The Homestay Business

I am now fairly convinced as to what shall positively fuel my brainpower and energy. I am not suggesting everyone ought to observe a certain strategy-setting procedure. You may want to try it, though. I did.

I wanted most to achieve two things -something that shall positively replace those hours I devoted to work. And, this draining TV Time. Not a mere slot, watching TV in 2023. Story-telling in endless 60-minute episodes.

Admittedly, I experimented with the new interests and the things I wanted to do.

Then I made some adjustments. Here’s the outcome:

1- My Homestay

I decided to expand the business that my wife had started about 5 years ago, yes, on a small scale. This is what we have added since – two houses in the same area as Homestay, followed by two shipping-container houses about 300 meters from our house.

As a Kedah – Johor couple living in Terengganu, we have always admired the very distinctive Terengganu Malay House. Recently we were drawn to two traditional Terengganu houses in Kuala Dungun, located in between Paka and Kuala Terengganu.

Once the work is done, yes, those two will be hosting guests. In fact work on one of the houses has been completed.

Homestay business is not the sort that would require a team of fulltime employees. You are spared the stresses of managing employees, yet, one can create opportunities for part timers. Precious for youngsters in the neighbourhood.

One of the things I like in the homestay business is I have built relationship with my guests from all over the world.

We have received guests as far from Estonia, Romania, Japan, France, Australia. I also benefitted in rebuilding and nurtured friendship/relationship with my relatives and old schoolmates when they come over to be my guest.

There are guests who keep in touch and eventually. they are guests-turned-friends. I found that it is easy to bond with some of the guest who share the same interest and hobbies with me.

I wish to offer a suggestion. Those who are experiencing degrees of depression, social isolation, perceived or otherwise, and loneliness after leaving the office may want to get into the homestay business.

According to psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD, our level of cortisol, a stress hormone, goes up when we’re lonely. Chronic stress can lead to many health issues, including heart disease and cancer.

2- My garden/hobby

I have been focusing on beautifying my garden as gardening is my passion since I was young. In the past, I was too busy with my work and was not able to find time to do gardening.

I started to put extra attention during MCO as I have more time to be at home. Now, the garden has matured and I have created a landscape that blend the concept of my home and homestay.

I find solace by sitting on the wooden bench with plants around me where it makes me transports me closer to nature.

Gardening allows me to explore my creativity such as nurturing creepers aroids by using driftwood collected from the river in front of my house. It brings me joy and it can also be a therapeutic and calming activity making it a perfect hobby. I have heard someone said that planting makes one live longer!

My plants collection includes monstera, bromeliads, philodendrons, alocasia to name a few.

My Challenge

I managed to step back and take inventory of how I can create positive and sustainable energy while writing this article.

I challenged myself to maintain consistent exercise or activity as possible, being discipline to ensure having enough sleep, eating right food and being active during the work day. My target is to achieve a better physical health a year after retirement.

I have to admit that it is a big challenge as Malaysian to change my diet. I like so much Teh Tarik, Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak and the list does go on.

I noted that there is various approach to achieving better physical health. I like the idea suggesting to look for ways to merge physical activity with time for thought.

I agree that there is nothing better than time walking in nature, heading out cycling with my wife which offers health benefits including stress relief and cardiovascular fitness

I challenged myself to maintain consistent exercise or activity as possible, being discipline to ensure having enough sleep, eating right food and being active during the work day. My target is to achieve a better physical health a year after retirement.