Life moves fast, but sometimes, slowing down is the most powerful way to move forward. This past week reminded me of that truth in the most gentle and nourishing way. Between reconnecting with inspiring friends, joining an empowering education event, recovering from illness, and easing back into training, I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be—body, mind, and spirit.
In this post, I want to share a snapshot of my week, filled with meaningful conversations, quiet reflection, and the subtle return of momentum. My hope is that it inspires you to pause, reconnect, and recommit to your own path—whatever that may look like right now.
Weekend Pause: Brunch, Bonds, and a Look Back
The weekend before was lovely.
I had brunch with one of my closest friends, Hippo. We’ve known each other since I moved back to Vietnam after several years abroad. Like me, he studied in London, worked there for a while, and then chose to return home. Our backgrounds mirror each other, and so do our values—especially our drive to grow, contribute, and live with intention.
Our brunch wasn’t just about food (though the food at BARTELS Thao Dien – Sourdough Sandwiches, Coffee & Juicery was delicious). It was a check-in. A moment to exchange updates on our careers, personal lives, and big dreams. We talked openly about what’s working and what’s not. What we’re proud of and where we feel stuck. There was no competition—only honesty, encouragement, and a shared sense of direction.
These kinds of friendships are rare, and I hold them close.
It made me reflect on how far I’ve come. Just two years ago, I landed back in Vietnam with a vision but not much clarity. I knew I wanted to build something meaningful, to live a life aligned with my values, but I didn’t know all the steps. Now, I still don’t—but I’m taking them one by one, and it feels right.
Next week, I’ll be flying back to London for the first time in over two years.
It feels surreal to think about it. That city holds so much of my past—memories of studying, working, and navigating life in my twenties. I will re-connect with my younger brother, who’s still there, with friends I haven’t seen in years, and with a part of myself that’s been dormant for a while.
Sometimes, going back helps you see how far you’ve grown.
Monday Magic: Conversations That Light You Up
My week started with a warm, soul-filling dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants tucked in the heart of Saigon. The occasion? A casual post-event gathering with fellow speakers and organizers of the Study Abroad Launchpad Academy—an initiative that empowers Vietnamese youth to dream big and prepare for education overseas.
As we shared bowls of fish soup and plates of crispy spring rolls, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Some of us worked directly in education; others came from business, tech, or consulting. But we were all united by a common purpose: helping the next generation rise.
We talked about the changing landscape of international education, the challenges Vietnamese students face, and how we could better guide them not just in academics, but also in building confidence and self-worth. There was something deeply comforting in realizing that I’m not alone in this mission. There are many hearts and minds aligned with this purpose—and that gives me hope.
Morning Rides and Healing Days: Easing Back into Training
On Tuesday morning, I had a beautiful solo cycling session. The weather in Saigon surprised me—instead of the usual sweltering heat, it was a breezy 29–30°C, which honestly feels like autumn here.
It was my first real workout in over a week. My coach had advised me to rest fully after a bad bout of illness. I’d had symptoms similar to COVID—fatigue, coughing, sneezing. Even after testing negative, my body wasn’t bouncing back as quickly as usual. And that forced me to do something I don’t often allow myself to do: slow down.
Resting wasn’t easy. I love training. I love pushing my limits and watching my body adapt. But this pause reminded me that recovery is not the opposite of progress. It is progress.
Ironman Phu Quoc in November
With just over three months to go, I’m officially back in training mode for Ironman 70.3 Phu Quoc this November.
This will be a solo Ironman race, and I want to show up prepared—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. That means treating training not as a punishment, but as a privilege. It means giving my body the sleep, fuel, and care it needs to perform. And most of all, it means embracing discipline—not as something rigid or harsh, but as a form of devotion.
Because discipline isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about listening to your body, your coach, your gut. It’s about resting when needed, and pushing when you can. That balance is where growth happens.
Lessons from the Week: What I’m Taking with Me
As I wrap up this week and prepare for the next one—London flights, deeper training sessions, and more conversations with people I love—I want to share a few gentle reminders that I’m carrying with me. Maybe they’ll speak to you, too.
1. Community Is Everything
Whether it’s a dinner with like-minded educators or a brunch with a long-time friend, these connections are what anchor me. They remind me of who I am and who I’m becoming.
Tip for readers: If you’ve been feeling unmoored, call someone who makes you feel like yourself. Even a 30-minute chat can shift your whole day.
2. Reflection Helps You Realign
Life gets busy, but taking time—even just an hour on the weekend—to look back helps me stay aligned with my vision. I ask myself: Am I proud of how I showed up this week? What needs more love and attention?
Try this: Grab a journal and write down 3 things that went well this week, 2 things you’d like to improve, and 1 intention for the coming week.
3. Recovery Is Not Weakness
This past week, I let my body rest. And guess what? I didn’t lose momentum. In fact, I gained clarity and resilience.
Reminder: If you’re sick, tired, or simply overwhelmed—pause. Your future self will thank you for it.
4. Discipline Is a Form of Self-Love
I used to think discipline meant being hard on myself. Now I see it as something gentler. Waking up early to train, eating nutritious meals, sleeping 8 hours—it’s all an act of love. It’s how I tell myself: You matter.
Daily mantra: “I show up for myself because I deserve to thrive.”
5. Your Path Is Yours Alone
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others. But this week reminded me that I’m exactly where I need to be. My path may not look like anyone else’s—but it’s mine, and that’s enough.
Note to you: Your journey is unfolding at its own perfect pace. Trust it.
Grateful for the Now
As I sit here typing, there’s a quiet joy in my heart. Nothing “extraordinary” happened this week, no awards, no breakthroughs, no viral moments. But in many ways, this was one of the most fulfilling weeks I’ve had in a while.
I showed up for myself, my community, my vision. I slowed down enough to listen to my body and speed up where it mattered. I reflected, connected, laughed, planned, and dreamed.
And maybe that’s the secret to moving forward: not rushing, not hustling blindly, but walking steadily in the direction of your values. One ride, one brunch, one good night’s sleep at a time.
If you’re in a season of rebuilding, whether from illness, burnout, heartbreak, or just a rough patch, I hope this encourages you. Keep going. Rest when needed. Surround yourself with good people. Reflect often. And above all, trust that each small step is leading you somewhere beautiful.