with messages of ‘buy this’ & you’ll ‘feel that’. Just like the fly stuck in the trap, we often don’t realize we’re stuck until it feels like it’s too late to set ourselves free. But the good news is we’re never truly stuck, our self-created reality just makes it appear that way. When we intentionally simplify our lives we gain freedom of choice. The choice to… spend less and save more. To buy less and live more. To ‘DO’ less and ‘BE’ more. To collect less and experience more. To create an external environment that aligns with our internal environment. Because when the hand grenades hit you tend to gain insight into what’s really important in life, and it’s not the material stuff you collect along the way. Join us in a conversation that discusses living in a Tiny Home, the connection between clutter and anxiety, creating wide open spaces in your internal and external worlds, striking balance, intentional buying vs buying to fill a void, physical objects and joy, our emotional connection to objects, shopping endorphins, Project 333 and so much more. Plus we issue ourselves with a challenge you might want to join us in. We can’t wait to have you join us in the convo & if you’d like to connect we'd love to hear from you. You can find us here:www.unicornsandhandgrenades.com or on fb & insta @unicornsandhandgrenades.life

Welcome back to FIRE2Happiness! This episode is my review of Courtney Carver's novel “Soulful Simplicity” A great read for anybody looking for a little perspective in their lives! Give it a listen! Thank you, Frank Canuso, for sending me this awesome read!

Beth Kempton is an author, Japanologist and curious explorer. Beth spent many years living and working in Japan which led to a deep love and a rare understanding of Japan's culture. Beth's beautiful and profound book Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom For A Perfectly Imperfect Life holds a wealth of valuable life lessons extracted from centuries-old Japanese culture and aesthetics and was inspired by a twenty year love affair with Japan. Wabi Sabi was highly recommended by TIME Magazine. The conversation: Framing Wabi Sabi. When people ask Beth what she does, how does she like to reply? What's the Wabi Sabi philosophy behind imperfections? What's the relationship if any between Wabi Sabi/Zen and tea? Beth discusses the 94 year old lady who taught her about the route to unhappiness. The rituals we can use as reminders to refocus on Wabi Sabi. The Japanese have an intuitive way of learning. How do they do that? What's the Japanese way of understanding or using intuition? Beth explains what is meant by Soulful Simplicity. One of the core teachings of Wabi Sabi is the acceptance of the true nature of life: everything is impermanent, imperfect and incomplete Beth tells the story of the linen on her wall, the noren. Beth has spent the past year researching slow living, inspired by life in rural Japan. What has she discovered that she did not know or relise? The oscillate between fog and clarity, idleness and usefulness, adrenalin-pumped and calm. Beth explains this oscillation? Why when we attach our worth to our output, slowness is the enemy. Beth and her husband Mr K started the year with the mantra ‘no rush'. What was the enemy they had to overcome to be true to their mantra? Everything is impermanent, imperfect and incomplete   LINKS Beth Kempton website www.bethkempton.com   Beth Kempton Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bethkempton/?hl=en   Copyright © 2020 Gary Bertwistle. All Rights Reserved.   Any products or companies discussed in the show are not paid endorsements. I am not sponsored by, nor do I have any professional or affiliate relationships of any kind with any of the companies or products highlighted in the show. It's just stuff I like, that I think is cool, that I want to share and believe may be of interest to you as part of the Mojo crew.

How would it feel if you could simplify your business… and your life? Let’s be real: our modern, hectic lifestyles are overwhelming, exhausting, and downright unhealthy. We are often on a quest for more; we give in to pressure every day to work more, own more, and do more. But why? To what end? When you push so hard, it inevitably leads to burnout. You simply can’t produce great work when you’re burned out, nor can you take care of yourself and be truly present to what matters most like your relationships, health, and overall well-being. The truth is, if you’re always keeping score of how you’re doing based on anything outside of yourself (like if you checked enough items off of your to-do list that day), then it’s time to question your motives for WHY you’re doing what you’re doing. When you embrace more of a minimalist approach to your life and business, you’ll counterintuitively discover that you can create more with less--all while being happier and more free. My guest today is Courtney Carver, a well-known simplicity and minimalist expert. Courtney is the author of Soulful Simplicity and the blog Be More With Less. Courtney moved from a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2006 to feeling the best she’s felt in decades, from being deep in debt and clutter to living debt and clutter-free. She realized after years of decluttering and letting go that happiness isn’t waiting for us, it’s within us. Courtney also writes about dressing with less in her book Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More. Some of her concepts have truly changed my life, and I can’t wait to share her wisdom with you today!   What you’ll learn in this episode: How to let go of obsessing over your analytics Why people’s comments and reactions are not about you (even when they are!) How do you make soul-centered, big decisions in your business? Tips for creating a minimalist business that prioritizes your health and well-being (instead of always pushing to do more and leading to burnout) A minimalist’s perspective on how to measure and keep score of your progress How to let go of fear, scarcity, and not having or being enough Tips for simplifying your email management   Subscribe and Review Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you liked what you heard, please leave an honest review for The Success with Soul Podcast on Apple Podcasts so we can improve and better serve you in the future. Plus, you could be featured on a future episode during our listener spotlights. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic updates. My goal for this podcast is to inspire those who seek flexibility and freedom in their lives by making something happen with holistic, soulful, step-by-step strategies from me and other experts.   Links + Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really Is So Much More If you are thinking about launching a digital course someday, do yourself a favor and save some major headaches and expensive trial and errors by taking my mentor, Amy Porterfield’s, free quiz to discover your personal path to creating a profitable digital course here. In less than 2 minutes, you’ll figure out action by action what steps YOU should take based on YOUR goals, audience, and business level. 16 Personalities (free Myers-Briggs Personality Test) Get a free 30-day trial of ActiveCampaign, my favorite email service provider, here! Courtney’s blog post: There’s No Such Thing as Being Caught Up The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle Follow Courtney at Be More With Less and on Instagram @bemorewithless Follow me on Instagram @katekordsmeier and @rootandrevel   More Ways to Enjoy Success with Soul Download a transcript of this episode Download on Apple Podcasts Email me new episodes Don’t forget to join our free Success With Soul Facebook community for follow-up conversations about the podcast episodes and where I also often go live to answer your burning questions. Hangout with like-minded bloggers and heart-centered online business owners exchanging priceless feedback, encouragement, and other golden insights from the trenches.   EPISODE CREDITS: Produced by Danny Ozment at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity." I couldn't agree more. So I decided to share my thoughts on the quest for simplicity on this episode. Relevant Links https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/simplicity-day/?timezone_offset=nan (Simplicity Day | DaysOfTheYear.com) https://medium.com/@mikevardy/simplicity-is-subjective-822a8fa5fb0f?source=friends_link&sk=af45a5309b2c6c9fc9431fa1ead2a1b4 (Simplicity is Subjective | Me @ Medium) https://productivityist.com/podcast317/ (Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon) https://www.analogjoe.com/ (Analog Joe) https://productivityist.com/podcast175/ (Episode 175: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver) If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking https://productivityist.transistor.fm/subscribe (here). Podcast Theme Song: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eFDGyraN87 (Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound))

This episode continues the conversation from Episode 14 with Karen sharing the process she went through to prepare for our ongoing travel lifestyle. There are tips to help you start you on a path of minimalism, and tips she recommends for while you're on the road. We also introduce a new segment called "The best thing to happen to me last week" and provide an update on our lockdown adventures (73 days and counting!) in Bariloche, Argentina. We finally have some good news to report!Whether you plan on traveling or not, Karen's insights on minimalism will help you pare down your stuff! Here are the pre-travel tips:Define whyStart smallKeep going Purge harder to give up items Stop accumulating new stuff And here are the minimalism tips for when you're traveling:Capsule wardrobePacking cubes One in, one outConstantly reassessQuality over quantityResources mentioned in this episode:becomingminimalist.com — Joshua Beckerbemorewithless.com —Courtney Carver, books Soulful Simplicity and Project 333 (wear 33 items for 3 months)theminimalists.com (Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus)Follow us on Instagram: @SumplaceNewFollow us on Facebook: @SumplaceNewCredits:Intro/Outro Music: The World at Large by Daniel O'ConnorIntro VO: Laura Welsh

Courtney Carver is a celebrated simplicity expert, author of two books, including Soulful Simplicity, and founder of the fashion minimalist challenge, Project 333. On this episode, Kim chats with Courtney about the power of simplicity and explores how we can liberate ourselves from the relentless pressure to be more, have more, and do more, in our search for a fulfilling life.

