Minimalist, birthday celebration, and Black Friday

Birthdays are a time for celebration, contemplation, and connection. As a vintage Boomer, I’ve come to embrace these milestones with gratitude and a minimalist lens. This year’s celebration coincided with Black Friday (November 29) —a day synonymous with consumerism. Yet, my birthday unfolded as a quiet, intentional experience focused on simplicity and connection, far removed from the frenzy of sales and discounts. It centered on simplicity, connection, and a commitment to fostering well-being while promoting sustainability in both my personal and professional life.

A Year of Milestones and Change

This past year has been one of profound growth and transformation. I achieved Ph.D. candidacy at Wilfrid Laurier University, a milestone that marks years of dedication and exploration. In September 2024, I relocated from Ontario to Squamish, British Columbia, a picturesque mountain town that has provided not only breathtaking scenery but also a deep sense of peace and space for reflection.

Professionally, I stepped into a new job with an organization aligned with my values of justice and social impact. Leaving the familiar behind and embracing this new chapter has reaffirmed the power of intentional change.

Finding Joy in Simple Celebrations

Instead of extravagant birthday plans or Black Friday splurges, I chose a minimalist approach to celebrate with simplicity. My son prepared a velvety red curry dish at home, my husband brought sushi from a local Japanese restaurant, and we enjoyed dinner together, serenaded by the soothing rhythm of the rain. No bustling restaurants, no elaborate decorations, no waiting in line—just meaningful connection with loved ones in the comfort of home.

On Black Friday, while many were hunting for discounted treasures, I had no urge to shop for anything beyond basic groceries. According to the Canadian Press report, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver led the nation’s shopping frenzy, with makeup, T-shirts, skincare, vitamins, and men’s underwear topping the list of purchases. While these trends highlight the pulse of modern consumerism, for me, these tendencies felt worlds away. As this stage of life, freedom from consumer cravings—whether for makeup or gadgets—is a joy in itself.

Green vegetables, red curry, sushi, sashimi, and tea

Connection: Not Consumption

This year’s celebration was about cherishing relationships. My husband traveled from Ontario to spend time with me, my son’s culinary efforts showed his care. These small gestures reaffirmed my belief that connection, not consumption that feeds the soul. Beyond my family, I felt a deep sense of grounding with my local church community, my colleagues at work, and my faith, which continues to guide me toward a greater purpose rooted in love, healing, and service.

Navigating Life’s Complexities with Intention

Life, of course, isn’t without its complexities. The arrival of two new granddaughters, has enriched our family dynamic, even as I navigate being far from family in Ontario. On the professional front, I’ve wrapped up a meaningful two-year Agile Coach contract with a non-profit organization in Waterloo, Ontario and stepping into a new role on the West Coast—all while advancing my Ph.D. research. These shifts, though complex, offer opportunities to grow, simplify, and focus on what matters most.

These transitions, while exciting, also come with their share of emotional weight. Leaving my mother in long-term care and being physically distant from family in Ontario is a tender ache I carry. But through it all, I’m learning to accept complexity as part of a richly layered life.

Professionally speaking, principles of minimalism permeate my approach to leadership, teamwork and project management. I prioritize work that aligns with my core values and emphasize doing the “vital few” projects or tasks well. I strive to mitigate change fatigue, ensure meetings are purposeful with clear goals and agenda items, eliminate unnecessary non-value-add work, and treasure the relationships I build along the way.

Reimagining Retirement with Conscious Choices

As I step into this new season of life, I’m guided by questions that shape my path forward:

How can I weave my passions, talents, and research into a legacy of purpose?
How do I contribute to the minimalist movement in Canada and beyond?
What does "reimagining retirement" mean as I continue to grow “up”?

For me, retirement isn’t a winding down—it’s an opportunity to deepen my impact and align my life with values of simplicity, sustainability, and connection.

Many of us, particularly in midlife, find ourselves balancing professional demands, family responsibilities, and personal growth. It’s easy to lose sight of what truly brings meaning. Minimalism offers a framework for thriving amidst complexity. Deadlines, results, meetings, conferences, hockey practices, and swimming lessons may all clamor for attention, but reimagining life—and retirement—through a minimalist lens invites us to focus on what nourishes rather than drains us.

Less can truly mean more. It could mean streamlining commitments, saying no to projects or tasks that don’t align with your priorities, or carving out intentional time for rest and connection. Even small, deliberate steps can create important shifts.

Reimagining Retirement with Conscious Choices

A Call to Reflect

Celebrating 66 reminded me that life’s richest moments often come not from what we accumulate but from what we nurture. Whether it’s the love of family, the wisdom of simplicity, or the peace of living intentionally, these are the gifts that make life truly meaningful.

So, what about you?

How are you reimagining your milestones, celebrations, and everyday choices? Perhaps it’s time to declutter not just your closets but your calendar, habits, and priorities. Life is too precious to fill with noise.

What vision guides your journey? What values shape the life you’re building?

What’s one habit, task, or commitment you could release this week to invite more clarity and calmness into your life?

Start small and notice how even tiny changes can make a big impact.

Birthday Reflection: A Minimalist’s Take on Black Friday