The Year of Less cover art

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

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The Year of Less

Written by: Cait Flanders
Narrated by: Cait Flanders
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About this listen

In her late 20s, 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 12 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. 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.

©2018 Cait Flanders (P)2018 Tantor
Biographies & Memoirs Personal Finance Personal Success Business Inspiring Heartfelt
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What the critics say

"If you've ever felt there must be more to life than consumerism and its vicious cycle, you'll find inspiration to break free in The Year of Less. Cait's highly readable and personal story is encouraging, challenging, and unbelievably helpful." (Joshua Becker, author of The More of Less)

What listeners say about The Year of Less

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An inspiring and relatable story

There were so many moments throughout the book when I found myself nodding in a agreement and deeply empathizing. As someone wit similar goals to Cait’s, I found the book inspiring. I also found the last chapter to be the most valuable, so if you’re looking for actionable items, keep reading through to the end!

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Great listen!

I love how she challenges you to think outside the box and intimately shares her journey of what it’s like to build self control in your life that will ultimately change it for the better. #Audible1

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  • Overall
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Great book

This was a great book on over consumption. I found much of the content of this book so relatable it brought me to tears at one point. It helped me realize how bad my own over consumption of certain things has been for years and what my triggers are that lead me to over consumption. A mindful read I was definitely in need of.

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Feelin inspired

She is so sweet and kept me engaged through the whole book! I love that she’s a real person telling her story so openly!
When I finished listening I bought the hard copy from amazon.ca so I could reference it through my journey!
I have begun eliminating the things I don’t use or need in my life and looking forward to implementing more of her wonderful ideas!
Thank u for sharing Cait!

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J’ai adoré ce livre!

Je ne pouvais plus m’arrêter de l’écouter après l’avoir commencé! La voix de Cate est vraiment apaisante et elle a une façon très simple et captivante de raconter son histoire. Elle sait nous donner envie de nous donner des beaux défis à nous-mêmes. Elle est vraiment une belle source d’inspiration et m’encourage beaucoup à rembourser mes dettes et à devenir une consommatrice en pleine conscience! « A mindful customer ».

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Awesome!

Loved this audio book. Insightful and honest. Lots of great practical tips. Loved the personal story to this book and how it relates to real life situations. Hope there is another book from Cait Flanders!

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Easy listen

Conversational aspect to the narrator’s voice, very easy and enjoyable listen. Some chapters a little harder to focus on the main ideal of the chapter as the story bounces in and out of different parts of the author’s life. All and all, I would recommend this book.

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Enjoyable and insightful

Really enjoyed listening to this book. Provided an opportunity for self assessment as Cait tells her story, examines her behaviours and describes her journey. Thank you Cait for sharing your experiences so openly and frankly.

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1 person found this helpful

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A real and honest book on changing habits

In her book, Cait talks about the different trial-and-error moments she went through until she got to a good spot in her life. These kind of books often neglect the raw essence of changing habits: it's hard! It's not something that you describe in a paragraph and move on. There are gains and losses with each achievement and she describes her experience very well. It's not an I-have-the-answer book, but a way of her to share the experience. I had a couple of insights while listening to it that I want to apply to my life.
The narration is also really good but I guess it reflects the fact that she really went through all that and it worked for her.
#Audible1

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Amazing and inspiring

In a world where consuming is everything, Cait walk us through a simpler way of living, appreciating every item we own.

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