Surprises, even pleasant ones, are not my preference as an INTJ, I thrive on orderly, neat, and efficient interactions with the external world. Yet, since retiring, I’m surprised more often than I care to admit.
Why the shift? Two factors are at play. First, the world is in constant flux. Even my familiar running route evolves with time. Different date, different time of the day, weather variation always present something new.
Second, retirement granted me the luxury of time. I now “smell the roses,” noticing the subtle seasonal changes. With my eyes peeled, I see, among others, the shifts in grass length, leaf colors, and blooming flowers.
However, one thing that does not catch me off-guard is the inevitable process of ageing– the extra wrinkles, gray hairs, or joint aches. I accept them as an undeniable aspect of life.
What surprises you? And how do you feel about it (or them)?
Running with Buddha 