Our life is like a story or a series of stories to be made up. we can decide what happens in terms of time location and people.

For example when I decide to have a call with my mentor back from university (we haven’t talked for a while since the pandemic). I just got to know he went to Harvard for PhD in public policies. I actually not so planned for the call, it’s like an instant pumping idea. But it does seem that I have some trouble recently and I need “someone” in my story atm. Just had him in mind and then want that in real.

He is a tough guy really, strict, straightforward, super realistic and parental on the appearance, not necessarily the "nice" type to talk with. But whatever he said (probably the same words coming from someone else I wouldn’t listen), I will simply “listen” and listen with peace.

I knew on many things we have different opinions and couldn’t stand in each other's shoes, but the most important thing is that, you simply listen to someone with no reason.

In essence, we are the similar kind. Sometimes You can only see yourself from watching the other. Of course I m not seeking for any answer, just wanna feel the suffer, the passion, the bold alike, like a fire which clears inside.

And then you felt the real thing, what he is saying to you, he is also saying to himself. He asked hell lots of times “what do you want” and reminds me how.

。。

he mentioned some good qualities I have, i realized that’s what I mean(t) to him when we are working together. In other words, where I can be useful to him.

it’s funny when you heard of those “good words” you felt not that happy coz you know yourself actually way more than that. You are complicated, crazy, bold, weird but not tedious, you are so many things.

He said you are good at people skills but not the research focused type. Yeah that’s what I used to show him when he hired me.(I “can” be good and very good and very bad;)

So don’t be so overly excited when you got praised.

。。。

He also gave me the notion of time (in his pov), like “before 30s you can still play but after that you have to settle bla bla…” I knew when I m getting 35 he would say the same thing and I do believe he knows he would say the same thing to me when I m 35,40, with… certainty.

But he should say it, and I knew that.

Finally, he recommended me a book about leadership and choices《True North》and a YouTube video attached. I watched and shut it down at probably 1/3 (it's 28 minutes!).

today’s character 🤺:

• he talked Ukraine charity community many times
• tempts something deep in my heart
• experience a lot
• leader type (don’t know what it means💆‍♂️)
• highly purpose driven
• highly focused
• deeply warm-hearted and cares (not in appearance hahaha)
• authentic
• straightforward