I speak to former yoga teacher, Laura, trying to live a simple and connected life. When things are simplified, she says, life is just better.We talk about sustainable fashion and living, as well as her journey through pregnancy. We talk about her journey of making a home out of a house where Laura shares that "colours really affect our moods". We discuss yoga as a journey of contentment and one that reminds us that we have everything we need. Something about nature she says, is that "you can flow with it." We talk about self care as being about doing the internal work as well as being about the face masks and bubblebaths. We talk birth control, and her journey of becoming a yoga teacher. "Life is more than this vessel we carry", Laura shares. Also, a timely reminder that "once you do a handstand, life doesn't change, it just lets go of a little bit of fear. Where you are is just fine." Laura shares tips on altering out toxic and unnecessary news, her favourite books on mindful living, starting meditation, building a healthy work ethic and practising self care regardless of age and gender.

Blogger and author Courtney Carver joins The Mountain Life . Courtney’s books, Project 333 and Soulful Simplicity are part of the rapidly expanding move towards simplicity. We likely have all noted, to some degree, that during the last month while our Stay At Home Orders and working to protect ourselves from CoVid-19 are surreal, there may be some good that emerges from this strange time. Living more simply, with less, and as Courtney talk about – proving that less is really so much more.

We continue our run of legendary authors with Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity and the brand new Project 333. We talk about The Project 333 Challenge, wearing only 33 items of clothing for three months. People who do this report less anxiety and more clarity and focus. We also talk about how to live a more simple life, why having tons of stuff doesn’t make us happy and how easy it is to slide into the mentality of buying stuff that doesn’t make us happy. You Are What You Wear Courtney starts off sharing how both men and women give a lot of attention to their wardrobes. She taps on people who have either overshopped or have thought about other people judging them based on what they wear.  “Whatever it is, we all have this connection to our clothes.” - Courtney Carver Christopher shares that although he doesn’t pay much attention to his wardrobe, he does have a 20 year old Prada suit sitting around in the closet. He is unsure of the reason why he is still keeping it but reading Courtney’s book made him think about it. Fueling Anxieties Courtney shares in one way or another, most of us have purchased clothing to make us look successful or to fit into a specific circle. In fact, in one social activity, Courtney asks for a show of hands asking about their clothes with tags. Half of the room says they do own some unworn and brand new, with tags.  “I think it comes from an obsession with getting a great deal. So we might buy something just because its a good deal when the only good part of the deal is the money part. We never really wanted it in the first place. We might also buy it because we think we need it or should have it, to measure up to the people around us, and our work, and in our day to day lives.” - Courtney Carver Project 333 Courtney described Project 333 as a “fascinating, emotional ride, digging into closets and wardrobes.” It initially started as a personal challenge to mix and match 33 articles of clothing for 3 months. A few fashion bloggers participated in the challenge and it went viral. Soon enough, Associated Press picked up the story.  “I had no idea until I got rid of most of my stuff. I had no idea how emotional it was for me because I was just really used to it all the time. I was used to seeing tags, I was used to understanding at some level that I spent way too much money on things that I don’t wear or enjoy and they were making me feel bad every single day.” - Courtney Carver To hear more about Project 333 and how a life-changing disease became a catalyst for radical, positive change in Courtney’s life, download and listen to this episode.  Bio: Courtney Carver was an Ad Sales Director for a group of luxury magazines. She was in debt, she worked all the time and she was stressed out.  Then, in 2006, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was forced to look at her life habits. She started by changing her diet and ended by quitting her job and getting rid of the vast majority of her belongings.  The results: She is happier, calmer and hasn't had any MS symptoms in the last four years. Courtney Carver is the writer and founder of Be More with Less. The 43-year-old wife and mother launched her blog in May 2010 to share a message of hope in simplicity.  She left a 15-year career in sales and marketing in September 2011 to focus on writing, develop new ways to teach others to live more simply, and live a simpler life herself.  In addition to bemorewithless.com, she created bemorewithless.com/business to encourage business owners and entrepreneurs to focus on the essential instead of getting lost in busy work. Courtney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 and attributes her healthy lifestyle to simplifying every part of her life, from diet to debt.  She moved from New England in 2004 to Salt Lake City where she lives with her husband and 17-year-old daughter. Links:  Website: Bemorewithless.com Instagram: @bemorewithless Twitter: @bemorewithless

We continue our run of legendary authors with Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity and the brand new Project 333. We talk about The Project 333 Challenge, wearing only 33 items of clothing for three months. People who do this report less anxiety and more clarity and focus. We also talk about how to live a more simple life, why having tons of stuff doesn’t make us happy and how easy it is to slide into the mentality of buying stuff that doesn’t make us happy. You Are What You Wear Courtney starts off sharing how both men and women give a lot of attention to their wardrobes. She taps on people who have either overshopped or have thought about other people judging them based on what they wear.  “Whatever it is, we all have this connection to our clothes.” - Courtney Carver Christopher shares that although he doesn’t pay much attention to his wardrobe, he does have a 20 year old Prada suit sitting around in the closet. He is unsure of the reason why he is still keeping it but reading Courtney’s book made him think about it. Fueling Anxieties Courtney shares in one way or another, most of us have purchased clothing to make us look successful or to fit into a specific circle. In fact, in one social activity, Courtney asks for a show of hands asking about their clothes with tags. Half of the room says they do own some unworn and brand new, with tags.  “I think it comes from an obsession with getting a great deal. So we might buy something just because its a good deal when the only good part of the deal is the money part. We never really wanted it in the first place. We might also buy it because we think we need it or should have it, to measure up to the people around us, and our work, and in our day to day lives.” - Courtney Carver Project 333 Courtney described Project 333 as a “fascinating, emotional ride, digging into closets and wardrobes.” It initially started as a personal challenge to mix and match 33 articles of clothing for 3 months. A few fashion bloggers participated in the challenge and it went viral. Soon enough, Associated Press picked up the story.  “I had no idea until I got rid of most of my stuff. I had no idea how emotional it was for me because I was just really used to it all the time. I was used to seeing tags, I was used to understanding at some level that I spent way too much money on things that I don’t wear or enjoy and they were making me feel bad every single day.” - Courtney Carver To hear more about Project 333 and how a life-changing disease became a catalyst for radical, positive change in Courtney’s life, download and listen to this episode.  Bio: Courtney Carver was an Ad Sales Director for a group of luxury magazines. She was in debt, she worked all the time and she was stressed out.  Then, in 2006, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was forced to look at her life habits. She started by changing her diet and ended by quitting her job and getting rid of the vast majority of her belongings.  The results: She is happier, calmer and hasn't had any MS symptoms in the last four years. Courtney Carver is the writer and founder of Be More with Less. The 43-year-old wife and mother launched her blog in May 2010 to share a message of hope in simplicity.  She left a 15-year career in sales and marketing in September 2011 to focus on writing, develop new ways to teach others to live more simply, and live a simpler life herself.  In addition to bemorewithless.com, she created bemorewithless.com/business to encourage business owners and entrepreneurs to focus on the essential instead of getting lost in busy work. Courtney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 and attributes her healthy lifestyle to simplifying every part of her life, from diet to debt.  She moved from New England in 2004 to Salt Lake City where she lives with her husband and 17-year-old daughter. Links:  Website: Bemorewithless.com Instagram: @bemorewithless Twitter: @bemorewithless

In this episode I’m joined by Courtney Carver. Courtney is the author of Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge that Proves Less is So Much More and Soulful Simplicity. She has been sharing her journey back to health, and adventures in simplicity; becoming debt free and living and dressing with less on her blog, Be More with Less since 2010. You can find out more about Courtney on her blog - https://bemorewithless.com And on Instagram @bemorewithless and @project333 I highly recommend you sign up for her mailing list!

