The Best State of Life

Mr. Yang Jiang once said, “When you reach middle age, the best state is to live a modest life while enriching your soul. Age is just a symbol. Tune your life to your favorite channel, where each moment holds unique beauty that cannot be replicated.” At the age of 55, I increasingly resonate with Mr. Yang’s words, as they strike a chord with my heart and resonate deeply within me. At this stage of life, it feels as if life has entered a “new” phase. This “new” phase is not about chasing trends and fads, but rather a return to simplicity, extreme simplicity, and authenticity.

Living Modestly

I remember eight years ago during a study trip, I heard two teachers sharing how their lives had changed. One teacher mentioned that when he lacked faith, he felt the need for his clothing to match his status, even resorting to disguise when necessary. He used to wear belts costing three to four thousand, but now finds comfort in a twenty-dollar T-shirt, wearing it for years.

Another teacher shared that she used to spend a few hundred dollars every time she met a friend at a café, feeling unsatisfied if she didn’t. Now, she finds comfort in wearing clothes that friends have passed on to her and prefers meeting friends for walks and chats in the park. However, when it comes to helping those in need, buying books, or attending study trips, they are generous.

Their words struck a chord with me: “In life, we desire much, but need little.”
Strangely enough, since then, I’ve set a personal rule for myself: not to spend more than 200 yuan on clothes and shoes. I used to love buying handbags, feeling an itch in my heart when I saw one I liked. Later, I realized that a simple cloth bag, practical and good-looking, suited me better. Expensive clothes that used to feel uncomfortable, I gave away. Sometimes, fearing trouble and time consumption, I plan what I need to buy before going out, purchasing it and returning home. Last year, I stumbled upon a T-shirt, cheap and suitable, so I bought four, in different colors. They’ll last me for several summers.

Mr. Yang Jiang led a simple life. The furnishings in her home were extremely basic: a table, two stools, a bed, with books occupying most of the space. She once said, “The three of us together are simple and ordinary, yet exceptionally happy.” The idea of living modestly does not mean lowering the quality of life, but rather in this materialistic world, it’s about learning to discern and let go.

Enriching the Soul

Mr. Yang Jiang mentioned that her happiness stems from the richness and contentment within her.
At this stage of life, people begin to contemplate the meaning and value of life more deeply, focusing on their inner world and spiritual pursuits. Balancing material and spiritual needs, and making life more fulfilling and meaningful, becomes a crucial issue. We should concentrate on our inner world and spiritual well-being, elevating our souls through reading, writing, contemplation, and other means. Of course, enriching life experiences and feelings can also be achieved through travel, art, and other activities. Enriching the soul means placing greater emphasis on our inner world and spiritual pursuits.

Age is Just a Symbol

Age is merely a symbol, signifying that we shouldn’t overly fixate on our age and appearance.
As we age, our bodies and appearances change. However, age is just a number and cannot determine a person’s worth and charm. At our age, especially for women, every strand of hair lost during washing, every new gray hair in front of the mirror, and every sleepless night filled with wandering thoughts impact our resistance to aging. Consequently, we may follow the crowd, resorting to eye bags, eyelid surgery, and various facial treatments. These are not necessarily bad, but they might not be suitable for you. At every stage, a woman possesses her unique beauty. There’s no need to deliberately alter it. Look at the life of Yang Jiang, at which stage was she not beautiful? If a once great figure suddenly pales in comparison, don’t panic, don’t fear, don’t rush to doctors and beauty salons. Instead, control your words and actions, then regain confidence through disciplined living. We should learn to ignore our age and appearance, and focus more on our inner qualities and capabilities. Only by continuously improving our inner qualities and abilities can we become more charming and self-assured.

Tune Your Life to Your Favorite Channel

Tuning your life to your favorite channel means choosing a lifestyle and pace that suits you.
Everyone has their own preferences and lifestyle. We should choose a lifestyle and rhythm that suits us. This can be achieved through reading, traveling, exercising, and other activities to enrich our experiences and feelings. It can also be achieved through socializing with family and friends, participating in social activities, or engaging in volunteer work to increase our life experiences and value.

Regardless of the chosen method, it should make us feel comfortable and happy. No need to cater or pretend. Most importantly, learn to enjoy solitude and being with nature. At this age, in social interactions, we should learn to subtract. Yang Jiang said, “If our thoughts don’t align, respect is enough; if our values are different, a smile suffices.” Respect is standard, reliability is superior, and integrity is paramount. Let things flow naturally, and go with the flow.

If a once close friend suddenly distances themselves from you, don’t panic, don’t rush to ask why, just smile calmly. Then, at your own pace, live your life slowly and gracefully. Each moment holds irreplaceable beauty. We should learn to cherish every moment and make our lives more fulfilling and meaningful.

Look, the autumn palette is here. Perhaps it’s time to invite your heart, bring a cup of tea, a book, and take a ride. See the world through books, and the books through the world. Ordinary days, simple happiness!