Tuesday, June 2, 2026

There are always so many things you can't help but face.

    When you're physically exhausted, you can put down your work, take a few days off, and find a place where no one knows you to relax. But what about when your mind is tired? We should learn to adjust, to protect it!

   After graduating from junior high, I faced the unavoidable choice of high school. Then, after graduating from high school, I faced the unavoidable choice of university. Now, I'm facing the unavoidable choice of job after graduating from university! Everything seems to be going smoothly, but I know best the exhaustion in my heart! If I do well on the high school entrance exam, I don't need to choose a high school; if I do well on the college entrance exam, I don't need to choose a major or university; if I have good professional skills, I don't need to choose a job after graduation. However, none of this applies to me! Because I'm not the kind of person adults see: "Look at other people's kids!" I'm just me, someone who's neither outstanding nor excellent!

   I always thought this was finally over, that I wouldn't have to worry anymore, but the next choice arrives as scheduled! Sometimes I really feel, why do we have to make choices? Why do I feel so tired inside? But then I think: maybe many others feel the same way when I think this way! Everyone has a dream, and mine is to do what I love, do what I love, eat what I love, and dream what I love! But I've been dragged into this chaotic world, to experience the harsh realities of life, to feel the coldness and warmth of human relationships, to brush past others' lives, and to listen to their legendary stories!

   I once heard someone say: "Do what's right for you at the right age, and don't do things you shouldn't be doing at the age when you should be learning." My father once said something I've always remembered: "You only have so much time to go to school. The rest of your life will be spent working. You can earn a lot of money in the future, but the time you spend in school is something you can't buy back with any amount of money. Whether you study or not is your decision. If you study, I'll support you; if you don't, you'll have to walk your own path!" "Although it was blunt, it was very beneficial! I might be able to go back to school later, but the age will be different, and the feeling of studying will be different. I'm glad I chose to go to school out of necessity.

   Now I'm working, but I've faced another difficult choice. Fortunately, I heard something I wouldn't have considered before: 'The time you have isn't long, but it's not short either, because there are so many rising stars. If you don't have any skills, you'll be quickly eliminated by this world!'" "I'm grateful. The saying goes, 'Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly.' Others' advice and words may not be pleasant to hear, but they are the most direct and insightful! This helps me avoid some detours!

   Everyone needs to experience the trials and tribulations of society to more clearly pursue what they want, and to more objectively understand how cruel society is and how resilient you are. The more setbacks

   you face, the stronger you become—it's short but easy to understand. If you have a dream, you have no fear of the heavens! Although there will always be many unavoidable obstacles waiting for you, overcoming one raises your level. Once you've overcome them all, you can fight monsters, live the life you want, and become the boss in other people's lives. Let others defeat you! So a bright tomorrow is always waiting for you, even though you never know how many tomorrows there will be. In short, there is always hope!"

The clouds sway in the night, the night sky is filled with stars.

   In the sweltering summer night, the stars twinkle in the sky, like a group of adorable, playful elves winking at us joyfully. This scene has been long awaited…

  July and August nights, around seven or eight o'clock, are the perfect time for stargazing. The grapevines in the yard are laden with clusters of "pearls," and occasionally a golden oriole hops by, practicing its song, while a snail or two continues its usual climb. Setting up a small square table, brewing freshly made tea, and enjoying a plate of peanuts, humming a little tune while admiring the moonlight—the pleasure is endless. I love chatting under the stars about my unforgettable experiences and my wildest ideas.

  The summer night sky always gives me new and exciting thoughts. I dream of fulfilling my wish to pluck stars from the sky, like the astronomy students at Peking University, or to travel to space like an astronaut and explore the mysteries of the universe. I even long to land on the moon and see if the legendary Chang'e truly exists… This vast and boundless starry sky touches every nerve in my body, giving me endless imagination.

  Strolling through the gentle, lovely night, looking up at this sea of ​​stars always brings me spiritual comfort. I see the stars of Altair and Vega, their eyes seemingly gazing at each other; I see the rare shooting stars streaking across the sky; I see the stars displaying their brilliance. This night sky is also a place where scientists pursue their dreams. From the ancient tale of Zhang Heng counting stars to the countless astronomy students today relentlessly exploring the night sky, this starry sky has always satisfied our interpretation of beauty.

