Welcome to The Lighthouse 🕯️
A newsletter from bestselling author Cait Flanders, for people who are seeking a moment of calm + cozy connection on the internet.
“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.”
—Mary Jo, a buyer for Powell’s Books
The Lighthouse was the name I gave my first home in the UK—a place I chose for its abundance of natural light. I knew the light would be good for my mental health, and it was. It was also the home I learned how to be myself in. And the home where I started writing again, after a long hiatus post-trauma. Even after I moved out last summer, the meaning of the name has stayed with me. This is where I like to imagine myself, when I sit down to write.
For most of my life, I have been drawn to the depths—which sometimes, naturally, leads you into the dark. My work will always include depth. I don’t think I could write at a surface-level if I tried. But when I started writing again, I was still in a pretty dark place. I eventually realized that I don’t want to live in the depths. I can write about the dark when I need to, but I want to live and love and create in the light. So that’s what we try to do here, friend.
I hope The Lighthouse feels like a cozy place to land, reflect, and look for the light in everyday life. I want this space to be deeply reflective and also intentionally lighthearted. There’s enough darkness online and in real life.
I want to hangout in the light. 🕯️
What you’ll find here
Weekly Dispatches - A collection of stories and things I’ve noticed—at home, in books, on my walks, in the world, and within myself. My hope is they feel reflective and calming, and inspire you to notice more in your own life.
Read: “I do know how to pay attention” + What is the “real” work?
Light News - A monthly conversation where we gather and share some “light news” from our lives. My hope is this feels like a warm way to connect with the other readers, and reminds us that the world isn’t all dark right now.
Read the first one: What feels warm to share?
The Taste Test - A monthly review of the genre + books I read as part of my fun 2026 reading challenge! You can expect honest reflections, along with any new thoughts/curiosities I have about each genre going forward.
I am also going to start sharing “postcards” from any trips I go on, and recaps of adventure days and hikes. And along with my reading challenge updates, I also host a seasonal book giveaway for all paying subscribers!
I’ve written a couple self-help-ish books myself, but I don’t read them anymore… and you won’t find advice here, friend. This is just a glimpse into my life and mindset, and a cozy space to hangout online.
This is a 100% reader-supported newsletter
The majority of dispatches from The Lighthouse are sent to paying subscribers only. I’ve shared some of the reasons why in this post. But what’s also true is that paywalls serve as a boundary for all of us. They create a safe space for writers (in this case, me) to be open and honest. They also create a safe space for you to share, and for us to connect in the comments.
I’m amazed and grateful I can say: The Lighthouse has readers in all 50 states and 120 countries around the world. Here is what some of the paying subscribers have said about this newsletter:
“I have been following your (writing) journey for almost a decade, and you became the ‘mindfulness influencer’ I didn’t know I needed.”
“I love the way you see and feel the world around you. You have clearly found your voice.”
“You remind me that there’s so many ways to create your own life. To keep asking questions and trying new things to see what fits. That it’s always okay to start again, or stop what doesn’t feel good, or go against the grain. Thank you for sharing your work and your story.”
“Cait, as ever, your notes are a balm.”
If you’d like to read more and join us, a subscription is just £21/year (approx. $28 USD / $39 CAD / €24) or £3.50/month (the lowest amount Substack will let you set). Whether you pay and stay for a month, six months, a year, or many… it’s all appreciated. ❤️
And if you end up enjoying it and want to connect in a more meaningful way, there is also an option to book a 60-minute private Zoom session, where we can chat about anything you like!
Cait Flanders is the author of Wall Street Journal bestseller, THE YEAR OF LESS. Described by Vogue as “a fascinating look into a living experiment that we can all learn from,” it has been translated into 12 languages and sold 300,000+ copies in English.
Her second book, ADVENTURES IN OPTING OUT, is a field guide to opting out of expectations, changing paths, and leading a more intentional life. Powell’s Books says it, “offers a sturdy and flexible framework to navigate whatever path you are currently on.”
Cait’s story has been shared in The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Global News, CBC Radio, BBC Radio, The Happiness Lab podcast, Forbes, Oprah.com, Stylist and more. Originally from the west coast of Canada, she now lives in the UK countryside with her partner, his two kids (half-time), and their 18.5-year-old tuxedo cat.
