Opting Out with Cait Flanders

Sometimes you don't know you're nearing the end, until you arrive there. It feels like that's what happened for me on Friday. When I was driving to the river where I recorded this episode, I just... knew it was going to be the last one. This podcast helped me come back to myself, in so many ways. It helped me connect with you in new ways. And it also helped me connect with someone who has become one of the most important people in my life. I feel so grateful for it all. I don't want to say goodbye, because I have plans to podcast again (and share a little about that towards the end). I trust we are going to reconnect. Until then, please take good care of yourself, friend. And thank you.

This is a concept I've only gotten more comfortable with in the past year, thanks to this podcast + a few relationships in my life. Now, I'm applying it to something new—and sharing it with you. :)

It's been a beautiful two weeks. There is so much to be grateful for right now. And, in the midst of it all, I seem to have developed a new practice that is helping me be more honest with myself—and others. Also: If you're interested in joining our next 4-week guided journalling series (April 10-May 1), visit the registration page for more info! And if you'd like to listen to Nicole's new podcast, search for The Pop-Up Pod in your favourite podcast app. Our ep will be out in early April!

After a month filled with insecurity and anxiety, I've set one intention for March—to practice being present. I also share: thoughts on self-trust, a phrase I've been holding onto all year that is finally making some sense, and a snippet from a wonderful conversation I had with a friend this week. PS - If you want to check out my friend Anthony Ongaro's work, you can find him on YouTube. :)

A question I've asked myself in many areas of my life in the past, except for one—until now. Plus a new prompt for you, if you'd like to record and submit something for the end of a future episode!

Hi friend! It feels so good to be back. And I'm here (in the UK!) with both an update on what the past two months have looked like for me, and some thoughts on the thing I'm feeling most grateful to myself for right now: the fact that I didn't self-sabotage what I wanted. (That's something I have some history with.) PS - If you want to listen to mine + Kayte's conversations on her show, search for Grow With Soul in your podcast app!

This week's episode is both a review of my new favourite self-help book (Set Boundaries, Find Peace by author Nedra Glover Tawwab) and a look at what I've learned from my experiences with setting and maintaining boundaries in 2021. This was one of my favourite episodes to record, perhaps because it felt so honest and freeing to speak more of my truth. I hope you enjoy it, friend. xx Two Instagram accounts mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/nedratawwab/ https://www.instagram.com/_lisaolivera/

The sun is finally shining here again, and I'm feeling so much more energized this week! For these last few episodes of the year, I'd like to reflect on what I've loved about + learned in 2021. First, I'm sharing some of the *new* ways I took care of myself—past me, future me, and present me. :)

Historically, I have a pattern of not sharing when I'm struggling with something, until I have mostly worked through it. I'm trying to actively change that pattern—and this episode is an example of how and why. This one might be especially helpful for anyone who is going through a transition.

I'll be honest, friend: this episode is largely a reflection of some climate anxiety I'm experiencing and how it shows up for me. BC is in a state of emergency, and I'm thinking of everyone impacted by the recent floods.

I'm back with some big news! If you've been listening to the show, you won't be surprised by it... but somehow, I am still experiencing some shock and awe. And, feeling a lot of feelings about what's happening. No apologies for the tears! As mentioned in this episode, I'm also going to restart my newsletter! If you want to read it, you can sign up on my website: https://www.caitflanders.com/ And if you want to listen to mine + Kayte's conversations on her show, search for Grow With Soul in your podcast app!

Hi friend! Season 3 will begin on November 14th, and I would like to extend a formal invitation for you to be part of the podcast. If you're interested, here are simple instructions on how to record + send me an audio file. I can't wait to hear and share your voice. :)

It's the last episode of the season! And this feels like a great topic to end with. Over the years, growth has become one of my highest values. I share what that means to me, why I tend to call it "invisible growth" instead, and describe how it looks and feels in my body and mind. I'll see you back here on November 7th! Take good care, friend.

Years ago, when I was first embracing minimalism + mindful consumption, I held the belief that we should be creators, not consumers. Now, I know the importance of doing both.

This is a very special episode... because it's the first episode with a friend! My friend Kate and I (yes, Kate + Cait!) have come together to recreate our own version of a podcast episode we both love. We hope you enjoy our reflections, and perhaps find a new quote that resonates along the way. :) When you're done listening: You can find Kate at katesmalley.com And listen to Quoting with Josh Radnor

September (not January) always feels like the beginning of a new year for me, or at least the beginning of a new season of work. I've already felt that shift in energy, and have been taking steps towards some big projects—including one that will allow us to spend some time together! :) Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.caitflanders.com/explore https://www.instagram.com/frankandfeel/

For the past few weeks, I've been taking tiny steps towards a goal I'm slowly working towards. It has involved doing something I have a lot of experience with: decluttering! And I'm both enjoying the process and getting excited about the forward momentum it's creating.

It's been a strange week, and I need some fun! So I'm revisiting an old blog post from 2014, where I answered a series of prompts to determine what my perfect day would look like in 5 years. Then I share what my life really looked like 5 years later, and how I would answer these prompts today. Enjoy!

