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What insights did you gain after transitioning to retirement and moving to Thailand?

Mar 19, 2025
15 days ago
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just posted this elsewhere and wanted to share it here because so many have been helpful to me.

Gratitude.......again:

I transitioned my psychologist license to retired today. I no longer need that identity fo feel capable, successful, good about myself, helpful or dedicated. Over the past two years I have discovered that all of those traits have become a part of who I see myself as being, without needing a license or professional title.

I am so grateful that so much of what I helped others to learn for so many years has sunk into my bones, into my essence. I love being accountale for me. There is no blame or resentment of others or outside circumstances now.

My feelings are genuine each time I express them. And, for the most part,, when I have a negative reaction to something, I find myself choosing, to my own amazement, to take action in a gentle and positive ways. because I want to and choose to.

I have found direction in this new career of retirement. I have expanded my family yet again and will move to be with them in Thailand, staying until it is time for me to become dust in the wind.

I have found new ways to love and be loving that are, in part, learned from mistakes in my past, and in part based on the man who is me today, whom I respect and love.

Each day I want the best for others, and myself. My new career takes the path of contribution I learned from my last career and expands upon it exponentially. There is a generosity in my spirit that was always there, and now it is so much more a source of satisfaction because it is no longer attached to expectations of how people or events should act or react.

Each person and event is now a teacher I listen to and feel grateful toward, whether or not I agree with the lesson being offered. I am so grateful to all of you who choose to accept me into any part of your life, big or small.

I am so grateful for this sense of peace. There are so many unknowns that I face with curiosity. And I have found that there are so many out there willing to help me turn the unknowns to either answers or at least give me better direction to find answers. Ir is true that sometimes I just want to be told what to do. And when that happens, even if I take the direction, I recognize that the choice to follow the direction is mine and I am responsible. Other times I most value being given direction about how to find answers myself, after which I gladly share what I have found.

I gratefully thank each of you who have been, are, or will be my helpers and teachers. And I wish blessings to find you .
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post shares a personal reflection from an individual who has retired from their career as a psychologist and is preparing to move to Thailand. They express gratitude for their journey of self-discovery and personal growth, highlighting their newfound freedom from professional identity and the positive impact of their experiences. Comments range from supportive remarks to confusion about the relevance of the post to visa advice, with some expressing that the insights helped them with visa decisions.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Von ***********
WTAF does this have to do with the subject matter of the group???

Sounds like you want a pat on the back from randoms on social media! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

Needy much???
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Von **********
I appreciate your candid observation. I am old enough I do not need pars on the back. I simply appreciate the ideas and information I gleaned from here. The kind and helpful sharing of knowledge has left me feeling gratitude and helped me want to offer more information about me because I have also gleaned that anonymity is not favored. Blessings to you for both reading and taking time to tespond
Frank *********
This post 1000% helped me decide what type of visa to apply forโ€ฆ

Thanks Dr.Strange ๐Ÿ™
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank ********
I get that you did not experience my post as helpful. If you are old enough and not married to a Thai then I suggest a retirement visa as a starting point. Thank you for reading and taking time to respond.
Sarah *******
Really enjoyed reading your words. I assumed you were a female initially as I hadnโ€™t looked at your name and so was pleasantly surprised at your insight. Enjoy Thailand, I am in Koh Samui, love Thailand โค๏ธenjoy retirement ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sarah ******
Thank you so very much. My heart smiled reading your comment and good wishes.
Sarah *******
@Steven ********
๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sarah ******
you are welcome. Blessings to you
Beverley ********
So remind me again, whatโ€™s this got to do with Visa advice?
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Beverley *******
It has to do with the wonderful impact that those who have kindly shared advice and ideas have contributed to my life journey. It has to do with the gratitude I experience and the impact this gratitude has on at least one person, me, on this forum. It has to do with saying such things out loud and not just thinking or feeling them. I will continue to contribute to the forum in the usual way and continue to learn from this forum. The impact is simply, sometimes, more profound than might be expected. I wish many blessings to you and thank you for asking.
Beverley ********
@Steven ********
but nothing about a visa that is the purpose this group exists?
Daniel *********
I'm glad I have friends to tell all this kind of stuff to, instead of strangers online.
Ellen *************
Congrats on retirement. Congrats on all of it. Gratitude is some of the only work that when done consistently can really change us. โœŒ๐Ÿผ
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellen ************
Thank you and I so much agree with you
Andy **********
Strange post, but whatever.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
Yes, I realized that when I posted. I am grateful to you and this forum for aiding me in moving along the new path of life I have chosen.
Charlie *********
Many times positivity becomes toxic when it is simply escape. We are both divine AND human, warts and all, all rolled into one. But doing you is what is most important. It isnโ€™t a race or contest. None of us gets out alive. I wish you well.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charlie ********
Thank you. I agree. I will be vigilant to attend to life being something I participate in and feelings being something to accept and value and evaluate as they come.
Todd *********
how old were when you came to these realizations
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am 72. I think I knew all of this as a child but then I began to clutter my mind and heart with thiings I then thought were "more important." I have been thinking and writing about gratitude frequently over the past two years. With each new essay I rediscover some new understanding that was long lost to me. I hope to put together a transcript to share or perhaps e-publish with some place in mind for a donation. It is probably 100 pages by now. Blessings to you and thank you for asking.
David **********
Nobody is reading all this button >>>>>>
Sean **********
@David *********
I did and it sounds like he is at peace with himself.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean *********
Today I am at peace. Thanks to all here for the assistance.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not sure what you mean, but thanks for commenting.
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