Not Living In the Center

Photo by Esther T on Unsplash

When I decided to move, I wanted a smaller and simpler life with less material consumption, expenses, and footprint. I never wished for status, a mansion, or a BMW. I knew staying in the US meant a fancier and more luxurious life, access to various designer products and the latest modern innovations and conveniences, and a decent and respectable career. With both eyes open, I willingly traded them off.

Unlike productivity experts, I don't want or can do 100 things at once. The ambitious American culture and lifestyle don’t fit me at this age. I like to do 3 or 5 things at most. But being in a new city with a completely blank calendar, my old American habit surfaced, and I efficiently piled things onto and optimized my schedule.

Taiwan is small compared to the US—23 million vs. 334 million people. However, Taipei (2 million) is about three times bigger than Boston (653k). I have moved to a bigger city even though I’m in a much smaller country. It was easy to find things to do that fit my interests.

Taipei has endless cafes to explore, small and unique, medium and solid, or large and predictable, like Starbucks. Cafe shops are a big part of the culture here. I know at least two cafe (young) owners in my extended family. Given the abundance, I started to explore a new cafe each day. But once I found what I liked in the neighborhood, I stopped looking for new ones.

During the first few weeks, I also sought out bookstores. More than half of the books here are American, which I was already familiar with. I also prefer reading the original in English rather than the translation in Traditional Chinese. On the other hand, the advantage of being on this side of the globe is the numerous translations from Japan and other non-English speaking European countries. Local ebooks and audiobooks are not popular here. Like books, Netflix Taiwan has more promising Japanese and Korean movies and shows.

The young people I met want to move to America for better opportunities, bigger backyards, richer food scenes, and to aim higher and higher and higher. America is the world’s superpower and where a lot of innovation happens. I’m glad I was there—I've been there and done that. It’s nice to be in a position (at this age!) knowing how I want to live my life - to simplify and minimize while not sacrificing quality and value. Time and health are my most precious resources, and I can do with less or without some things I used to have.

After a few weeks of a busy schedule, my calendar lightened up. I zoomed in on a few things: two local cafes, a local yoga studio, dinners at home, and visits to friends. I know where to get what kind of books and movies, including leaning back on my American roots (and tools). I can go out for a good latte and practice yoga. Instead of working, I’m learning to spend much more time with books and music — matters that improve my mind, creativity, and knowledge.

“Rest, nature, books, music, such is my idea of happiness.” -Leo Tolstoy.

Life is settling down slowly in a lovely way. Living in Taipei feels different, and I must remind myself that it’s okay to shed some old habits, be minimal and content, and embrace slow living forty hours more a week.