Ideals are lofty, but reality is harsh.

     I don't remember when it started, but I fell into a long, deep sleep, unable to sort out my thoughts. As time passed and I matured, I became much more haggard. A few strands of gray hair appeared on my head, the once vibrant silver strands no longer as strong and powerful as they used to be. My robust body no longer possessed the fearless, indomitable spirit of yesteryear. Sometimes, I suddenly felt the chill of reality, a cold wind blowing down my back, offering no warmth whatsoever. Reality slapped me hard across the face, each scene a painful reminder, unpredictable and relentless. Leaving campus, society brought only the daily grind of food, mundane chores, waking up on time to eat, go to work, study, and sleep. I frequented different places, facing unfamiliar faces, walking along street corners, squeezing into crowds, searching for a long time, yet finding no solace for my soul. Facing the future, I felt a growing fear and anxiety.

    Sometimes, facing those around you, you suddenly find yourself speechless; sometimes, things you've always held onto change completely overnight; sometimes, you want to let loose, to have a good, cathartic, hysterical breakdown; sometimes, you feel like you own the whole world, and then in an instant, you feel like you have nothing; sometimes, you have many dreams, but lack the strength to pursue them; sometimes, you find yourself growing up overnight, but you can't see your future; sometimes, you're clearly right, but you can no longer stick to it; sometimes, you clearly see through many people, but you can't easily turn against them or say it to their faces; sometimes, you want to sleep in, but you can only be woken up by the alarm clock; sometimes, you suddenly feel very tired, don't want to talk or move, don't need comfort or companionship, you just want to be alone. Thinking about the past, thinking about the present, thinking about the future.
    As long as your feet are still on the ground, don't underestimate yourself; as long as you're still alive on Earth, don't overestimate yourself. If you feel wronged, it proves you still have principles. If you feel lost, it proves you still have aspirations. If you feel pain, it proves you still have strength. If you feel despair, it proves you still have hope. In a sense, you will never be defeated, because you still have yourself. People always need to find something to do, to keep themselves busy. Only when busy do we realize the hardships of life, and understand that our usual sorrows are just affectation. Being busy allows us to calm ourselves, and only then can we possess the immense power that comes with stillness—a power that remains unshaken, a power to keep moving forward even on a solitary path, unrelated to loneliness or emptiness, but simply because the power of the traveler is boundless and immeasurable, endowed with the thoughts that guide them.
    Life is full of thorns, and the only way I know is to swiftly step over them. The more we think about our misfortunes, the more they hurt us. In life, there will always be people you don't like, and there will always be people who don't like you. Like the scenery outside the window, there is sunshine and rain, all are experiences, indifferent to coming and going; like the passing years, there are moments of joy and sorrow, all become traces, indifferent to recollection; like the emotions in our hearts, there is warmth and sighs, all will fade, indifferent to remembering. Support yourself with confidence, walk with your head held high, do things with your heart, and you will discover: this world is so beautiful, it has always been in your eyes, in your heart. Many of life's troubles actually stem from ourselves. The swaying of the wind is a natural scene, needing no forced interpretation; the dancing of snow is a natural poem, needing no extravagant expectation; the palpitation of the heart is a natural emotion, needing no excessive concern. Every day is both an end and a beginning. No matter how beautiful the past was, it will become the past; no matter how bad the present is, we are experiencing it. Give yourself a smile, and the world will smile back.
    Often, as long as you find the right direction, follow the right people, and work hard enough, you will one day get what you want. If your youth is spent in idleness, then looking back will be a desolate tragedy; if your youth is spent striving, then looking back will be a passionate feast. If you don't work hard today, you will fall behind tomorrow. People with dreams are quiet; learn to be a quiet person, silently striving towards your goals. You must firmly believe that as long as you work hard enough, one day you will get what you want. As the saying goes, heaven rewards diligence; it will help you achieve success quickly.
    Sometimes I feel great being alone. I can read when I want, sleep when I'm tired, eat whatever I want, and enjoy some peace and quiet when I don't want to contact anyone. Whether I travel or stay home, it's all fine. Sometimes I feel like some people appear in our lives simply to broaden our horizons. Therefore, one must be able to withstand lies, endure perfunctory treatment, tolerate deception, forget promises, and let go of everything. Sometimes, don't be too kind, too generous, or too capable. Over time, people will take everything you do for granted. Even if one day you can't hold on anymore, and you cry and feel exhausted, no one will feel sorry for you. Because in their eyes, it's all your own choice. Sometimes, don't be too kind-hearted and don't always think of others first! Others won't consider your feelings and hardships. They'll take everything for granted.
    Being alone requires more than just strength, confidence, and perseverance. Whatever you face today, since you've come this far, persevere, give yourself some affirmation, you are stronger than you think. Society isn't like school, where only the fittest survive. The capable rise, the average step aside, and the mediocre fall. Strive to become the kind of person you admire most. Even if you don't succeed, at least you'll like the effort you put in.
    Slowly, you must learn to mature, to get used to anyone's inconsistent behavior, and to accept anyone's gradual departure. Everyone around you is striving with all their might for life, so you have no reason to give up or not persevere. A child without an umbrella can only rely on themselves, running forward relentlessly, rain or shine, thunder or lightning, you must carry it all alone, fearlessly moving towards the distance.
    Life is like an invisible knife, ravaging you, cutting you, shattering the most beautiful and pure things in your heart. Then, with your own strength, you must gather them together and piece them back together into what you desire.