The way I protected myself was simple.
Keep doing what you can.
Even though today was uneventful, looking back, it seems like life has been constantly asking questions.
What is the meaning of life, how should we live, who should we love?
The answer was embedded in everything that surrounded me.
A soft towel, a cool glass of water, a walk, the warm midday sun, a line that brightens my heart, and me right now.
Life is still scary, but I want to continue living the days that could have come.
This day, which repeats endlessly, seems like my whole life.

--- p.6

Freelancers are free.
Wake up when you want to wake up, and sleep when you want to sleep.
Play when you want to play, and go to work when you want to.
There is no one to scold.
But if you wake up when you want to wake up and sleep when you want to sleep, you're in big trouble.
You never know when your bank account balance will run out, so you always have to be prepared, and since there's no time off work, you're always in work mode.
No one takes care of me.
No one takes responsibility for me.
A 9-year freelancer who has to do everything on his own is free, but not free.

--- pp.19~20

It wasn't something that was taught to me by anyone, or something I learned from somewhere, but rather, it was the precious stories I gained through my own experiences that filled the layers of who I am today.
I want to continue to eat well, play well, and live well in this job, being planned yet spontaneous, systematic yet flexible, and sincere yet free.
A 1 appeared in my inbox.
For those of you who are not freelancers, it's time to get to your desk.

--- p.24

Rather than saying something big and scary like “Live like today is your last,” the power of putting it into practice every day with something small and cute like “Do as much as you can.”

--- p.49

When you experience something for the first time, when a familiar moment becomes special, when you encounter a world you never knew existed, when you feel unfamiliar emotions, life becomes new.
As if mocking me, who had declared that my life, which had been so boring, was now free of new and unknown things, a fresh moment of life came to me in an unexpected way.

--- p.69

are you okay.
We can't always live with as much energy as we did in the beginning.
You've been working hard to do your part, so it's only natural for things to wear out.
The old me, who couldn't control my overflowing energy while running around here and there, probably didn't wear a first-class sticker.
Now I walk slowly instead of running.
I walk along the shortcuts according to the map I found by walking through every nook and cranny of the alley.
It uses less energy but can efficiently reach its destination.
It's slow, but it actually gets there faster.
Right now I probably have a 4th grade sticker, and very occasionally a 3rd grade sticker.
It's not bad efficiency.

--- p.78

We are all consistent and faithful in one way or another.
Even if it's not a painting like mine, everyone leaves something behind for their own reasons in various ways.
Take pictures of fleeting moments, write letters with sincerity that no one will know, and record the passing time in words.
Above all, even if there are no clear results, the daily lives of everyone who sleeps, eats, and lives each day are consistent, sincere, and valuable.
I am always lovable today.
No matter what it looks like.

--- pp.102~103

Eat healthy food, see pretty things, and take pictures of beautiful colors.
I wake up with a big stretch, drink a big cup of lemon tea, and listen to my favorite music while I work.
I take some ice cream out of the freezer and eat it while lying down on the sofa and relaxing.
I end the day by watching a movie while enjoying the breeze from the fan.
An ordinary summer day passes by with a sweet and sour yellow taste.
These ordinary days and summer appetites, I find them quite refreshing and good.
So, let's not eat the heat and loneliness.
Instead, let's sleep well and eat well.

--- p.119

Actually, it doesn't matter if you wear an old t-shirt or something else instead of pajamas.
But knowing what I like and what suits me is like a process of getting to know myself as a person.
I love the simplicity of a black and white t-shirt, and I find comfort in items that feel familiar.
It doesn't have to be expensive.
It doesn't have to be trendy.
If I like it.
The things I own reflect my attitude towards life.
I do my laundry diligently because I love the scent of clothes neatly folded and stored in the cabinet, and I change my bedding and organize my pajamas because I cherish the feeling of them gently touching my body when I fall asleep at night.
The time you can enjoy after this repetition is the most peaceful in the world.

--- p.155

Mom found out for the first time that day.
What I hated all this time was not strong coffee, but bitter coffee.
He said that his taste was acidic coffee with a fruity aroma.
The sight of my mother looking happy remained in my memory for a long time.
Even after turning sixty, I discovered new tastes and found new things I liked.
This is so cool.

--- pp.158~159

Now that we've looked back on the past, it's time to draw the future.
I dare to hope that the things I have written with all my heart will shine brightly.
And I hope to be able to stand at the end of that light and say:
“It’s okay if things are rough, life is worth living.”

--- pp.201~202