I have often pondered one question: we live but a generation, just as plants flourish but a season — what is the true meaning of being alive?
For a long time, shaped by the values instilled in compulsory education, I firmly believed that the meaning of life lies in dedication. It is a perfect, positive, and impeccable answer. Yet the more I reflect on it, the more doubts arise. If all living things and all humanity cease to exist, there will be no one left to receive dedication, and such values will lose their footing. If all things in the world eventually fade into nothingness, could letting go of all obsessions and simplifying everything also be a kind of fulfilment?
It was not until I watched Li Yaode’s video of traveling all the way to Tibet, and recalled the words of Yu Hua, who resides in Sanya: The meaning of living is simply to live itself. In that instant, I gained sudden enlightenment and found my own answer to life.
I watched the twenty-minute video of him driving a Chongqing yellow Ferrari all the way to Lhasa at double speed, completely absorbed, unaware of the passage of time. It was at that moment that I truly embraced a new outlook on life: life is never about fulfilling preset missions, but about experiencing everything to the fullest.
All the joys and sensations in the world are gifts bestowed by life. We get to experience unrestrained freedom, pure joy, and the sense of accomplishment after overcoming hardships to accomplish something. We also get to experience the warmth and contentment of sincere dedication and recognition from others. Within the boundaries of law and public morality, daring to embrace all worldly scenes and life experiences is the most precious meaning of living.
I have always believed that suffering and setbacks are never worthy of praise or deliberate pursuit. Adversity and trials are inevitable in life, yet they are not the destination, but merely stepping stones for growth. Faced with difficulties, we should swim against the current and face them calmly. We gain insights and growth from hardships, minimize their physical and mental harm, and turn all frustrations and struggles into motivation and strength to pursue happiness and a broader future. We may endure temporary loneliness, desolation, doubt and misunderstanding for the sake of our ideals and distant dreams, but we must always remember: suffering is never our pursuit; happiness and passion are.
I deeply love a transparent and healing line from Li Yaode’s video: Pay no mind to others’ judgments. Life is meant to be experienced. Dare to do what you want to do, and dare to meet the people you want to meet.
In more than ten days, I will embark on my own island-circling cycling trip. It will be another passionate start in my journey of traveling across China and exploring the world.
Plants sprout in spring and wither in autumn, growing and fading in harmony with the seasons, blooming with all their strength. So do I. I no longer cling to illusory ultimate meanings or trap myself in the judgments of others. With passion as my sail and experience as my boat, I cherish every present moment and bravely journey through every wonderful scene in life.