What is a life lived well? It is very personal isn't it. There is no intended result or end goal. No greater meaning. I like my life but others may find it meaningless.
The poster asks "Why do I feel the need to only be on a journey if it’s grand?". Makes no sense to me. It is only grand in his head.
In the same situation, same age, I just didn't retire (but I can), because I still like my job.
I am mostly at home, working and doing hobbies, and most people would say that my life is lame and that I should travel more or something (and they do). But 2 me, it's the best life now ever and every day I say "everything is awesome", especially when I feel down a bit (hormones & friends, nothing else, waiting to pass).
You don't need anything except enough money so you don't have to micromanage your life expenditures (the only other thing money can't buy is love, and I was lucky there too (was it luck, really?))
I do have delusions of grand projects. But I don't mind that, even knowing the probability. Consistency needs to be practised anyway...
The poster asks "Why do I feel the need to only be on a journey if it’s grand?". Makes no sense to me. It is only grand in his head.