Tuổi 15 – Khi Tôi Học Cách Lớn Lên Một Mình

Bài viết bằng tiếng Việt (English version below)

Có những người lớn lên trong vòng tay của gia đình.

Còn tôi, tôi lớn lên cùng những quyết định của chính mình.

Năm 15 tuổi, tôi rời Việt Nam để sang Úc. Ở cái tuổi mà nhiều bạn còn được ba mẹ chăm sóc từng bữa ăn, nhắc nhở chuyện học hành và che chở trước những khó khăn, tôi bắt đầu học cách tự đứng trên đôi chân của mình ở một đất nước hoàn toàn xa lạ.

Nhìn lại chặng đường ấy, tôi nhận ra rằng những thử thách mình trải qua đã trở thành những người thầy tuyệt vời nhất.

1. Không ai nợ mình điều gì

Cuộc sống không hứa hẹn sẽ công bằng.

Không ai có trách nhiệm phải giúp mình thành công.

Khi chấp nhận điều đó, tôi thôi đổ lỗi cho hoàn cảnh và bắt đầu chịu trách nhiệm hoàn toàn cho cuộc đời mình.

Đó là lúc tôi thực sự trưởng thành.

2. Tự do luôn đi kèm với trách nhiệm

Sống một mình đồng nghĩa với việc mọi quyết định đều là của mình.

Nếu thành công, mình biết ơn những nỗ lực đã bỏ ra.

Nếu thất bại, mình cũng học cách chịu trách nhiệm thay vì tìm người để trách.

Đó là cái giá của sự tự do.

3. Kỷ luật quan trọng hơn động lực

Có rất nhiều ngày tôi không muốn học.

Không muốn làm việc.

Không muốn cố gắng thêm nữa.

Nhưng tôi vẫn tiếp tục.

Động lực sẽ đến rồi đi.

Kỷ luật mới là điều giúp chúng ta tiến xa.

4. Thất bại chỉ là một bài học

Tôi từng bị từ chối.

Từng cảm thấy mình chưa đủ giỏi.

Từng nghi ngờ chính bản thân.

Nhưng mỗi lần vấp ngã đều giúp tôi mạnh mẽ và khiêm tốn hơn.

5. Đừng chỉ xây dựng sự nghiệp, hãy xây dựng chính mình

Công việc rất quan trọng.

Nhưng con người mình trở thành còn quan trọng hơn.

Tôi học yoga.

Tôi học diễn xuất.

Tôi tham gia Toastmasters.

Tôi đọc sách.

Tôi gặp gỡ những con người truyền cảm hứng.

Mỗi trải nghiệm đều giúp tôi hiểu bản thân hơn.

6. So sánh là kẻ đánh cắp niềm vui

Ai cũng có một hành trình riêng.

Tôi không còn cố gắng sống cuộc đời của người khác.

Tôi chỉ cố gắng trở thành phiên bản tốt hơn của chính mình mỗi ngày.

7. Gia đình không chỉ là nơi mình sinh ra

Sống xa quê dạy tôi rằng gia đình còn là những người luôn ở bên mình bằng tình yêu và sự chân thành.

Đôi khi, những người ấy không cùng huyết thống.

Nhưng họ luôn xuất hiện đúng lúc cuộc sống cần nhất.

8. Không bao giờ là quá muộn để bắt đầu

Tôi đã thay đổi nghề nghiệp.

Học thêm nhiều kỹ năng mới.

Theo đuổi những đam mê mới.

Mỗi lần bắt đầu lại không phải là quay về số không.

Mà là bước tiếp với nhiều kinh nghiệm hơn.

9. Thành công là được sống đúng với giá trị của mình

Ngày trước tôi nghĩ thành công là kiếm thật nhiều tiền.

Bây giờ tôi nghĩ thành công là mỗi sáng thức dậy với một cuộc sống có ý nghĩa.

Được giúp đỡ người khác.

Được học hỏi.

Được phát triển.

Được là chính mình.

Lời kết

Nếu có thể nói với cậu bé 15 tuổi năm ấy một điều, tôi sẽ nói:

“Đừng sợ. Con đường phía trước sẽ không dễ dàng. Nhưng chính những ngày tháng khó khăn sẽ tạo nên phiên bản mạnh mẽ nhất của em.”

