One Swing Philosophy — What Golf Taught Me About Life

When I was young, I worked hard. I built my career, earned my own money, and spent generously on the people around me—especially my family. At the time, it felt natural. If I could give, I gave. If someone I loved needed something, I helped. But life taught me something I could never have learned from a book. Giving to others does not mean they will be there for you in the same way when you need them. People have their own lives, their own circumstances, and their own choices. My parents helped me when I truly needed it. I am grateful for that. But ultimately, I learned that I was responsible for my own life. It took me many years to truly accept that. And now, I know something else. I like living alone. I enjoy my coffee by myself in the morning. I go play golf. I laugh with my friends. And when I come home, I watch whatever I want on TV. Ruby and Rich are waiting for me. I sleep when I want to sleep. I rest when I want to rest. I don't have to explain my choices to anyone. When I...

Something a little surprising has been happening lately. About 400 to 500 people now visit my blog every day. A few days ago, I had more than 500 visitors in one day for the first time. And yesterday, it happened again. My second 500-plus day. 😊 When I started this blog, I never expected anything like this. I simply wanted to write about my life. My life in Jeju. Golf. Swimming. My dogs, Ruby and Rich. Small things that happen during my day. And, of course, my thoughts about turning 60. At first, it was just like keeping a diary. But little by little, people started coming. People from Korea, the United States, France, Singapore, the UK, and other places have been reading my stories. Sometimes I think, “So, the ordinary life I am living every day has become a story that someone wants to read.” That thought makes me very grateful. When I turned 60, I thought life might become a little boring. I had already tried most of the things I wanted to try. I have never been a person with huge a...

Yesterday, I was very busy and tired. Today, I finally rested until late. Now I am sitting down to prepare for my English class. The autumn weather is beautiful. Rich and Ruby are sleeping peacefully in the living room. It is just an ordinary afternoon. But while I was working and listening to a song I used to listen to in my 20s, something happened. My heart suddenly became soft. The song was very sad, and the singer’s husky voice touched something deep inside me. I felt a little sad. But at the same time, I felt very happy. Suddenly, I thought, “I am really living a peaceful life.” I am thankful that my body feels comfortable today. I am thankful for the heart and wisdom I have built over the years, which allow me to feel this kind of peace. And I am even thankful to myself for being able to enjoy such a small, ordinary moment. Nothing special happened today. I simply rested. I listened to music. My dogs are sleeping. And I am preparing for my class. That is all. But I really like th...

Maybe Life Really Is About How I Choose to See It A week ago, we had very strong winds, almost like a typhoon. So today, I finally decided to go to my field and check my Hwangchil trees. I wanted to see if any trees had fallen and how much the weeds had grown. I got into my car and started driving. Today, I wasn't planning to work very hard. I stopped at a café on the way and got an iced café latte and a sweet pastry. I thought I would just have a light and easy day at the field. Then, about 20 minutes into the drive, I suddenly realized something. Oops. I forgot my work boots! 😂 I looked down at my feet. I was wearing summer slippers. I thought about turning the car around and going home. Then I remembered something. I had a pair of golf shoes in my trunk! Problem solved. Today, I was going to work in my golf shoes. 😂 My Car Became a Karaoke Room The drive to my field takes almost an hour, and I know the road very well. Sometimes, even a beautiful road can feel boring when you ...