January 2025 is a really special month for me — I turned 40. As this milestone approached, I found myself facing again the anxiety I felt at 29. Back then, I was lost, knowing I’d be entering a new phase at 30 but unsure how to do it. Eventually, I decided to start a business. Now, at 40, that same anxiety has returned — but this time, it’s about who I really am. I realize I’m going through a kind of “shedding” process. I’m no longer just thinking about business goals; I truly want to do something meaningful for society.

So in this episode, I want to share my recent reflections on life’s purpose, love and desire, even life and death — hoping to bring you some new perspectives and feelings.

00:35 — Approaching 40, anxiety returns;

03:43 — Flashback to my lively, dramatic 25th birthday party;

06:26 — Gifts from friends pooled together;

08:01 — Inspiration from Wuzhen Theatre Festival — planning a “funeral” for my 40th;

11:19 — Destiny has reasons, but mastering yourself can raise your fate’s ceiling;

13:18 — Why is 40 called the “age of no confusion”?;

14:29 — Launching a “personal board meeting” for life;

15:57 — Exploring “how to use yourself”;

17:50 — Reflecting on my podcast’s original purpose and turning to social value;

18:04 — Why social purpose matters;

19:36 — Friend Tuobuhua’s poetic description of me;

20:25 — The vulnerability of crabs shedding their shells — a necessary growth process;

21:53 — How to reduce internal conflict — whoever apologizes grows;

22:40 — Growth is about self-awareness, not just learning skills;

23:03 — How to get along with yourself;

23:57 — Healthy relationships are between two whole individuals, not “finding your other half”;

24:42 — Loving someone without expecting anything back — but first loving yourself fully;

25:44 — Life driven by two forces: desire and love;

26:46 — Desire isn’t negative — it can bear good fruit;

28:50 — Facing and distinguishing your love and desire;

31:59 — Becoming an independent person;

32:36 — Pure love that doesn’t expect reciprocation;

34:19 — Experiencing “no-self” in religious practice;

36:35 — Being called “Yang Youli” (Always Right Yang) — but no arguing this time;

38:16 — Avoid comparing lives — everyone’s journey is unique;

39:43 — I’m neither arrogant nor humble — I want to be real;

41:38 — The inevitability of “darkness” in human nature — who are we really?;

45:10 — From “experience seeker” to “long-term thinker”;

48:27 — The beauty of life lies in its finiteness;

49:42 — Life’s richness comes from beginnings and endings, ins and outs.

Background Music: “Beauty In The Mundane”