Embracing Reality: A Reflection on Life, Labor, and Self-Awareness
I once stumbled upon a poignant online photo essay titled “This Is Me.” It chronicled a woman’s journey from a sheltered upbringing to entering the workforce at 18, followed by marriage and motherhood at 20. Now, with her children a little older, she’s back at work, embracing both the hardships and satisfactions it brings. What struck me most was the complete absence of complaint or self-pity in her narrative. I immediately wanted to leave a comment: “You go, girl! A self-reliant, responsible, and cheerful woman is a wonderful woman! Your dignity shines through your hard work and sweat.” However, the platform required downloading an app to comment, which I skipped, so she’ll never see my words. Nevertheless, that brief story left a lasting impression, prompting me to share my thoughts.
The Power of a Positive Outlook
I deeply admire this kind of realistic and optimistic approach to life. As the saying goes, a person should possess: confidence radiating from their face, kindness rooted in their heart, integrity flowing in their veins, and resilience etched into their soul.
We must confront reality and strive for progress. Lamenting and complaining will lead nowhere. Even Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang dynasty, couldn’t save his crumbling empire with his sorrowful verses like “When will the endless spring flowers and autumn moon come to an end? How much of the past do I know… Tell me, how much sorrow do you have? It’s like a river of spring water flowing eastward.” Had he, from the start of his reign, dedicated himself to diligent governance, facing the societal upheaval head-on with the spirit of “Live as a hero, die as a ghost,” perhaps he couldn’t have altered the course of history, but his reign and his nation wouldn’t have met such a swift demise.
Grounded in Reality
Life requires facing reality and moving forward step by step. If you only gaze at the sky without planting your feet firmly on the ground, you risk falling into a ditch. Some say that even when lying in a ditch, you have the right to look up at the stars. Well, then lie in your ditch and gaze away, and wait for what…? One should have ideals, but not illusions. You might imagine yourself basking in glory at center stage, but when you open your eyes, you’re still the same person. The fairytale transformations of Cinderella meeting her prince or the ugly duckling becoming a swan are enchanting, but they are just that – fairytales! Distant views are alluring, but true life lies in the here and now. Life demands effort, and only through effort comes reward.
Knowing Yourself
“This is me” is a simple yet profound statement. “Me” signifies “self,” and recognizing one’s own limitations is the best way to understand everything else. For example, there are many talented individuals on social media who excel in poetry, painting, and photography. Poetry requires adherence to meter, syllable count, tone patterns, and rhyme. It demands not only cultural knowledge but also the ability to capture life’s fleeting moments. Painting and photography require solid skills, inspiration, and a willingness to work hard. These individuals are masters because they possess these qualities. I, on the other hand, will never reach that level because I fall short in every aspect. But I still smile, because participation is what matters! I admire those with talent (excluding the inexplicably popular influencers), approaching them with an attitude of appreciation and learning. Appreciating others is also appreciating yourself, and respecting others is also respecting yourself! Finding joy in others’ happiness and maintaining a calm mindset are the keys to happiness and contentment in life.
I’m well aware that painstakingly typing these words has taken me the better part of a day, and that doesn’t even include the time spent drafting!
The platform, however, doesn’t seem to favor my rambling. It prefers mundane topics, petty squabbles, mother-in-law versus daughter-in-law dramas, and perpetually frowning faces! I don’t mind. If my criticism of the platform leads to rejection, so be it! I’ve exercised my mind and hands, and I don’t regret it! For seniors, exercising their minds and practicing typing is also a form of physical exercise.