The simpler my life got outside of my closet, the more apparent it was that there was a problem in the closet. –Courtney Carver On this episode of the Plan Simple Meals Podcast, I’m really excited to talk with Courtney Carver, the author of Soulful Simplicity. After getting diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, Courtney started experimenting, first with food and diet, than in reducing stress. The common thread she found in the changes she was making—simplicity.  It may not seem like simplifying your closet, changing what you eat, and reducing debt have a lot in common, but Courtney talks about changes in all these areas. She realized that so many things that simply felt like adulting, could be easier, different. Simplifying in all these areas and more reduced stress.  One of the things we dive into is clutter, and how decluttering can become it’s own stressful thing. Either it’s something that keeps showing up again and again on your to-do list and never getting done, or you do it and then clutter builds up again. Courtney remembers the five minutes of feeling good when everything was decluttered and in its place before it all fell apart. Then she made a change. She decided to really get rid of stuff and only keep what she really wanted in her house and, the important part, she resisted bringing in new things.  We talk about:  How the more stuff you bring into your house, the more you want to bring stuff in  Understanding why you are shopping to help you resist bringing in things you don’t need (and really don’t want) The 333 challenge to simplify your wardrobe The feeling of space and lightness that comes with releasing clothes that don’t fit you, clothes other people that you don’t love, other clothes you don’t wear for whatever reason—and how this winnowing makes decisions easier Noticing the stories we’re telling ourselves and how they keep us hanging onto or buying stuff Holding onto or letting go of books BIO Courtney Carver writes things. She wrote a book called Soulful Simplicity and the simplicity blog, bemorewithless.com. She shares things that make her laugh and cry on Instagram (@bemorewithless). She doesn't know her Myers Briggs Type but she knows she's an introvert because she needs to be free from humans several times a day (cats and dogs are always welcome). Aside from her seasonal wardrobe, she doesn't count her things. Carver doesn't have an impressive degree, awards, or a big, fancy home full of stuff. Instead, she selectively surrounds herself with her favorite things and people she loves. She does work she truly cares about, goes on adventures (in the world or in her own backyard) and likes chai lattes with almond milk while reading or writing. Her new book, Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More will help you create a capsule wardrobe and a beautiful life.   LINKS Bemorewithless.com Soulful Simplicity Project 333 book Project 333 challenge  KonMari Method   Doable Changes from this episode: NOTICE YOUR STORIES. As you get dressed or flip through your closet, notice the stories you tell yourself. I can’t get rid of that, my mom made it. I might need that suit for an interview. These jeans will fit me again. It’s good to have choices in shoes. What if you changed the story? And notice what you are drawn to, what you wear again and again. Ask: What if I wore these things for the next three months? TAKE THE 333 CHALLENGE. Choose 33 items to wear for the next 3 months. Include clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, but you don’t have to count things like underwear, sleepwear or loungewear, or athletic or yoga clothes (if actually worn for that purpose). (For more tips on choosing, see Courtney’s blog and Project 333 challenge or book linked above.) Don’t get rid of your other clothes just yet. Just pack them away for 3 months. See how it feels. RESIST BRINGING THINGS IN. Decluttering is great, but so often we cycle through decluttering only to bring in more clutter. Challenge yourself not to bring in new things for the next week, ten days, month … whatever period you want to work with. When you find yourself filling up a cart in Target when you just ran in for detergent or about to mindlessly click the buy button on Amazon, stop. Ask yourself, why you are buying—what do you really need at the moment. Remind yourself why you want to resist bringing things in.   

Mary McCarthy's December Blog, "Do You Believe in Magic" is recorded. A list of questions to ask your heart during this time of year is shared along with a Gentle Warrior's Manifesto to End Busyness written by Courtney Carver and shared in her book, Soulful Simplicity. Namaste'

I recently ran a live event for a small group of women where we sat around my kitchen table and planned Q4 — October, November, and December. Each woman came to the table wanting to get really clear on how to finish this year in business strong. As we went through the exercises, however, the stories we heard were about household goals, relationships that needed attention, and food habits that wanted to be cleaned up.  And sitting there, with this group of AMAZING women entrepreneurs, I was reminded of why I do what I do, and that no matter how big our goals are we need our food, our home, our relationships, and ourselves to feel nourished.  This week I have been doing a fascinating exercise myself around simplifying. I bought Courtney Carver’s course, Soulful Simplicity. As Courtney was teaching to clean out spaces, I also was prompted to clean out all my closets and the basement from my own coach.  Here’s the interesting part… every time I set my timer, leave my computer and declutter, amazing things happen in other areas of my life. The only reason I make the time to do the work in a course or from a coach is because I make a plan. My plan gives me the structure to show up to the life I want to create — even though I may think I have better things to do than clean out a closet in the moment. On this week’s podcast, I talk you through the process that I shared with the women at the kitchen table. I also made you some worksheets so you have a place to answer the questions for yourself. You can download the planning sheets here » In case you just want the prompts for your own journal, these are the questions we answered. I recommend setting a timer for 15 minutes for each prompt and trying to focus on the task at hand for the full 15 minutes. If 15 minutes comes and you feel incomplete, make a choice as to whether you want to set the timer once again. Know that you can feel complete with the 15 minutes. PLANNING PROMPTS What does your life look like 5 years from now? If you have young children I would imagine 10 years from now. Think about what a day looks like. You can reflect on what just happened and what you are looking forward to on other days, but get yourself through a whole day. Do a masterlist, aka brain dump. This is EVERYTHING in your mind in no order and unfiltered. I need to brush my teeth. I need to buy more apples. I want to find a great skirt. I want to write a book. I need to call and make that doctor appointment. I need to organize Christmas break. I want to help my kid with that friendship. I want to renovate our third floor… you get my drift. Decide how you want to feel this season. This season is the next 3 months — the busy fall through the holiday season. Why do you want to feel this way? What does that look like? Words are limited and loaded, so really describe this feeling (or set of feelings) for yourself. With all of this intel in mind, decide the 4 things you are going to work on in the next 90 days. I want you to choose one thing in each FLOW category — Food and wellness, Lifestyle and family, Om (aka spirituality and self-care), and Work.  Make a one sheet. With your four goals decided. Make a one-sheet with the list of activities you need to tackle and habits you need to cultivate to move towards this vision in the next 90 days. You’ve got this!

