To You Who Have Worked Hard This Year: The Best Kind of Rest Is Not Sleeping, But...

Do You Ever Feel Like This?

You know those moments when:

• You’re buried in daily tasks, not expending much energy, but somehow still feel like you’re in a fog, unable to focus or be truly engaged.
• Despite getting more than enough sleep, you still wake up feeling drained and uninterested in anything. Your energy is low, and nothing seems exciting.
• After hours of binge-watching TV shows or endlessly scrolling through your phone, your brain feels fried, and your soul feels empty. You wonder where all your energy went, but nothing truly replenishes it.

Socrates, the ancient philosopher, once warned of the “poverty of busyness.” If we get caught up in the rush of constant work and distractions, we risk losing the balance and natural rhythm that life requires.

This busyness often comes with consequences: even though we may have filled our days with activities, we don't actually restore our energy or enrich our inner selves. Our daily routine may be filled with tasks, but there's no real sense of accomplishment, rest, or relaxation.

The True Meaning of Rest

Being successful and leading a fulfilling life isn't just about knowing how to work hard; it’s equally about knowing how to rest. Deep rest isn’t simply about physically lying down and taking a nap—it’s about a profound form of self-care that rejuvenates both the mind and soul.

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, emphasized that when your mind becomes calm, your vision expands. When you stop being constantly preoccupied by the noise around you, you begin to see opportunities and connections you may have missed. This concept of rest goes beyond simple sleep—it’s about giving yourself the time and space to truly reset mentally and emotionally.

For Jobs, meditation was one of his primary tools for rest. He would find a quiet space, close his eyes, and focus on his breathing. In doing so, he would clear his mind of clutter, release all distractions, and experience a profound sense of peace and clarity. This form of rest allowed Jobs to tap into a deeper level of creativity and innovation, which played a pivotal role in his success and leadership at Apple.

This teaches us that rest isn't simply about physical recovery; it's about mental clarity, emotional healing, and connecting with yourself on a deeper level.

Scientific Studies and Practical Rest: The 20-Minute Park Theory

A brief 20-minute walk in a park can dramatically improve one's well-being. People who spent just a short time outdoors, breathing fresh air and connecting with nature, felt a marked improvement in mood and energy. They reported feeling more relaxed, rejuvenated, and mentally refreshed.

This “20-minute park theory” has gained attention on social media, where people have tested it themselves and found it to be transformative. The quiet moments spent surrounded by trees, listening to birds, feeling the breeze, and watching leaves fall from branches gave people a chance to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and simply be present. Without the burden of work or the distractions of modern technology, they could focus on the simplicity of nature and enjoy a moment of peaceful solitude.

Resting Is a Conscious Practice of Relaxation

True rest involves actively setting aside time to let your mind and body relax. It’s about giving your brain the space to let go of stress, worries, and the constant bombardment of information. High-quality rest isn’t passive; it’s a practice in itself. This means intentionally creating moments to reset your body’s rhythm, so that your mental and physical energy can recharge and replenish.

When you rest deeply, you’re allowing your body to regain its balance, and your emotions to flow freely. It’s a process of self-discipline, one that helps you achieve better focus, more creativity, and greater emotional stability in the long run.

Rest Through Relationships: Connection Can Be Healing

Rest doesn’t just happen in isolation. In The Intouchables, the relationship between Philippe, a wealthy man paralyzed from an accident, and his caregiver Driss highlights a different form of rest. Philippe, living in pain and isolation, finds a new zest for life through Driss’s unpretentious, fun-loving attitude. Together, they engage in exciting adventures, and Philippe regains a passion for living.

This dynamic demonstrates how meaningful relationships can bring rest to the soul. By being present with others—whether in companionship or shared experiences—people can find emotional healing. Similarly, Mother Teresa’s lifelong service to others shows that rest isn’t always about escaping from the world; it can be about connecting with others in a deeply meaningful way. Through giving to those in need, she found inner peace and fulfillment.

Resting Through Self-Acceptance and Inner Peace

The rest we truly need isn’t always external. It’s about developing the ability to find peace within ourselves. This is a deeper, more difficult form of rest—finding balance in a busy world. In modern life, we often experience social fatigue, feeling pulled in too many directions. The answer, however, lies in self-acceptance and being at peace with one’s choices.

J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, found rest during her most difficult times. When she was struggling with divorce, unemployment, and financial hardship, she didn’t isolate herself from the world. Instead, she would take her child to a café, surrounded by people, yet she was able to create in a peaceful corner of her mind. By immersing herself in the creative process, even in a public space, she found the rest and mental clarity she needed to bring Harry Potter into being.

This shows that we don’t always need solitude to rest. Sometimes, our rest comes through connection with our own inner world, finding creative outlets, or simply allowing ourselves to experience life more fully.

Practical Steps to Deep Rest:

1. Create the Right Environment:
   A conducive environment is essential for deep relaxation. Whether it's a quiet corner of a café, a park under a tree, or a cozy room at home with soft lighting and calming scents, the right setting can facilitate relaxation. This space should be free from distractions, a place where you can focus on your thoughts or simply enjoy the moment.
2. Disconnect from Electronics:
   In a world constantly connected through phones and devices, it’s important to set boundaries. Dedicate specific time blocks to be “offline.” Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and give yourself the space to engage in offline activities like reading, painting, or cooking. This allows you to step away from the digital noise and reconnect with yourself.
3. Focus on Internal Awareness:
   Meditation or mindfulness exercises can be incredibly effective in deepening rest. Sit in a quiet place, focus on your breath, and allow any distracting thoughts to float away. This practice can clear your mind, reset your energy, and prepare you for the challenges ahead. Journaling is another great way to process your emotions and better understand your inner world.