  The tranquil night, paired with this sky full of stars, is perfect. Tonight, I want to record my feelings at this moment with a pen and capture this enchanting moment with a camera. Keep them deep within your heart, and on every rainy night, find a quiet place to slowly recall and savor them.

  Clouds drift through the night, the night sky is filled with stars. In the vast expanse of the sky, we can always find what we seek. •ᴗ•

I was who I was then, and I am who I am now, but I am not the same person I was then.

    We've all gone through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood… and those stages yet to come! We've all crawled, stood, walked, and run! We've all been innocent, lively, and cheerful, and now we're profound, silent, and speechless!

   As a child, I envied adults who could buy whatever they wanted, always wanting to grow up quickly; my childhood dreams were crystal clear. Now, as an adult, I envy the carefree days of childhood, always lamenting, "If only I had done things differently back then, things wouldn't be like this now." My childhood dreams have become blurred! The age-old

   saying, "We only know how to cherish something after we lose it," is true. Even though we all understand this, we still experience the pain of loss before we appreciate its beauty. That's because you can never truly understand the wisdom of those who came before you.

   I used to be carefree, always dreaming of growing up, taking my parents on trips, buying them things they liked, earning lots and lots of money, and making many friends! But after experiencing betrayal from friends, I've forgotten how to treat others sincerely, and I can no longer see the kindness others show me! The cruelty of reality has left me feeling lost and unable to move forward! The rapid development of electronic technology in modern society has turned us into "smartphone addicts," completely forgetting how to strive and work hard, and communication with peers has gradually decreased! We spend more and more time in the virtual world!

   Our past dreams have been lost, and I am now more complacent with the status quo! My former personality has become increasingly unlike what I used to be! We always regret the past, but we can't bring

ourselves to change and create a better future!

   Small goals are always achieved only accidentally years later. We always tell ourselves we won't stay up late starting tomorrow, but our "tomorrow" has already passed by more than a month! I hate who I am now, and I hate even more that I know myself so well yet don't change!

   Did reality defeat us, or did cowardice defeat us? Actually, neither. We gave up on ourselves, so we defeated ourselves! I used to be simple, cute, and carefree; now I am anxious, worried, and troubled. I will never become the person I used to be, but I can decide who I will become in the future!

Thoughts in sync, warmth on our journey

   "All good things must come to an end," a truth we all seem to understand, but when the seemingly ordinary departure arrives, I find it hard to face it calmly. A flood of longing

  washes over me. Our meeting was perhaps destined, or perhaps just my good fortune. On September 10th, the day we met, a gentle breeze blew, the sun shone softly, and in the picturesque campus, on a leisurely afternoon with flowers in bloom, we met you in our camouflage uniforms. You, tall and imposing, marched with firm steps, perfectly aligned. Your serious expressions reflected the rigorous and serious lifestyle of soldiers. When some began to discuss your appearances, you, the head instructor, commanded, "Quiet, or I'll teach you a lesson!" We were terrified by your threatening tone, yet secretly pleased by your righteousness. Then you commanded again, "Everyone squat down!" I knew this was our punishment for speaking out. Squatting was indeed a bit uncomfortable for us, and you said again, "If you move again, don't get up." I remember that day, we squatted until each instructor led their squad away. That day, I forgot how much my feet hurt... Having never had military training before, I was really looking forward to an unforgettable experience. Now, my mood is starting to feel heavy and scared, as if I've already anticipated that this military training will be particularly tough and tiring.

  Everything is as I expected. We started by practicing military posture. In our usual standing at attention, standing at attention and standing at attention are two different concepts. Military posture requires head up, chest out, stomach in, arms straight and close to the trouser seam, and you can't pull them apart, eyes wide open, leaning forward... standing like that for half an hour at a time. This was incredibly difficult for someone like me who hadn't stood for long periods in a long time, especially with all these requirements. Sure enough, several classmates fainted, which angered the instructors. "How come you're all so physically weak?" one instructor remarked. "I didn't collapse while standing, but I was completely exhausted. I even considered faking it to rest, but I was afraid of feeling guilty and persevered." As the military training progressed, standing at attention became a daily requirement, and gradually it became a habit, and it didn't seem so difficult anymore.

