I prefer paper 'jin' tied by hand instead of shorts.

A young independent person and singer-songwriter named Mo-ju Jin discovered the meaning of life through reading in the bookstore that served as her refuge. "Everyone has lost something," wrote John Relund at 85, observing six elderly individuals as they reflected on life. Despite having lost much, these elderly people welcomed each new morning with enthusiasm, having already experienced significant losses.

Reading the stories of these elderly individuals, I was transported back to my teenage years, when I dreaded turning 20. Friends in their twenties yearned to grow up and choose their own paths, while I felt like a half-grown child, lacking basic life skills and protection. I realized that I had never had parents to guide me in handling everyday responsibilities, such as managing finances, dealing with home issues, and coping with illness.

I longed to overcome feelings of longing and to stop living in a state of despair. So, instead of attending school, I visited the bookstore daily, where I found solace and learned valuable lessons. Over the years, I continued to draw inspiration from the words on the pages as I sat in the bookstore, now in my thirties. Recently, I found myself reflecting on how precious each day truly is, as the future remains uncertain.

The elderly person, Fred, reminded me that even though some things cannot be changed, it is crucial to appreciate the present moment and focus on what can be accomplished. The bookstore, which had always been my sanctuary as a child, had once again become my personal workshop for shaping my own life. Today, I am not just a person reading books, but someone who writes the story of their own life.

It was only then that I realized I had been living without truly looking out the window, only focusing on the horizon of future tasks. I believed that once I completed one task, I could focus on the next, but now I worry that I may miss out on the scenery passing by as I only look ahead. Every accomplishment brings a brief sense of security, but it also opens the door to new expectations and responsibilities.

While younger generations constantly seek new experiences and knowledge, older individuals prefer to focus on the things they already possess that bring them joy. Young people tend to check off items on their list of future goals, while older individuals prioritize what they have already achieved. The fear of never reaching one's goals can make the present feel like a waiting room for a future that may never come.

As John Relund wisely advises, we must cherish each moment, even if we cannot change the past. Life is not a service to be perfected after all preparations are made; rather, it begins with the things we can do and love in the present.