EP 97: How Tiny or Alternative Living Allows You to Finally Listen to Your Body
For years, I chased the dream society told me I should want: the steady job, the big house, the impressive salary. But as I pushed myself harder, I felt the weight of exhaustion, stress, and burnout taking over my life. My body was screaming at me to slow down, but social expectations told me to keep going, keep achieving, and keep making money. It wasn’t until I chose tiny living that I finally listened.
In this episode of Less House More Moola, I share my personal journey of breaking free from the endless cycle of work and expectations. Alternative living gave me the chance to prioritize my well-being, embrace balance, and redefine success on my own terms.
Escaping the Achievement Trap: Why Social Norms Don’t Support Self-Care
We live in a culture that glorifies productivity. Success is measured by how much you earn, how busy you are, and how much you own. But what happens when that lifestyle leaves you drained, disconnected, and sick?
For me, the wake-up call came when I realized that my health was suffering because I was too focused on climbing the corporate ladder. I was always exhausted, anxious, and running on empty. The truth is, the traditional path isn’t built for self-care—it’s built for endless striving.
Less House, More Balance: How Downsizing Changed My Life
When I downsized to a tiny home, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t drowning in bills, mortgage payments, and home maintenance. With fewer financial obligations, I had more time to rest, to move my body, to eat well, and to simply be present.
Alternative living—whether it’s a tiny house, van life, or co-living—creates space not just in your budget, but in your mind and body. It’s a way to step off the hamster wheel and embrace a lifestyle where self-care is no longer an afterthought.
COAST FIRE: Financial Freedom That Honors Your Well-Being
One of the biggest mindset shifts I experienced was moving away from the idea that I had to work nonstop to secure my future. That’s where COAST FIRE came in.
COAST FIRE means reaching a point where you’ve saved enough that your investments will grow on their own. Instead of grinding away at a job you hate, you can work less, focus on things that truly bring you joy, and take care of yourself—without constantly worrying about money.
For me, that meant choosing meaningful work over high-stress jobs. It meant prioritizing wellness instead of overworking. It meant finally listening to my body and giving it the rest it needed.
Redefining Success: A Life Built on Rest, Not Hustle
Choosing alternative living was about more than just financial freedom—it was about creating a life where I no longer had to push myself to exhaustion just to survive. When you remove the pressure to work just to pay for things you don’t need, you open the door to a life that truly supports your health and happiness.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of burnout, I want you to know there’s another way. You don’t have to keep running on empty. You can design a life that prioritizes wellness, balance, and peace.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If this resonates with you, let’s talk. Whether you’re considering tiny living, COAST FIRE, or just looking for a way to step out of the workaholic mindset, I can help you create a plan that aligns with your well-being.
Book a one-on-one session with Laura Lynch, CFP, and let’s map out your path to a life where self-care comes first.
👉 Schedule your free consultation today: https://www.thetinyhouseadviser.com/contact
By choosing a different path, you’re choosing yourself. Tune into Less House More Moola for more insights on building a life where you finally get to listen to your body.
Resources mentioned
Laura Lynch: LinkedIn
Link to Hidden Rules Among Classes
https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/examples-hidden-rules-among-classes
Takeaways from the episode
“Living closer to the earth means living closer to ourselves.”
“Self-care often contradicts societal expectations of productivity.”
“Class influences how we view money and work.”
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