Yu Jiahao's birthday essay moved me to tears.

Brother Di's preface

Originally, I intended to discuss the Lakers vs. Rockets game again today.

However, during the third quarter break, I changed my mind.

The reason is that I came across a piece of incredibly powerful writing and felt compelled to share it with you all: a birthday essay written by Chinese basketball player Yu Jiahao at age 23.

NBA games are something we can watch and talk about daily.

But honestly, this is among the highest-quality writing I've seen from almost any Chinese basketball player.

In the past, I've often pondered superficially: What are Chinese professional players lacking?

One aspect is "culture" and "thoughtfulness."

This is also a reason why Yao Ming works so hard on integrating sports and education! (Personal opinion, may not be entirely accurate)

It's no exaggeration to say that few current domestic players can write at Yu Jiahao's level. Of course, it's also difficult for you and me, watching from behind screens.

Because where does the best writing usually come from? Life experience.

After reading it, what did I feel? It is avery mature, sincere, and profound birthday monologue.

Not sentimental, not complaining, nor self-indulgent.

Rather, it is a personbetween ideals and reality, self and family, past and futureachieving acomplete self-acceptance.

The writing contains迷茫,愧疚,挣扎, but its foundation is清醒,温柔,强大.

Between the lines, there is melancholy over time passing, insightful understanding of life's value, and the courageous choice to pursue passion despite struggles between ideals and reality.

We are all ordinary people who dislike hearing many grand principles.

Yu Jiahao's reflection on the clash between ideals and reality is the most genuine and touching part of the entire essay, filling this monologue with the warmth of everyday life.

He is thoughtful and sincere.

He毫不避讳内心的挣扎与愧疚, yet does not glorify the path not taken.

On one side is the ideal of pursuing passion and exploring the unknown, yearning to experience different lives. On the other side are loved ones, parents who deserve陪伴反哺...

In short, the emotional side of me was moved, eyes brimming with tears.

Such a player deserves more attention and support from everyone.

I hope everyone watching takes a few minutes to细细品味.

The following text is copied from Yu Jiahao's social media, infringement deleted:

I've reached the age where I don't want to celebrate birthdays anymore.

Looking back at this age, I feel the best years of life, 18-22, passed incredibly quickly.

I often feel I wasted time and let years slip away, but what's past is past, right? It can't be regained. Looking back now, many things could have been done better, but for me at that time, perhaps I made the best choice available then. I want to tell my past self: you were already great,I won't criticize any action or choice you made from a future perspective.

Without the懵懂 you of the past, there wouldn't be the present me.

When I truly realized life's end isn't necessarily at 100 or 80 as we assume, but could be tomorrow, I relaxed and began enjoying each day. When you truly live each day as if it were your last, you赋予它重要的意义. Life itself has no inherent value; all frameworks are external definitions imposed upon you. Living authentically within your own life is the greatest happiness.

I'm grateful that those who love me and whom I love all support me. Even though due to my aspirations, they cannot always be physically present, their existence in my spiritual world makes me stronger and more powerful. I only hope future me retains the courage to explore the world and the desire for the unknown as I do now. Thank heaven for letting me live another year健康幸福的.

Sometimes I also struggle between reality and ideals. When facing difficulties, I often think: if I were a very practical person in this materialistic world, earning more money, spending more time with brothers and friends, gathering when possible,陪伴家人.

I grew up with my brothers. Though some have now joined other teams, some are still striving for现实, and some are gradually shifting focus to family, we still have many dreams unfulfilled. Our days together were truly joyful, and they often call saying they miss me. My parents are nearing retirement age, having worked hard all their lives. Perhaps I should反哺 them, provide better lives, let them rest well and enjoy comfort, though I know deep down they are people who can't stay idle; perhaps I can afford to find them some tasks. Everyone supports my dreams, my choices, and also hopes I can陪伴在他们身边.

Thinking this way, perhaps I am selfish. Who knows how difficult this so-called "stepping out of the comfort zone" is? Who knows what outcomes this choice might bring? Perhaps I lose both the present and the future.

万一 I encounter unfavorable circumstances, who in my professional career would care?At my age, I still believe many things in life cannot be measured by money. I also genuinely enjoy and anticipate different life experiences and journeys.

The scenery I've passed through isn't for others to see; it is truly etched into my heart.

I also need to live. I also want可观收入 in a stable environment. I really dislike some people saying my family has money, so that supports my pursuit of所谓的梦想.

Since childhood, my parents told me: family money is earned by them. Though they spend it on me too, only when I can earn money to养家糊口 myself, that's my real capability.

Actually, from young age, I disliked asking family for money. I deeply wish to be independent. Those who know me understand: precisely because of this mindset, I always demand high standards from myself.

Coming to Spain this year, conditions certainly不如国内好, and people daily urge me to return to China.

But I truly feel this environment—in the jungle, where no effort means no food, no competition means淘汰—can真正唤醒人身上的饥饿感. I often struggle between this feeling and enjoying life, but I find they aren't truly contradictory.

When tired, I tell myself to坚持一下; after persevering, I tell myself to休息一下, also shifting attention to沿途的风景. Thus, facing the next peak, I can be more motivated and passionate to overcome it.

I often question myself, yet gradually achieve self-acceptance and acceptance of the world.

Exploring the unknown inherently carries great risk, but I feel someone must do it, someone must start, like our前辈似的,探索前赴后继.

Originally, there was no path in this world; when many walk it, it becomes a road.