"May Someone Accompany You Through Ups and Downs: We've All Reached This Slightly Awkward Age"

We have all reached a somewhat awkward age: we aren't so young anymore, yet we haven't matured enough; we want to rely on ourselves, but we realize we are still a bit short; we wish to move forward, yet we find the road ahead long and winding. There are mists in front of us and pressures behind us. Even in confusion and awkwardness, time keeps dragging you along. There are moments when you stop believing, yet deep down, you still seek something. We cannot outrun time; we can only run past the former versions of ourselves.

Nothing can save you in an instant, nor can anything bring you down all at once, just as I mentioned before. It is merely time that drags you along, making you increasingly awkward. We clearly aren't young anymore, yet we are reluctant to fully become adults; we clearly aren't that young, yet we haven't really aged; we clearly want to rely on ourselves more than ever, yet we find ourselves untrustworthy; we clearly wish to move forward, yet we don't know where to exert our energy.

Look, how awkward it is.

However, part of growing up is just like this; there is no way to escape it. This sense of awkwardness will linger with you for a long time. It constantly reminds you that you have grown up and you need to be prepared. The world is like this — some find joy, others find sorrow; some are happy, while others are sad. You cannot guarantee what kind of script you will receive; you can only ensure that you perform your part.

Since there is no way to escape it, you might as well acknowledge it. Admit that you might fail, and recognize that at a certain stage, friends start making subtractions. Only then can you understand what is important, and only then can you realize how precious the people who still accompany you are.

Time always drags you along, whether you like it or not. Even in confusion, you can only be pulled along by it. You cannot outrun time; you can only run past the old version of yourself. When you arrive at a fork in the road, you must learn to part ways. You need to wave goodbye to your former self and say, "You can stay here, where your favorite things are. I can't accompany you anymore; I must keep moving forward." Whether it’s laziness or cowardice, you need to say goodbye to that version of yourself.

Now, I finally understand what the so-called "awkwardness" truly is.

I think the so-called "awkwardness" is to be caught in between, not knowing where to go, yet unwilling to just give up. Everyone has a stone in their heart; you can either let it sink forever or break it and throw it away. Before a person willingly accepts it, they often find it difficult to rid their mind of those thoughts. Like some things they know are self-destructive, yet they will still do them. Even if faced with an abyss, they will jump down. This isn't foolishness; it's that if they don't do so, they won’t be content and will be tortured daily by their own thoughts. Either reach the end or don't start down this path at all.

I still feel awkward and sometimes powerless; I think you might feel the same. Yet, I still don't want to give up, and I believe you feel the same. I have no talent, and there are many things I can never seem to do well; I think you have moments like that too. Yet, I continue to strive to do certain things; I ultimately believe in tomorrow, and I think you do too.

So, this article is for you, who are equally awkward.

Here, winter is longer than I expected, and the rain has been falling for several days. I’m not looking forward to spring so much, because after spring, winter always comes back. I’ve just learned to wear a bit more during winter and to carry an umbrella when it rains. But just like the sun will eventually rise and days will warm up, in the days to come, it will still get dark, winter will still come, and the road ahead will be long. So we must learn to give ourselves a helping hand.

Rather than hoping to meet someone, it is better to hope that you can attract such a person; rather than relying on positive energy to warm you during times of disappointment, it is better to strive to become a person who embodies positive energy; instead of worrying about the future, it is better to put in good efforts now. Don’t be too pessimistic, nor overly optimistic; just stand where you wish to stand. Whether the future allows you to be stable or pushes you away in the wind, that is a matter of time.

You know, some songs can be listened to over and over again, and some people can accompany you for many years.

I have said goodbye to too much. To those remaining with me, whether it's a song or a person, I won't let go easily, absolutely not. As long as there is a chance, I will listen, watch, and talk to them. I have let go of so much, but I absolutely won’t let go of the remaining bits of talent and effort.

The doomsday has yet to arrive, and another year has passed. As you know, we are still alive. As long as we are alive, there will be moments of light. But before the dawn, we still have a long way to go. We are all in this somewhat awkward age. However, that’s okay. As mentioned before, we cannot outrun time; so we will run past the version of ourselves from yesterday. Since we can't avoid awkwardness, let’s drop all hesitation.