Adventures in Opting Out
“...a wise and inspiring read on navigating new life paths. Whether you’re in need of a life change these days or not, it’s helpful to read words of guidance from someone who works so hard to practice what she preaches.”
— TREEHUGGER
Cover designed by Amanda Sandlin. <3
We all follow our own path in life. At least, that's what we're told. In reality, many of us either do what is expected of us, or follow the invisible but well-worn paths that lead to what is culturally acceptable. For some, those paths are fine—even great. But they leave some of us feeling disconnected from ourselves and what we really want. When that discomfort finally outweighs the fear of trying something new, we're ready to opt out.
After going through this process many times, Cait Flanders found there is an incredible parallel between taking a different path in life and the psychological work it takes to summit a mountain—especially when you decide to go solo. In Adventures in Opting Out, she offers a trail map to help you with both. As you'll see, reaching the first viewpoint can be easy—and it offers a glimpse of what you're walking toward. Climbing to the summit for the full view is worth it. But in the space between those two peaks you will enter a world completely unknown to you, and that is the most difficult part of the path to navigate.
With Flanders's guidance and advice, drawn from her own journey and stories of others, you'll have all the encouragement and insight you'll need to take the path less traveled and create the life you want. Just step up to the trailhead and expect it to be an adventure.
THE GLOBE AND MAIL"With apologies to Timothy Leary, 'Take stock, lean in, opt out' is the new mantra of late-capitalism counterculture. The author sees the current pandemic pause as an opportunity to identify what we truly value, and offers advice and encouragement for opting out of expectations."
YAM Magazine"Many of us can relate to that niggling awareness that maybe we’re not living the life we should be living. Few of us have the tools—or courage—to actually make sweeping changes in our lives. Cait Flanders is one of those few."
Powell's Books"I always feel better after I read Cait Flanders; there’s something about her mix of practicality and truth-telling that both soothes and inspires me."
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What People Are Saying
"I love Cait Flanders’s latest book. Maybe it’s because she’s Canadian, but there’s something so plain, potent, and endearing about the work she puts out into the world."
"It's not often that I finish a book in a full flood of tears, but that's me right now. Adventures in Opting Out hit me hard, in all the right places (even if it was uncomfortable)."
"I read this book thinking it would retell a story of opting out of digital experiences and/or social structures. I also expected chronological steps to take for an opting out challenge. I was in for a great surprise..."
“I will be giving this to anyone when they graduate.”
"I read two books this year that presented me with sliding doors-style visions for my life: Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and Adventures of Opting Out by Cait Flanders. ... They brought blurred visions of the life I could be living to the fore. I couldn't entirely see it, but I also couldn’t doubt what I felt."
"This book digs deep and requires the reader to do the work to opt out as it applies to his/her life. The stories of Cait’s journey just sweetens it."
"Flanders takes us under her wing and shows us all how to opt out and find our true path in life. She is an inspiration and a joy to read."
“I don't feel as alone after reading this book and it has encouraged me to ‘hike my own hike’."
“I emerged from Adventures in Opting Out feeling courageous. In these pages, Cait Flanders does more than simply inspire us to live with more depth and authenticity. She gives us rare, practical guidance on reaching beyond outworn cultural norms to discover—and to follow—the adventure that is ours alone to create.”
"The prose reads like a long letter from a good friend."
"The honesty, the warmth, the details, the questions to ask yourself create a very inviting ambiance. I felt like I was with Cait with every step or rather that she’s with me, guiding gingerly, tenderly like an experienced sister. Highly recommend!"
“Do yourself a favor and don’t opt out of reading this book.”