black cat 2019 keep being a commoner
I think being ordinary is not good.
But living like this isn't bad at all.
After reviewing my recent work schedule and flight plans, I decided to give up the Xiamen Marathon this weekend. Everyone says the Xiamen Marathon is great and beautiful, and there's always the chance of a serendipitous encounter. This would have been my third year participating, and in the past, I certainly wouldn't have given it up. But as the year turned, for some reason, I just didn't want to rush around and exhaust myself anymore. Yes,some things don't need to be done in one night; we're not in a hurry.Age is truly a magical thing; it silently changes many things. It gradually turns us into another version of ourselves, one that we once knew intimately but eventually parted ways with.
Just as I was feeling down about my mundane decision, the unusually smooth traffic on my way home after work lifted my spirits a bit. Near my building, a stray dog that didn't look like it had endured the harsh cold jumped into my view, bouncing happily. My first reaction was to ask my mom to bring down some meat. The dog eagerly devoured it and wagged its tail at me. At that moment, I noticed my elegant poodle didn't approve of this food-sharing but was helpless about it. So, I decided to take it for a walk to distract it. Coincidentally, I helped a little boy who couldn't reach the top of the delivery locker. He was thrilled to see me, a tall and strong auntie. And I, too, felt silly and happy for the small act of kindness.
Lately, I've been a bit obsessed with stand-up comedy. Li Dan, with his slightly small eyes and beautiful girlfriend, tells everyone that 'life is not worth it,' yet he naturally exudes happiness. When many people first saw photos of Li Dan and his girlfriend Heiwei, they couldn't help but feel that Li Dan looked photoshopped into the picture. Their styles are extremely mismatched, and their looks are worlds apart. But isn't this the perfect combination of an interesting soul and a beautiful face? So, they say—
Li Dan: I can't give you anything but happiness.
Heiwei: I don't want anything but happiness.
But if your standards for happiness are too high, it naturally becomes hard to be happy. If you can be a bit more forgiving to yourself, cherish the people around you in an ordinary life, and not demand too much from life, I think happiness will be much easier to achieve. It's not about being strong, but having the strength to protect yourself when you're alone.
As for relationships between people, they're not that complicated. If you can chat and laugh together, that's great; if not, just nod and move on. Feeling comfortable with each other and making mundane things interesting is very important. Being sincere, making each other happy, and trying to bring more joy to others will, in turn, bring you exponential happiness.
A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend about a topic:If you could only choose one, would you choose happiness or sudden wealth?I said I'm a simple person; I have the ability to be happy, so I'd choose sudden wealth. She said, if you're suddenly wealthy, you won't be happy. I thought for a moment and said, then I'd choose happiness.
I hope your choice is the same.
In my early twenties, I told myself: I want to travel far, walk alone, love this world, follow my heart, be true to myself, and be responsible for my future. So, I took off the military uniform I had worn for five years and joined a state-owned enterprise. But after a year of too much comfort, I resolutely left to join Huawei. Four years later, with gratitude, I turned to entrepreneurship. Now, approaching thirty, I understand the need to build a solid economic foundation, to live, to survive, and to be true to myself. Also, don't be afraid to make mistakes; I'd rather face hardships now.
With frequent flights, each journey now feels like walking from Building A to Building B. Before security, I check my ticket and documents. During security, I check my bag, suitcase, and coat, take out my power bank and laptop, and sometimes even my makeup bag. But security never checks our past, present, or future.
In fact, everyone is an independent individual, especially in unfamiliar places. We meet, then part ways. Even someone we once exchanged smiles with face-to-face is unlikely to appear in our lives again. We can be solitary or sociable; the key is to be happy. In the days outside of life, we should fully explore ourselves, understand the world before it understands us, and also understand ourselves early on.
So, after running many marathons, do you feel tired and weary? Do you still have the same mindset as when you ran your first marathon? My answer is: probably the same. Every time I stand at the starting line, every time I'm on the road, every time I reach the finish line, I get closer to the person I want to be. And on the road, like-minded souls will always come together, and beautiful things will inevitably gather. Because of this, I went from running alone to running with a group.
A new year has begun, and I see many people around me planning to run marathons A, B, and if they don't get a spot, they have a backup plan for C. But in their long list, there's no mention of family, lovers, or friends. Marathons aren't everything; we have work, life, poetry, and distant places, and we also have home.
There's a saying—
The more intense the movement of an object, the greater the friction it generates. Although it's tough, I still choose a passionate life. So, I'll endure more friction, and if life gets rough, I'll just smooth it out.
YOU
NEVER
HEARD
Since starting my public account on February 21, 2017, every article has been original, though not all are my favorites. Occasionally posting seems like a summary for myself, and also a motivation. In the new year, I want to keep writing, hoping to continue comforting you in your travels, borrowing your sentiments and courage.
Yu Hua said, when we treat the world harshly, the world suddenly becomes gentle.
So, I always demand of myself and emphasize that I should put in more effort in everything. This way, I won't seem so vulnerable, and you'll unconsciously become stronger.
Over the past year, there were several articles I wanted to write but ended up being lazy and not writing. Thinking about it makes me feel ashamed. I always used the busyness of the previous year as an excuse, but in reality, I didn't adjust well enough, wasn't diligent enough, and lacked positivity. In the new year, I hope to be the leader of my life, more focused, and more hardworking.
So, you should come often; my chicken soup isn't bad. Occasionally, I can make hot pot for you, chat, and encourage each other, genuinely.
Actually, today's somewhat chaotic post stems from the following words—
Be an ordinary person, don't talk about debts, don't let down encounters.
Be an ordinary person, stay calm, don't be troubled by emotions.
Be an ordinary person, be righteous, and live freely.
Be an ordinary person, love money and beauty, and live a romantic life.
It looks great, simple, and free.Just like every nightafter taking a shower, lying in bed, scrolling through social media, thinking about the work and clothes for tomorrow.
More and more people talk about sentiments, saying they want to stay true to their original intentions and not be tainted by the mundane. Some people pride themselves on being different, wanting to be heroes and role models. On the road to becoming different from others, everyone seems to enjoy it, eager to escape the definitions of the mundane, craving attention, and hoping to change something.
In 2019, I still want to be an ordinary person. I think being ordinary is not good, but I also think living like this isn't bad at all. So, after scrolling through social media, before saying goodnight, I posted—
These days, life can be both depressing and positive. In the new year, I want to go to more places, make more money, and bring more smiles to my parents' faces because of me.
In the new year, please take care of me.
💛
Images | Beyond Time and Space
Text | Black Cat
Weibo @Black Cat's Black