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”