Impressive result on the challenge! It's a win in my eyes fwiw.
I enjoyed reading your facebook post, well written as always. I somewhat feel the need to say something re the part where you describe how meaningless the time spent at the tables was.
While that might be true, I think there is a high chance you wouldn't have gotten to do all the things you mentioned if it wasn't for poker. So I wouldn't say it's meaningless. It really is relative to the way one puts things in perspective.
Think of all the 9to5 corporation jobs or all the dead end jobs so many people get stuck with and stop working on their self development because they have a "safe" job. That leads to negative things like depression, lack of motivation etc.
If one loves the game, I say poker is a good option for free spirited people who want to avoid settling for dead end jobs or just any job they don't feel good about. Sure, there are other options as well. Much better ones too, I'm aware. That's for everyone to decide for themselves though. I for one am really grateful for all the people I've met through poker and all the experiences it lead me to and I really think some of them would've never happened if it wasn't for this game. In the past 2 years I played professionally I've been much happier than the 5 years before that, when I worked normal jobs. Also, I think a major reason for you making this decision is the current state of online poker, correct me if I'm wrong though. I see some scenarios where it might change to the better though, call me a naive dreamer
It really looks like you have made the right choice though and you are setting a good example regarding quitting when the time has come. I hope we will get the chance to meet some day, would love to party with a legend.
Congrats on your long and successful career and best of luck on your new path!