Rachel Jonat sharpened her simple living skills while training and racing internationally as a rower. After multiple cross country moves, and many trans-Atlantic flights with bags below the weight limit, she retired from the sport after winning a World Championship bronze medal. Maternity leave from her post-rowing marketing job allowed her to pursue her other childhood dream: writing. She hasn't dressed for the office or attended a Friday department meeting since 2009. Although writing doesn't burn nearly as many calories as rowing, she greatly enjoys all the perks of her nonathlete life, like fewer showers and sipping a cup of coffee while working.The author currently lives in the Isle of Man, a small windswept island in the middle of the Irish Sea, with her husband and two sons. You can read more about her downsizing and minimalist journey at theminimalistmom.com.