The pandemic was our best teacher. In 2020 I made up my mind to return to Taitung with 黃如玲 and run small local tours and a guesthouse. Every day after work I can come home to her, making up for the empty years when I was away leading tours — and slowing down the pace of life at the same time.
Looking back on my life before I entered the travel industry, everything revolved around me. I chased my own achievements relentlessly, spinning like a top, unable to stop — and completely overlooked that being with family is one of the important things in life.
After junior high I left home to study in another county; after senior high I joined the army as a career soldier. When I left the service I travelled around the United States for two years, then — to fulfil my dream of seeing the world — moved into international trade and spent my life flying around the globe. Back then I wanted everything fast and perfect; I passed so much beautiful scenery and never had time to enjoy it.
Meanwhile I saw my mother growing old, and wondered what work would let me be with her in her later years. After taking stock of my abilities and my prospects, I decided to switch to the travel industry and give it my all — and that one change of mind opened up a whole new path for me.
After I met my partner 黃如玲, her strong support behind the scenes helped the business take off. Free of the nine-to-five, I had control of my own time, which made it easier to schedule time with the people I love — and in the end I could spend more time with my mother as she walked the last mile of her life. Unexpectedly, being there for others slowed time down, and settled my heart.
I have decided to spend the rest of my life by the side of 黃如玲, enjoying life well and slowly. And may I ask you, dear reader: when did you last truly spend time with your family?
Don't let being there for your loved ones become the hardest thing to schedule.
