Title: "The Journey of Enlightenment, Spiritual Revelation After 10 Years of Retirement and 6 Resignations"
Retirement is not only a life change, but also a fulfilling and free life journey. In the 10 years since I retired, I've tried six different ways to travel, and each time I've given up for a variety of reasons. However, it was during these experiences of giving up that I gradually realized that as people get older, travel should be more of a comfortable and profound experience.
I've always thought of travel as a constant journey through cities, places of interest, and exotic cultures. However, as the years grew, so did the discomfort of the body and the needs of the mind. Giving up on my travel plans again and again made me reflect on how the journey of life is not just about walking on the surface of the earth, but also about an adventure for the soul.
A planned trip to the European continent was not realized for various reasons. However, I did not feel disappointed by this, but felt a sense of relief in this renunciation. So, I started experimenting with a simpler, more tranquil way: choose a small town, rent a cottage and experience local life in peace. This slow-down way of traveling made me re-examine the essence of life and realize that behind the prosperity, the tranquility is just as beautiful.
Another planned jungle adventure that had to be abandoned due to physical reasons. At first, I felt a little regretful, but I soon realized that my physical discomfort was also a reminder that I cherished my health even more. So, I chose a more relaxed getaway and found a warm seaside town. There, I enjoyed the sun, the sea breeze and the relaxing time. This trip made me realize that health is the greatest wealth, and travel is not necessarily about putting yourself in the limit, but also about taking care of your body.
A planned cultural trip that also fell through for various reasons. But in the midst of my loss, I realized that there was a rich and colorful culture around me, but I had neglected it. So, I started walking around the small villages near my hometown, participating in local folk activities and interacting with the villagers. This up-close cultural experience made me realize that every corner of my life contains a rich cultural heritage, not just distant foreign lands.
Instead of planning to travel alone, I started trying to travel with my family. Although it felt a little inhibitive at first, gradually I found that the journey with my family was more precious. By my parents' side, I saw the traces of time and felt the warmth of my family. Getting together again and again made me understand that companionship is the most affectionate trip.
In the past 10 years, the abandonment of these trips is not a regret in life, but a spiritual revelation again and again. After letting go of my expectations and plans, I found a way to travel closer to my heart. Slowing down and experiencing the present makes me know how to cherish and understand more that when people get old, travel should be a comfortable and profound experience.
In this seemingly hectic but fulfilling retirement, I am no longer bound by destinations, but more focused on the process of traveling. Maybe it's a reading at home, maybe it's a get-together with friends, it's all part of my travels. When people are old and their hearts are calm, travel is no longer just walking, but also the release of the soul.
Perhaps, I haven't visited every corner of the world, but in the process, I have learned to take better care of myself and understand life more deeply. After 10 years of retirement and giving up on all 6 types of travel, I no longer worry about the destination I haven't reached, but enjoy every step of the way. Perhaps this is the true sense of freedom, a kind of freedom to let go of obsessions and go with your heart.
In this ever-changing world, we might as well stop, slow down our heartbeat, and experience the bits and pieces of life with our hearts. Perhaps, the journey of life is not about how far you go, but about seeing more clearly. Traveling after retirement is not only an exploration of geography, but also a discovery of one's own heart. Perhaps, when we let go of our expectations of the outside world and feel the beauty of every moment with our hearts, we can find our own way of traveling and live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.