It started with a year-long shopping ban and a decision to downsize. But like so many big life changes, the decision to shift who she was and how she interacted with the world had a much bigger impact than she expected. Now Cait Flanders, author of the best-selling book Year of Less, has morphed her “less” habit to one of purposeful opt-outs, choosing to say “no” to the cultural expectations that keep her life from looking the best way it can for her.
So what does that have to do with going outside? Both her book Adventures in Opting Out: A Field Guide to Leading an Intentional Life, and her podcast with a similar title, Opting Out, take a look at saying “no” to things that won’t help you make the life you want — whatever you believe that to be — and “yes” to what will move you forward.
In this episode of Humans Outside, Cait takes us on her own journey, giving us opt-out tips and teaching us what it means to make space for your own joy.
[3:22] Cait’s favorite outdoor space
[4:54] How Cait became someone who likes to go outside
[7:59] All about her shopping ban
[16:46] Preparing for the stories you wish you were telling yourself
[18:38] The decision to opt-out
[24:37] The importance of helpers
[27:04] Where do you find such a helper?
[32:25] What hiking has to do with going outside
[36:56] Can you pursue life with a nature emphasis without opting out?
[41:00] Does spending time in nature help you understand your opt-out choices?
[43:27] Tips for opting out
[52:03] Cait’s favorite outdoor gear
[55:34] Cait’s favorite outdoor moment
