I am nearly fifty years old. This word came from brother Yilei’s evaluation and description of me. Although it sounds like a smile, it feels a little uncomfortable inside.
At the end of February, I returned to Nantong, passed by Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, and visited my 007 comrade Shi Yilei. We had never met him before, but we joined the "21 Lai Run Club" he founded and chatted with him on WeChat several times. We felt like old friends at first sight, just like old friends who had been talking to each other for many years. Not for business, without purpose, we talked about writing, running, and life. We talked for nearly four hours and still had lots to say. On the way to the high-speed rail station, I told him that the purpose of my trip to Nantong was to run 50 kilometers with him to celebrate the birthday of a 50-year-old friend. I received a slightly surprised look in response.
Before I arrived in Nantong, Yilei had already completed his review article of that day. At the end of the article, he said to me, "Who can believe that he is a 'pioneering cow' who is nearly fifty years old?" .
It is an indisputable fact that we are nearly fifty years old. In our hometown, the virtual age of 49 is actually half a century. But when I heard this title for the first time, there was still a little ripple in my heart. After thinking about it for a while, I have actually gone through 48 thoughts. Only my own heart knows the experiences and feelings best. From youth, ignorance and recklessness, from the countryside to the city, to slowly becoming mature, there are different gains and experiences along the way. Looking at the rise of those born in the 80s, 90s, and even the 2000s, they are flourishing in the Internet, new retail and other fields, and they clearly feel that they are falling behind and on the edge. More often, they rely on a little experience and accumulation to strive hard. .
He is nearly fifty years old, but he doesn’t seem to accept this title, and he feels a little dissatisfied. Why is it only half a hundred? I always feel that life has just begun, and there is still a lot of beauty, family and friendship, and an ocean of knowledge waiting for me to create and experience. In terms of physical fitness, being able to run 50 kilometers at the age of 50 is not inferior to most young people in their twenties and thirties. Using 50 kilometers to celebrate their birthdays is not enjoyed by everyone. I am full of curiosity about new things and new skills. I am learning calligraphy, writing, and thinking about Chinese culture with gusto. In terms of status, I can work more than ten hours a day, and basically move forward with high energy. In terms of life attitude, I am still optimistic about the world. Beautiful and willing to pay more tenderness and kindness for it. Therefore, I still don't want to accept the term "nearly fifty" in my heart.
In ancient times, there was an old saying that “it takes fifty to know destiny.” People know how difficult it is to realize their ideals, so they don’t pursue results when doing things. Do your best before the age of 50. After the age of 50, although you are still "angry and forget to eat", you are no longer concerned about personal honor and disgrace. This description of knowing destiny is so appropriate.
More often than not, I half-jokingly introduce myself as a cow who was born in 1985, mistaking the fake thing for the real thing, and some people really doubt it. Although sometimes I know they are well-intentioned, but I prefer to use this age to show myself. , motivate yourself.
I made an appointment with several friends of the same age. I will use 50 kilometers to celebrate my 50th birthday, and 60 kilometers to celebrate my 60th birthday. When I am 70 years old, I will act according to the circumstances. If I can still do 70 kilometers, that’s it. Excellent.
I am still the same young man as before, without any change.
Time is just a test, but the faith planted in my heart has not diminished at all;
This "young man" in front of me "It's still the same face as before, no matter how many difficulties and dangers we face, we won't back down.
Change your life, make yourself happy, give up your attachments, and the weather will become better.
Every time you walk through, it is a harvest.
Nearly fifty years old, I am still a teenager!
April 7, 2021
Zhou Jie in Shanghai