Over the weekend, I indulged in one of my favorite pastimes: visiting Mr. DIY. This Malaysian home improvement retail chain, founded in 2005, has expanded into one of the largest home improvement retailers in Asia. Specializing in affordable household products, hardware, electrical items, stationery, and more, Mr. DIY is a paradise for those who love decorating their homes and embracing creativity.
A Love for Home Decor and Creativity
I can easily spend hours at Mr. DIY, much like how I used to linger in stationery stores in London. The endless variety of items sparks my creativity, allowing me to bring Pinterest-inspired ideas to life. I often plan ahead for the weekend, browsing through inspiration and making a list of items to purchase. One of my favorite projects was last summer when I painted my flat pink. Since then, I have collected an assortment of pink-hued items, starting with picture frames. More recently, I purchased beautiful glass vases to propagate my Epipremnum aureum (also known as pothos or devil’s ivy).
At home, I have several pots filled with different varieties of Epipremnum aureum. Inspired by their lush greenery, I decided to propagate them in water. To my delight, the cuttings developed beautiful roots, reminding me of life’s resilience. Despite different conditions, growth is always possible—a philosophy I deeply believe in.
Embracing Mondays with Meditation and Yoga
Monday is my favorite day of the week, mainly because it serves as my rest day from training. As a triathlete, my schedule from Tuesday to Sunday is packed with twice-daily training sessions. On Monday mornings, I start my day with meditation, followed by yoga. Practicing yoga keeps me in tune with my body, making me feel alive and ready for the day ahead.
During my yoga session today, I felt some discomfort in my left knee due to a recent injury. A few poses that required deep stretching triggered slight pain, but I embraced the sensation with awareness. I am incredibly grateful for my physiotherapist, who has been helping me recover over the past few weeks. After yoga, I made myself a cup of tea, prepared breakfast, and called my parents. Their voices in the morning always fill me with happiness and boost my energy. I feel so lucky to have their unconditional support in my journey toward my goals and dreams.
The Role of Nutrition in an Athlete’s Life
After a fulfilling day at work, I dedicated some time to cooking a nutritious meal. As a triathlete, maintaining a disciplined diet is crucial for performance and overall well-being. My meals generally consist of whole foods, abundant fruits, and vegetables to ensure I receive a diverse range of vitamins and minerals.
For dinner, I had roasted tuna, steamed vegetables, and brown rice. The tuna was a special treat from my mother, who sources fresh seafood from our coastal hometown, freezes it, and ships it to me in Ho Chi Minh City. The rice I consume is from the brand “Gạo Ông Cụ,” which includes a blend of ST25 brown rice, red rice (huyết rồng), black rice (tím than), sticky rice, green peas, yellow peas, lentils, and quinoa. Growing up on my uncle’s paddy fields, I developed a deep appreciation for high-quality rice, and this particular blend is my favorite due to its rich nutritional value.
Volunteering and Supporting Future Leaders
Evenings are usually dedicated to my volunteer work with UWC Vietnam, where I serve as the chairwoman for the 2025 selection process. This year, after eight months of rigorous selection, we finally chose 14 outstanding students for the fall intake. One of them is set to attend UWC Mahindra College in Maharashtra, India. Since it is rare for Vietnamese students to study abroad in India—most opt for the U.S. or Europe—this student’s parents had many concerns. I spent the evening on a call addressing their questions and reassuring them about the incredible opportunities their child will have.
My life revolves around a mix of creativity, athleticism, and service. Whether it is designing my home with finds from Mr. DIY, pushing my limits in triathlon training, or mentoring young students through UWC Vietnam, each aspect adds depth and meaning to my journey. Balancing these passions requires discipline, planning, and enthusiasm. But at the end of the day, the joy and fulfillment I derive from these experiences make every effort worthwhile.