Conclusion:

Deep rest is more than just a break from work; it’s a vital practice that helps us regain our emotional, mental, and physical balance. Learning to rest effectively—through quiet moments of self-reflection, connection with others, or simply being in nature—replenishes our energy and restores our creativity. In the hustle and bustle of life, finding moments to recharge is essential for long-term success, happiness, and well-being. Embrace the power of deep rest, and you’ll be better equipped to face life’s challenges with clarity, creativity, and renewed vigor.

Read Also:

The eight golden periods of financial management in life, have you missed them?

The Best Way to Enhance Your Luck

Someone once asked online: How can I change my luck?

The highly upvoted answer was: Luck isn't random; it's hidden within a person's mindset and lifestyle. To change luck, you must first change your way of life.

Indeed, that's the case. Good fortune doesn't just happen; everything around us is attracted by our own energy and qualities.

Everyone hopes for good luck and meeting influential people, but they overlook the fact that good luck is often self-sought:

Being passive and idle will only let opportunities slip by, while being proactive will lead to a better life.

In 2025, it might be beneficial to adopt these five lifestyle habits to boost your energy, upgrade your thinking, and truly "enhance" yourself.

01 Rise Early, Recharge Your Energy

Have you ever experienced this:

Staying up late at night to meet deadlines, only to feel lethargic and drowsy the next day; or hitting the snooze button for an extra 10 minutes of sleep, only to rush and feel anxious afterwards?

But when you occasionally wake up early, calmly go through your morning routine, and head out, you feel energized for the entire day.

As the saying goes, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

Waking up early allows us to have more time to organize work and life, leading to a better state of being.

People who habitually wake up early often have better health and a better state of mind.

Waking up early acts like the butterfly effect, gradually improving your life.

If you also want to develop the habit of waking up early:

a.Take gradual steps

Every week, set your wake-up time 10 minutes earlier until you find a schedule that suits you.

b.Practice the "3-second rule"

When you hear the alarm, imagine a rocket launch, count down three seconds, and immediately get up. Repeat until it becomes reflexive.

c.Make mornings enjoyable

If you prefer to be alone, use this undisturbed time to read or meditate; if you're active, take a walk or exercise in the morning light.

When you can gracefully handle each morning, you can handle life's challenges with ease.

02 Exercise, Energize Your Body

Many youths are sharing their experiences on social platforms: "Stretching and twisted my neck," "Went to the bathroom, then couldn't stand up," etc.

These bizarre injury experiences are both amusing and concerning.

In reality, how many people around us are becoming increasingly fragile due to prolonged lack of exercise and overexertion.

"In the short term, life depends on intelligence, in the medium term, on willpower, and in the long term, on physical strength."

To confront life's challenges, it's essential to exercise and keep our bodies healthy.

If you want to develop good exercise habits:

a.Establish the right "exercise perspective"

Exercise is not just for weight loss but for a healthy body. When you prioritize your health, you'll make time to exercise.

b.Commit to exercising for at least 20 minutes each time

This significantly increases dopamine and serotonin levels, making you enjoy exercise while maintaining a cheerful mood.

c.Find an exercise you enjoy

Skipping, running, frisbee... Whatever form of exercise, as long as you persevere, it will bring positive changes to your body.

By sticking to exercise, you'll discover that you're stronger than you ever imagined.

03 Reading, Nourish Your Emotions

There's a saying: "Reading can't solve all problems, but it can help you see problems more comprehensively."

Books nourish our spirits, making us resilient and enriched.

When you've experienced countless lives through books, setbacks won't seem like dead ends.

After my friend gave birth, she went through a difficult time.

During that period, her child woke up frequently at night and cried incessantly, leaving her feeling helpless. She always felt she wasn't a good mother.

When her child was three months old, she developed mastitis, adding to her physical and mental stress, almost leading to depression.

To ease her mood, she began studying psychology books. In these books, she realized that her low spirits were influenced by postpartum hormones and were only temporary.

She tried using the methods from the books to guide herself and gradually emerged from her depression.

Often, we are swayed by emotions because we only look at problems from one perspective. Books, however, can help us break free from this confinement and find different answers.

In today's fast-paced and stressful world, if you want to have good emotional health, try these two things:

a.Read more history books

When you see the hardships and dilemmas of generations in history, you'll understand life's impermanence. You'll realize that the ups and downs of life are just experiences and practices.

b.Read more classic books

Classics that transcend time often contain the thoughts and wisdom of the past. They will offer you unique perspectives and help you break out of mental constraints.

04 Meditation, Lighten Your Mind's Burden

There's a story:

One Christmas Eve, Andy and his friends left a party. Suddenly, a car out of control came towards them.

Andy watched in horror as his friend was hit by the car and thrown away. This accident left him sleepless and plunged him into depression.

Every night, lying in bed, scenes of the past would constantly flash through his mind, causing him unbearable pain.

It wasn't until later when he discovered meditation that he realized:

Much of our suffering doesn't come from past experiences but from our brains. Those fears and anxieties are actually created by the brain.

To rid oneself of this suffering, one must train the brain through meditation to live in the present moment.

So, he persisted in meditation for 10 years, completely changing his life.

Each of us may experience the darkest moments in life. If we keep worrying about the past and fearing the future, we'll only find ourselves trapped in an emotional whirlpool, sinking deeper and deeper.