Hôm nay, tôi biết ơn tất cả những gì mình đã trải qua.

Bởi vì nếu không có cậu bé 15 tuổi dũng cảm năm ấy, sẽ không có tôi của ngày hôm nay.

Cảm ơn bạn đã dành thời gian đọc câu chuyện của tôi.

Chúc bạn luôn đủ can đảm để bước tiếp trên hành trình của riêng mình.

Binh

Age 15 – Learning to Grow Up on My Own

English Version

Some people grow up surrounded by the comfort of family.

I grew up through my own decisions.

At the age of fifteen, I left Vietnam and moved to Australia. While many teenagers still relied on their parents for guidance and support, I was learning how to build a life on my own in a country that felt completely unfamiliar.

Looking back, I realise that life’s greatest lessons never came from a classroom.

They came from experience.

1. Nobody owes you anything

Life isn’t always fair.

No one is responsible for making you successful.

The moment I accepted that, I stopped blaming circumstances and started taking ownership of my life.

That was the beginning of true adulthood.

2. Freedom always comes with responsibility

Living independently means every decision is yours.

When you succeed, you appreciate your hard work.

When you fail, you learn instead of looking for someone else to blame.

That is the price—and the privilege—of freedom.

3. Discipline will always outlast motivation

There were many days I didn’t feel like studying.

Many days I didn’t feel like working.

Many days I wanted to quit.

But I kept going.

Motivation comes and goes.

Discipline is what carries you through.

4. Failure is simply another lesson

I’ve been rejected.

I’ve doubted myself.

I’ve wondered if I was good enough.

Every setback made me stronger, wiser and more humble.

5. Don’t just build a career—build yourself

A successful career is important.

But the person you become matters even more.

I learned yoga.

I studied acting.

I joined Toastmasters.

I read constantly.

I sought out inspiring people.

Every experience shaped who I am today.

6. Comparison steals happiness

Everyone is on a different journey.

I stopped comparing myself to others.

Instead, I focus on becoming a little better than I was yesterday.

7. Family is more than where you come from

Living far from home taught me that family is also the people who genuinely care about you.

They may not share your blood.

But they stand beside you when you need them most.

8. It’s never too late to begin again

I’ve changed careers.

Learned new skills.

Pursued new passions.

Starting over isn’t going back to zero.

It’s beginning again with more wisdom than before.

9. Success is living according to your values

I used to think success meant earning a lot of money.

Today, success means waking up each morning knowing that my life has purpose.

Helping others.

Continuing to learn.

Growing as a person.

Living authentically.

Final Thoughts

If I could speak to my fifteen-year-old self, I would simply say:

“Don’t be afraid. The road ahead won’t be easy, but every challenge will shape you into someone you’ll one day be proud of becoming.”

Today, I am grateful for every struggle, every mistake, and every difficult decision.

Because without that brave fifteen-year-old who stepped onto a plane and left Vietnam, I would not be the person I am today.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

I wish you the courage to keep moving forward on your own journey.

Binh

July 10, 2026July 10, 2026

What Chess Has Taught Me About Life

I’ve loved chess for as long as I can remember.

I’m not a grandmaster, and I don’t play tournaments every weekend. I simply enjoy the game. Whenever life gets busy, I find myself coming back to the chessboard. It slows me down and reminds me to think.

Over the years, I’ve realised that many of the lessons I’ve learned from chess have quietly shaped the way I live.

The biggest one is this: you can’t control everything.

You can study openings, have a plan, and feel confident about your position. Then your opponent makes a move you never expected. Suddenly, you have to adapt.

Life has been like that for me.

When I moved to Australia as a teenager, I didn’t know where life would take me. I certainly didn’t imagine I’d become a speech pathologist, start my own business, write a book, teach yoga or begin acting in my later years.

None of those things were part of some master plan. They were simply the next move.

One thing chess has also taught me is not to rush.

When I play too quickly, I usually regret it. The moves that look exciting at first often turn out to be the wrong ones. The same has happened in life. Some of my best decisions came after taking time to reflect instead of reacting.

I’ve also learned that losing isn’t something to fear.

I’ve lost plenty of games. Sometimes I knew exactly where I went wrong. Other times I didn’t see my mistake until much later. Instead of getting frustrated, I’ve started asking myself, “What can this game teach me?”