I have been looking forward to this conversation so much and I’m so happy to be able to finally share it with you today. Today, my guest is Courtney Carver the author of Soulful Simplicity and the creator of the minimalist Fashion Challenge Project 333. Courtney believes that simplicity is the way back to love and that letting go of things and thoughts that don’t add value to our life can actually be the way to ADD a whole lot of meaning and connection. Courtney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 and was determined to find a path back to health. When she started examining ways to support herself, she realized that stress was a big part of her life and can be a major contributing factor to MS and other autoimmune disorders. In this conversation, we talk about her journey back to health, her approach to minimalism and simplicity and how she gained so much more in her life when she started letting go of things that weren’t adding value to her life. We also talk about letting go of the things left behind after we lose a loved one as well as the more recent things Courtney has let go of in her own life that has had surprising effects and may surprise you too. “We don’t need as much as we think we do to be happy.” ~ Courtney Carver   If you are seeking more meaning and connection in your life, this conversation is not to be missed! When you listen you’ll hear that I had a lot to say on this topic as well. Her advice and wisdom have been so helpful in my own life. I value that she is not an extreme minimalist. It’s not about eliminating everything, but only the things that we don’t need. I enjoyed talking to her about decluttering our thoughts and the stories we tell ourselves, especially the ones that aren’t true! I’d love to hear what you think of this conversation and how you see it translating to your own life. What are you ready to let go of? Be sure to comment below or connect with me on Instagram to tell me all about it. More About Courtney Carver Courtney Carver believes simplicity is the way back to love. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006, she was determined to eliminate as much stress as possible for a happier, healthier life. The common thread in every change she made from diet to debt was simplicity. Courtney is the author of Soulful Simplicity and has been sharing her journey back to health, her experiences with minimalist Fashion Challenge Project 333 and other simplicity adventures on her blog, Be More with Less since 2010.  You can connect with Courtney via her website, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.   In This Episode, We Talk About Courtney’s diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and the connection to stress How she unclutters her mind - the simplicity of the mind How her health changed when she started changing her physical environment What Courtney’s house looks like now - it might surprise you! The phases that Courtney has gone through with simplifying Advice for releasing things left behind when you lose a loved one Suggestions on what to do with sentimental items How she has become more engaged in the present instead of trying to “capture moments” What has arrived in her life through this process Courtney explains how Project 333 came to be and how simplifying her wardrobe was revolutionary in her life How she would describe her identity before and after How simplifying has changed her relationships - her best relationships got better, her so-so relationships went away Why she recently stopped drinking alcohol Her experience with Transcendental Meditation Why she stopped weighing herself and the freedom she has found when she let go of the scale What Courtney would like to add more of to her life Her advice to our listeners to get started - promise yourself 5 minutes a day to connect to yourself And so much more!   Things We Mention In This Episode Website: Project 333 Book: Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver Website: Be More With Less Workshop: Join Christina at The Omega Institute for Life Reentry After Loss Book: Second Firsts by Christina Rasmussen Book: Where Did You Go? by Christina Rasmussen Newsletter - Message In a Bottle: Sign up for Christina’s weekly inspiration  And it would mean the world to me if you’d leave a rating and review on iTunes. I’d love to know what you think of the podcast and how I can make it better for you. Plus iTunes podcast reviews and ratings are really important to help get the podcast in front of more people to uplift and inspire them too, which is the ultimate goal. You can leave a review right here. Please continue the conversation with me @dearlifepodcast on Instagram.

We live in a world where no matter what/how much we have, we never seem to have enough. In this episode, author Courtney Carver shares her decade-long search to find a life of Soulful Simplicity by dialing back her ego and listening to her heart. She describes this work as “radically simplified change done gently,” and offers fun lifestyle challenges that will inspire you to free yourself from unnecessary things, harmful expectations and the excesses of our chronically busy lives. Courtney’s website is Be More With Less. Her book is “Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More.”

Este episodio está inspirado en un capítulo del libro Soulful Simplicity de Courtney Carver. Te compartiré 10 consejos que puedes seguir para cuidar el tiempo que le destinas a eso que es importante para ti. La liga para el curso que menciono es lavidaminimal.com/calma 

Sponsors: Master Your Money Super Bundle: This one’s not a sponsor but an amazing deal and every purchase supports the show. The Master Your Money Super Bundle is a collection of 45 courses, ebooks, printables and videos to help you do better in all areas of your money. Whether that’s budgeting, paying off debt, investing, making more money, whatever. The bundle has over $1200 worth of resources in it but you can get it for less than $50 when you visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/masteryourmoney. Thrift Stores: Need something to put in your house? On your body? Or for a Christmas gift for a person you feel obligated to buy for? Thrift stores. Don’t pay full price when you can get the same things. Notable Notes: We enjoyed talking with Courtney about her experiences with living a simple lifestyle, the realizations this brought in her life, and the ways in which she has maintained minimalism. Here's a few of the questions we explored: What got you started down the path to minimalism? Courtney shared about her diagnosis of MS and the ways in which this set the trajectory for desiring and achieving what she terms 'soulful simplicity' What are the changes you made to achieve a simpler, healthier lifestyle & what fears did you work through to make them? Courtney described experimenting with different things including diet, but also noticed the stress of ‘stuff’ and the subconscious cost of having too much How has this lifestyle of simplicity translated into your finances? Courtney desired simplicity in all aspects of life, including finances; she didn’t want debt! The Dave Ramsey courses and books were helpful for Courtney as she sought to minimize spending, give more, save more, travel more - which led to no more angst! We all mess up. In times when we fall back into old habits how can we recommit to a simpler lifestyle. Courtney described a 'real' and authentic commitment that she found which helped to not fall off the wagon. This of course took time, but there was a difference in the approach. Courtney also noticed strong connections between freedom, simplicity, and health which helped to maintain motivation. Courtney also encourages us to celebrate along the way, go gently and slowly, and to shift our perspective to “I get to do this” by recognizing the privilege of being in a situation to be able to pay off debt! BILL OF THE WEEK - Courtney - thanks for sharing your bill about the peace of mind that comes with automatic bill payments! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round Our 'lightning fast' final questions! What is Project 333 and what inspired it? 3months - 33 wardrobe items; inspired by ‘disaster closet’ :) What are your tips for someone who wants to do Project 333? 1.Remember it’s time limited 2.Don’t get rid of things - this just causes stress - just put it out of sight 3.Don’t buy new things for the challenge - that would defeat the purpose What do you do at the end of the 3 months? Depends on the person, but it always allows for re-evaluation and greater self knowledge. If you want more from Courtney, check here out on these platforms: www.bemorewithless.com Insta: @bemorewithless Frugal Friends Book Club: It’s June and we’re reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport for our book club If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See you next week!

As per the usual, I am continuing to unpack my boxes and sort through my life. This week, the realization that I have welcomed WAY TOO MUCH into my life, and my habit of More, More, More is under investigation. Currently reading The Bhagavad Gita and Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

If you missed Part 1, check it out here: http://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/episode-6-how-to-save-money-on-a-wedding-part-1/ Sponsors ModernFrugality.com: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19 Versatility: Looking around your home wondering why you have all the things and still can’t achieve the efficiency you need? You need stuff with more versatility! Toss that crock pot and get yourself a multipurpose cooker! Stop buying those short-lived rolls of paper towels in bulk and get yourself some all-purpose reusable napkins! And don’t even think about getting a chemical cleaner for something until you’ve tried spraying some vinegar on it. Versatility, make sure the things in your home have it. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Love to Know highlights some ways you can have a great wedding reception on a budget. From unique venue ideas to ways of cutting food costs, there are some great tips to consider here! What Jen and Jill have to say: Some suggestions for less expensive reception venues include a religious hall, backyard, club hall (i.e. VFW, community center, etc.). We would add barns, banquet halls in restaurants since not just country clubs have these, and there can be greater flexibility with catering/bar, etc. Regarding food & drink; cutting out alcohol or serving a limited drink selection will certainly cut costs. Also, consider simple foods like pasta and salad, sandwiches, finger foods, and even a dessert bar Consider not providing favors, or choose an inexpensive option that serves a purpose like Jen who gave sunglasses to all her guests! For entertainment consider asking friends to DJ, do the flowers, etc. AND look for venues that have entertainment built in so a DJ isn't as important. Case in point - Jen had her reception at a shuffleboard court so guests played games more than dancing! For decorations, think simple! white candles and a single flower on each table will do! More from the Internet: This article from Trip Savvy goes into the important stuff, and gives us some great ideas for scoring an affordable honeymoon! More from Jen and Jill: We like the idea of cruises, they are all inclusive and you could even do one for just a few days. There are literally "cruises to nowhere" for 2-3 nights and can provide that carefree getaway at a fraction of the cost. Consider a destination wedding! This provides wedding and honeymoon all in one! Choosing to be married in this way can overall reduce costs; less guests = less expensive, and it's basically 2-for-1 :) Some resorts even provide a basic ‘free wedding’ package for guests staying 3+ nights You could score last minute deals by waiting til the last minute! This is CERTAINLY NOT FOR EVERYONE as this can add stress - but may provide savings, especially if you are not particular about where you go Purchase your honeymoon through a discounter like costco, or check out groupon! Go camping! This too is not for everyone, but could be just the ticket for some outdoorsie folks ;) Keep in mind, honeymoons don't have to be exotic! Consider what's within a 5 hour radius of you and explore a city you have never been! BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Bonnie for sharing your bill with us, we're so excited to hear about your adopted pet hemmy If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round Here are some more tips on frugal receptions and honeymoons from our frugal friends community: Rachel said finding a city building is a lot cheaper than a private venue Christina says sheet cake, cupcakes, and donuts are cheaper than wedding cakes & skip the programs because they just end up in the trash. Emma did the potluck lunch idea! They borrowed sound equipment from their church and used a clubhouse venue that her in-laws got a steep discount at. Jocelyn got giant ice cream cakes for her reception! AND many people said elope :) Frugal Friends Book Club: It’s March and we’re finishing up Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. Thanks for hanging out with us - see you next week!

Frugality pairs nicely with many things, including environmental friendliness! Practicing good stewardship of resources is something us frugal folks have been doing for ages. Whether going 'green' is something you strive for or not, today we dive into how being frugal has some great environmental perks and why us frugal people can feel even more assured in our lifestyle. Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. The Color Green: Anyone can get on board with the color green! It sits right between blue and yellow on the color wheel and its pleasing, it’s earthy, it has the capacity to be bold - and it’s a great color choice in most situations. It represents freshness, sustainability, nature, and MONEY! It also has a lot of other connotations like green thumbs being great at gardening, or a way to describe someone being new to an experience. There’s just so much green has to offer - so don’t be green with envy - instead hit the greens with your pals, even if you’re green at golf - and while you’re at it...make some green! Green - the environmentally friendly and versatile color. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from the frugalwoods gives a comprehensive list (17!) of all the ways frugality and environmentalism go hand in hand. What Jen and Jill have to say: Being frugal leads to a greater level of being environmentally conscious - we are more aware of our consumption and the things we use because of our lifestyle How this looks for the Frugalwoods: -Use less electricity and water -Hang dry clothing (aka less electricity) - AND clothes last longer -Purchase efficient appliances -Drive less -Conserve heat (sealed house, etc) -No AC - granted she lives in VT - acknowledge true need (aka conscientious - being AWARE of decisions) -No food waste -Buy less, need less, want less, spend less, waste less -Buy used -Buy durable -Clean green -Recycle (not throw away if broken) -Cook from scratch -No water bottles -Enjoy beauty -Less chemicals in products (cosmetics etc.) -Grow food, eat local More from the Internet: This article from the The Art of Simple offers tips on ways we can embrace frugality and environmental friendliness with some practices to consider implementing into everyday life. More from Jen and Jill Some practices to consider adding to your frugal lifestyle to create a cleaner, greener environment -Cloth napkins - even reuse at meal times and designate with rings to make sure the same person gets the same napkin -Cloth rags - old t-shirt, towel, etc. -Use back sides of paper -No pre-rinsing dishes -Turn of water -Turn off lights (AND get LED) -Real dishes -Swap clothes -Buy secondhand -Cook from scratch - less trash from prepackaged things -Open windows - no AC -Reuse plastic bags BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Kate from Chicago for talking up your husband Bill! - excellent job working AND going to school! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round - How The Frugal Friends Community Lives Green: -Leah grows a lot of her food -Brittany says Buying used, fixing, or reusing doesn't just save me money, it also keeps stuff out of the landfill. -Erin started buying a lot of her clothes from FB swap, ThredUp, and a local consignment store. She also uses a tiny local health food store with a HUGE inventory of bulk foods, herbs, teas, oils, laundry/cleaning products. You can get better quality when you’re saving money through bulk/ zero-waste options -Brook is getting married this summer and not personalizing any of her signs, etc so they can resell them instead of trashing them! She also uses bamboo towels instead of cotton balls and makeup remover pads. -Allison cloth diapers and they’re getting their second child out of the stash we spent less than $500 on -Katia says buying good quality means it wont break and be thrown in a landfill next year only to be replaced with another cheap version Frugal Friends Book Club It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. Thanks for hanging out with us! See ya next week!

We know the benefits of minimalism and how it fits so nicely into a frugal lifestyle, but can minimalsim be achieved in the kitchen also? Today we talk with Kristen Marr from Live Simply about how to achieve a 'capsule pantry'. From how to identify the essentials, to shopping and stocking - Kristen gives some great insight into the most important part of a home; the kitchen! Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. The Freezer: It’s the smaller door of your refrigerator, the place where leftovers and vegetables go to die. This year the freezer has an all new look. Forget the freezer-burned meats wrapped in foil. We’ve got crock pot meals ready to go, veggie scraps for a homemade stock, and pre-portioned bags of fruit for that smoothie you’re definitely going to make. It’s not just a place to store your wedding cake for a year, which is disgusting by the way, it’s your salvation to extend the life of foods and make weekday meals a breeze. Rebrand your freezer today! Notable Notes: We asked Kristin all about her 'capsule pantry' approach, how to eat well on a budget, and her own journey in this lifestyle. Here's what we asked Kristen: - How do you define “real food” and what was your journey to become so passionate about it? Kristin shared about her experience watching the documentary Food Inc. and her journey since 2008, when he son experienced delayed speech and they learned what he really needed in his diet was fat! Kristin now follows a general guideline of eating things that come from the ground or animals, versus things created in a lab to ‘look like food’ Many of our listeners are interested in eating as healthy as possible on a limited budget, either by choice or due to health-related dietary restrictions. How can they do this? Kristin talks about how someone with a cluttered pantry begin to par down to a minimalist one - What are the essential capsule pantry items you use most? Check out a video of her pantry on youtube: Kristin's Pantry How do you deal with the times you have to buy an ingredient that you don’t use regularly? Kristen talks about using substitutions and purchasing versatile ingredients Kristin's capsule pantry list BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Kristin for sharing your bill with us! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round: We asked Kristin some more quick questions! Give us your top 3 go-to weeknight recipes Black bean tacos with rice, etc. Stir fry with all kinds of ingredients - whatever is in the fridge! Roast chicken with veggies (use leftovers for weeknights) What are the top 3 places you’ve traveled? Iceland - beautiful/untouched Switzerland - beautiful countryside Alaska - Elusia Islands Frugal Friends Book Club: It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. Thanks for hanging out with us!

Sponsors: Modern Frugality: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Diversifying: It’s a great option for your portfolio and your life! It’s especially relevant today as we talk about warehouse clubs. Who have seen diversify better them?! I mean where else can you go to get your chicken AND your underwear! All manufactured by the same company. Hey if it works for them, it can work for you. Diversifying - try something different today! Notable Notes: We combined the following articles to figure out whether buying in bulk is worth it, and what the yearly savings might be in light of yearly consumption. The author of this article figured they used about 49 rolls of TP per year - https://www.controlnroll.com/how-much-toilet-paper-do-we-use/ Cost of TP at Sam's Club https://www.samsclub.com/sams/mm-bath-tissue-fq-45-roll-235-sheet/prod21231904.ip?xid=plp_product_1_1 This article approximates how much shampoo a person with medium length hair uses each year; answer - 3 (24oz bottles) https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/g19539457/serving-size/?slide=2 This article estimates they used 40 (56 gallon) trash bags per year https://www.dumpsters.com/blog/us-trash-production If considering joining a warehouse club, first track your consumption. Find out how much of each product you use yearly and consider if the yearly savings (offset by the membership fee) is worth the warehouse shopping! More from the Internet: This article from The Balance further explores how much buying in bulk from warehouse clubs can save you financially. They give great tips on what to buy in bulk, and what not to buy, along with some of the lesser known items you can purchase from warehouse clubs for some cost saving goodness! More from Jen and Jill: Consider splitting the cost of membership with a friend Go shopping with a friend and split some of the bulk items purchased Items to buy in bulk include: meats, ready-to-eat meals, canned items & non-perishable/shelf-stable items, paper products like toilet paper, paper towels, and paper plates, diapers - they did the math! Candy, laundry and dish detergent, garbage bags, coffee (if you drink a lot), dog food or treats, toothbrushes, cereal, jewelry What NOT to buy in bulk Skip food items that will go bad before you have time to eat them, Bread, Perishables, unless you have a large family Other things to consider -buying in bulk may mean you eat more of those peanut butter filled crackers - and thereby ruin all of your fitness goals! -Avoid impulse buys! Warehouse clubs change out their merchandise and it's always tempting - so beware! Simply put: Frugality will always err on the side of simplicity BILL OF THE WEEK - Emma - Thank you for sharing your bill of the week and for your tempered and realistic approach to frugality. So glad you parked close to the ferry! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round This article from Money Crashers lists 11 things you shouldn't buy in bulk, including: Brown rice & whole grains Nuts & Seeds Liquid Bleach Spices Olive Oil Eggs Sun Screen Canned Veggies Condiments Frozen Items Plastics/Paper products Well, we can't say we agree with the whole list of 11 things - but it's worth noting! Frugal Friends Book Club It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See you next week!