By mastering our consciousness, living mindfully, and with a positive attitude, we can achieve true mental and physical freedom.

If you want to try meditation:

a.Practice "stability."

Close your eyes, stabilize your emotions, focus on your breath, feel the rise and fall of your body, and live in the moment.

b.Practice "tranquility."

Listen to the sounds around you, observe your thoughts, but don't let them affect your mood. Be an observer, letting thoughts come and go.

When you learn to live in the present moment without judgment, you'll have a healthier and more relaxed state of mind.

05 Writing, Upgrade Your Thinking

Have you ever felt this:

You've read many books, but in the blink of an eye, you've forgotten everything, not remembering what you read;

You've consumed a lot of practical knowledge, but you've only learned surface-level concepts, without any substantial improvement...

This is because no matter how many books you read or notes you take, you're just accumulating other people's viewpoints.

Only when you learn to express what you've learned in your own words can you gain true knowledge. And the best way to do that is through writing.

Writing forces us to think, organize, and summarize what we've learned, making our thinking clearer.

To enhance your thinking through writing, you can try these:

a.Record constantly

When you encounter a new idea in life, don't just stop at reading it. Try to write it down in your own words and interpret it.

b.Write 

Find interesting points, interpret them from different perspectives, and add your own thoughts.

Organize them into a complete article and gradually build your own knowledge system.

By learning to use writing to improve yourself, continuously upgrading your cognition and thinking, you'll be better equipped to handle the unpredictable future.

There are three ways for a person to obtain good luck:

Firstly, leave it to fate and wait for good luck to come unexpectedly;

Secondly, continuously accumulate and upgrade your thinking to discover opportunities that others can't see;

Thirdly, improve your own strength, allowing opportunities to find you automatically and making good luck inevitable.

To obtain good luck, it's better to learn to improve yourself from the inside out:

Stick to exercise to have a healthy body; stick to meditation to have good emotions; stick to reading to have a broad vision.

Read Also:

Never Help Others Bully Yourself

Listen: Podcast

Simplify Your Life: 21-Day Minimalism Checklist

Minimalism does not mean living a life of austerity or monotony. It's about eliminating unnecessary complexities and redundancies from life while meeting basic needs, making life simpler, more orderly, and harmonious.

Minimalism helps us reduce the burden, both material and spiritual, allowing us more time and energy to focus on truly important things such as family, friends, health, and personal growth.

21-Day Minimalism Plan:

Day 1: Assessment and Preparation

List all items in your daily life, including clothing, furniture, electronic products, etc. Examine these items, distinguishing between "essential" and "non-essential." Develop a preliminary list of minimalist living goals.

Day 2: Wardrobe Organization

Sort clothes in the wardrobe into "regular wear," "occasional wear," and "unused" categories. Donate or discard unused clothes. Develop a reasonable storage and access plan for regularly worn clothes.

Day 3: Kitchen Organization

Check the ingredients and seasonings in the kitchen, discard expired items. Clean out infrequently used kitchen utensils and tableware. Develop a simple kitchen storage plan to ensure items are orderly.

Day 4: Study Room Organization

Clear unnecessary documents and items from the desk. Organize books, storing less frequently read ones in storage areas. Develop a convenient access plan for commonly used study or work supplies.

Day 5: Electronic Devices Management

List all your electronic devices. Analyze which ones are truly necessary and which ones are rarely used. Develop a usage and management plan for electronic devices to reduce unnecessary screen time.

Day 6: Simplify Daily Activities

Examine daily activities to identify areas that can be simplified. For example, merging similar tasks.

Day 7: Review and Adjustment

Review the organization process of the past six days and make adjustments based on actual conditions.

Day 8: Deepen Wardrobe Organization

Organize and rehang regularly worn clothes, ensuring easy access. Use storage boxes or bags to properly store seasonal clothing, keeping the closet tidy.

Day 9: Simplify Kitchen Cooking Utensils

Develop a weekly cooking plan to reduce food waste and unnecessary cooking activities.

Day 10: Electronic Devices Organization

Use electronic labels or software tools to categorize and label electronic devices for easy retrieval and use. Organize electronic device cables to ensure neatness.

Day 11: Simplify Daily Commuting

Review daily commuting methods, consider reducing commuting time or choosing more environmentally friendly travel methods. Evaluate commuting routes and transportation methods, choosing the most convenient and sustainable options. Also, schedule travel times sensibly to avoid peak hour congestion and increase commuting efficiency.

Day 12: Deepen Bedroom Organization

Deepen bedroom organization, tidy up the bed and bedside table, ensuring items are neatly arranged. Assess storage space in the bedroom, optimize storage solutions, use storage boxes or bags to organize seasonal items. Also, develop a bedroom cleaning and maintenance plan to keep the living environment clean and comfortable.

Day 13-14: Simplify Shopping Habits

Simplify shopping habits, create a shopping list and stick to it, avoiding impulse purchases. Only buy items that are truly needed and try to choose high-quality, sustainable products. Assess shopping needs and budgets, reducing unnecessary expenses and waste.

Day 15: Simplify Dietary Habits

Review dietary habits, reduce waste and unnecessary purchases. For example, create a weekly shopping list to avoid frequent outings for shopping.

Day 16: Mental Organization

Examine your mental self, such as social media use, TV watching, etc. Reduce unnecessary mental inputs and make time for genuine interests and hobbies.

Day 17: Time Management

Develop a reasonable time management plan to ensure enough time is allocated each day to accomplish truly important tasks.

