Redefining Milestones: Aging with Soul and Celebrating the Sacred Ordinary

Somewhere along the way, I landed on the email list of a consumer trends forecasting organization. Now and then, something catches my attention. The latest email discussed Gen Alpha priorities for 2026. I have young adults in my life, and I decided that there may be something that could help me understand their experiences, so I read on.

What I discovered is that we may have a lot more in common than we realize.

Here’s an excerpt from the blog:

As identified by WGSN, celebrating “minorstones” or small wins will take centre stage in 2026. Many people are moving away from traditional milestones like marriage or homeownership and will instead focus on more attainable, personal achievements.Societal expectations of achieving major milestones by specific ages are rapidly evolving. Consumers are carving out unique paths and redefining success in diverse ways. The classic markers of adulthood are shifting as traditional goals like homeownership and starting a family become less attainable due to rising living costs.Younger generations are maturing more quickly, while older generations are embracing youthful lifestyles – a trend WGSN identified back in 2015. This dynamic will reshape what we consider typical life achievements.WGSN has identified The Gleamers as an important consumer segment for 2026. This group will redefine the concept of milestones by focusing on personal achievements and everyday joys rather than traditional benchmarks.The Gleamers will find new reasons to celebrate, from divorce parties and paying off student loans to leaving a toxic job. This shift opens up exciting opportunities for brands to connect with the cohort on a more personal level. (The entire blog is here.)

I am sure that this organization invests heavily in market research, something I don’t do in my work. I approach my work by paying attention to what I am experiencing and what the women in my circles are talking about. Sacred Rituals was something I developed several years ago to offer a way to mark these personal benchmarks.

By the third act of life, many of us have achieved some of the more traditional milestones. We were fortunate to grow up in a time when owning a home was a reasonable aspiration. We’ve celebrated reaching career and education goals. Our achievements now are significant and often uncelebrated. (Yay for updated Wills!) We understand The Gleamers.

It’s also not uncommon when we enter our sixties and beyond to start wondering exactly what we are reaching for in our lives now. The void of not having a big goal to motivate us can cause people to feel aimless in their lives. I talk to many people who are trying to figure out ‘what’s next’. It is something every one of us has to address in our senior years.

In my work, I’ve been deeply focused on helping people find meaning in the aging process — to reframe these years not as a time of decline, but as a sacred chapter of integration and renewal.

Here’s how I’m doing that, and how you can join me:

1. Wisdom Boards™ An evolution of the traditional vision board, a Wisdom Board™ invites you to explore not what you want to do, but who you are becoming. It’s a creative and soulful way to clarify your values and honour the wisdom you’ve gathered through a lifetime of experiences.

   
   

   If you can’t join the live workshop, I’m completing a companion workbook you can use on your own. And if you’re local and would like to host an in-person gathering, reply to this email — I’d love to explore creating that space with you.

2. Integration Coaching My Life Integration Sessions are sacred, one-to-one conversations that bridge spiritual direction and coaching. Together, we’ll look at the story of your life — what’s complete, what’s calling, and what wants to emerge next. These sessions are rooted in deep presence, discernment, and compassionate listening.

If you’re feeling that gentle nudge that something in your life is shifting — or you’re simply ready to reconnect with your sense of purpose — I invite you to begin here.Let’s uncover the wisdom waiting for you in this next act of your life.