The Art of Imperfection: Wisdom for a Fulfilled Life

1. A person's appearance changes every seven years; their complexion changes every seven days; their expression changes every seven minutes. So, if you want to become more attractive, first learn to control your emotions.
2. The greatest taboo in life is seeking absolute perfection. Look at the people around you: some have troubled marriages but exceptional children; some have happy marriages but poor health; some have flourishing careers but disharmonious families; some have harmonious families but live in poverty. The best state in life is to "seek imperfection, not fullness": don't exhaust all blessings, leave some for others; don't monopolize all gains, share some with others; don't greedily claim all credit, distribute some to others. Only then does life achieve true fulfillment.
3. Money lost can be earned again; a job lost can be found again; friends lost can be made again; love lost can be encountered again. We were born with nothing, so why fear starting over?
4. People are killed by their anger; flowers are killed by overwatering. Serious illness is always linked to emotions. Prolonged negative emotions inevitably lead to major illness. Nurturing life isn't just about what to eat or drink; it's about cultivating mindset, nurturing sentiment, and fostering perspective.
5. After suffering a serious illness, you realize many things aren't truly important. A little less money isn't important; a spouse nagging a bit isn't important; a child's slightly poor grades aren't important. What matters is recovery, what matters is regaining health.
6. We come to this world only once. A hundred years from now, neither you nor I will exist! We strive all our lives yet can't take a single brick or tile; we cling all our lives yet can't take a shred of attachment! Life is short, the world is unpredictable. Eat the food you desire, see the people you want to see, view the scenery you love.
7. Don't constantly tell others about your poor health, your bad memory, your difficult life, etc. This may seem humble, but it's actually a self-fulfilling prophecy. Also, don't constantly speak ill of others; speaking ill of others won't make you any better yourself.
8. Whatever you cannot persuade or prevent, that is fate. If someone absolutely refuses to listen despite your pleas, it means this detour is one they must take, this tribulation is one they must endure, this life lesson is one they must learn. You cannot help them; it's better to let go and let fate take its course.
9. If worshipping Buddha worked, you couldn't even squeeze through the temple door; if farming made big money, farmers would have no land left to farm; if donating blood was great for health, you'd never get a turn in line; if life were perfect, we wouldn't cry at birth. If pies fell from the sky, the streets would be packed. If waiting by a stump for rabbits worked, no one would strive. Everyone hopes fortune favors them with this bowl of life's rice—relying on heaven, earth, parents, or friends—but the only true reliability is yourself.
10. Life isn't about happiness or unhappiness; it's about contentment or discontent. Having warmth, food, and no worries is fortunate; being free from illness and disaster is a blessing. As for the rest, if you have it, it's a bonus; if not, life remains graceful and dignified.