04/06/2026
A simple lunch discussion today, nothing fanciful — just one of those cafés we visit every now and then because it’s near our martial arts gym at Core Combat Chiang Mai 🍛🥊
Part of the conversation touched on the difference between business income and paid-per-time income.
Over the past few years, we’ve slowly realised that freedom is not only about finances. Sometimes it’s also about environment, lifestyle and the space we give ourselves to think differently.
Back when we were caught in the rat race in Singapore, we slowly realised that perhaps physically moving ourselves out of that environment might also become part of our freedom journey.
Life here is certainly more affordable because of the currency exchange. This fried rice set costs S$2+ for one portion.
But beyond affordability, the slower pace and different environment also gave us space to rethink life more intentionally.
In some ways, it reminds me of 孟母三迁 (Mèng Mǔ Sān Qiān) — “Mencius’ mother moving three times” — the old Chinese story about intentionally changing one’s environment for a better future.
Sometimes we don’t just need to think outside the box.
Sometimes we need to physically step outside the box too. 🌿