Life is like water, and human life is like tea. Some may praise you, others may criticize you, but as long as you act with a clear conscience, there is no need to dwell on the judgments of others. Life requires moments to slow down and quiet down, to listen to the sound of flowers blooming and watch the graceful movement of leaves. The more we desire to gain, the more we feel we have lost.
Gradually, things fade; gradually, things are forgotten. Such is the nature of the world. Many familiar people, if not cherished, will slowly fade away; many familiar things, if not reminisced upon, will gradually be forgotten. The winds of time not only fade the emotions in our hearts but also cool our spirits; the hands of time not only blur our image in others' eyes but also fade our presence in theirs. Some people are destined to become old acquaintances, and some paths are destined to be walked alone.
Yesterday is a voided check, tomorrow is a promissory note, but today is the only cash you possess.
When two people are together and find nothing to say, let the silence remain. Do not speak nonsense just to break the silence. In fact, silence sometimes speaks volumes.
Human life is incredibly short. Some people die before achieving their desires, leaving behind nothing but regret and exhaustion. Others plant dreams of contentment amidst a harsh reality and reap long-lasting happiness. You cannot change the reality you refuse to face. Making progress often means taking risks. Without the first step, you can never take the second; such is life.
Instead of constantly thinking about what others owe you or can give you, think about what you owe others or can give to them. Obsessing over what others owe you breeds resentment and drives away happiness; always expecting others to give makes you lose yourself and become mediocre. Thinking about what you owe others fosters gratitude; treating people well naturally beautifies the soul. Being able to give is the value of existence; it enriches the spirit and makes life more meaningful.
One day, when you face your past embarrassments or the people you once hated, you will be as calm as still water, no longer stirred by emotion, meeting them with a smile. Even if others recount your past misfortunes, you will listen as if hearing someone else's story, without even a ripple in your heart. Such is the essence of letting go.
Every day alive is a blessing; one should cherish and protect oneself. When I cried because I had no shoes to wear, I discovered that some people have no feet.
The ease of making money is relative, but its difficulty is absolute. The "swan meat" that falls from the sky into your mouth might be poisonous; as you open your mouth to enjoy an unexpected feast, you might just be marking the end of your life.
Be grateful to good people, thankful for benefits received, and moved by acts of kindness.
