Writing Vagabond

In 2018, I sold almost everything I owned and stepped into a life of minimalist living to finally travel the world. No more condo. No more winter clothes. No storage unit full of “someday” items. Just two backpacks and the start of my minimalist journey.

People thought I was crazy. Maybe they were right. But here’s what I discovered: minimalism isn’t about owning less, it’s about living more.

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed by stuff, or like your life doesn’t match what you actually want, this might be exactly what you need.

What is Minimalist Living?

If you want a deeper and more grounded perspective on minimalist living, one book that really captures the essence of simplicity is L’art de la simplicité by Dominique Loreau. The title is French, but this is the English version. It means the art of simplicity.

It approaches minimalism in a softer, more intentional way, focusing less on decluttering trends and more on creating space for what truly matters. It’s not about deprivation, it’s about refinement.

If you’re curious, I’ve added it to my full list of recommendations here.

I recently watched Downsizing—yes, I know I’m late to the party. While it’s not exactly a masterpiece, the concept behind the script is phenomenal and surprisingly smart. It got me thinking about how we live and whether any of it really makes sense.

Would going small actually make more sense?

Here’s what I know: if everyone deep down wishes to be happy—whatever that means—whether it’s getting out of debt, losing weight, travelling more, or finding purpose in life, we can agree that’s what most people hope for, right? To be happy.

So if that’s true, it means most of us aren’t making the changes necessary to get there.

Minimalist living isn’t just throwing away your air fryer or donating clothes every year. It’s about figuring out what you want to keep from your current setup, what truly serves you, and what you need to let go of to feel light and make space for what’s new.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the average American home contains 300,000 items. Three hundred thousand. Yet somehow, we still feel like we don’t have enough.

The Hidden Cost of ”Stuff”

The hard truth? You don’t need what you think you need.

You don’t need all those kitchen appliances. I know you have duplicates of so many things. You probably don’t need to own half of what you have—but let’s not scare you too fast.

Here’s the reality: instant gratification is killing your freedom. Those daily coffee runs, lunches at work, constant takeout deliveries—they’re not just treats to get you through the day. They’re chains keeping you from actually living the life you want.

Americans spend an average of $1,497 per month on non-essential items, according to a Schwab Modern Wealth survey. That’s nearly $18,000 a year on things that don’t move you closer to your goals.

Think about what $18,000 could buy you:

Eighteen months travelling through Southeast Asia
Complete debt freedom for many people
A down payment on financial independence
The freedom to pursue your actual dreams

Every purchase is a choice. You’re either choosing the instant hit of dopamine from a new jacket, or you’re choosing one step closer to the life you say you want.

How to Identify What Actually Makes You Happy

If you wish to be happy, you first have to identify what actually makes you happy. And I’m not talking about the temporary high from shopping or the numbing comfort of scrolling social media.

I’m talking about real, sustained happiness.

Ask yourself these questions:
What makes you lose track of time?

What would you do even if nobody paid you?

When do you feel most alive?

When do you feel most like yourself?

Is it something you do? Then plan to do it more.

Is it someone you love? Work on that relationship, grow memories, make it last.

Is it creating something? Learning something? Experiencing something?

Whatever it is, I seriously doubt it’s a physical object that brings you lasting joy. It’s inside. Dig deep, and find it.

For me, it was experiencing new cultures, connecting with people from different backgrounds, challenging myself in unfamiliar situations, and the freedom to wake up without an alarm clock dictating my day.

What is it for you? Think about it.

Is It Really Travel—Or Just Escape?

If you’ve stumbled across my blog, I’m guessing travel is a part of your happiness equation. But here’s a question that might sting a little:
Is it really travelling, or are you just escaping your own reality?

They can be connected, and that’s okay. But there’s a difference between running away and running toward something.

Here’s what I mean by real travel:

Experiencing genuinely new things
Hearing foreign languages and trying to communicate
Trying unfamiliar food that challenges your palate
Finding yourself in situations that push your comfort zone
Discovering other cultures and ways of life
Growing into a version of yourself you couldn’t access at home

But if all this makes you uncomfortable and you feel more like a vacation traveller—someone who wants a comfy hotel, familiar food, and a break from routine—that’s completely valid too. Just be honest about what you’re actually seeking.

Because the path to happiness starts with knowing what you’re actually looking for.

The Link Between Minimalism and Financial Freedom

Here’s something nobody talks about enough: minimalism and money are inseparable.

When I started cutting back on possessions, something unexpected happened. I stopped spending money on things I didn’t need. And when I stopped spending money on things I didn’t need, I suddenly had money for things I actually wanted.

The biggest expenses in life—whether you’re living in a house, travelling the world, or living in a van—are always the same.

