January 2025: The Year of Less

Title: The Year of Less 

Author: Cait Flanders

Publisher: Hay House

Genre: Self Help

Pages: 180

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary: "In her late twenties, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again.

When she realized that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy--only keeping her from meeting her goals--she decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an entire year.The Year of Less documents Cait's life for twelve months during which she bought only consumables: groceries, toiletries, gas for her car.

Along the way, she challenged herself to consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero waste movement; and completed a television ban. At every stage, she learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she felt.

The challenge became a lifeline when, in the course of the year, Cait found herself in situations that turned her life upside down. In the face of hardship, she realized why she had always turned to shopping, alcohol, and food--and what it had cost her. Unable to reach for any of her usual vices, she changed habits she'd spent years perfecting and discovered what truly mattered to her.

Blending Cait's compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you're holding on to in your own life--and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less."

This book was engaging and interesting. I found her story to be inspiring. Coming from a place of being 30,000 dollars in debt and paying it off in 2 years is encouraging. Flanders' overall philosophy of less is appealing. She breaks the cycle of needless spending and consumerism. After the year, consuming less became a life style. 

Memorable Quotes/Morals/Moments: 

• I have enough. 
• It is possible to not spend for a whole year. 
• Declutter. 
• Only keep things that you need or love. Ask yourself have I used this in the last 30 days or will I use this in 30 days.
• Keep an inventory of supplies.
• Check in with spending on a daily basis. 
• Pay attention to your triggers. How do you feel? Did you have a bad day? Where are you? Who are you with? What justifications are you telling yourself?
• Write 3 lists: The essentials list, The Nonessentials list, The approved shopping list. 
• Learn to live without. Become more resourceful.
• Appreciate what you have. 
• When buying something: Am I buying this for current me? Or for another version of me that I hope to be?
• A year of less drinking, shopping, tv, and social media can lead to a more fulfilling life. 
  
  
  
  

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