  Later, we entered the fancy formation drills and met you, with your elegant and lovely demeanor. For the first few days, we all seemed very relaxed; while other formations trained, we rested. I even suspected we were the ones doing it. Wasn't it good enough? They singled us out just to avoid bringing shame to the school. It wasn't until a day later that I understood—Instructor Li and Instructor Liu were planning our performance. You were exhausted, while we were resting. To catch up with the other teams, we trained hard.

  We spent the last two days rehearsing…

  On the last day, it was drizzling, breezy, and a little chilly, as if foreshadowing this farewell. Today is the military training performance; we gave our all to showcase our teams' brilliance. Just as the show was about to end, I saw your smiling faces as you walked into the corridor, and then I never saw you again… You left so quietly, without even saying goodbye. My heart inexplicably ached, and tears streamed down my face. Goodbye, my dear ones…

  “You'll understand us later.” Perhaps so. Goodbye, thank you for giving us so many profound memories. May we meet again someday! •ᴗ•

Monday, June 1, 2026

Fallen leaves herald autumn; adversity reveals true character.

 herald autumn. In the ancient city of the plateau, a chill wind blows, and autumn arrives quietly without anyone noticing. A touch of red hangs across the verdant peaks, like dark-colored wild geese flitting through the forest.

The autumn wind blows forcefully, stirring the golden leaves, each leaf displaying a graceful dance, like dreamlike butterflies. The wind carries the leaves to the ground, blowing them to your feet. The once green, tormented by frost, suddenly bursts into vibrant color, turning golden or crimson.

  Looking up at the sky through the gaps in the branches, a small patch of gray-blue sky and a dim, incomplete moon, accompanied by a few drops of cold autumn rain, add a touch of mystery to the entire scene, making one feel that there is something deeper within this landscape than what is before one's eyes.

  Fallen leaves are serene and peaceful, light and free, magnificent and lonely, filled with regret and sorrow. They are also the loneliest of all things in the universe. I look at the leaves, and the leaves look at me. Their gaze is somewhat melancholic, and I feel as if I am silently enveloped by them with every gesture. My heart is instantly filled with the tender emotions of autumn.

  In fact, the best time to watch fallen leaves is at dusk. At this time, the autumn wind blows, very cool. Each falling leaf, in the autumn wind, expresses indignation, desolation, lightness, joy, lamentation, or sighs. They narrate the joys and sorrows, the vicissitudes of human life over the years.

  How many sad stories in history have danced with the falling leaves of autumn? How many beautiful songs about autumn leaves are recorded in classical poetry? When Cai Wenji was abducted to the Hu lands and forced to be a wife, it was probably also autumn. The autumn wind howls, the grass and trees wither, and far away, she, in her sorrow, penned "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute." Who can understand her tragic plight?

  Autumn often evokes a complex mix of emotions, stirring the heart. Scenery and heart gently collide, sparking countless flames. The frost of time may turn our hair white, but the fallen leaves of late autumn cannot bury the garden of memories. Autumn is not synonymous with decadence and despair; sometimes, it can inspire rebirth in our souls.

  By the roadside, the once towering trees have all fallen, leaving only gnarled trunks, their markings resembling the scars of time etched on an old man's face. The

  autumn wind blows away countless lives! In the distance, an old man sighs, leaning on his cane, carefully walking across the fallen leaves. He walks cautiously, each step trembling, each step creaking, reaching the depths of my soul—it is the sound of fragile life breaking! Whether it's an old person or a fallen leaf, deep within their hearts lies a profound sorrow. Their hearts are tightly clenched, ultimately chilled by the autumn wind and dampened by the autumn rain. This scene suddenly gave me a new understanding of life.

  Secondly, adversity reveals true character.

From the fallen leaves, I suddenly thought of the warmth and coldness of human relationships, the vicissitudes of life, and the bittersweet experiences of existence.

I used to think of everything as so beautiful, offering everyone a warm and pure heart. But as I've grown older, especially after experiencing many things, I've gradually come to understand what it means to see true character in adversity.

Imagine, when there's no news, who worries about you constantly, and who is indifferent? When trouble arises, who lends a helping hand, and who pretends it's none of their business?