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Food
• Utilities and basic needs

Everything else? Optional.

When you realize that your daily $6 latte is actually a choice between comfort now and freedom later, the decision becomes clearer. That $6 every workday is $1,560 per year. In many countries, that’s a month or two of living expenses.

I’m not saying never treat yourself. I’m saying know what you’re trading it for.

I used to spend $80 every three weeks on salon nails. That’s over $1,300 a year. When I realized that was three weeks of travel in Southeast Asia, the choice became obvious. I still paint my nails—I just do it myself now.

Finding Purpose Through Less

“I wish I had a purpose in life.”

Or maybe you already know your purpose, but you’re keeping it on hold for X or Y reason. Sound familiar?

Many philosophers would say that, unfortunately, life has no inherent meaning. Others disagree. I’m not opening a philosophical debate here (or am I? Drop a comment—I’m genuinely curious about your thoughts).

But here’s my take: meaning comes from intentionality.

When you strip away all the distractions—the clutter, the debt, the obligations to things that don’t serve you—you create space for what actually matters. You create room to hear yourself think. You create freedom to act on what you discover.

I strongly believe that meaning is all about focusing on your goal, yes believing in it, but especially taking concrete actions toward it.

Minimalism isn’t the goal. It’s the tool that clears the path.

When you’re not spending your weekends shopping or your evenings organizing stuff you don’t need, you have time. When you’re not spending all your money on things that depreciate, you have resources. When you’re not mentally overwhelmed by clutter and commitments, you have clarity.

And that’s when purpose can finally breathe.

Your First Step: The 30-Minute “Joy Audit”

Ready to start? Here’s how to begin without overwhelming yourself:

1. Audit One Space
   Don’t try to declutter your entire life in a weekend. Start with one drawer, one closet, one shelf. Ask yourself: Does this serve my goals? Does it bring genuine value to my life? If not, it’s taking up space—physical and mental.
2. Track Your Spending
   For just one month, write down every single expense. Don’t judge it, don’t change your behaviour yet—just observe. You’ll be shocked at where your money actually goes. This awareness alone will shift your choices.
   Need help with this? I recommend using YNAB (You Need A Budget) or a good old Excel sheet to track everything automatically.
3. Define Your Non-Negotiables
   What do you absolutely need to live and pursue your purpose? For me, it’s my laptop, books, comfortable walking shoes, and basic cooking equipment. Everything else is negotiable.
   Make your list. Be honest. You might surprise yourself with how short it is.
4. Create Your Freedom Plan
   Whether it’s travel, financial independence, creative pursuits, or something else entirely—write concrete steps. Make them visible. Pin them on your wall. Set them as your phone background. Look at them every single day.
   Then decide only in alignment with those goals.
5. Start Saying No
   To new purchases. To obligations that don’t serve you. To keeping things out of guilt. To spending money on autopilot.
   Every “no” to something that doesn’t matter is a “yes” to something that does.

What Will You Choose to Keep?

Minimalist living taught me that happiness isn’t found in accumulation—it’s discovered in intention. It’s about carrying less so you can experience more. It’s about letting go of what weighs you down so you can move freely toward what lights you up.

After eight years of living this way, I can tell you: the lightness isn’t just physical. It’s mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual. When you’re not weighed down by stuff, debt, and obligations to a life you don’t even want, you become… available. Available for opportunity, for growth, for joy, for purpose.

So here’s my question for you: How much do you really need to accomplish your deepest wish?

The answer might surprise you. And it might just set you free.

Ready to Start Your Minimalist Journey?

Your next step: Choose ONE area to minimize this week. Just one. Maybe it’s your coffee habit, maybe it’s that gym membership you haven’t used in months, maybe Netflix, maybe it’s finally selling those kitchen gadgets collecting dust.

Take that money and put it in a jar labelled with your biggest dream—whether that’s “Japan 2027” or “Debt-Free by December.” Watch it grow. You’ll be shocked how fast freedom adds up.

Then come back and tell me about it. What’s the first thing you’re letting go of? Drop a comment below—I read and respond to every single one.

Continue Your Journey

Here are some recent posts that show numbers. Updated ones. To give you an idea of how much a different lifestyle costs and allows you to explore the world.

• Start Your Travel Adventures: Escape Financial Obligations in 2026
• Van Life Budget Europe 2026: Real Monthly Costs
• Planning Your 2026 Travel Budget: Smart Strategies

If you’re ready to go all in, join my free email community. I share my monthly posts containing budget hacks and travel stories. It also includes real talk about building the life you actually want and even some literature!

Freedom is lighter than you think.

Now tell me. What’s ONE thing you could let go of this week?