It was a Monday night, around 10:23. The kind of night where the rain had been pouring for hours, the air felt cooler than usual, and all I craved was a bowl of hot soup. That’s exactly what I did after work – gathered with colleagues at a small local spot, laughing and sharing dumplings in steaming broth. Simple, grounding moments like that remind me of what it means to slow down, even when life is moving fast.
The Rhythm of Training and Rest
My weeks usually stretch from Tuesday to Sunday, filled with triathlon training. Mondays are my rest days. But not “rest” in the way of lying still, rather, it’s a pause for my body before diving back into what I call “hardcore training” – running, swimming, cycling, and pushing boundaries I didn’t think I could.
I’ve learned to see this rhythm as a blessing. Rest is just as sacred as movement. Without one, the other loses its power. And in that balance, I feel grateful for the chance to challenge myself daily.
Holding Many Roles
This season of my life is full. Work is heading into quarter-end – deadlines, targets, countless details to tie up. At the same time, I’m leading the selection committee for UWC scholarships, making sure young students have the chance to step into life-changing opportunities. Then there’s my little brother, preparing for interviews, stepping into the “real world” after university. I sit with him in the evenings, listening to his fears and hopes, helping him frame his words.
It feels like a lot sometimes. But it also feels meaningful. To be the person who can offer presence, advice, and a safe space – it makes me feel I’m adding value to someone else’s journey.
The Little Things That Test Us
Not everything flows smoothly. Our UWC Vietnam website was down for three days after an international system change. Students couldn’t access applications. It felt messy and urgent, but finally, after countless calls and emails, the main pages came back online. Challenges like these remind me that growth often comes hidden inside small frustrations.
Protecting Time, Protecting Energy
With so many moving parts, I’m realizing how vital it is to protect my time. It’s not just about being efficient, but about creating pockets of calm where I can breathe, reflect, and keep my energy steady. Time, after all, is the one resource we can’t get back.
I want to live in a way where every hour has intention. Whether that’s sweating through training, eating soup in the rain, or sitting quietly with my brother.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re reading this, maybe your life feels full too. Maybe you’re balancing work, family, studies, or dreams that stretch you in different directions. My gentle reminder is this: it’s okay to hold many roles, as long as you also hold space for yourself. Rest is not wasted. Time spent with loved ones is never time lost.
Tonight, I’m closing my day with gratitude. For the soup. For the rain. For the training that waits tomorrow. For the chance to support people I love. And for the quiet knowing that balance is not about doing less, but about living with intention in every moment.