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: This blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Classified ads: Looking to buy something? Check a classifeid ad. These aren’t your grandma’s classifieds. We’re in the digital age: Facebook, OfferUp, Let Go, Craigslist, ebay, you want it? You can find someone sellin' it. Classified ads, check em before you head to the store. Notable Notes: - What the Internet has to say: This article from credit.com provides a list of 12 things you should always negotiate on. From big to small items - we think this one is worth reviewing. - What Jen and Jill have to say: Cars: dealerships EXPECT you to haggle, and buying used cars privately can ALWAYS be negotiated Homes - obviously negotiate on this one Mortgage rate: If you have good credit or can offer a big down payment this is major leverage Rent - negotiate (AND barter!!) Medical bills - this is not always set in stone! Credit card costs: You may be able to get out of the annual or seek forgiveness on a missed payment Home and yard work: Get multiple quotes and compare (although recognize that if one if MUCH lower than the rest this is a red flag!) Cable bill: it can't hurt to haggle a little here! Furniture prices: Paying cash, bundling, etc. can all get you good deals! Insurance rates Collections accounts Used stuff: Another obvious one More from the Internet: This article from riskology gives 5 steps for negotiating lower prices or rates, specifically on bills. From Jen and Jill: Speak friendly and assertively Ask for more than you want, then back down. This shows them you’re willing to give in a little, and creates a climate where they might too! Only negotiate with someone who CAN - lol Always have a back up plan- if you can’t get a lower price, try for better service at the same price point Know when to stop - part of this is knowing what you’re asking for going in, to avoid confusion BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round From the community -Heather says to do industry research to back up your ask & pay for as much upfront -Chris says call the frugal friends to do it for you. We do not endorse that method -John recommends the book Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss -Jocelyn says cash monies :) Frugal Friends Book Club It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See ya next week!

Today, I’m joined by Courtney Carver. She changed her life by simplifying it after a devastating diagnosis in 2006. She is the founder of the bemorewithless.com and Minimalist Fashion Challenge Project 333. She's also the author of Soulful Simplicity. Courtney teaches the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our personal and professional lives.

Janina Scarlet helps other become less ashamed and feel less alone through Superhero Therapy. Courtney Carver shares her insights on minimalist fashion and living a simpler life. Alison Faulkner from The Alison Show teaches us how to chase our dreams and overcoming obstacles with enthusiasm. Cat Hurston shows us how breakups can positively affect our lives.

In SOULFUL SIMPLICITY: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, Courtney Carver shows us how to pare down not only our closets but our mental and emotional spaces. Courtney Carver is the creator of the Project 333 Challenge and BeMorewithLess.com.

In SOULFUL SIMPLICITY: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, Courtney Carver shows us how to pare down not only our closets but our mental and emotional spaces. Courtney Carver is the creator of the Project 333 Challenge and BeMorewithLess.com.

In SOULFUL SIMPLICITY: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, Courtney Carver shows us how to pare down not only our closets but our mental and emotional spaces. Courtney Carver is the creator of the Project 333 Challenge and BeMorewithLess.com.

Lit Chicks Sci-Fi! • The Psychology of Time Travel, The Yellow Wallpaper, Soulful Simplicity, Slayer, & Crazy Rich Asians • theSkimm • Wuthering Heights: Chapters 1-3 • We out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/litchicks/message

Courtney Carver changed her life by simplifying it after a devastating diagnosis in 2006. She’s the founder of bemorewithless.com and minimalist fashion challenge Project 333. Her new book Soulful Simplicity was published by Penguin Random House. Carver shows us the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our professional and personal lives. Mini Mission EBook - Patreon Bonus   Find Courtney Website: https://bemorewithless.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bemorewithlessdotcom/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemorewithless/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bemorewithless   One on One Coaching:  Do you want to weave together your inner passions in sport and life and have them reflected in your outer world? Are you feeling stuck in life and need a boast? Do you have trouble managing balancing family, work, and personal ambitions? Do you just need someone to help you take the next step? My Life/Sport Alignment Coaching is here for you!  Sign up for your free session. Http://dirtinyourskirt.com/coaching   Financially Support the Show on Patreon: http://www.dirtinyourskirt.com/support    Show Affiliates:  Four Sigmatic - http://www.foursigmatic.com Use code: DIYS to save 10% on your order   Full Shownotes:  http://www.dirtinyourskirt.com Join the Facebook Group:  http://www.dirtinyourskirt.com/tribe  

Today we are joined by Courtney Carver: Author, Speaker and founder of the fashion Project 333 & the popular blog, Be More With Less.com.  Courtney changed her life by simplifying it after a devastating diagnosis in 2006.  I read Courtney's book Soulful Simplicity this past summer and was completely inspired to rethink what lives inside my closet. I reached out to see if she would share her story with all of you.  In part one of our conversation, Courtney talks candidly about how she was living the "American Dream," or so she thought, until a life threatening health scare began her journey to finding freedom with less. Check out part one of our conversation below: LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: COURTNEY'S BOOK: SOULFUL SIMPLICITY  PROJECT 333 CONNECT WITH COURTNEY!  INSTAGRAM  |  WEBSITE  |  COURSE ***Our sponsor for today's episode is our good friends at Organized Living!  I've been using their adjustable Freedom Rail closet system in my clients' homes for years. It's super easy to design, order, and install. I absolutely love the versatility of their products!  Learn more about Organized Living and freedomRail at www.OrganizedLiving.com.  If you liked this episode will you take a moment to share it (we have a nifty little share button at the bottom of this post!) I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by subscribing and listening each week. If you are feeling generous, would you mind giving us a 5 star rating and leaving a short review (it’s super easy I promise!). Reviews & downloads make it easier for other people to find us when they are searching up new podcasts, so your opinion matters! Want more TOL?  Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post your questions, comments and photos-we love hearing from you!         CONNECT WITH US! FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM

Known for her capsule wardrobe challenge Project 333 and all things minimalism, Courtney Carver from bemorewithless.com talks with us not just about our closets and simplifying, but we also get into some juicier topics of how to be your own health advocate, cultivating inner trust, what do right after devastating news, debt-free living, and more. We also talk about her new book Soulful Simplicity and her year-long course A Simple Year that is now open for registration. www.naturallyrandikay.com/asimpleyear

Courtney’s Wild Idea: To battle her autoimmune diagnosis by embracing minimalism, being less busy, having more JOMO, and sharing her journey and tips with the world. If you have social media or are connected to our current tech-savvy world, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced some FOMO (fear of missing out). Or maybe you’ve experienced a sense of feeling overwhelmed, being too busy, or had this deep desire to simplify your life and be happy with where you are and what you have right now?  If those questions spark something inside you, you will love today’s guest. After years in a fast-paced career as an ad executive, Courtney Carver was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that forced her to rethink her whole life. Stress caused major flare-ups for her, so she went about eliminating as many sources of stress as she could. This led to a passion for minimalism, the creation of Project 333, and her book Soulful Simplicity, which has become a huge hit and really touched me when I read it. I don’t talk about it much, but in the last few years I’ve struggled with an autoimmune condition Vitiligo that only affects me aesthetically. It seems to also be exacerbated by stress, and I’ve tried a lot of remedies to combat it. You can hear me talk a bit more about it in this episode, and you’ll also hear about how Courtney’s book and her message of living with less can give you so much more. I loved talking to her about how to minimize your life, how to be less busy, her love of hiking, and how to embrace JOMO (the joy of missing out) instead of suffering from FOMO. Listen to this episode if:  You’ve ever suffered from FOMO and you want more JOMO. You want to minimize your life. You dislike the busy-ness epidemic. You have an autoimmune disease. You feel stressed out by technology and social media. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/87