When you're at your lowest point, who helps you rise again, and who looks down on you? When you're sad and distressed, who is anxious for you, and who ignores you? Who is genuine and who is not, depends on the heart; who is capable and who is not, true friendship is revealed in times of hardship.

 When you're rich or powerful, even if you hide deep in the mountains, you'll still be surrounded by crowds; when you're penniless, even if you live at a crossroads, people will rather take a longer route than pass by your door. When trouble comes, the people you expect to rely on may not be there; when you need help, those you didn't think of might be the ones who lend a hand. With more experience, you'll understand that the best people for you are always those who lend a helping hand in crucial moments.

   A person who only knows how to bleed but sheds tears for you is a true friend; a person who only knows how to cry but bleeds for you is a devoted lover. In this world, those who stay with you until the end are the fewest, and also the best. Only when you're down on your luck can you see who throws cold water on you and who offers genuine support. Once you understand these truths in life, you should know how to be grateful, cherish those you have connections with, and treat kindly those relatives who have selflessly helped you.

  So much heartfelt devotion, ending in silence—it's because genuine kindness wasn't received, leading to the withdrawal of all love. So much forgiveness, ending in a heart of stone—it's because tears welled up and the heart was broken, causing deep affection to shift. If someone cares about you, they'll remember your coldness, feel your sorrow, and understand your vulnerability.

  If someone doesn't care about you, they won't heed your tears, care about your sadness, or tolerate your long wait. Those who care will warm your heart; those who ignore you will bring tears to your eyes.

   Those who cherish you prioritize you, cherish you, shield you from the storm, and are devoted to you; they'll be moved by you and value you like their own life. How can you not be moved? What's the use of love, hate, arguing, blaming, thinking, or feeling pain from someone who doesn't cherish you? What's the point of your cherishing them?

  From now on, learn to let go. Those who want to leave, I won't try to stop them, I won't pester or disturb them; what I force to stay won't last. What I already possess, I won't let go of; I will cherish it, care about it, and keep it forever in my heart. From now on, those who are loyal and righteous, I will protect them with my heart; those who are heartless and ungrateful, I will turn and leave; those who will never abandon me, I

will hold in my heart; those who go their separate ways, I ask for nothing more! Fallen leaves reveal autumn, and adversity reveals true character. True friends are those who remain after countless trials; true feelings are those that have withstood the test of time. The one who stays by your side the longest is the one who loves you the most; the one you hold in your hand the longest is the one who cares for you the most!

About the author:

Yang Yongchun, from Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province, enjoys expressing the various emotions of life through writing. He is a contributing writer for *Modern Writers*, *Qilian Literature*, and *Writers' Frontline*, a member of *Kunlun Literature*, a novel editor for *Dangar Literature Garden*, and a writer and editor for Urban Headlines.

Truly intelligent people all possess a sharp edge.

   Emerson said: "Your kindness must have an edge."

  Some people seem amiable and easy to get along with. You see them, they never hold grudges, never look gloomy, and always greet you with a smile. But they are never "scarred," and at crucial moments, they can "retreat unscathed," leaving those who scheme against them disappointed.

  Truly intelligent people all possess an "edge." Although they smile, speak warmly, and don't provoke anyone, they are not to be trifled with. Their "edge" is manifested in the following aspects:

  First, they know how to protect themselves: "I will not offend others unless they offend me; if they offend me, I will retaliate."

  Many people have probably read "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," which tells the story of many heroic figures, including many intelligent ones, such as Qiao Feng and Duan Yu. However, I personally believe that the truly intelligent person is the "sweeping monk" who appears later in the story. He lurks in the library, knowing everyone coming and going intimately. Among a group of martial arts masters, he is surprisingly more skilled, able to fight them off and even help resolve long-standing grudges, ultimately creating harmony. A

  truly intelligent person is like that "sweeping monk"—they can live peacefully in ordinary times, avoiding conflict, but in crucial moments, no one should provoke them or underestimate them. Their abilities are extraordinary, yet they remain hidden.

  An intelligent person, when there is no conflict of interest, is just an ordinary person, one of the masses. However, when wronged, another side emerges to protect their interests. For example, if someone tries to steal their money, they will fight to the bitter end, ensuring the other party suffers; if someone plots against them, they will retaliate "quietly" and subtly.