Years ago, I came up with a little journalling practice that has slowly evolved into something new. It's not a typical gratitude practice, per se, but it always leaves me feeling grateful. I'm so happy to be sharing it with you now. :)

This is the second episode in a two-part series on how my relationship with money has changed over the years. Last week, we looked at the practical ways I manage my money now. Today, I'm answering all your questions that touch on the more emotional side of things.

It's been a few years since I've talked about money publicly, but that's not for a lack of having something to say! This is a two-part series on how my relationship with money has changed over the years. In part one, we will look at the practical side of how I do things today. I hope it's... interesting!? :)

Today, I'm taking you to my favourite spot by the creek and reading 7 poems by Mary Oliver, from her book Devotions. By the end, you'll hear why this episode became even more special for me. I'm so glad we could spend some time together in this place.

A simple question has turned into likely the longest episode I will ever record. I'm sharing the ups and downs of the 8 years I have been sober. It's taught me everything I needed to know about showing up as my full self. If you are on this journey, I see you, friend. Books mentioned in this episode: Blackout by Sarah Hepola Codependent No More by Melody Beattie Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp Lit by Mary Karr Smashed by Koren Zalickas The Recovering by Leslie Jamison We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen

The word “integration” has been coming up a lot lately. Specifically, I've been thinking about it around the topic of mental health, and how we integrate our past experiences into who we are today. I share a few of my recent experiences with doing this work in therapy. There's a light touch on the topic of trauma.

I love this question, and I know exactly what season I'm entering. Along with some insight on that, I've decided to apply the word "season" to how I run this little podcast. I'm taking a quick break from recording, and share what I'll be doing in the next two weeks. I'll see you back here on July 4th! Take good care, friend.

When was the last time you surprised yourself? Did something new to you... something you didn't know you could do... something you even enjoyed!? I share something I did this week, plus answer all of your questions, including whether or not I believe in serendipity. :)

What does it feels like for you to sit in silence with someone? No talking. Just you, a friend, and the ocean or the wind or the birds. It used to make me uncomfortable. Now I know there's a real trust in the silence. A trust in the relationship. And I think we are building that here.

After a panic attack followed by a few more days of feeling anxious, I'm sharing what's in my "anxiety toolkit." Then I answer three of the questions you've sent me, which all seem to fall under the umbrella of: staying still... and being where my feet are right now.

"Ritual" is a word that never used to resonate for me. It wasn't until I noticed it repeatedly that I began to question why. And wondered how I might create rituals that do resonate. Rituals that feel good for me. :)

A short episode this week, with an example of what it looks like for me to honour what I need. Plus, do you have a question for me? I will be compiling some for a future Q&A episode!

How have your friendships changed? This is a topic that has come up in countless conversations over the last year—and so I thought I would share a few of my own thoughts and experiences with you. At the end, I offer up a new question you might consider asking a loved one the next time you talk. The one article I mention in this episode: The Pandemic Has Erased Entire Categories of Friendship

It's pouring rain here on the "wet" coast of Canada, and I'm standing under a tree... sharing my favourite journal prompts with you. What a way to end this week/month. :) MONTHLY What are my values right now? Why are these values important to me? What practices can I do to stay aligned with my values? Who would I like to connect with?   WEEKLY How did I live in alignment with my values? How was I out of alignment? Which practice is feeling good? Which practice do I want to give more attention to? Overall, where did I spend my time? Who did I feel most like myself with?   DAILY What would make today meaningful? (Or, what made today meaningful?) Have I been honest?

We're doing something a little different today! Hanging out in my bedroom, and discussing the books that have kept me company this year. There have been many, so here's a shorter list of some of my favourites, along with a few quotes/poems. Enjoy! NONFICTION Attached by Amir Levine + Rachel Heller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk all about love by bell hooks The School of Life by Alain de Botton Recovery of Your Inner Child by Lucia Capacchione Everything Is Spiritual by Rob Bell How to Be Here by Rob Bell Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gordon The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron   POETRY New and Selected Poems (Vol 1) by Mary Oliver Devotions by Mary Oliver   ADULT FICTION The Midnight Library by Matt Haig The Love Square by Laura Jane Williams Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams The Mothers by Brit Bennett Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams   KIDS FICTION The Giver by Lois Lowry How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers (any book) by Vashti Harrison The Great Hibernation by Tara Dairman Evie and the Animals by Matt Haig The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day   NEXT TO MY BED RIGHT NOW Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Grounded by Ruth Allen Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry Turning by Jessica J. Lee

I've wanted to write about this at various times, but the words didn't come to me until now. This is a reflection on how I've adapted, softened, and allowed myself to change, during this unintentional opt-out we've been living through. Plus, a question to journal on at the end.

It's a beautiful thing, to allow yourself to evolve. To challenge yourself to grow and change. And as a creator, to allow your content to grow and change with you. This is a look back at who I have been, and who I am in this moment.

This isn't a typical podcast. It's just a little show, recorded in the great outdoors. Each week we'll head outside and explore our inner worlds. I don't know where we'll go, but I'm excited to find out—together.