Closet Joy Part 2 of 3. Our guest, Courtney Carver, shares minimalist wardrobe tips centered around 33 pieces that will help you be more with less. Today’s episode of Spark Joy is part two of a three part series dedicated to closet joy. We’ll talk to three guests who are revolutionizing the way we view fashion and style. We’re going to learn how to be more with less from one of the minimalism movement’s veterans - Courtney Carver. Courtney changed her life by simplifying it after a devastating diagnosis in 2006. She’s the founder of bemorewithless.com and minimalist fashion challenge Project 333. Her new book Soulful Simplicity was published by Penguin Random House. Carver shows us the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our professional and personal lives. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: The documentary about Minimalism that featured Courtney's story How a health scare in 2006 led Courtney to explore her wardrobe to reduce stress and improve her overall well-being The origins of Courtney's personal challenge, Project 333, that focuses on paring down your wardrobe to 33 items or less for three months How Courtney connected her shopping behaviors to dissatisfaction in other areas of her life How tucking excess clothing away, out of sight instead of immediately discarding allowed Courtney to experiment with having a capsule wardrobe without evoking unnecessary stress How you may already be practicing Project 333 without even knowing it! Why you don't have to have exactly 33 pieces to simplify your wardrobe. (hint: there's no magic number!) How to handle laundry, occasional wear, and goal clothes when simplifying your closet How Project 333, KonMari, and frugality don't promote suffering or deprivation. The methods are meant to be helpful, stressless and value add The Be More with Less courses, virtual community, and Tiny Wardrobe Tour How dressing with less has helped those in Courtney's community lose weight and recover from depression and anxiety disorders Courtney's steps to minimalism for beginners: Dress with Less Write it Down Discard the Duplicates Declare a clutter-free zone Travel lightly Eat Similar Meals Have an Emergency Fund Why you have to have a good "why" to shape a compelling reason to change How Courtney followed Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover to get out of debt in three years and establish an emergency fund The importance of creating a clutter free KonMari Power Zone The future of Be More with Less Gems: "I didn't know what enough was." "Your workout clothes have to workout." "I didn't know what I loved." "It's just interesting to really notice what you're actually wearing." "This isn't a project in suffering." "In the history of my life, a smaller size has never gotten me to where I want to be." "Choose clothes that fit you today." "I wanted one area for the family that would inspire us to declutter other areas." "Don't discount the tiny steps, because that's what big change is." Courtney’s favorite tidying tip: Reset to zero. What sparks joy for Courtney: Her daughter's golden doodle puppy Stanley. To connect with Courtney Carver, visit Be More with Less and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you’re interested in Courtney’s book “Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More” she's made a free copy of Chapter 1 available for Spark Joy listeners. You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy Special Guest: Courtney Carver.

For some lovely inspiration on Instagram, visit Shia’s zero waste page. To check out these useful and instructive books try:The More of Less Be More with Less - book (Soulful Simplicity), blog & Project 333.the Zero Waste HomeThe Minimalists.

Hunter talks to Courtney Carver about Soulful Simplicity. Do you feel overwhelmed with all of your stuff and responsibilities? Then this interview with Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity is a must-listen. Some big takeaways from this episode include: 1. Our lives of too much -- too much stuff, too much busyness, etc. -take us away from what is really important and can even lead to stress-related disease. 2. Changes don't have to happen overnight. But we can start to take steps in the direction of more freedom and less stress. Courtney models the bit-by-bit middle path. 3. Our stuff fails to deliver again and again. How can you spend your time and attention on what REALLY matters? What is the life you want to lead instead? The question that puts you into the mindset of possibility. Courtney Carver is the founder of bemorewithless.com and minimalist fashion challenge Project 333. Her new book Soulful Simplicity was recently published by Penguin Random House Fan of the Mindful Mama Podcast? Support it by leaving a quick review -----> on iTunes or on Stitcher (or wherever you listen!) ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is a mindful mama mentor. She coaches overstressed moms on how to cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives. Hunter has over 20 years of experience in yoga & mindfulness practices. She has taught thousands worldwide, and is the creator of the Mindful Parenting course. Download the audio training, Mindfulness For Moms (The Superpower You Need) for free! It's at mindfulmomguide.com. Find more podcasts, blog posts, free resources, and how to work with Hunter at MindfulMamaMentor.com.

Courtney Carver's newest book, Soulful Simplicity, makes a compelling case for clearing the clutter out of our schedules, our homes, and our minds to make space for a meaningfully productive life.

The idea of living with less—less stuff, less obligations, less debt and making less of a footprint environmentally—is really gaining momentum. And here’s my hypothesis about why: For anyone on a journey to find some meaning in their life or simply trying to gain clarity on what truly makes them happy and fulfilled, we mostly all land in the same place with similar conclusions: it’s not the stuff or the money or the house or the important to do list that give our lives fulfillment: it’s our relationships. And when we have space—physical, emotional and spiritual—to nourish those relationships, our lives are simply better. What’s ahead is a conversation about how living with less makes for room more: more love, more space and more joy.   Guest Bio Courtney Carver launched her blog Be More with Less in 2010 and is one of the top bloggers in the world on the subject of minimalism. Recently she published the book Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, which tells her story of living with less and gives practical advice for shedding the excess in our lives to make room for more live. Courtney has been featured in countless articles, podcasts, and interviews on simplicity and is the creator of the minimalist fashion challenge Project 333, which was featured in O magazine and Real Simple.   Mentioned in this Episode https://bemorewithless.com/ Project 333: https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/ https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Simplicity-Living-Less-Lead/dp/0143130684   Connect with the 60 Mindful Minutes podcast   Web: https://kristenmanieri.com  Email: Kristen@kristenmanieri.com    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/60MindfulMinutes Instagram: @kristenmanieri_ 

Todd and Cathy discuss The Gentle Warrior’s Manifesto to Reduce Busyness from Courtney Carver’s book, Soulful Simplicity, and they discuss a Freakonomic’s podcast titled After the Glass Ceiling, A Glass Cliff, about why only 5% of Fortune 500 companies are run by women. They share why men and women eat Doritos differently, why we need to linger longer, and why Cathy loves Lionel Richie.

Todd and Cathy discuss The Gentle Warrior’s Manifesto to Reduce Busyness from Courtney Carver’s book, Soulful Simplicity, and they discuss a Freakonomic’s podcast titled After the Glass Ceiling, A Glass Cliff, about why only 5% of Fortune 500 companies are run by women. They share why men and women eat Doritos differently, why we need to linger longer, and why Cathy loves Lionel Richie.

  In 2006, Courtney Carver was drowning in clutter, debt, and stress. She was also suffering from myriad health problems such as extreme exhaustion, tingling in her hands and face, and vertigo. A diagnosis that very same year sent her reeling. Courtney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, ironically, as she was training to ride the MS150 charity bike ride for a co-worker who also suffered from the disease. As she says on her website, the diagnosis, while devastating and shocking at first, has actually taught her how to really live.  In order to diminish the symptoms of MS, she had to minimize stress as much as possible. In preparation for that journey, Courtney started a blog to chronicle her efforts to simplify, de-stress and find her way back to health, happiness, and love.  As you can imagine, it has resonated with thousands. Her message is this: "Be more with less means: Be more you. Give yourself all the space, time and love to remember who you are. Living with less clutter, busyness, and stress will help you make the room to do what you need to do." Today, we talk about her new book, Soulful Simplicity: How Living With Less Can Lead to So Much More. In this book, she shows us the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our professional and personal lives.  BeMoreWithLess.ComSoulful Simplicity   "I Could Never Do That" Facebook Page Instagram   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on Google Play   Copyright 2018, All Rights Reserved Theme Music: ”Aitech"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week, I am excited to be talking on the podcast with Courtney Carver from Be More With Less. On the blog and podcast, I frequently discuss the "how" of minimalism. But in this episode, Courtney takes us one step further. She explains why simple living is good for your heart, family, and future. I just … SFP 89: Soulful Simplicity [with Courtney from Be More With Less] Read More » The post SFP 89: Soulful Simplicity [with Courtney from Be More With Less] appeared first on Simple Families.