Day 18: Exercise

Start a simple exercise plan, such as walking daily, practicing yoga, etc. This helps simplify life and promote physical and mental health.

Day 19: Social Simplification

Examine social activities, reduce unnecessary socializing, and stay connected with those who truly care and support you.

Day 20: Financial Organization

Assess your financial situation, develop a reasonable budget and savings plan. Reduce unnecessary expenses and prepare for future life.

Day 21: Review and Summary

Review the entire 21-day minimalist living plan, summarize your achievements and changes. Develop a continuous minimalist plan for the future.

Read Also:

The Friends We Lose in Middle Age

Listen: Podcast

Savings Essentials: Three Must-Have Accounts

Saving money can be a daunting task for many ordinary people. Faced with various living expenses and unexpected situations, many people often feel overwhelmed. However, through proper financial planning and setting up appropriate accounts, saving money can also become simple and effective.

1.Daily Expenses Account: Managing Daily Expenditure

The daily expenses account is the foundation of a savings plan. This account is used to pay for daily living expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc. The purpose of setting up this account is to ensure that your basic living needs are met while avoiding unnecessary expenses.

To effectively manage the daily expenses account, you can take the following measures:

a.Budgeting: Create a budget plan based on your income and living needs. Ensure that the budget covers all necessary expenses and leaves some room for unexpected situations.

b.Expense Tracking: Use budgeting apps or physical notebooks to record every expenditure in detail. This will help you understand your spending habits and identify unnecessary expenses for adjustment.

c.Setting Limits: Set a limit for the daily expenses account to ensure that you don't overspend. When the account balance approaches the limit, remind yourself to control spending.

By managing the daily expenses account effectively, you can better control your expenses and lay a solid foundation for your savings plan.

2.Emergency Reserve Account: Dealing with Emergencies

The emergency reserve account is an indispensable part of a savings plan. This account is used to deal with unexpected events such as unemployment, illness, accidents, etc. Having sufficient emergency funds allows you to stay calm in the face of difficulties and avoid making irrational decisions due to economic pressure.

To establish an effective emergency reserve account, you can consider the following suggestions:

a.Determine the Reserve Amount: Determine a reasonable reserve amount based on your personal situation and family needs. Generally, it is recommended to reserve at least 3-6 months of living expenses.

b.Automatic Savings: Set up an automatic savings plan to transfer a certain amount to the emergency reserve account every month. This ensures that you don't overlook the accumulation of emergency funds due to forgetfulness or other reasons.

c.Avoid Misappropriation: Keep the emergency reserve account separate from other accounts and avoid using it for daily expenses or other non-emergency situations. This ensures the safety and availability of emergency funds.

By establishing an emergency reserve account, you can provide yourself and your family with an economic safety net and reduce the economic pressure brought by unexpected events.

3.Investment Appreciation Account: Making Money Work for You

In addition to daily expenses and emergency reserves accounts, an investment appreciation account is also an important part of a savings plan. This account is used for investment and financial management to generate additional income and increase wealth.

For ordinary people, an investment appreciation account may be a relatively unfamiliar area. Here are some suggestions to help you better manage this account:

a.Learn Investment Knowledge: Before investing, understand basic investment knowledge and risk management methods. This can help you make wiser investment decisions and avoid blind following or risky investments.

b.Diversified Investment: Diversify your funds by investing in different sectors and asset classes to reduce risk. For example, you can invest in stocks, bonds, funds, and other investment products simultaneously.

c.Long-term Investment: The longer you hold investment products, the more likely you are to achieve stable returns. Therefore, it is recommended to view investment as a long-term activity and avoid frequent buying and selling or chasing market trends.

d.Regular Evaluation: Regularly assess the performance of your investment portfolio and the market environment, and make adjustments as needed. This helps you stay focused on and manage your investment accounts to ensure the achievement of investment goals.

By managing the investment appreciation account properly, you can make your money work for you and increase your wealth. However, please note that investment involves risks, so be sure to invest based on an understanding of your risk tolerance and investment goals.

In conclusion, saving money is not an unattainable goal. Saving money is a long-term process that requires patience and perseverance. With proper financial planning and management, believe that you can accumulate your own wealth.

Read Also:

Wealth Indicators: 4 Middle-Age Milestones

Listen: Podcast

Beyond Dinner: Showing True Appreciation

In the bustling society, everyone encounters benefactors to varying degrees.

Among them are those who pull us out of life's quagmire, and some help us dispel the fog before our eyes.

To repay kindness, we usually choose to treat them to a meal or give gifts.

But do those who are capable of helping us really care about a meal or a gift?

Undoubtedly, the answer is no, just as the saying goes:

"A good meal can be measured by money, but kindness cannot be compared, nor can it be fully repaid."

The rarest thing in kindness is not the kindness of others but the warmth within it, because the other party is under no obligation.

If you repay casually, you are underestimating this sentiment.

For those who have shown kindness to you, stop repaying them with meals or gifts, and consider learning these three ways:

01 On rainy days, hold an umbrella for them.

A's company had just started to thrive not long ago when a college student named C, recommended by his older brother, came to work at A's company.

A let C choose the position he liked. C was an IT major, and he wanted to apply his expertise, so he proposed connecting the company to the international network, which required a budget.

However, it was the 1990s, and there were still few companies using computers. Moreover, C had just graduated from college and had no work experience. Even A's brother thought he was crazy, and the company's finances were not optimistic.

But A decisively agreed and set up a separate department for C, providing him with sufficient budget.

