I set out to live a simple, uncomplicated life when I retired. At the time, I believed that meant cutting out anything that might disrupt that intention.

However, in my effort to curate peace, I found myself swinging between extremes—chasing clarity at one end and total detachment at the other.

It took time to realize that true serenity doesn’t live in either extreme but rather in the quiet space in between. It’s hard to take offense when you’re not planted at one extreme or the other, but instead resting in the middle. From that centered place, compassion and understanding come more naturally, because no one feels too far away to reach.

By all means, seek out like-minded souls for comfort and connection—but also take a moment to appreciate those who challenge you.

They often hold the most significant growth potential, helping you evolve beyond the very triggers they once set off.

Life rarely fits into neat categories—it’s lived in the gray areas in between.

Minimalism and retirement are natural pairings—each one reinforces the other.

Once retired, the desire to simplify only deepens, allowing you to stay retired and make the most of your time with greater ease and intention.

I have reluctantly given up most of my dress clothes; however, the old, threadbare T-shirts are the hardest to part with.

They may be worn and faded, but they’re stitched with memories I’m not quite ready to give up. I had to explore what simplicity genuinely meant to me.

The real misstep is chasing someone else’s version of simplicity while ignoring what matters most to you, like prioritizing decluttering over spending more time traveling. I began to see that simple living has less to do with appearances and more to do with how life feels.

I am not aiming for perfection for now—I know I will stumble along the way.

I am just taking small steps toward a simpler life, one piece at a time—not perfect, just a little more peaceful.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does simple living mean to you?

Do you see it as I do, not as a fixed destination but as a gradual process—an ongoing effort to create a life that feels lighter, more intentional, and less cluttered?

Can simplicity coexist with work demands and saving, or do you think it only fully takes shape once you’ve reached financial independence?

Why or why not?

Feel free to share your perspective on simplicity, minimalism, or related ideas.

There’s no one right answer here—all reflections are welcome in the comments.