Many of us indulge in escapist or addictive behaviours that fall short of what society would define as problematic addictions. According to author CECILY MAK, however, such behaviours can dim the good parts of life along with the bad. If you want to live life with clarity and purpose, identifying and addressing your “dimmers” can make an excellent starting point.

In this episode, Andrew and Cecily discuss:

• Cecily’s own experience of giving up alcohol.
• What happens when we avoid difficult feelings.
• The Eight Awarenesses - a set of principles we can use for inspiration and guidance on the path to embodying a clear life.
• Why dimmers are not always a substance: they may also include excessive exercise, disordered eating, or overworking.

Cecily Mak is a mother, investor, advocate, and founder devoted to helping people live dimmer-free—with clarity, courage, and the freedom to change without stigma or shame. She is also the co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, a bold fund investing in a future of deeper human connection and well-being.

If You’re Looking for More….

You can subscribe to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) and hear a bonus mini-episode every week. Or you can join our Supporters Club on Patreon to also access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50

This week supporters will hear:

• Free Yourself from Unwanted Habits
• Three Things Cecily Mak knows to be true.
• AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

Follow Up

Attend Andrew’s men’s retreat near Berlin in April 2026: details here

Read Cecily Mak’s new book, Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom From Unwanted Habits

Listen to Cecily Mak’s Undimmed podcast

Subscribe to Cecily Mak’s Clear Life Substack

Follow Cecily Mak on social media: Instagram | LinkedIn

Get Andrew’s free guide to difficult conversations with your partner: How to Tell Your Partner Difficult Things

Take a look at Andrew’s new online relationship course: My Best Relationship Tools

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall