Kindle#
After migrating my Kindle from the national region to the US region, I discovered that the notes on my Kindle device now support cross-platform synchronization. I'm not sure if this is a feature unique to the US region or if I've just never understood Kindle properly 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—some notes to record my thoughts at the time—so that I can truly connect 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 touching!
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 injuries or incorrect postures without realizing it. However, there was no choice but to make do.
Having not practiced barbell bench presses for a long time, I felt strained 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'm lagging behind him in every aspect. The tortoise and the hare is not just a childhood story, but a reflection of reality. When we first started training, everyone praised my training talent, saying I made rapid progress in a short time, which made me complacent. However, strength training is never a sprint; it's a marathon. Only those who work hard on the track can claim 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 a certain level 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 considered 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 pushed a video about a supernatural event to me, and I was a bit curious, so I searched for related content. I saw many netizens sharing their own supernatural experiences, which gave me a bit of a fright. I can't help it; I've been afraid of this since I was a child, but I also love watching it.
Regarding ghosts and spirits, I've always had an ambiguous attitude. I disdain them because I feel 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. These firsthand experiences cannot be explained by science, which makes them puzzling. After turning 20, my experiences with strange forces and spirits have decreased (it's said that people are more likely to see ghosts and spirits in childhood, and as adults, with stronger 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 to improve myself. I have always done good deeds and accumulated virtue, and I have no regrets. If ghosts and monsters harm me, then I will fight them to the death.
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 mind is awake, but your limbs cannot move, and fear seeps into every inch of your skin. Nowadays, I hardly have such experiences, but I find myself looking forward to them a bit. In reality, such experiences are too rare; perhaps only bungee jumping can compare: a conscious mind, 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 all beings suffer. If ghosts and spirits truly exist, they are probably just bullies who prey on the weak and seek fame.