My Year of Less
I recently read the book The Year of Less by Cait Flanders. Overall, I loved the concept: no spending on anything unless it’s absolutely needed - like groceries, for example. Her ultimate goal was to de-clutter her space, get out of debt, and get in shape.
More was never the answer. The answer, it turned out, was always less. – Cait Flanders While I’d like to do something similar, I’m not a New Year, New Me, or resolutions kind of gal. I’m not looking for a “new me.” I want to honor all the ups and downs, experiences, and insights I’ve gained. I’m a 39-year-old single woman with two cats, bipolar disorder, and a 40 lb. weight gain due to medications. I used to be a lifeguard; I taught water safety, paddling skills, and swimming. I was also a rock climbing instructor for a summer camp. But due to the pandemic, medication for newly diagnosed medical conditions, and a sedentary job, I’ve gotten lazy and gained 40 pounds.
My goals in 2025 are:
Get out of debt
De-clutter my space
Get back into shape
My ultimate goal is to prepare myself and my life to become a foster parent in 2026.
So far, I have cleaned out the guest bedroom closet, gathered clothes for ages 0-5, gotten a pack n’ play, and signed up the Lake Mills Triathlon in June and the Tri Cambridge Tri in August. They’ll be my 3rd and 4th triathlons, respectively. Wish me luck!
- Amanda
