Where Have I Been? (and WHY...)

Quit social media for 30 days? Nope - I quit social media for THREE MONTHS! Here's where I have been, why I left YouTube, and how this social media detox helped me get my life back together. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious, maybe the answer isn't got get it all done but rather to do less? I tasted the sweetness of doing nothing, which helped me recharge, relax, and boost my motivation to return and share the joys of minimalism and decluttering with you. Can't wait to catch up with you. 😘

► 🌟 JOIN OUR FAMILY:

► 📋 FREE 10-PAGE DECLUTTERING CHECKLIST:

►💰 FREE BUDGET PLANNER [PDF]:

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► 💻 NEW ON THE BLOG:

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► FAVORITE DECLUTTER + ORGANIZE STUFF:
👟 Shoeboxes - free :)
🥛 Empty glass jars - free :)

► FAVORITE YOUTUBE TOOLS:

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ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
Along my journey to let go of 30 years of clutter, I accidentally became a minimalist, and it was life-changing.

Before, I was an emotional hoarder with nothing but the clutter from lost loved ones — and $25,000 of debt — to my name. Now I have a beautiful home in Europe, a happy family, live debt-free, and — best of all — wake up to a life that I’m EXCITED to live every day.

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NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links; these links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no additional cost to yourself. While this channel may earn a small amount when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links.

[rebeckamattisson]

You are soooo welcome back! It looks like you had a wonderful summer. Maybe it's more sustainable to take some breaks now and then, many youtubers feel the pressure to upload new content all the time. I'm so happy that you took time for yourself. :) Lots of love!

[AM-lnop]

Me and my sister just discussed how relaxing and smart channel you have, so thank you for great content and welcome back!

Please, don't ever feel you cannot take a break! People tend to feel guilty for their vacations, parental leave, or even illness... But other people don't judge you the same way you judge ourself, because - they are busy with their own lives and don't really notice you've been gone! They are still happy to have you back and see you are feeling well 🌹

[charlottec]

Welcome back! I missed your videos and may have squeaked in shock and delight when I saw something new from you in my notifications!

[ElizabethDohertyThomas]

You have nothing to worry about. The algorithms will bring you new viewers, and those of us who love you are not going anywhere! Welcome back! (I took a 7 month break from Facebook... slowly returning and it's more sweet now than it was when I was on several times a day.)

[garlicgalore]

Yeay! 🥳 It's so nice to see your new video pop up on my notifications! Forget you? Never! You say such important things as you examine your experiences and share your observations and emotions. I'm glad you took a break and feel ready to do more! 💞💕💞

[StephanieSaintRemy]

What??? Valencia?! You were literally up the road from me. I could have met my idol. 😆 welcome back! You’ve been missed and it’s wonderful to see you refreshed and happy.

[GuamCruiseA.K.A.HarryKim]

Oh wow I’m so glad you’re back. I was binge watching your channel during your hiatus 😊

[chloeruegg]

Only four days ago I was thinking “wonder when A to Zen might come back.” Fantastic that here you are! You were missed. I’m looking so forward to seeing your new vids and I’m sending my congratulations that you took the time off. We all need to breathe and keep our lives fruitful. ❤

[MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hi Marissa! I so admire you for taking 3 months off. I’m sure I’d feel the same as you - scared! I’m so glad it worked out well for you. I was inspired by you as I had gotten very burnt out myself. So I decided to post every other week on YouTube. It was freeing! And our channel has not slowed down at all because of it. I’m much less stressed because I’m working fewer hours. This content creating gig can easily take up 60 hours a week if we let it.

[nicollettesingleton]

You inspired me to declutter my kid's toys. Compared to others in the US, we have always had less toys but it still felt like a lot. Since decluttering, all of us have been so much happier. Thank you! I'm glad you are back :).

[downtherabbithole]

Marissa, your timing could not be more perfect. I’m struggling right now & close to burn out. Feeling super overwhelmed & really need a reminder about living a simple life. So happy you took a well earned break… a great example for us all. Welcome back…& of course we’re still here ❤️

[victoria]

So happy to see a new video, I always love yours! BUT...I was also very very happy for you to take a break. My entertainment should never cost someone else's peace!

[brigittamrs]

Going on a break was brave and I'm proud of you for putting you and your family first!

[missladygray]

Welcome back. I'm in the process of refilling my cup right now. I'm glad you were able to take the break you needed. It's a great, timely reminder that we all deserve and need time to reconnect with ourselves and recharge.

[laurysteinke]

I really missed you!
My father in law’s 83 as well! So is my mother in law and my father.
So glad to see you back Marissa!
💞🙏💞!

[yk]

Wow, so happily surprised that you’re back! I’ve mostly stopped decluttering over the summer due to lack of motivation, so I’m looking forward to some new videos of yours to get me back in the game :)

[wendyduncan]

I think choosing well has a core component of being free to withdraw. I am so happy you used it.

[victoriamorris]

I can’t emphasize this enough: I’m SO HAPPY YOU’RE BACK! I love your videos so much ❤ but of course, I’m more happy that you took time off for yourself and your family! You are a gem. 💎

[belle]

Happy you took all the time you need (please do!), and happy you are back. Congratulations on all your well-deserved success.

[maddiemalacopa]

I’m so happy you took that time for yourself and your family 🤍🤍🤍