One of
the things I realised in the early phase of retirement is this — even though I
have more time on hand, I have less time on the planet.
Truth be
told, I am in the fourth and final quarter of my life. This realisation made me
want to choose my goals with more care, intention, and heart.
I want to
focus on simple, everyday things that give me joy. I want an uncomplicated life
— one where I let go of what no longer matters and hold on to what truly
fulfils me.
So I
travelled back to the last time life felt that way — to my childhood, when
happiness flowed easily, without effort or planning.
That set
me thinking. Perhaps the best way to reset my goals now is to revisit “little
me” — the version of myself who instinctively knew how to stay joyful.
Here are
eight pearls of wisdom from the “little me”, and how they are shaping my life
today:
- Live for today — make the most of what you have or what you get.
- Pursue one thing at a time — pause to enjoy the happiness of each bit.
- Don’t carry excess baggage — let past setbacks teach you, or let them go.
- Trust your instincts — don’t fear failure; just go for what feels right.
- Avoid self-pity — what didn’t come your way wasn’t meant for you, or will come when it should.
- Maximise fun and joy — make hay while the sun shines.
- Don’t hold grudges — each day is new; don’t let yesterday cloud it.
- Skip unnecessary ruminations — no point crying over spilt milk.
These
eight lessons form a gentle blueprint — a way to design the current phase of my
life with clarity and delight.