  We often say, "To be overly honest is foolish." A wise person may appear honest, but has inner strength and won't be taken advantage of or become a scapegoat.

  Secondly, they know how to temper their temper: avoiding hurting others and themselves.

  "What's the use of always being angry? You're just a fool." Anger solves nothing; you might be sulking all day, but afterwards you still have to face life and solve problems. Anger is a waste of time.

  Therefore, wise people control their temper. A person with a bad temper will casually curse and blame others, only to find later that their temper has offended and hurt many people. Anger can also trigger illnesses, especially heart disease. Many say "illnesses come from anger," and there's some truth to that.

  Instead of being angry, strive for excellence. Wise people control their temper and maintain composure; even in the face of major issues, they can speak calmly and leave a good impression.

  A person should have sharp edges, but not be overly assertive. If you get angry, you're exposing your sharpness, creating unpleasantness between people without solving the problem. Smart people talk things out with others to find solutions, often finding a breakthrough more easily.

  Third, learn to be indifferent: there's no need to even look at those who look down on you.

  Some people should have been offended long ago. For example, those who look down on you, constantly ridicule you, or always undermine your career... If someone treats you badly, you really don't need to be "too nice" to them.

  "Birds of a feather flock together." If you're always trying to please and flatter those who aren't on the same page, they'll look down on you and might even take advantage of you. For example, they might want to do something but think it's unreliable, so they'll encourage you to do it first, letting you "try it out," and if it fails, you'll be the "scapegoat."

  Some people you'll never fit into any "circle" with, so you need to learn to "leave the group." From now on, everyone goes their own way. Neither offend nor flatter; respond to others as they treat you.

  Ma De said: You may not bully anyone, but you must have the courage and spirit to not be bullied.

  Kindness is often taken advantage of; don't be too kind and honest. In this world, you must at least live with dignity.

  Is it necessary to associate with those who hope you'll never rise again?

  Is it necessary to passively accept those who hope to trample on you?

  I hope you will bravely resist when violated.

  I hope you possess sharpness, and use it wisely, neither hurting others nor being hurt yourself.

  A gentle, sunny day says: This article is from the internet.

  (End)

Your appearance reflects your soul.

   Shui Mu Jun says: The hardships you've endured, the mountains you've crossed, and the worldly affairs you've embraced will all temper you into peace, gentleness, wisdom, and composure, manifesting in your appearance. A truly beautiful appearance isn't just about outward beauty; it should also encompass a rich soul.

  Let me tell you a short fable. Once upon a time, there was a skilled craftsman who loved carving demons and monsters, focusing intently on it and neglecting everything else.

  One day, while looking in the mirror, he was shocked to find his face had become fierce and ugly. He went to a temple to seek help from the abbot, who replied, "I can heal you, but you must first carve 100 statues of Guanyin."

  So, the craftsman began studying Guanyin's expression and demeanor, even imitating her expressions in his immersion, making the statues more lifelike.

  Six months later, he finally completed the 100 statues of Guanyin, each imbued with kindness and compassion, and rushed back to the temple to seek the abbot's cure.

  The abbot held a mirror in front of him and said with a smile, "Actually, your illness has been cured."

  Only then did the craftsman realize that his appearance had become upright and dignified, and he suddenly understood.

  This story confirms an old saying—"Appearance reflects the heart," meaning that a person's appearance changes with their thoughts.

  In this world, there is no beauty without a reason, nor ugliness without a reason. If one's personality is perverse or one lacks cultivation, one's appearance will reveal it.

  Your appearance is, in fact, the image of your soul.

  (I)

  Your appearance reveals your temperament.

  In life, we often have a sense of déjà vu with someone we pass by. Even though we have never met, we inexplicably feel a connection.

  This is mostly because the face reveals a person's temperament, and we can always glean clues from their appearance.

  When Qian Zhongshu first met Yang Jiang, he was wearing a blue cloth gown and cloth shoes with woolen soles, and his clear eyes shone behind a pair of old-fashioned glasses.

  Others described Qian Zhongshu's appearance as "simple," but Yang Jiang felt that his brows were "deep and refined," suggesting he was a gentle person.

  The two continued to spend time together and eventually married happily.

  It is often said that "you can't judge a book by its cover," but isn't mutual understanding between people often achieved by observing appearances? When we don't know someone well enough, we can always find clues in their face.

