Stepped into the Over 40, known by some people as stepping into a certain stage. Others say that stepping into this phase means something else. My age has surpassed that of a boy; with Nike Free Runs, I am no longer the black-haired youth but have stepped into a realm that still confuses me, leaving me perplexed. It was just yesterday that I had ambition, with the morning breeze of my 40th birthday fading my pride that once soared high, under the midday sun of my 40th birthday gradually losing its light, and by the evening sunset of my 40th birthday, it had slowly turned into clouds over the horizon. Through four years of ups and downs, moments of extreme joy and fluctuating emotions, there is no longer confusion or reluctance in my heart. I don't know how many ups and downs these four decades have brought. I don't know if it's because of life's insights that there are no longer extremes. I only know that the passion in the graffiti on my desk has diminished, lacking courage. I only know that life's wandering footsteps have slightly hesitated and limped along. I only know that sages and teachers live nearby as the years pass.
Leisurely reminiscing about the past, the years have revealed a short span of four decades. Within this brief period of four years, there have been doubts and pleasures, highs and lows, excitement and anxiety, all leading to awakening and stepping into this new phase. Yet deep down, there remains a faint sorrow for the fleeting youth. Friends who step into this phase should mutually appreciate and exploit each other's qualities. I only know that the quality of life depends entirely on one’s own mindset. I only know that it's difficult for the rich and poor, those in power and the grassroots stars, scholars and commoners to become true friends. I only know that everything has a dual nature, sometimes without right or wrong.
Moderation culminates in brilliance, and moderation in genius lies in broad vision while maintaining peace, finding joy and comfort. In fact, many things are not fully understood until after the age of forty. It's not necessarily about being extremely intelligent; the plainness after the age of forty stems from reflection after the flowers bloom, akin to the plum's fragrance emerging from enduring the cold. There are many things that perhaps you strive for with all your might, while others seem to discard them as abandoned remnants. Wine may not be found in fine porcelain lamps, nor sessions of drinking water where greatness resides in the mind amidst career anxieties. Such perspectives would lead to adopting Ju Dong's leisurely view of mountains.