In fact, A didn't understand the internet or computers, but he chose to trust C.

Later, when C encountered a bottleneck in developing another new technology due to insufficient funds, he had no choice but to turn to A again.

This time, the amount of money needed was relatively large, and the company's finance and others thought C was asking for too much. Only A firmly believed in C.

With the support of this funding, C quickly developed the new technology and signed a large contract with a well-known German company.

Just as C's career was beginning to take off, A's company encountered a financial crisis.

When C learned about it, he hurriedly returned from Germany, disregarding the time difference, and came to A's office, saying he would bring all the money over.

A was surprised to hear this. He knew that the internet project was C's dream, so he said:

"In my heart, I've been thinking for a long time, who would be the first person to send me money? I thought of many people, but I didn't expect it to be you."

C replied, "When I was in my most difficult times, it was you who believed in me, so no matter what difficulties you are facing now, I will do my best to help you."

Everyone experiences times when they forget to bring an umbrella on rainy days, and it's the perfect opportunity to repay kindness, especially by holding an umbrella for them on rainy days.

"Sending charcoal in snowy weather is valuable because few people truly do it."

Most people's repayment of kindness only stays on the surface, with a simple "Let me know if you need anything" or "I'll definitely repay you in the future."

There are very few people who truly take action, and it's precisely because they are rare that they strike a chord in people's hearts.

When they save you at a critical moment, and you help them in times of trouble, this is the perfect completion of friendship.

02 On sunny days, give them applause.

A netizen once expressed his feelings unintentionally, saying:

"The most helpless thing is when others help you, but you can't help them back. Over time, you feel inferior."

Indeed, for those who are grateful, being unable to repay is painful.

We often feel that if someone extends a helping hand to us, we should repay them in the same way.

However, many times, kindness cannot be exchanged equally, even if you have the intention, you may not have the ability or opportunity.

But being unable to help does not mean there is no way to repay.

There are many ways to express gratitude. Even if you cannot hold an umbrella for them on rainy days, at least you can applaud for them on sunny days.

At the 16th Shanghai International Film Festival, Andy Lau solemnly thanked someone in front of many celebrities.

That person was director Tsui Hark.

Andy Lau said that he had only worked with Tsui Hark once, but Tsui Hark had brought him great gains and influence.

Through his collaboration with Tsui Hark, Andy Lau truly learned how to act, how to choose scripts that he liked and audiences liked.

At the same time, Tsui Hark also taught Andy Lau to see the world from another perspective, broadening Andy Lau's cinematic horizons.

Andy Lau openly expressed his gratitude to Tsui Hark for his guidance. When it was announced that Tsui Hark was the recipient of the "Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Cinema Award," Andy Lau immediately walked up, bent down to hug Tsui Hark, and then quietly stepped aside to applaud for Tsui Hark.

Andy Lau integrated his gratitude to Tsui Hark into his admiration and applause, which was indeed a sincere way of expressing gratitude.

In real life, those who can help us are often more capable and outstanding than us.

In their world, sunny days are always more frequent than rainy days, and applauding them during their shining moments is also a heartfelt gesture.

Although the world is never short of those who add flowers to the brocade, sincere support is equally precious.

As the saying goes, "Sincerity is always the killer move."

Repayment doesn't have to be intense; it just needs to be sincere.

People have a heart to repay. Even a simple thank you, a congratulatory word can convey the gratitude in one's heart.

On sunny days, when the sun is shining brightly, coupled with the blooming flowers, it makes for a beautiful story.

03 On cloudy days, visit them often.

Life is like winter weather; there are few rainy and sunny days, and more often, it's just plain cloudy.

The more ordinary the days, the more they test true feelings, after all, time can easily disperse everything.

A doctor once shared her experience.

She was born in a rural area and has suffered from severe hereditary diabetes since childhood. Therefore, she decided to study medicine in college.

When she was in college, she didn't want her classmates to pity her or look down on her, so she didn't tell anyone about her diabetes.

Therefore, she often went to the hospital to get medicine by herself, then secretly hid in the restroom to inject insulin.

Once when she went to the hospital to get medicine, she happened to meet her professor.

Under the professor's inquiry, she revealed the fact that she had diabetes. She thought the professor would inform the school.

Unexpectedly, not only did the professor not mention it to anyone, thus protecting her privacy, but he also consciously or unconsciously took care of her.

The professor knew that her family conditions were not very good, and she needed to continue taking medicine, so he proactively applied for scholarships and financial aid for her.

Sometimes, the professor would also help her do some projects to earn some subsidies or give her some things to adjust her insulin.

From undergraduate to graduate school, whether it was academics or life, the professor helped her a lot.

She was very grateful to the professor in her heart, but she knew that the professor was not lacking materially, so she had never formally repaid him.

But on holidays, she would go to see the professor and his wife, report her situation, and chat with them.

Later, when she encountered difficult medical cases at work, she would consult the professor, and he would always give his opinion without reservation.

She knew that the professor and his wife liked to go to the park, so when she had free time, she would accompany them to walk in the park and take photos with them.

She said:

"Every time I see the professor and his wife smiling happily, I feel warm in my heart.

Although the professor and I initially bonded over his kindness, after many years of interaction, it has long surpassed the original kindness and now feels more like family.

Kindness is often just the starting point of fate.

Daily care is the most heartwarming, and good relationships cannot do without the witness of daily life.

"Relationships, you have to keep moving; the more you move, the more entangled they become, and the more entangled you become, the harder it is to extricate yourself."

Always being able to distinguish between you, me, and him is key to maintaining a sense of distance.

