Let me share a real-life story. A young man, noticing his mother spending most of her day on her cellphone, said to her, "Mom, you could try something like painting, drawing, or writing instead of being on your phone all day." His mother responded, "You’re an artist and can draw well, but I can't."
This conversation reminds me of my youngest sister and her son. Years ago, after she retired at 55 (the retirement age for women in China), her son suggested they read the same book and discuss it together as a way to keep her mentally sharp and engaged.
Both moments reveal something profound about life. The son's genuine concern for his mother is heartwarming, reflecting a role reversal that often occurs as children grow. His suggestion shows not only his maturity but also a shift in perspective—from being cared for to caring for his parent.
On a broader level, the son's words hold a message for all of us: how we choose to spend our time, a resource we all possess equally.
Engaging in creative activities like drawing or writing isn’t about doing it perfectly, isn't about becoming a famous artist or writer; it’s about the joy and fulfillment that comes from the process, it's about keeping ourselves meaningfully engaged, it's about being a creator rather than a consumer.
Ultimately, these acts of creation offer a sense of meaning and accomplishment far beyond what can be gained from passively scrolling through a phone.
A Chinese saying goes, "活到老，学到老" (Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo): learn as long as you live. It emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and engagement and the belief that one should continually seek out new experiences and knowledge, no matter their age.
Finally, creative expression—regardless of skill level—adds far more value to life than mindless distractions ever could.