In the stillness of the night, as I wrap up my day with a heartfelt conversation with my parents, I take a moment to journal my thoughts. The world around me is quiet, except for the gentle songs of insects conversing in the background. I feel a deep sense of gratitude—gratitude for the people I met today, for the opportunities I had, and for simply being alive. It has been a beautiful Friday filled with meaningful connections, and I cherish every moment of it.
Starting the Day with Mindfulness
My mornings always begin with meditation, a ritual that sets the tone for the day ahead. Today, instead of engaging in an intense workout, I opted for a yin yoga session. This practice has been transformative for me, helping me tune into my body’s sensations and embrace stillness. With a rigorous six-week training plan approaching for my upcoming Ironman 70.3 race, this week has been intentionally lighter—a time to give my body the rest it deserves.
Taking the time to reflect with my coaches has been invaluable in optimizing my training schedule. Balancing a demanding work life with athletic pursuits requires careful planning. One significant change we implemented is shifting most of my swimming sessions to the weekends, allowing for a more sustainable routine.
After yoga, I embraced the quiet of the morning, taking my time to make tea, enjoy breakfast, and shower before diving into the day’s responsibilities. Amidst a hectic schedule, I hold onto these slow mornings as a way to ground myself and appreciate the simple joys of life.
A Midday Connection Over Lunch
During lunch, I had the pleasure of taking Tram, our new research intern, to one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants—Quán Bụi. Arriving slightly late meant we missed out on a window seat, but we still secured a cozy corner adorned with a charming vase of pink flowers. The restaurant’s warm ambiance, coupled with the staff’s kindness, made for a lovely experience.
As we savored our meal, I enjoyed getting to know Tram better. Mentorship is something I deeply value, and I take great pride in creating a welcoming environment for new team members. Lunch was about sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Conversations That Inspire Change
After work, I had a quick tea catch-up with Thang, a friend I met during a youth event where we were both speakers. He works in the green logistics sector, and our discussion naturally revolved around our shared vision for sustainability in our country. Conversations like these energize me—reminding me of the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
We discussed innovative solutions, challenges in the industry, and the importance of systemic shifts toward sustainability. These moments reaffirm my commitment to making a difference through my work and personal endeavors.
A Dinner with a Dear Friend
Later in the evening, I met Vy for dinner at Bếp Nhà Lục Tỉnh (Nam Kỳ Retro). As I stepped into the restaurant, I was immediately enveloped in a sense of nostalgia—the decor beautifully captured the essence of a traditional Vietnamese home, evoking memories of warmth and familiarity.
I spotted Vy from across the room, and a wave of fondness washed over me. She had been an integral part of my journey when I first joined the selection committee at UWC Vietnam. As the coordinator, Vy had played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the selection process. Her support, organization, and kind nature made an immense difference, and I have always held deep respect for her.
Over dinner, we reminisced about those days, sharing laughter and reflecting on how much we had grown since then. Vy’s intelligence and thoughtfulness shone through in every conversation, and I was reminded of how grateful I am to have friends like her in my life. We spoke about our current pursuits, future aspirations, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. It was one of those conversations that left me feeling inspired and deeply connected, reinforcing the beauty of genuine friendships.
As I walked out of the restaurant, the night air felt crisp and refreshing. I took a deep breath, allowing myself to fully absorb the gratitude I felt for this day—for the connections, the meaningful conversations, and the simple yet profound joys of life.