For those with good intentions who have never asked for your repayment, remembering their kindness and visiting them often in ordinary times is already sufficient.

Repayment doesn't require immediate courage; steady effort demonstrates deep affection.

If you want to repay someone, why not use a grateful heart to add warmth to ordinary days and elevate fleeting encounters into lasting relationships.

04 Whether you are mediocre or not, as long as you have a heart, you can always find a suitable way to repay.

Whether it's holding an umbrella on rainy days or applauding on sunny days, or even chatting about everyday life on cloudy days, your efforts to repay are all touching.

"The meaning of life lies in the illumination between people."

Born into loneliness, it is the kindness from others that allows us to feel the warmth of the world.

By continuing this warmth, becoming a light in each other's lives, kindness fulfills its mission.

In this world, nothing is more precious than genuine affection. When others show righteousness, respond with kindness, and fulfill the bonds of fate, you won't regret it!

Read Also:

Ghosted: The Ultimate Adult Rejection

Listen: Podcast

Being Simple

In this complex world, we often pursue profound and intricate concepts and convoluted methods. However, in many aspects of life, if we understand the power of simplicity, perhaps we can do better.

I've found that I can't do multiple things at once. When I have too many things on my plate, I often don't do well, which is a kind of foolishness. My personality is suited to doing one thing simply and consistently, and this feeling has grown stronger in recent years. At 40, life is just beginning, or rather, truly beginning. Before the age of 40, I was examining myself, taking all sorts of tests about life. Testing my likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, the light and dark within me, my ability to handle stress, and testing the inner self that I thought I understood but was often misunderstood. The answers from the tests are increasingly inclined towards simplicity.

Doing one thing simply allows me to stay focused. A simple living space, simple social interactions, and so on. Simplicity is a philosophical undertone in my heart, it allows my life to approach purity.

I often find myself unable to adapt to and rejecting complexity. I am a person with unstable inner qualities. I become like those I'm with, my inner qualities tend to converge with theirs. When I'm with people who like to show off, I also become more inclined to show off. When I'm with people who are more gentle, I also become gentler. Sometimes, I become better in crowds, but it's rare. I often find myself becoming worse, at least my inner qualities are no better than when I'm alone.

If I realize that being with someone brings out the worst qualities in me, such as selfishness, jealousy, hypocrisy, prejudice, fickleness, etc., I will quickly distance myself from them, reduce contact ruthlessly, or even naturally end the relationship. I hate the way I am when I'm with them.

I'm like a playful little lamb, unwilling to follow the flock towards that hillside, because in my heart flows the ripples of a stream. You may find the hillside lush, but I find the stream sweet. I choose to run happily towards the stream.

What I'm writing here is all personal insights. If you find that I belong to a category of people you dislike, then you'd better stay away from me. Not every blogger on the internet with followers is worth following. We should make some evaluations, examining the performances of others, as well as examining our own hearts. If you happen to agree with these views, it means that our spiritual undertones are somewhat similar, which is quite rare. Some people may never find the similarities between each other even if they spend their entire lives together.

Read Also:

Midlife Minimalism: 18 Tips for Simplifying Your Life

Listen: Podcast

Middle Age Minimalim: Stop Doing These 5 Things When You're Broke!

Some friends say they earn just a small monthly salary and don't have any side gigs, so they can't save any money at all! For ordinary office workers who follow the same routine every day, it's indeed difficult to save a large sum each month without any additional sources of income. However, the advice on saving money has always been: it's not about being frugal to the point of stinginess, nor is it necessary for everyone to start a side hustle; it's simply about avoiding wasteful spending.

In daily life, if you can consciously avoid wastefulness, while you might not save big bucks immediately, you'll certainly be able to save some pennies.

Many people might think, "Since I don't have much money anyway, why not enjoy life to the fullest?" Forgive me for being blunt, but this is not the mindset of someone who's living life well. Particularly with these 5 things, the sooner you stop them when you're broke, the better!

1. Stop staying up late

I know quite a few people who stay up late either to work and earn money or to self-improve in hopes of making more money. But if staying up late to earn money compromises basic health, won't it lead to even more financial strain when your health deteriorates? During a period when my children were very young, I tried to improve myself as quickly as possible by working super hard and being extremely disciplined (often staying up late to finish tasks). However, that was also the time when my immune system was at its lowest, and I frequently had to visit clinics for injections and medication. Not only did I not make any money, but I also spent quite a bit, not to mention the suffering. Eventually, I came to a conclusion: Regardless of whether you make money or not, prioritize your health, stop staying up late, and take care of your body first.

2.Stop impulse shopping

I truly understand the impulse to buy things. Just last weekend, I bought a pair of jeans myself. However, jeans are a necessity because the ones at home are either very old or too tight (okay, I admit I might have gained a bit of weight in middle age). But did you know? At that time, I also really wanted to buy a top to match the jeans. I tried on about six or seven options, and there were two that I really liked: one was a light green striped linen shirt with 3/4 sleeves, and the other was a cream-colored long-sleeved T-shirt. I was truly tempted to buy them all. However, after a moment of thought, I realized I already had two shirts at home and several white short-sleeved ones. Thinking of this, I controlled myself and left without making any purchases. Thank goodness for that moment of reflection, which prevented me from making an impulse purchase.

