Sometimes, I genuinely feel that you are exhausted — you’ve placed far too much pressure on yourself.
Do you know what? Life’s margin for error is actually quite high.
Especially after you’ve been through a few things, you’ll gradually discover that many of the situations people make such a big deal about are, at their core, really not that important.
Take a difficult family upbringing — it’s really not that critical. If you slowly learn to understand your parents’ limitations and shortsightedness with clear eyes, you’ll develop the insight to see through their flaws and ultimately surpass them.
Or attending a third-tier university — also not that critical. Once you come to understand the true importance of expertise and capability, you can still build steadily and catch up when the time is right.
And a career that’s struggling for now? Even less of a problem. As long as you gradually learn to review and reflect on your progress, and keep benchmarking yourself against the right role models at each stage, you’ll find your way through even the toughest stretches.
Honestly, one of the biggest struggles we face as East Asians — as Chinese people — is that we pile an enormous amount of pressure on ourselves.
It feels as though if we’re not first or second in every phase of life, the world is about to collapse and everything is ruined.
Don’t worry — it won’t.
You, me, anyone we know.
We have all gotten here by falling down, getting back up, falling again, and rising again — one step at a time.
Remember this: life will always have its pitfalls, and you will always make mistakes. What matters is that you learn to reflect, take stock, and stop repeating those same mistakes. That is enough.
Tonight, let’s skip the heavy topics. Just take it easy, breathe, and rest well.
Peace 🌙