The Year of Less

"I had reached my personal rock bottom, and I didn't want to know what I would find if I went any deeper." Confronting reality.

"I had reached my personal rock bottom, and I didn't want to know what I would find if I went any deeper." Confronting reality. Cait's journey began when she found herself maxed out with nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, overweight, and living in her parents' basement at 25. This moment of clarity forced her to confront her unhealthy habits and make significant changes in her life. Taking action. Over the next two years, Cait: Paid off all her debt Lost 30 pounds Quit drinking Moved to different cities for work opportunities Continuing growth. Despite these initial improvements, Cait realized she was still not satisfied with her financial situation and spending habits. This realization led her to embark on a year-long shopping ban, which would become a transformative experience in mindful living and self-discovery.

"When you want less, you consume less—and you also need less money." Defining the ban. Cait's shopping ban involved: Not buying clothes, shoes, accessories, books, electronics, or household items Allowing only essential purchases like groceries and toiletries Creating an approved shopping list for necessary items Financial impact. The ban resulted in: Increased savings from 10% to 20-30% of income monthly Ability to live on 51% of income, save 31%, and use the rest for travel Realization that she needed less money to live comfortably Mindset shift. The ban forced Cait to: Confront her spending triggers and impulses Question the true value of purchases Appreciate what she already owned Find contentment in experiences rather than material possessions

"I had to let go of the stuff I wanted the ideal version of myself to use, and accept myself for who I really was." Initial purge. Cait's decluttering process began with: Emptying every closet, cupboard, and drawer Getting rid of 43% of her belongings in the first round Deeper realization. As the year progressed, Cait discovered: Many items were purchased for an "ideal self" that didn't exist Holding onto these items prevented acceptance of her true self Letting go. The final decluttering round involved: Releasing items that represented unfulfilled aspirations Accepting and embracing her authentic self Ultimately parting with 70% of her original belongings This process of decluttering became a powerful tool for self-discovery and acceptance, allowing Cait to align her possessions with her true values and interests.

"I didn't want to be known as the sober one anymore. I wasn't just the sober one. There was more to me than that. Wasn't there?" Sobriety challenges. Cait faced several obstacles in her sobriety journey: Feeling left out or different in social situations Dealing with others' reactions…