3.Stop being idle

From childhood to adulthood, I've always been aware that without any special resources or innate talent, hard work is the key to success in both learning and life. After all, isn't living about finding things to do for ourselves regularly? I've always had a somewhat biased view: once someone becomes idle, trouble follows. So, you see, wherever there are many idle people in a household, things usually don't go well. Many years ago, there was a young man who hadn't studied much. Later, through a referral, he got a job at a mobile phone repair shop and has been working there for many years. It's said he's still there now. Yes, people aren't afraid of you earning less or lacking big ambitions; they're afraid of you being idle all day and drifting aimlessly. Don't ever try those shortcuts to make money; sooner or later, you'll land yourself in trouble. If you're broke, find a decent job, work diligently, and enjoy the warmth of family life!

4.Stop complaining about being poor

I truly can't understand why some people keep complaining about being poor. Complaining about being poor doesn't solve any problems or earn any money. So, remember, don't cry poverty in front of others because they won't give you any money; they'll just laugh at you. Also, don't often think to yourself that you're just like this and will be poor for the rest of your life. I believe that in life: you must often encourage yourself, keep yourself energized, and then work hard to make money. This kind of outlook on life may not make ordinary people rich and prosperous, but living a stable and comfortable life shouldn't be a problem. Look around, those families that were once very poor but kept quiet about it later turned out fine. Parents' hard work is seen by their descendants, who then tend to be more capable. I think this is how most individuals, through self-motivation and effort, achieve family transformation. So, never cry poverty; strive and work hard at all times.

5.Stop comparing

Comparing yourself to others brings nothing but frustration. When poor people compare themselves to rich people, it feels like they've fallen from heaven to hell. When I was young, my family was really poor. Our family squeezed into two small rooms. At that time, I envied classmates who had their own houses. My mother probably sensed what I was feeling because she said: "You're students now, so don't compare what you eat and wear with others. Instead, compare who studies better. If you study well, you'll get a good job in the future and can have whatever you want." Looking back now, those words might have been a bit crude, but there was nothing wrong with the values they instilled: don't compare what you don't have with others; create what you want for yourself. So, whenever I hear about who's rich and what they've bought, I'm almost indifferent, and I don't feel any vanity or jealousy. Because I know: what others have is what they've created, and what I want, I'll create for myself.

Some friends might think, "We work so hard every day to earn money, isn't it for spending?" I admit, it's for spending. But, the key is how you spend it: I have no hesitation when it comes to: buying books for myself, buying jeans (I try them on in stores rather than endlessly comparing options online), signing up for lessons with experienced teachers when I want to learn a new skill… These are non-negotiable for me. What people see might be my frugality and simplicity, but only I know: this is my abundance in life, and I find joy in it.

Read Also:

30 Tips for a Minimalist Life

Listen: Podcast

Leading by Example

I've always believed: there are no subordinates who can't be managed well, only leaders who don't know how to manage.

Ultimately, management is about two things: managing people and managing tasks.

If people aren't managed well, problems arise; if tasks aren't managed well, failure follows.

How to manage people and tasks? It boils down to eight words: manage people steadily, manage tasks accurately.

Let's explore this together today.

01 Don't overly concern yourself with others' attitudes

What does managing people steadily mean? It means not being impatient, not being afraid, and not losing face.

When managing people, we inevitably encounter various problems. For example, subordinates may be growing too slowly and not meeting expectations, or they may not respect you, lack motivation in their work, and quit at the slightest disagreement.

At such times, you must remain steady. The key is to remain unhurried, unafraid, and unashamed.

1.Remain unhurried

Almost all management problems stem from people issues. When managing people, avoid rushing for quick results.

Because once you rush for quick results, you're prone to overlook the natural growth process of talent, resort to crude methods, and often end up with unsatisfactory outcomes.

Rome wasn't built in a day; you need patience and timing.

So, don't be in a hurry. Do what you need to do, wait patiently, some flowers bloom slowly on their own, and some things gradually fall into place; you must have patience.

2.Don't be afraid

What do managers fear? One is the fear of conflicts within the team, and the other is the fear of employees making mistakes.

Some managers fear conflicts with subordinates. They always say "okay" no matter what the subordinates do, and agree to whatever requests the subordinates make. They never have their own bottom line and always compromise.

Managers grow through conflicts, not harmony. If you always seek harmony, your subordinates won't respect you, and no one will listen to you, making it impossible to manage the team well.

Some managers are also afraid that subordinates will make mistakes, resulting in low efficiency. To get results faster, they may end up doing the work themselves.

However, if a subordinate never makes mistakes, they may not be doing anything at the company.

Procter & Gamble even has a rule: if an employee goes three months without making a mistake, they are considered an unsatisfactory employee.

So, don't be afraid of subordinates making mistakes; give them the opportunity to make mistakes. Because only then will they learn from their mistakes and grow.

Of course, if someone keeps making mistakes and refuses to learn, you don't need to be afraid; you can persuade them with reason, encourage them with incentives, and if all else fails, take disciplinary action.

3.Don't be ashamed

Losing face means being able to set aside your ego and not overly concern yourself with others' attitudes.

When managing people, don't be afraid to offend anyone. If a subordinate makes a mistake, stick to your principles and point out the issue firmly, rather than trying to cover it up to save face.

Be willing to speak frankly, lead with the ugly truth, explain the consequences of failing to meet objectives, and urge the team to stay committed to the goals.

And during the process of managing tasks, also supervise execution rigorously, correct processes, evaluate results, and make rewards and punishments clear. Replace or dismiss those who are not up to standard.

By being "unhurried, unafraid, and unashamed," you can elevate your management to a higher level.

