Kindle#
After migrating my Kindle from the national region to the US region, I discovered that the notes on documents stored on the Kindle device now support cross-platform synchronization. I'm not sure if this is a feature unique to the US region or if I just never understood Kindle over the years. In any case, this unexpected discovery made me quite happy, as it finally resolved a major pain point I've had since using Kindle.
Previously, the notes recorded on Kindle were like an isolated island, with all the content locked away in a txt file on the device, making it difficult to manage, let alone utilize. Over time, I became reluctant to take notes on Kindle, and reading became just reading.
While reading doesn't necessarily require a strong purpose, I always feel that it's better to leave something behind, to take some notes and record my thoughts at the time, as that truly establishes a connection with a book. I read many books in my childhood, but I only read for fun and never left any traces. If I could look back at my childhood reading notes now and revisit my thoughts at that time, it would surely be moving!
Fitness#
Last night I worked on my chest muscles, but the gym didn't have a barbell rack, so I had to use the Smith machine for bench presses. In the past, I always hated this kind of equipment because its movement path is fixed, while everyone's body proportions are different. Using such equipment for training can easily lead to injury or incorrect posture without realizing it, but there was no choice; I had to make do.
Having not practiced barbell bench presses for a long time, I found it challenging even with a 30kg weight, but the feeling was really great. I felt my muscles being stretched, while my body continuously provided strength—one word: refreshing.
My training partner's level far exceeds mine, and I feel a bit envious. When we first started working out together, our gap wasn't that big, but now I lag behind him in every aspect. The story of the tortoise and the hare is not just a childhood tale; it's a reflection of reality. When we first started training, everyone praised me for my training talent, saying I improved rapidly in a short time, which made me complacent. However, strength training is never a sprint; it's a marathon, and only those who work hard on the track can earn the crown.
I had always hoped to bench press 100kg. For fitness enthusiasts, a 100kg bench press is a symbol of assessment; passing it indicates that you have achieved some success in strength training (based on the average weight of 70kg for adult males in Asia, bench pressing 100kg is equivalent to lifting 1.4 times your body weight, which is already a level of a competent trainer). Previously, I had already pressed 90kg, and 100kg seemed within reach, but after that, I hit a plateau and drifted away from fitness. Now, a 90kg barbell feels like a mountain to me. I really hope to regain my past state; let's go!
Strange Forces and Spirits#
This morning, Douyin recommended a video about a supernatural event to me. Out of curiosity, I searched for related content and saw many netizens sharing their supernatural experiences, which gave me a bit of a thrill. I can't help it; I've been afraid of this since I was a child, yet I love watching it.
Regarding ghosts and spirits, I've always had an ambiguous attitude. I disdain them because I think they are useless to me; if the gods do not bless the world, then the world does not praise the gods. All my efforts are my own, what does it have to do with you? I'm afraid because I have some similar experiences myself, and these firsthand experiences cannot be explained by science, which is puzzling. After turning 20, my experiences with strange forces and spirits decreased (folklore suggests that people can see ghosts easily in childhood, but as adults, with strong life energy, it's harder to see them). I've come to terms with it; I don't need the blessings of deities. If there is fate, then I will follow it; if fate is formless, then I will strive and work hard. I have always done good deeds and accumulated virtue, and I have a clear conscience. If ghosts and monsters harm me, then I will fight you to the end.
Perhaps due to the pressure of studies, I often experienced nightmares during my middle school years, commonly known as "sleep paralysis." The experience of nightmares is really unpleasant; your consciousness is awake, but your limbs cannot move, and fear seeps into every inch of your skin. Nowadays, I hardly have such experiences, yet I find myself somewhat looking forward to them. In reality, such experiences are too rare; perhaps only bungee jumping can compare: a waking consciousness, uncontrollable limbs, and regaining control after extreme struggle—both terrifying and exhilarating.
In "JOJO's Bizarre Adventure," it is said, "The song of humanity is the song of courage." Ultimately, humans must rely on themselves; there is nothing that cannot be fought against. If ghosts and spirits have eyes, they should not let the living suffer. If they truly exist, they are probably just bullies who prey on the weak and seek fame.