Starting Point: A Journey of Reflection
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce a planned cross-country road trip from Pleasanton, California to New York City between June 27 and July 9, 2024. This trip is more than just a physical relocation (as many already know, I have been living in New York City since my early retirement last September); I see this drive from the West Coast to the East Coast as a symbolic reflection of my commitment to a life of purpose. So this is not just an update, I wanted to share this as a narrative that may resonate with your own life journeys. I hope to rekindle our friendship on this journey that we may share in spirit.
Reflecting on the Past
I have spent most of my time in Pleasanton, California, a place that has been both a home and a canvas for my professional and personal growth. Far removed from the lavish lifestyle of Gatsby or the constant fascination with the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock, my journey has been rooted in practical expectations.
As a trailblazer who has worn many different hats in various engineering fields over 29 years in the U.S., I have seen each of my roles as a pile in the deep foundation of high rise construction, each project a testament to the power of preparation and execution.
Living a life of Purpose
To me, life does not necessarily require one to dream big in the traditional sense, but to focus on the right opportunities and adapt to the right circumstances. I always believe that the key is to get on the right boat that will carry me from one side of the river to the other, symbolically, navigating through life's uncertainties with purpose and determination.
This journey is not about calculating miles or hours to take, but about getting things done with the end goal in mind. As I travel across the country with my wife, I will reflect on the values that have guided me and the purpose in life without losing sight of who is watching.
Staying Close to What Matters
An important aspect of this journey is to reaffirm my plan to be closer to my extended family on the East Coast. The well-known rule of happiness in early retirement life is to stay close to your children and, even more importantly, to your grandchildren. This move, while seemingly a mere geographical change, has a deeper significance in that it brings me closer to those I cherish the most.
Stirring the Soul
As a frequent visitor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I was recently struck by the words of Ludovico Dolce: "The figures should stir the spectators' souls—disturbing them in some cases, cheering them in others, in others again inciting them either to compassion or disdain, depending on the character of the subject matter. Failing this, the painter should not claim to have accomplished anything." My hope is that this writing, much like a compelling painting, will stir your souls. Whether it disturbs, cheers, incites compassion, or disdain, I do aim to share experiences and reflections that resonate deeply with you.
Invitation to Reflect
I invite you to join me, in spirit, on this journey. Reflect on your own paths, the choices you have made, and the goals you are working toward. Life is not about the size of dreams but about the quiet persistence, the adaptability to change, and the focus on the end goal.
Thank you for being a part of my life and for sharing in this journey of reflection. I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences along the way.
Warm regards,
Kefei
Kefei, great idea to write interesting stories along your journey. Looking forward to it. -Min
Can’t wait for your reflections along the journey