Title: The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store
Author: Cait Flanders
Pages: 221
Publisher: Hay House
Published: January 16, 2018
Dates Read: May 16, 2018 – May 19, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Summary & Image via Goodreads: 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.
Review: Whew! What a title!
Cait Flanders decided to embark on a personal goal of hers: she would not shop for an entire year. She set about clearing out her entire apartment and only keeping essentials. Besides buying groceries, gas for her car, and toiletries, she ended up sticking to her goal!
Her journey throughout this year of her life is quite inspiring. In fact, this book is what made me look into, and eventually start, my own blog. Her idea of being a mindful consumer also made me seriously question what I was spending my money on. It’s hard for me to look myself in the mirror after ordering takeout for the fifth night in a row. After reading this, I kinda wanted Cait to be my minimalist guru. This book will certainly make you think about how you live your life and what is truly the most important to you.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to make a positive lifestyle change. I actually think I’ll re-read this book whenever I need to be inspired to be more conscious of where my money is going. It will certainly ground you.
Montana's Musings 