Walking, walking…
at some point, you suddenly realize: you've been striving for change, yet ultimately powerless; even what you could have done, you no longer have the chance to do; worse still, even merely expressing your wishes leaves no room for further action. From youth to middle age to old age, who dares to honestly say: without regrets? So many stories have unfolded, so many years have passed, so many people, events, and things have been forgotten, yet ultimately, there are some things that remain unforgettable, even causing a hidden pain in your heart—regret, or remorse.
Regret and remorse are one source of pain. Upon reflection, although the content of regret and remorse is inexhaustible, their sources are nothing more than two: one is the mistake of delusion, the other is the mistake of choice.
The mistake of delusion… Delay is caused by confusion and lack of clarity, leading to a failure to address issues promptly. Drawing conclusions about things that are inconsistent with reality due to external factors is misleading. When people, events, or things appear before us, their appearance is not necessarily the same as their essence; if our interpretation differs from their substance or nature, it is a misunderstanding. Making judgments about a situation or predicament that are far removed from reality is a misjudgment. Being misled by illusions and believing what is presented to us to be true is misplaced faith. Actions taken due to incorrect judgment are mishandling. Doing what should not be done, or doing what should not be done in this way, is misbehavior. Mistakes are inevitable on everyone's journey, even the most intelligent. The wrong
choice is also a mistake. The ups and downs, twists and turns, and even a life of hardship are the norm in life. Taking the wrong path or a path unsuitable for oneself is a wrong choice. The worst thing in life is taking the wrong path; otherwise, even with passionate enthusiasm, one will inevitably face a tragic journey. Choosing the wrong person, serving the wrong master, marrying the wrong wife or husband—these are all mistakes in choosing a person; mistaking false affection for true affection, or mistaking unsuitable affection for suitable affection, is a mistake in choosing affection; handling problems at the wrong time is a mistake in choosing timing; solving problems in an inappropriate way is a mistake in choosing tactics; choosing the wrong situation, trend, or trajectory is a mistake in choosing circumstances; handling problems in the wrong place is a mistake in choosing location; and basing decisions on incorrect or unsuitable circumstances is a mistake in choosing basis. Who can prevent these mistakes?
Life is so insignificant. In the universe, it exists only as a particle. In the vast expanse of space, life merely exists in a tiny, fixed point or time period, with little to boast about. Those who consider themselves remarkable are not actually so. In fact, everyone is not so great.
Life is so fragile. Have you ever reflected on where you will be in the next second of your life? The answer is unimportant; one thing is certain: if life suddenly ends, you will know nothing! The strength and fragility of life are actually two wings, running parallel, though we pay little attention to them. The next second of life is a fragile signal; you may receive it at any moment, or you may never receive it again.
Nothing is more penetrating than time! Everything—money, power, fame, status, glory, background, character, love, friendship, family—whether material or spiritual, will eventually vanish under the sifting of time. The only difference lies in the length of time it takes to be washed away. If one must find something that lasts forever, it is time itself. Therefore, what is there that you cannot let go of?
In life, facing everything you encounter, you are perfectly free to doubt and deny; just don't be overly demanding of yourself, nor should you excessively wrong yourself. When you are confused, you might as well retain the confusion; there's no need to necessarily understand it all. Confusion and predicaments are constantly troubling the journey of life; to try to understand everything is simply wishful thinking. When hope and a future seem elusive, the most fundamental and effective strategy is to patiently wait for change—let time alter everything, let time destroy all that is detestable.
One can choose to worry about the world's troubles before enjoying its pleasures. However, it should be understood that humans do not aim to worry, but rather to pursue pleasure. Therefore, find joy whenever possible.
The pursuit of pleasure in life is inherent in the nature of life itself. Life can harbor a sense of crisis, but it is not defined by melancholy; happiness is its best vehicle. Pursuing pleasure in life is also an act of respecting one's own life. Happiness only comes through conscious action and autonomous experience, not from being told or bestowed by others. Pursuing pleasure in life is also an experience of the meaning of life. Experiencing happiness leads to a greater appreciation of life. Therefore, the pursuit of happiness is both a manifestation of exploring the meaning of life and a channel for perceiving its meaning. Happiness is indispensable for both individuals and groups.
The journey of life involves planning, but it is not entirely traversed by planning alone. There are inevitable factors, but too many accidental factors beyond one's control. Sometimes we simply go with the flow of life, while other times we are forced to accept whatever comes our way.
The weight of life is nothing more than birth and death—if we live, we hold on; if we die, we have no regrets. Once you see through it all, that's all there is to it. Whatever you encounter, take it easy; nothing is truly insurmountable. The journey is long; if you can't let go of everything you encounter, the weight will be too heavy, and your soul may collapse. To face everything with ease, rather than the opposite, is the greatest wisdom of survival!
Intoxication is also a state of being, unrelated to alcohol. If the body desires intoxication, alcohol can be used; but if the heart desires intoxication, no alcohol can soothe it. If you meet someone you can be intoxicated with, why not get intoxicated? It's because true friends are hard to find. To be with someone you can be intoxicated with, to have a place you can be intoxicated with, to enjoy moments you can be intoxicated with—that is the fortune and blessing of life.
What's past is past. What's missed is missed. Never regret anything in life. Even if you have regrets, face them with a heart free of remorse. One must illuminate one's own spiritual path. Let the ship of confidence sail serenely across the river of the universe, etching the marks of time upon our lives.
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