02 Managing tasks accurately ensures results.

1.Focus on the big picture

Focusing on the big picture means prioritizing major tasks, focusing on the most important things.

Some managers don't do this; they usually try to handle everything at once, ending up busier and less efficient, which is essentially being busy for the sake of it.

According to the Pareto Principle, the most important things account for only 20%, while the remaining 80%, although the majority, are not actually crucial.

So, you only need to focus on the big tasks, the key points.

The so-called big tasks are those that have a significant impact on the results. To judge the importance of a task, you must think deeply, identify the main contradictions, and understand the essence of the matter.

2.Delegate authority

Delegating authority means empowerment. Some tasks don't require you to do them yourself; you can delegate them to the right people.

Which tasks can be delegated? A good reference is whether the task or project will be affected if you're not involved.

So, what kind of subordinates should you delegate authority to? It mainly depends on two factors:

First, whether they can do it. To successfully complete the work, you need to find someone among your subordinates who are skilled and experienced enough to deliver results.

Second, whether they are willing to do it. Capability is one thing, but willingness is another. If someone is capable but unwilling, don't force them.

If they're capable and willing, they will continue to be self-driven, constantly seeking solutions to problems.

It's important to note that while delegating authority, you should also learn to mitigate risks. Mitigating risks means following up on the process, providing timely help and support, acting as a coach rather than a supervisor.

3.Pay attention to details

Paying attention to details means focusing on critical junctures, important details, and areas where results can be achieved; you must see things through to the end.

Paying attention to detail means being able to conduct checks on areas where mistakes may occur.

By focusing on the big picture, delegating authority, and paying attention to detail, managing tasks accurately ensures results.

03 In conclusion, management is about two things: managing people and managing tasks.

Managing people requires steadiness - not being in a hurry, not being afraid, and not losing face. Managing tasks requires accuracy - focusing on the big picture, delegating authority, and paying attention to detail, seeing things through to the end.

Read Also:

Life is Like Watching Drama

Listen: Podcast

Life experiences

1. Pay attention to those who are very good in dealing with others.

People who are good in dealing with others are all savvy individuals; they have high emotional intelligence, articulate well, and make you feel comfortable in their presence. But that doesn't necessarily mean they are good people.

When judging someone, don't just listen to what they say; observe their actions. Pay attention to details, feel with your heart, not just with your ears.

2. Make money as much as possible, save money diligently, money is very important.

No matter what your financial situation is, save money whenever possible. In this society, money is the most important shield for you and your family.

Nowadays, it feels like the weekend hasn't been spent if they haven't gone shopping, and it feels like they haven't gone shopping if they haven't bought anything. They feel wronged if they go shopping without having a cup of milk tea or a meal.

Save money in life, and there's no need to spend $6 on milk tea when $1 bottled water can do the job. Your savings are your lifeline.

3. Don't deliberately flatter others.

Those whom you flatter and fawn over, what real help can they offer you? Even if they do help you, sooner or later you'll have to repay them twofold. Moreover, why should they help you? The more you flatter others, the more others will flatter them, and the more incapable you'll appear.

Instead of trying to flatter others, spend that energy thinking about how to improve yourself.

4. Don't try to take shortcuts in anything.

For example, don't cheat on homework normally, don't think about cheating on exams, don't lie to deceive people; you are deceiving yourself.

Do you think you're deceiving the teacher by copying homework?

5. Things that make you suffer actually bring you happiness, and things that make you happy are often not real happiness.

Playing games and browsing on your phone are very comfortable, but that kind of short-term happiness often brings permanent pain.

Studying is painful, especially in the early stages. Stretching and running are painful. But these brief pains often bring long-term happiness.

6. It's never too late to start working hard.

It's never too late to start learning anything.

Many skills are usually acquired with just a few years of hard work. As long as you persist, regardless of what it is, you will gradually reap rewards.

7. Be calm and not judge others based on yourself.

Everyone's experiences are different, and their attitudes toward things are also different. You can disagree with someone's opinion, but don't question or oppose it. Don't try to impose your thoughts on others; it will only make you look foolish.

8. Don't prioritize interpersonal relationships.

Interpersonal relationships are built on the circle you're in and are more determined by your abilities. If you have achieved nothing and have no value to offer, why should others help you? Only when you have the ability do you have the right to talk about interpersonal relationships.

9. Learning is a lifelong process, and reading is the lowest-cost, fastest way to grow.

Don't stop learning just because you're working. Many things can only be truly understood through practice. By learning while working, you will grow rapidly.

10. Stay away from trashy people.

If a dog bites you, would you bite the dog back?

If you encounter trashy people in life, endure a little grievance and leave as soon as possible. It's better to have one less thing to worry about.

11. Don't deliberately please others, and don't force yourself into circles you don't belong to.

Whether in school or after work, if you can't get along with classmates or colleagues, keep your distance. Focus on learning seriously and working diligently to enrich your life. You live for yourself, not to please others.

12. The more you talk, the less weight your words carry.

In daily life, except with friends, don't become a chatterbox when interacting with others. In this day and age, besides family and friends, no one has so much free time to listen to your nonsense.

13. Time will reveal true intentions.

People's hearts are unpredictable, and seeing someone's true intentions over time may not always be accurate. Communicate more, and you'll eventually see people's true intentions.

14.  Face is earned, not given by others.

When you feel that others don't respect you, don't get angry.

Others are not obliged to respect you. Whether or not you can earn others' respect depends on your abilities and character.

As the saying goes, face is earned, not given by others.

Read Also:

The gap between others and you is not at work but after work

Listen: Podcast