Riding Through Life: Minimalist Lessons from a Bike
Have you ever rediscovered something from your past and realized it held valuable lessons about balance, persistence, and gratitude? During a recent visit from my daughter, I went on my first bike ride in nearly 40 years. What started as a simple outdoor excursion reconnected me with memories from my childhood in Hong Kong and university days in California. Along the way, I uncovered timeless lessons about resilience, lifelong learning, and the importance of gratitude—especially for those who’ve shaped our lives.
Let this story inspire you to revisit old skills, honor your mentors, and embrace new challenges. Life, much like cycling, always has something to teach us when we’re willing to hop back on and pedal forward.
Compassion and Human Flourishing
As we step into 2025, let’s embrace compassion as a guiding principle for a flourishing life. Inspired by Dr. Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal and my own reflective downtime during an unexpected winter illness, I’ve discovered how the power of compassion can transform our personal and collective spaces. From honoring our shared humanity to envisioning bold possibilities, this blog explores five transformative compassions that can guide us to greater connection, purpose, and growth.
Let’s commit to compassion this year—starting with ourselves and rippling outward to create a more kind, just, and thriving world. How will you bring compassion into your life in 2025?
Chronicles of a Vintage Boomer PhD Student – Part 2: Knowing Yourself, the Why, and the Benefits
Welcome to Part 2 of a two-part blog series. At 64, I embarked on a PhD journey fueled by purpose: exploring minimalism as a sustainable lifestyle and inspiring future generations. It’s been a transformative experience, blending self-discovery, lifelong learning, and a commitment to making a difference.
What keeps me grounded? Knowing myself, staying rooted in my why, and embracing the benefits of chasing bold goals—no matter the odds.
To my fellow dreamers: What’s your why? Remember, it’s never too late to redefine what’s possible. Let’s make 2025 the year of possibilities! 🚀
Chronicles of a Vintage Boomer PhD Student – Part 1: Against the Odds
Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part blog series chronicling my journey as a Vintage Baby Boomer pursuing a PhD. In this post, I’ll share the motivations that sparked this bold adventure, the obstacles I’ve faced, the challenges I’ve navigated, and the early rewards that keep me moving forward.
As we close out 2024, my hope is to inspire you to embrace bold moves and defy the odds in your own life. Let’s make 2025 the year we reach new heights together.
Birthday Reflection: A Minimalist’s Take on Black Friday
This year’s birthday, which fell on Black Friday, sparked a reflection on the meaning of consumerism, simplicity, and connection. While many were hunting for Black Friday deals, I celebrated in a quieter way—with family, intentionality, and a focus on wellbeing. Relocating to Squamish and pursuing my Ph.D. has inspired me to rethink what retirement—and life—really mean. Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about making conscious choices to focus on what nourishes us. How are you prioritizing what truly matters?
A Job is Not Just a Job
Life is full of transitions, each one offering a new chapter. This new job is more than just a position. It's a promise of fresh starts and meaningful beginnings.
The Greatest Gratitude Thanksgiving 2022
This morning, I did something that was a long-lost art of mine, making short-crust pastry sausage rolls! This event is significant because it reflects a major priority shift. I have not baked for more than 20 years. How does baking relate to gratitude and shifting priorities?
For thanksgiving 2022, I want to celebrate having found the most precious thing in life. Yes, it took me many years, multiple twists and turns, and manifold wanderings.