Linda Breen Pierce once lived the so-called American dream. She earned a six-figure income as an attorney, wore expensive silk suits, and spent her vacations at lavish resorts.
But after practicing law for 10 years, she realized that the price tag for this lifestyle was too high. The long hours and the stress inherent in her work left her little time and energy to enjoy other areas of her life.
Starting in 1991, Linda and her husband, Jim, proceeded to simplify their lives. They moved from Los Angeles to the Monterey Peninsula in central California. They "downsized" their standard of living and enhanced their quality of life by working less, wanting less and spending less.
Linda and Jim now enjoy life much more than in their previous lifestyle of high-pressure work in large cities. Linda works part-time as an attorney and consultant, leaving plenty of time to engage in her passions of hiking and foreign travel.
In 1996, Linda commenced a three-year research project known as The Pierce Simplicity Study. She studied the lives of over 200 people who live simply-people from 40 states and eight countries. She shares the results of this study and the inspiring stories of the study participants in her book, Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World. Linda's new book, Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply, was published by Gallagher Press in September, 2003.
Linda discusses her views on simplicity, including how she became interested in this way of life personally in an interview with Teresa Callies, editor of Women in the New Economy.
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