I’ve tried to carry that mindset into everyday life. Not every audition has gone my way. Not every business decision has been perfect. Some ideas have worked beautifully, while others haven’t. Looking back, I’ve probably learned more from the disappointments than the successes.

Another thing I love about chess is that every piece matters.

Most people notice the queen because she’s the strongest piece. But I’ve won games because of a single pawn that quietly made its way across the board. That reminds me not to underestimate the small things.

For instance: reading a few pages each day, practicing yoga even when I don’t feel like it or calling a friend.

Those small habits rarely feel significant in the moment, but over time they change who we become.

Perhaps my favourite lesson is that the game isn’t over until it’s over.

I’ve seen players come back from positions that looked impossible. As long as they kept thinking, there was always another move to make.

I think that’s a comforting thought.

No matter where we are in life, we always have a next move. We can’t change the moves we’ve already made, but we can choose the next one.

Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to chess. It reminds me to slow down, stay curious, accept mistakes, and trust that one thoughtful move is often enough.

Life doesn’t require a perfect strategy. It simply asks us to keep playing.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Has chess or another hobby taught you something unexpected about life?

Until next time,

Binh

♟️

December 29, 2025

The Quiet Space Between Years

There’s a strange, gentle pause that lives between Christmas and New Year.

The emails slow.

The noise softens.

Time feels less demanding.

It’s not quite the end, and not quite the beginning.

And I think we rush this space too often.

We’re quick to label the year as good or bad.

We want neat summaries, clean lessons, tidy growth.

But real life isn’t bullet-pointed.

Some things this year were clear wins.

Some were quiet losses no one else noticed.

Some are still unfinished and that doesn’t mean they failed.

I’ve learned that reflection doesn’t always need answers.

Sometimes it just needs honesty.

Not What did I achieve?

But What did I carry?

What did I carry when things felt uncertain?

What did I carry when motivation dipped?

Growth isn’t always loud.

Often it looks like staying.

Like pausing.

Like choosing not to quit on yourself.

As this year closes, I’m not rushing to redesign my life.

I’m simply acknowledging it.

The effort.

The stretch.

The stillness.

The becoming.

If you’re reading this in that in-between space – tired, reflective, hopeful, unsure, then you’re exactly where you need to be.

You don’t need a new version of yourself by midnight.

You don’t need a perfect plan.

You’re allowed to arrive in the new year as you are.

Quietly.

Honestly.

Intact.

Wishing you a steady and kind year ahead.

Bình

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Why I Don’t Do New Year Resolutions Anymore

Every January, we’re encouraged to reset our lives.

New habits.

New goals.

A better version of ourselves.

For a long time, I played along. But over time, I’ve stepped away from New Year resolutions, not because growth doesn’t matter, but because the way we frame change matters more than we realise.

Resolutions are built on pressure.

Most resolutions rely on discipline and willpower, as if these are unlimited resources. They rarely account for fatigue, emotional load, unexpected events, or the complexity of real life.

When a resolution falls apart, the story becomes personal: I didn’t try hard enough.

Rarely do we question whether the plan itself was realistic.

A calendar date doesn’t create readiness.

Change doesn’t happen because the year changed.

Readiness comes from awareness, capacity, timing, and support. January can be reflective, quiet, or simply about regaining balance. Expecting transformation on demand ignores how change actually works.

The all-or-nothing trap!

Resolutions often create rigid rules.

Miss a day, and the momentum disappears. Miss a week, and the resolution feels broken. This pattern leads to guilt, then avoidance, rather than sustainable growth.

Real change is adaptive, not absolute.

What I choose instead:

Instead of resolutions, I choose direction.

Direction allows flexibility. It adjusts to hard weeks and changing circumstances.

Rather than asking “What must I achieve?” I ask: What do I want more of this year? What do I want less of? What needs protecting?

This creates movement without pressure.

Process over outcomes.

Outcomes are visible. Processes are transformative.

Rather than focusing on end results, I pay attention to:

How I structure my days. How I speak to myself. How I respond when plans change. How I return after pauses.

These shifts may look small, but they’re the ones that last.

A gentler alternative:

If resolutions don’t sit right with you, try this instead:

This year, I’m committed to supporting myself by ______.

For instance:

This year, I’m committed to supporting myself by…

…protecting my energy as carefully as my time.

…choosing consistency over intensity.