Courtney Carver teaches us how to declutter as well as make space for joy. The book "Soulful Simplicity" is an extension of her minimalist blog, BeMoreWithLess.com, where she continues to chronicle her journey of living with less. The book was born of Carver's own painful wakeup call being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (M.S.).  Forced to slow down, she began digging herself out of debt while also letting go of stuff. Now, years later, she recognizes decluttering was only the beginning of letting go.With every item she releases, she also lets go of guilt, frustration, and exhaustion.  Carver overhauled her closet and her shopping patterns with Project 333, her brainchild for paring down her wardrobe. Now, she invites others to join her in limiting apparel to 33 items for a 3-month period. Meanwhile, she cautions against substituting shopping for unmet emotional needs. Instead, she suggests we avoid over-purchasing by trading shopping habits for self-care practices. For example, getting massages or taking walks can satisfy our souls far more than making a trip to the mall. Carver sets an example of how to stay in close contact with our authentic selves. She begins each day with a mindful morning routine of breathing slowly and holding her hands over her heart. Then, before connecting with technology, she commits to connecting with people she truly cares about. To resist being swept up in the daily rat race, she proposes we adopt a “Busy Boycott.” For 21 days, we agree not to mention how busy we are, then we do less and say no. In the same vein, she encourages us to reclaim the lost art of “Lingering Longer.” As Carver says, “We don't remove clutter, reduce the stress, and boycott busyness to have a simple life. We do it have a life.” BUY Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More Go to Carver's blog Music Credit Sound Editing Credit

An excerpt from Courtney Carver's new book: Soulful Simplicity. Episode 746: Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver (Slow Living). Courtney Carver was stopped in her tracks with a scary MS diagnosis after decades of debt, discontent, and trying to do it all. She had to slow down, prioritize her health, and figure out what was really important in her life. She discovered what mattered most by getting rid of everything that didn't matter at all. In the end it all came down to love and health. She went from a busy, overwhelmed advertising director to spending 2-3 hours every morning taking care of herself, loving her work, and being present and engaged with the people she loves. Her family changed, too. They moved from wanting bigger closets, nicer furniture, and more stuff to downsizing into a 750 sq. ft apartment with no storage. Courtney has written books, courses, and hundreds of articles to help you simplify your life and work so you can focus on what really matters. You can find the book and more info here: http://BeMoreWithLess.com Check out the year long course on simplicity: http://OLDPodcast.com/learn Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An excerpt from Courtney Carver's new book: Soulful Simplicity. Episode 746: Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver (Slow Living). Courtney Carver was stopped in her tracks with a scary MS diagnosis after decades of debt, discontent, and trying to do it all. She had to slow down, prioritize her health, and figure out what was really important in her life. She discovered what mattered most by getting rid of everything that didn't matter at all. In the end it all came down to love and health. She went from a busy, overwhelmed advertising director to spending 2-3 hours every morning taking care of herself, loving her work, and being present and engaged with the people she loves. Her family changed, too. They moved from wanting bigger closets, nicer furniture, and more stuff to downsizing into a 750 sq. ft apartment with no storage. Courtney has written books, courses, and hundreds of articles to help you simplify your life and work so you can focus on what really matters. You can find the book and more info here: http://BeMoreWithLess.com Check out the year long course on simplicity: http://OLDPodcast.com/learn Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An excerpt from Courtney Carver's new book: Soulful Simplicity. Episode 746: Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver (Slow Living). Courtney Carver was stopped in her tracks with a scary MS diagnosis after decades of debt, discontent, and trying to do it all. She had to slow down, prioritize her health, and figure out what was really important in her life. She discovered what mattered most by getting rid of everything that didn’t matter at all. In the end it all came down to love and health. She went from a busy, overwhelmed advertising director to spending 2-3 hours every morning taking care of herself, loving her work, and being present and engaged with the people she loves. Her family changed, too. They moved from wanting bigger closets, nicer furniture, and more stuff to downsizing into a 750 sq. ft apartment with no storage. Courtney has written books, courses, and hundreds of articles to help you simplify your life and work so you can focus on what really matters. You can find the book and more info here: http://BeMoreWithLess.com Check out the year long course on simplicity: http://OLDPodcast.com/learn Please Rate & Review the Show! Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com and in The O.L.D. Facebook Group and Join the Ol' Family to get your Free Gifts! This episode is proudly sponsored by TalkSpace! Get $30 off your first month by using the coupon code OLD, and visit: Talkspace.com/OLD --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/optimal-living-daily/support

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by My friend Courtney Carver, the person behind Be More with Less and author of Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More. A passionate and energetic speaker, Courtney shares to communities the power of simplicity in improving health, building meaningful relationships, and creating more joy in life. It goes without saying that we could all afford to be a little less stressed and more emotionally balanced. That's why I'm sure you'll find tons of value in this episode no matter what you've got going on. Relevant Links: http://courtneycarver.com/ (Courtney Carver | Website) https://bemorewithless.com/ (Be More with Less) https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Simplicity-Living-Less-Lead/dp/0143130684/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=vardyme-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=1feab2d2339e96a000cadadb89d90164&creativeASIN=0143130684 (Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More | Amazon)  https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/ (Project 333)  https://twitter.com/bemorewithless (Courtney Carver | Twitter)  Thanks for listening and your support!

Courtney Carver is one of the world’s top bloggers on the topic of minimalism and author of the new book, Soulful Simplicity. Courtney’s simple experiment to live with less stuff grew into a complete overhaul of her mind, body and spirit. She found that clearing her physical space improved her psychological space, too—and has learned firsthand how ridding ourselves of excess can actually lead to enjoying more of what life has to offer.

Today we are talking with Courtney Carver. She’s the founder of bemorewithless.com, minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 and a new book Soulful Simplicity We’ll be talking with Courtney about the power of simplicity in our mama lives, decluttering our closets and homes, and how to boycott busy. Get all the links and resources mentioned in this show:  Show Notes for EP34: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver Or, click here to get the show notes emailed to your inbox each week. Let’s keep the conversation going on our Facebook page or Instagram!

Find simplicity at the core of your most meaningful life changes. Today’s guest, Courtney Carver, is the founder of bemorewithless.com and the Project 333 fashion challenge. Her new book, Soulful Simplicity, shares the power of simplicity in all areas of our lives. In this episode, Courtney and Aileen explore minimalist fashion, honoring what your heart… The post LL 060: Living a Full Life with Less w/ Courtney Carver appeared first on Lavendaire.

Today's episode is such a treat. Courtney Carver, one the first ever guests on the show (Episode 10!) returns to chat with Brooke about her story of simplicity, and how the changes were born of an incredibly difficult time.  So often the idea of simplifying life is presented in a fairly dogmatic, unemotional way. Initially the focus is on stuff and the process of letting it go, then the focus moves to habit changes or health or food, and then it shifts to mental wellbeing or enviromental awareness. Very rarely does it begin with soul, and hardly ever is it shaped (in the beginning at least) by love.  But in this conversation and in Courtney's wonderful new book, Soulful Simplicity, love is everywhere. It's sprinkled throughout each story and lesson learnt, and it's love that Courtney returns to every time.  Soulful Simplicity is not your standard decluttering book. There is heart and soul and passion and vulnerability on the pages, and Brooke and Courtney go deep in to what it means to share fully and honestly some of their hardest lessons learnt throughout the simplifying process, and the impact of a gradual and concerted effort to strip back the layers.  They speak about the discovery of self throughout the process, and the re-making of self as part of that, as well as the actual head and heart work that's involved.  Courtney also talks specifically of her must-haves when it comes to living a simple, mindful, soulful life. This is such a love-filled, soul-centred conversation. Enjoy!  ==== If you're enjoying the show and want to know how to best support it, leave a rating or a review in iTunes or head over to the Patreon page to help support the show financially and join in on our live monthly video calls. And thanks so much for listening! === Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/slow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.