The Upside of Downsizing

“Karen's small book has big ideas! The Upside of Downsizing comes at an opportune time as my husband and I are in the middle of downsizing. I found her ideas helpful and practical. If you're tired of the clutter and want more free time to relax and celebrate life this book is for you!”
—Mary Englund Murphy, Speaker/Author

“Karen’s book has inspired me to get the process going with her joyful and trail-blazing approach. The scripture citations and quotes were such a delight. I have recommended this book to several of my family and friends already.”
—Lisa Patrice Hamil

“I absolutely loved Karen O’Connor's The Upside of Downsizing. This book was filled with nuggets of gold that were actually life changing for me. Every story was inspiring, entertaining and it gave me specific ideas that helped me to have a richer and more meaningful life. I felt like Karen was sharing her stories while we were sitting close to a burning fireplace in her living room. I especially loved the stories about how Karen and her husband were dancing in their living room on New Year’s Eve and how it reignited the flame of their love.

“Anyone who reads this book will have a richer, happier, and more fulfilling life if they follow the suggestions that she gives. Last but not least, it will bring anyone who reads those closer to their creator. I give this book a thumbs up.”
—Sandra Victor

“Written with transparency, Karen O'Connor's The Upside of Downsizing is a delightfully practical book filled with sound advice in easily digested sound bites. A wonderful gift choice for every senior on your list or for the office party honoring this year's retiree.”
—Joy P. Gage

“This is the perfect handbook for anyone who is embarking on, or well into, the second half of their ‘life century.’ Best-selling author Karen O'Connor writes with clarity, humor, and precision—she's even figured out a way to downsize her message so even the busiest person can find time to absorb it, plus, this downsized book is even small enough to fit into the dinkiest handbag. My favorite chapter is the last one: Share Your Gifts. In very few words, Karen helps you to know how to discover your gifts and then gives several good suggestions for ways you can share those gifts with others. It is full of these seize-the-moment ideas that will upsize your happiness and downsize your stress.”
—Connie Cavanaugh, international speaker and author of Following God One Yes at a Time

“As a recent empty nester, this new book by Karen O’Connor, The Upside of Downsizing, is simply excellent and for me, right on target. She has written about emotions and changes that I would never have dreamed I would be facing and she does it in such a fun and delightful way. I love how she divides the book into different parts and then smaller chapters so I, as the reader, don’t get overwhelmed. And I also appreciate the different scriptures she places throughout the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone beginning the journey or those already on this journey of downsizing.”
—Lane Jordan, LaneJordanMinistries.com

“Karen O'Connor's focus on the positive aspects of simplifying life is pithy, fun, and wise. We can choose how we want to live the second half of our lives, and reassessment is in order for each of us. Do we want to be weighed down by possessions, responsibilities and discord? Or will we choose to reduce the physical and emotional clutter in order to be freer to love and serve others and enjoy life. Having recently remarried and working to combine two (full) households, I was delighted to read her timely recommendations. I especially appreciate her choice of people before projects, and experience over possessions. I recommend this book to anyone who desires to work toward a deeper, more fulfilling life.”
—Carol Nicolet Loewen

“Leave it to fabulous author Karen O’Connor to pack a ton of timely info into this tiny tome on downsizing in the senior years—and all with her signature upside outlook on life. Karen’s idea of streamlined simplicity isn’t about deprivation, but delight. With a host of helpful tips and spiritual supports, she demonstrates that a life minus physical and mental clutter equals a life multiplied with coziness and satisfaction. Now I can cozy up to advice like that. You’ll want to buy this book in quantity and then downsize your supply by giving it away to as many people as possible who need to know that the upside of life is definitely the senior side.”
—Lynn D. Morrissey, author of Love Letters to God, AWSA/CLASS speaker, soloist, and journal facilitator

“The tips work wonderfully for adults of any age who want to simplify and have a life that is enriched with experiences. If you like the idea and are a bit bogged down for practical ways to go ahead, this book is just the tool you need.”
—Terra Hangen, co-author, Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

“The Upside of Downsizing is comprehensive: sharing ideas and wisdom on downsizing physically and emotionally. Karen brilliantly addresses the external and internal. I especially liked the way the chapters were structured with a fun quote, applicable Bible verse and easy suggestion to put the chapter's theme into practice.”
—Charise Olson

“Like the author herself, Karen O’Connor’s book, The Upside of Downsizing, is a wonderful encouragement in a petite package. I’m a few years from an empty nest myself, but I found much in this little book to ponder and to put into practice now—especially the positive, practical, joyful, giving attitude that shines from every page. If you’re looking for a more fulfilling life—downsized or not—this book is a great place to start.”
—Katherine Bolger Hyde, author and editor

“I had no idea it was possible to pack so much great information into one little book! The Upside of Downsizing by Karen O'Connor is chock full of practical tips, spiritual inspiration, and wisdom from the wise. This book covers everything from sorting and discarding ‘stuff’ to enriching your spiritual, emotional, and social life. Inspiring, encouraging, and motivating, this book is a must read for anyone who desires to simplify and enrich his or her life. Thank you, Karen, for writing this wonderful little book!”
—Crystal Bowman, bestselling children's author, national speaker, and freelance editor

“You can read Karen’s new book, The Upside of Downsizing, in one sitting, but you’ll be referring to this pocket size book repeatedly. Karen uses her own and others’ personal experiences to show you that simple is good, and that streamlining your life is not only possible, but beneficial. Her book may be small, but she offers a tall helping of fun, profitable ways to make downsizing truly a positive adventure.”
—Rebecca Barlow Jordan, author, speaker, greeting card writer

“This little book shouts enthusiasm for life and passion for people. Karen O’Connor emphasizes ‘the upside of living during the second half of our lives.’ She shares what she’s learned, done and is doing to avoid the downside of this life stage. Then, like a friend, she invites us along. ‘Want to join me? Step out and do it. Why not give it a try.’ I’m pepped up. I’m invigorated with new ideas to reinvent my 53 year old self. Thank you, Karen.”
—Sherry Van Zante

“Some adults, regardless of their age, talk about how busy and tired they are and how their cluttered home doesn’t provide peace or freedom. The remedy can start by reading Karen O’Connor’s book, The Upside of Downsizing.”
—Yvonne Ortega, author of Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer