iWant: My Journey from Addiction and Overconsumption to a Simpler, Honest Life
Book Description
What happens when the relentless drive for more spirals into chaos? In "iWant," Jane Velez-Mitchell confronts her gripping battle against addiction and the chains of overconsumption, revealing raw truths about modern life. With each poignant revelation, the fight for freedom unfolds—an exploration of how simplicity can break the cycle of dependency. Experience the urgency as one woman's quest transforms from consuming to liberating, inviting a powerful shift toward honesty and fulfillment. As Velez-Mitchell sheds the weight of societal expectations, the question looms: Can a life lived with intention lead to true happiness?
Quick Summary
In "iWant: My Journey from Addiction and Overconsumption to a Simpler, Honest Life," Jane Velez-Mitchell delivers a raw and honest memoir chronicling her struggle with addiction and the insatiable hunger for more—whether it’s alcohol, food, possessions, or validation. She explores how modern society fuels perpetual dissatisfaction, driving individuals toward compulsive behaviors and elusive happiness. Velez-Mitchell lays bare her darkest moments, ultimately revealing how hitting rock bottom inspired her journey toward clarity and recovery. Through courage and self-reflection, she pursues a simpler, more authentic life, embracing minimalism, truthfulness, and presence. Her story is both a cautionary tale and a roadmap for anyone seeking liberation from the pressures of overconsumption and a return to genuine, intentional living.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
The Cycle of Addiction and Overconsumption
Jane Velez-Mitchell’s memoir opens with an unflinching account of her life consumed by various addictions—not just to alcohol and food, but also to shopping, attention, and validation. She describes the underlying emotional void driving her compulsions, painting a deeply personal and relatable portrait of how easy it is to seek comfort in excess. Through her anecdotes, she examines the psychological roots of addiction and how they intertwine with the urge to overconsume.
Societal Pressures and the Illusion of Fulfillment
The memoir delves into how modern society perpetuates a constant sense of lack, bombarding individuals with messages that “more is better.” Velez-Mitchell highlights the societal glorification of wealth, beauty, and material possessions, exposing how these external expectations fuel personal insecurities. She explores how advertising, peer pressure, and cultural norms contribute to the normalization of overconsumption, making the path to excess seem not just tempting, but necessary for supposed happiness.
Rock Bottom and the Awakening to Change
At her lowest point, Velez-Mitchell confronts the consequences of her unchecked desires. She vividly recounts moments of desperation and loss of self-control, ultimately reaching a realization that her attempts to fill the void were only making her feel emptier. This personal reckoning marks the turning point—a profound awakening to the need for change and an acceptance that true healing requires honesty with oneself.
The Power of Simplicity and Authenticity
The memoir transitions as she embarks on the hard journey towards simplicity and authenticity. Velez-Mitchell shares how adopting minimalist practices, cutting through self-deception, and striving for honesty transformed her relationship to herself and the world. She discusses the emotional challenges of letting go—detaching from material possessions, addictive substances, and societal expectations—but also the profound relief and lightness that accompany this process.
Redefining Happiness Through Intentional Living
In her newly simplified life, Velez-Mitchell discovers that genuine fulfillment is attainable not through accumulation, but by cultivating self-awareness, embracing vulnerability, and living intentionally. She redefines happiness, shifting the focus away from outward measures to inner integrity and purpose. Her memoir closes with encouragement for readers to examine their own habits, daring them to imagine the liberation possible in choosing a simpler, more honest existence.