How to Face a Year That Won't Get Better

Today is the first day of 2024.

The Yizhe Chu WeChat public account, the author published an article yesterday, titled—

The Awkwardness of New Year's Greetings: Unable to Empower Oneself, Yet Hoping to Empower Others.

That's quite well put.

Why feel powerless?

Due to the assessment of future prospects.

The pace of change is accelerating, making the future seem increasingly unpredictable. Looking back at 2023, how many news events left us in disbelief? Yet, when we reflect on history, we find that underlying patterns—or what might be called the "way of heaven"—have guided the development of society throughout the long river of human history.

Because of the information cocoon, some people have empty pockets yet feel as if they are at the peak of their success, brimming with confidence, while others believe history has entered a period of stagnation. Many more navigate cautiously between these two extremes.

There was a saying in the past about "crisis in prosperity," reminding us to stay clear-headed even when everything seems to be going well. Now, the situation is one of "opportunity within crisis." Only by recognizing that the future may not be better can we, as individuals, our small families, and the communities around us, strive to become better.

Therefore, the way forward is not about confronting some "new problem," but rather about how we position ourselves after becoming aware of this issue.

"How to handle oneself?"

In the end, it boils down to just two things:

First, read more and study more: understand what has happened in the past and why.

Second, view yourself from a new coordinate system: how to define yourself, how to redefine yourself, how to rethink the decisions we need to make, and how to arrange our lives.

Here, I'd like to share three questions I often receive and my responses to them:

1) How should we view unexpected events in life? How can we maintain a sense of hope in the face of uncertainty?

The occurrence of all things is part of the laws of the universe, which can be called the Dao or the Heavenly Dao.

When we understand this pattern, what we call "accidents" are merely distress caused by the limited understanding of humans; they are not inevitable suffering.

So, the first level is that we need to understand the principles behind these matters.

The second level is learning to deal with psychological discomfort caused by unexpected events. Although we can understand these principles, it does not mean we should ignore our discomfort. First, we need to acknowledge our feelings of discomfort. For example, if the company goes bankrupt and I feel unhappy, this discomfort is normal. We cannot think we shouldn’t have such feelings just because we understand certain principles.

When we accept our own feelings, we can view the situation more objectively and discover multiple perspectives. For example, even though I lost my job, perhaps my boss suffered an even greater loss, or I can draw strength from his experience. This multi-faceted perspective helps us realize that, despite facing setbacks, there are always possibilities.

Finally, after an unexpected event, we may discover new possibilities and opportunities. The saying "When the old man on the frontier lost his horse, who could have guessed it was a blessing in disguise?" perfectly captures this idea. Accidents may lead to unpleasant emotions, but they can also bring us new opportunities and possibilities.

2) Didn't you say we should "surrender"? Then why make any plans?

People often misunderstand surrender as submission. For example, some may feel like they are a leek being repeatedly cut, simply resigning themselves to the fate of a leek, only growing new leaves each time. If we continue striving to be a leek after being cut several times, this is not "surrender" but "submission"—a form of intellectual laziness and an escape from reality. In truth, being a leek is miserable, yet it is the easy choice because we have grown accustomed to such a life.

True surrender is a positive attitude that requires us to actively listen to our inner voice and make choices. For example, if I have been taken advantage of once or twice, do I dare to listen to my inner voice and choose not to be a "leek" anymore?

Choosing to change may come at a great cost, and we need to ask ourselves whether we are willing to pay that price. When we face adversity or even worse situations, it is actually the best time to practice true surrender. Because when things are going smoothly, you don’t need to change, but in adversity, you must put in the effort to adapt and transform.

Therefore, surrender is not about capitulation, not about submission, nor is it about giving up. Surrender is the ability to keenly find the path between oneself and the external world, and then actively make choices and take action.

3) I'm already this old, how can I still change?

Adults can certainly change and grow as well.

Compared to children, what are the differences in the education or growth of adults?

My view is that the biggest difference between adults and children in education lies in the fact that adults are often more self-assured. We frequently fall into the illusion that we know everything, which is actually a misconception, a delusion. In particular, we tend to believe that the factors that helped us succeed in the past are always correct, but in reality, they may not apply to every situation.

To put it simply, the growth of an adult is a process of subtraction, a continuous letting go, much like what is described in the Tao Te Ching as "practicing the Tao means daily reduction." To learn the "Tao," we must engage in subtraction and let go of certain attachments.

Ultimately, all truly effective learning and education are self-education. In a highly accepting and low-judgment environment, self-education is more likely to occur. I believe that adult growth is more about providing possibilities rather than offering specific paths or answers.

So, how to face a year that won't be better. Summarizing three points:

First, understand that this is not a new fact, but a new realization, and be grateful for having gained this understanding.

Second, the essence of so-called facing lies in how to "handle oneself."

Third, as long as we are fully aware, change can happen at any time. Since the possibilities that once existed are gone, we must create new possibilities ourselves.

Wishing everyone a 2024 where all your dreams come true.

Of course, its most valuable aspect is that, just like the Promise community, it offers a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment. With a supportive ecosystem, it fosters the transformation and growth of every participant. Welcome to join us~

For overseas users interested in learning about the "Inner Growth Exploration Camp" content, please contact info@yinuoli.org.

For overseas users interested in learning about the Growth Camp, please contact info@yinuoli.org.