The World's First Podcast with Erin & Sara Foster We’re Our Best Selves the First Week of January
Jan 1, 2026
Cecily Mack, an author and founder of the Clear Life community, shares her transformative journey toward living undimmed. She discusses how bad habits act as emotional dimmers and offers insights on shifting these patterns for intentional living. They explore the impact of societal norms on substance use and the emotional clarity gained from a 30-day break from vices. Cecily introduces her Eight Awarenesses framework, emphasizing self-agency and healthier coping mechanisms. Listeners will find inspiration to embrace their best selves this new year.
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Burning Man Clarity Led To A 30-Day Break
- Cecily described deciding to leave her marriage after a clear dawn moment at Burning Man and then taking a 30-day break from all substances to clarify her choices.
- That sober experiment extended to months and revealed feelings she had been dimming, which helped her make major life changes.
Dimmers Exist On A Spectrum
- Cecily observed we treat dimmers like binary problems: either addiction or nothing, which misses a broad middle of everyday self-soothing habits.
- She argues that many behaviors (drinking, scrolling, snacking) act as dimmers that hide useful internal signals.
Ask Why You Reach For A Dimmer
- Ask why you reach for a dimmer and notice what feeling you're avoiding before judging the habit.
- Use that information as life guidance to decide whether to change the habit or the situation.