…allowing progress to be uneven without judging it.

No deadlines.

No streaks.

No failure.

Just intention and responsiveness.

Moving into the year differently.

You don’t need to reinvent yourself in January.

You don’t need a dramatic plan.

You need something that respects your capacity and allows growth at a human pace.

“Change happens not when we push harder, but when we listen more closely.”

Have a fantastic year ahead! 💫

Bình

December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

12 Lessons 2025 Taught Me

From acting, business, pole, yoga, travel, and relationships

2025 wasn’t a year of dramatic reinvention.

It was a year of refinement.

It’s a year where different parts of my life – acting, running a business, pole, yoga, travel, and relationships quietly started talking to each other. Patterns repeated. Lessons echoed. And slowly, things began to integrate.

Here are 12 lessons 2025 taught me.

1. Craft beats talent every time

Acting reminded me of this daily.

Talent might get you noticed, but craft keeps you grounded, employable, and calm under pressure. The same applies to business, teaching, and even relationships as showing up prepared is an act of respect.

2. Consistency matters more than intensity

Pole training taught me that dramatic bursts lead to burnout.

Slow, steady practice especially on the days I didn’t feel like it created real progress. The body remembers what the ego forgets.

3. Boundaries are a form of generosity

In business, clearer boundaries didn’t reduce connection – they improved it.

Clients felt safer. I felt less depleted. Saying no early prevented resentment later.

4. Strength without softness is incomplete

Yoga reminded me that flexibility isn’t weakness.

The strongest shapes came when I stopped forcing and started listening on the mat and in life.

5. You don’t need to be everything to everyone

Acting rooms, auditions, and creative spaces reinforced this truth.

The goal isn’t to be right for everyone but to be specific. The right people find you when you stop trying to blend in.

6. Rest is productive even when it looks like nothing

Some of my best ideas arrived after pauses, not pushes.

Travel days, quiet mornings, moments of stillness – they weren’t wasted time. They were incubation.

7. Your body tells the truth faster than your mind

Pole and yoga made this undeniable.

Tension, fatigue, resistance – these signals appeared before my thoughts caught up. Learning to listen saved me from pushing past my limits unnecessarily.

8. Systems create freedom

In business, structure wasn’t restrictive – it was liberating.

Clear systems meant fewer decisions, less mental clutter, and more energy for creativity and connection.

9. Not every relationship is meant to last forever

Some relationships are seasonal.

2025 taught me to honour what was shared without forcing longevity. Letting go gracefully became a skill not a failure.

10. Confidence grows through repetition not affirmation

Whether on stage, on the pole, or in front of a room – confidence arrived after doing the thing many times, imperfectly.

11. Travel teaches humility

Different cultures, languages, and rhythms reminded me how small and connected we all are.

Travel softened my judgments and widened my patience.

12. Integration is the real work

The biggest lesson of 2025 wasn’t found in any single area.

It was in noticing how everything overlaps.

Acting sharpened my presence

Yoga grounded my nervous system

Pole strengthened my discipline

Business clarified my values

Relationships mirrored my growth

Travel expanded my perspective

Nothing existed in isolation anymore.

Closing reflection

2025 didn’t ask me to become someone new.

It asked me to become more whole.

Less proving.

More trusting.

Less rushing.

More listening.

And if there’s one thing I’m carrying into the next year, it’s this

Growth doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like alignment.

Thank you for reading. I hope that these lessons have been helpful and in some ways reflective of your year too!

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and a fantastic year ahead!

Bình

February 8, 2025

Finding Balance: Juggling It All

So, you’re wondering how I manage everything from stand-up comedy classes and acting, to pole fitness, jiu-jitsu, and a full-time gig in speech pathology? Well, it’s definitely a mix of fun and frantic, but here’s how I keep things rolling without dropping the ball.

1. Setting goals

Each activity I’m into has its own vibe and purpose. Comedy keeps me on my toes, acting builds my empathy, pole and jiu-jitsu keep me fit, and my day job? Well, that’s where I get to make a real difference helping people communicate. I set clear goals for each to make sure they’re not just random things I do, but integral parts of who I am and want to be.

2. Time management

This is key. I’ve got a digital calendar that’s color-coded and blocked out for each activity. It sounds a bit much, but it helps me ensure I’m dedicating enough time to each without overbooking myself.