  An irritable person's brows tend to furrow; a gentle person's lips are always upturned; a domineering person's eyes have a hint of hostility; a friendly person's face has a serene appearance...

  If a person has a noble soul, their appearance will naturally be good; if a person has a bright heart, they will radiate a lasting charm.

  (II)

  Your appearance reflects your life.

  In the American TV series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Midge's independent and strong image won over countless fans, and her attitude of "maintaining elegance even in adversity" left an extremely deep impression on the public. She puts on

  makeup before her husband wakes up every morning, maintaining a "naturally beautiful" image even in front of loved ones;

  she weighs herself and measures her bust, waist, and hips daily, and after five years of marriage, she still maintains the same slender figure as before.

  She always wears exquisite makeup before going out, "never standing more than a meter away from her lipstick," and every gesture exudes a love for life…

  It is because of this unwavering dedication that, even when her husband was unfaithful, she was able to live an independent life in the world of stand-up comedy, relying on her good looks and excellent eloquence.

  In reality, many people lack Midge's self-discipline:

  beer bellies resemble those of a five-month pregnant woman, dark circles under their eyes rival those of a panda, and a withered face makes them look much older… They attribute it to the ravages of time, but it's actually due to their lifestyle habits.

  When we complain about our own laziness while envying the glamorous appearances of others, we overlook the effort behind it all.

  Remember, a woman with a refined appearance certainly lives a refined life.

  A person with a well-proportioned figure inevitably has a healthy diet and good living habits; a person with exquisite makeup inevitably has a unique aesthetic sense and mature taste; a person with a friendly smile inevitably has an open mind and profound cultivation...

  Behind every beautiful appearance lies a life of self-love.

  (III)

  Your appearance reflects your experiences.

  Japanese writer Soichi Oya once said, "A person's face is a resume."

  Life is a vast ocean, and the books we read, the roads we travel, and the people we meet all leave their mark on our lives, subtly changing our temperament.

  The famous female host Dong Qing perfectly embodies the saying "A person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes elegance." Her excellence is closely related to her past experiences.

  In her student days, copying poems was a daily routine for her; regardless of the severe cold or scorching heat, running was a regular occurrence; despite her privileged background, she once cried from exhaustion while doing odd jobs...

  But it was these difficult days that gave her the courage to navigate life.

  Later, she pursued her beloved hosting career, which flourished. In 2014, she resolutely put aside her flourishing career to study in the United States.

  Upon her return, she hosted the "Chinese Poetry Competition," reciting poems fluently and answering questions with ease; she served as a producer on "The Reader," moving from the forefront to behind the scenes.

  On stage, she exudes beauty, composure, and elegance; off stage, she carries a rumpled dictionary in her backpack, her face stung by the wind during filming, and the sight of Beijing at 3 a.m. when she finishes work.

  It is said that time is merciless and beauty fades, but what shines brightest in Dong Qing is the maturity, elegance, and dignified grace that time has bestowed upon her.

  Dong Qing's experience truly embodies the poem: "If poetry and literature reside in one's heart, time will never defeat beauty."

  (IV)

  Your appearance reflects your soul.

  British writer Bertrand Russell said, "A person's face is the outward appearance of their value. It not only reveals your life but also the life you are pursuing."

  The hardships you've endured, the mountains you've crossed, and the worldly affairs you've embraced will all temper you into peace, gentleness, wisdom, and composure, manifesting in your appearance. A

  beautiful appearance is not merely about a pretty exterior, but also about a rich soul.

  Character is written on the lips, happiness shines in the eyes, rationality and sensibility reside in the voice, sincerity and hypocrisy are reflected in the pupils, expressions reveal recent feelings, and brows tell of past years.

  Every smile, every word, every action is a gift from time.

  Life is vast; may you be radiant with happiness as spring approaches, full of ambition when all trees are lush, encounter a rainbow after the rain when you hesitate, and see a sky full of stars when you feel regret.

  No matter when or where, may you always be a beautiful person.

  ...

  A word from Wenwan Qingtian: This article is from the internet.

  (The End)

My thoughts and feelings about epilepsy

   post on Douyin (TikTok) claims that epilepsy is the new "super virus" of 2025. Since the end of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, s...