I met up with an old friend of mine today. We were together in high school in Tianjin, college in Beijing and then graduate school in the U.S. We talked nonstop for hours. She told me this event when she was in America in 1980s. She told an American friend that she was considering of pursuing a Ph.D after getting her Master degree, that American asked her, "Is it because you want to stay longer in the United States?" I was speechless upon hearing this. She still remembers the conversation even after nearly 40 years.
Here’s a few words on my Metablog. I told my sister that I wrote a short blog daily. She was wondering, what do you get from this? Initially, I made a promise on my new year resolution, even if it may not provide immediate tangible benefits.
As days go by, I try to give some meanings to this activity. Perhaps the act of writing daily can serve some personal purpose, such as self-expression, self-reflection, sharing with family and friends, or simply the satisfaction of sticking to a promise. Even without a large audience, the process of writing and sharing thoughts can be fulfilling in itself.
Additionally, it makes a huge sense to keep up writing when considering the low cost of maintaining it, both in terms of time and resources, as compared to the potential benefits it may bring in terms of personal growth and connection with family and friends.
Ultimately, I keep reminding myself that the value of daily writing definitely goes beyond its readership size or any external rewards. It is up to each of us to constantly give meanings to our life's experience. It matters as long as we find it meaningful and life-fulfilling.