Everybody seems to be distracted by the coming five days Labor Day off in China and I can feel that myself too. I was striking on focusing on getting things done for the past week and I decided to take like last Friday off to just read and relax.

Also I went to a hash event and I was too exhausted by the five hours to and from traveling to the other city for the hiking, so the whole Sunday I was not able to wake myself up. I was sleeping in bed and reading to sleep again and sleep again — that’s like the whole sleeping head thing.

Books: Falling Behind but Still Loving the Process

I checked my reading process and found that I didn’t finish the goals of reading four books a month for February and March. I doubt that I can finish that for April too because now I have only finished two books. I was reading like multiple books at the same time, and some of them I’m still in the middle of somewhere. I need to work on that.

I love reading — I really do — but with so many plans for my life, it’s about finding a balance between the three eternities I believe in: books, miles, and matters of the heart. Every currency is important for me. That’s why I think I need to constantly review my life and document things, keeping myself on track and thinking backwards more often. Also, just leaving my feelings for everything.

Miles: Marathon Training, Pain, and Pushing Through

My marathon training started and I got a good start last week! I’m going to run in August — I’ve already signed up — so I need to train for that. It’s end of April now, so I think it’s enough time to get it done.

I did run three times last week according to my plan. Though I kind of triggered that waist pain again from my first run last week… maybe because it’s been a while since I really ran seriously and I tried too hard to speed up. My new goal for this coming marathon is to set a personal PB (personal best). Last time my speed was 4:56, and this time I want to run into 4:15.

I can’t just push myself too hard, though. I have this waist pain lingering from before, and it’s really important to take care of your body even when it’s not hurting — not just when the pain comes back!

The second run on Thursday, which was 8KM, was really torturing because it was hurting all the way. I kept debating if I should quit, but I managed to finish that 8KM at a very low speed. It’s okay. I also felt really amazed afterward.

I didn’t get to bike last week because Friday I was too lazy and didn’t get out the door at all. But I mean — when you want to rest, just rest. Don’t feel guilty when you’re resting. That’s really important.

Matters of the Heart: Rest Is Not Laziness, It’s Wisdom

I can still feel that when I don’t get a lot of things done, I feel guilty when I rest. Maybe it’s human nature. It doesn’t matter if you feel guilty — acknowledge it, let it be, don’t be too strict on yourself. Things will be okay after a lazy day. Probably you’ll want to do something amazing afterward.

Last week was also the third week since I started raising up at 5:30AM. That’s so impressive! I can almost feel my productivity starting to grow. I have the whole afternoon to slow down and take a second walk or just enjoy the evening. It’s really helping.

But yeah, it’s still tough. If you stay up too late, you can’t really wake up early. So keeping the habit of getting up early means it’s crucial to sleep early.

I didn’t sleep early on Sunday because of the hash. We got back around midnight. So the whole Sunday for me was very lazy and sleepy head.

Grateful Moments at the Beach

Was the hiking worth it? Of course! Always for me. It’s always good to get outdoors. We went to the beach and although it was cloudy, the moment I laid on my beach towel after the 10 kilometers of running and walking, and enjoyed the solitude among the noisy crowds — I felt really blessed. I really enjoyed that.

Living Fully: Every Day Is a Treasure

Overall, 2025 for better or for worse — I think life is consisted of each day fully lived. I’m so proud of myself for being so dedicated in living my beautiful life. There are downs of course, but while I’m documenting everything, even the weak points, every past experience is valuable to me. They’re all treasures to me.

That’s the point of why you live.

I’m blissful. And thank you for reading.
Hope you have a full accomplishment week — or a full accomplishment day — every day.

Just be positive, keep positive, positive, positive! Life is worth living as long as you are living it yourself.

Don’t scroll your phone too much — that’s going to steal your time and steal your energy. That’s a reminder. Have a good week ahead. Thank you!