3. Self-care

Can’t stress this enough. With a schedule like mine, running out of juice is a real risk. So, I make sure to get enough sleep, eat right, weekly massages, and throw some yoga/mindfulness into the mix. It keeps my energy up so I can keep up with everything I’ve set out to do.

4. Stay flexible

Plans change and so do my energy levels. Some days, the best move is to skip the gym for some extra downtime. Being flexible means I can adjust on the go, which keeps me from burning out.

5. Connect the dots

Linking what I learn and experience in one area of my life to others helps too. The confidence from acting and comedy? It’s gold when I’m at work. Everything feeds into everything else in some way.

6. Lean on your squad

It’s tough to manage all this on your own. I’ve got friends, fellow hobbyists, and co-workers who get the hustle. They’re great for bouncing ideas off or venting when things become difficult.

7. Check-in with yourself

Every now and then, I take a step back to see what’s working and what’s not. It’s about being honest with myself and tweaking things if something feels off, like cutting back on an activity that no longer fits.

Balancing a bunch of passions with work is crazy but fulfilling. It’s all about enjoying the ride without getting overwhelmed. Organize, prioritize, and be ready to adapt. That’s how you make it work without losing your cool.

Comment below if you have any other tips and tricks.

Cheers,

Binh

Empowering voices, Enriching lives

January 16, 2025

How to Stay Motivated for the New Year 2025

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to set intentions and recharge our motivation. The new year is like a blank page—full of opportunities to grow, achieve, and thrive.

But how can we maintain that fresh-start energy long after January?

Over the years, I’ve gathered these strategies from experts in personal development, including insights from James Clear (author of Atomic Habits), Dr. Angela Duckworth (author of Grit), and the wisdom shared by life coaches and psychologists in various workshops. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what success looks like for you this year. Break big goals into smaller, actionable steps, and celebrate each win along the way. James Clear emphasizes that “systems are more important than goals”—focus on daily habits that align with your vision.

2. Focus on Your “Why”

Motivation flourishes when you have a strong reason behind your goals. Dr. Angela Duckworth’s research highlights the power of purpose in sustaining grit. Ask yourself, Why do I want this? Keeping your “why” front and center builds resilience.

3. Build a Positive Routine

Consistency beats perfection. Start your mornings with habits that inspire you—a quick workout, journaling, or savoring your coffee without distractions. James Clear advises starting small and building momentum, proving that tiny habits lead to big changes over time.

4. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Your environment matters. Life coach Tony Robbins often emphasizes the impact of those you spend time with. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, inspiring books, or motivational podcasts. Positive energy is contagious.

5. Embrace Flexibility

Life is unpredictable. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, view them as detours to learn and grow. Experts like psychologist Carol Dweck advocate for a growth mindset—an attitude that helps you adapt and thrive.

6. Reflect and Recalibrate

Check in with yourself regularly. Are your goals still aligning with your values? Reflection keeps you focused and ensures you’re heading in the right direction. Many high achievers, like Oprah Winfrey, stress the importance of self-assessment to stay motivated.

As 2025 unfolds, remember: motivation isn’t a constant—it’s something you cultivate. Show up for yourself daily, and by the time 2026 rolls around, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

Happy New Year! 🎉

Binh

May 26, 2022May 26, 2022

If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree. 🌲

For me, this quote is deep-rooted (no pun intended) in my life motto.

At 15, I wasn’t performing well academically and didn’t like the school where I was at, so I asked my parents to move me to another school – in Australia. That shook things up and I had no choice but trying my hardest to study English and a whole new system.

Last year, I was part of a volunteering team where I was disrespected and humiliated in front of many people by my supervisor. We were meant to work together as a team. I left the next day after telling them how I felt.

My brother and I went to see a movie where the people behind us were talking loudly. We’d politely asked them to keep the noise down and they continued to talk to each other. So we moved to the front where it was quiet – after checking to make sure that the seats were available.

At times it feels like we have no choice but staying in the same job that we don’t enjoy for many years, being in the same living condition that is uncomfortable, having the same circle of friends that we’ve grown out of, speaking up for ourselves and others etc. We are afraid of leaving as we fear of the unknown or people might judge us.

But we always have a choice – a choice to be happy in doing what we want in life!

Definitely not a tree!

Bình

May 25, 2022May 25, 2022