Tag: Australia

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10 Lessons I Learnt Living Away From My Family at 15

At 15 years old, I left Vietnam and came to Australia to study.

I still remember the mix of excitement and fear. On one hand, I was grateful for the opportunity to build a better future. On the other, I was leaving behind everything I had ever known, my family, my friends, my language, and my culture.

When you’re 15, most people are worrying about school exams, sports, or what they’re doing on the weekend. I was learning how to navigate a completely new country with limited English and without my family by my side.

Looking back now, I realise that the experience shaped who I am today. It taught me lessons about resilience, independence, and gratitude that no textbook could ever teach.

Here are ten of the most valuable lessons I learnt.

1. You Are Stronger Than You Think

When life becomes difficult, you often discover strengths you never knew you had.

There were many moments when I felt lost, homesick, and overwhelmed. Yet somehow, I kept moving forward. Each challenge I overcame built confidence and resilience.

We are often far more capable than we give ourselves credit for.

2. Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone

Moving to Australia forced me out of my comfort zone every single day.

Everything was unfamiliar. The language sounded different. The culture was different. Even simple daily tasks required courage.

At the time it felt uncomfortable, but looking back, that discomfort became the catalyst for growth.

3. Family Is a Gift

You don’t truly understand the value of family until they are no longer around every day.

Living away from my parents taught me to appreciate their sacrifices. It made me realise how much love and support they had provided throughout my childhood.

Distance created a deeper sense of gratitude.

4. Loneliness Can Teach You Valuable Things

There were times when I felt incredibly alone.

Instead of constantly trying to escape those feelings, I gradually learnt how to sit with them. Loneliness taught me self-reliance, reflection, and emotional resilience.

It also taught me the importance of building meaningful relationships.

5. Communication Is More Than Perfect English

When I arrived in Australia, my English was limited.

There were many times when I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted. It was frustrating and sometimes embarrassing.

Over time, I realised that communication isn’t just about grammar or vocabulary. Confidence, persistence, body language, and a willingness to make mistakes are equally important.

Every conversation became a lesson.

6. Nobody Is Coming to Rescue You

One of the most important lessons I learnt was personal responsibility.

If I wanted better grades, I had to study.

If I wanted opportunities, I had to seek them out.

If I made mistakes, I had to learn from them.

That mindset became one of the foundations of my success later in life.

7. Hard Work Beats Talent

I wasn’t the smartest student in the room. I wasn’t the most confident speaker. I wasn’t naturally gifted at everything I tried.

But I learnt that consistent effort often matters more than natural ability.

Hard work opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed.

8. Failure Is Part of Success

There were plenty of setbacks along the way. I made mistakes. I misunderstood people. I struggled with language and confidence.

At the time, those moments felt like failures. Looking back, they were simply stepping stones.

Every setback taught me something valuable.

9. Your Story Is Your Strength

For a long time, I simply wanted to fit in.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised that my journey is not something to hide. Being Vietnamese, migrating to Australia, learning a new language, and overcoming challenges have all shaped who I am.

The experiences that once made me feel different are now some of my greatest strengths.

10. Keep Saying Yes to New Experiences

Moving to Australia at 15 taught me that growth often begins with a single brave decision.

Since then, I’ve continued saying yes to new experiences, whether that’s becoming a speech pathologist, starting a business, teaching yoga, performing on stage, competing at Toastmasters, or stepping into an improv class.

Life becomes richer when we’re willing to embrace the unknown.

Final Thoughts

Today, as a speech pathologist, business owner, coach, actor, and lifelong learner, I often think about that 15-year-old boy who left Vietnam and boarded a plane to Australia.

He had no idea what the future would hold. What he did have was courage.

Looking back, I realise that courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is taking the next step despite fear.

If you’re facing uncertainty in your own life, remember this: you don’t need to have everything figured out. You simply need to keep moving forward.

The challenges you face today may one day become the very stories that inspire others.

Keep growing, keep learning, and keep moving forward.


Binh

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Why I Love Being a Polymath

People sometimes ask me, “How do you do so many things?”

My honest answer: I don’t know how NOT to.

I’ve never been someone who fits neatly into one box. I’m a speech pathologist, a writer, a life coach, an actor, a yoga teacher, an ESL educator, a business owner, and yes, someone who hangs upside down on a pole for fun.

And somehow… it all makes perfect sense to me.

Being a polymath feels like living in colour. Every skill I learn feeds another part of my life. Every curiosity becomes a doorway. Every new passion adds a layer to who I am and how I show up in the world.

Speech Pathology taught me to communicate with purpose

Working with kids and families has given me the deepest understanding of communication, not just the mechanics, but the heart behind it. Helping someone speak, read, learn, or connect unlocks something inside me too.

Life coaching taught me to listen, REALLY listen

Coaching helped me tune in to people’s dreams, fears, habits, and patterns. It made me a better therapist, a better friend, and honestly, a better human. It’s one of the skills that anchors everything else I do.

Acting taught me to feel everything fully

Acting is where I get to be bold, expressive, vulnerable, and creative in ways everyday life doesn’t always allow. It’s helped me understand characters, emotions, humanity – which loops right back into my coaching and therapy work.

Writing taught me to make sense of the world

Words are how I process life. From “The Speakable Child” to the new projects I’m creating, writing lets me turn ideas into stories, and stories into something useful for someone else.

Yoga taught me to breathe and soften

Yoga balances the fire. It reminds me to slow down, feel my body, and come back to myself, something all polymaths need because our brains can be like hummingbirds.

Pole art taught me strength, discipline, and play

Pole is where I surprise myself the most. The strength, the flow, the artistry; it’s a celebration of being human. It’s creative and athletic at the same time, and it’s one of the places where I feel the most free.

Business taught me courage

Speakable didn’t build itself. It took years of ideas, risks, failures, and growth. Being an entrepreneur showed me that creativity isn’t just an art; it’s a strategy.

What I love most about being a polymath

It’s not the titles or the skills.

It’s the way everything overlaps.

My acting improves my communication coaching.

My coaching improves my therapy.

My therapy work gives depth to my writing.

My writing clears my mind for yoga.

Yoga strengthens my discipline for pole.

Pole energises me for everything else.

It’s all connected like a tapestry of passions that weave together into one life.

I love being a polymath because it lets me be all of me.

Not half. Not one slice.

All.

And if there’s one message I hope people take from my journey, it’s this:

You don’t need to choose one dream.

You’re allowed to choose many and let them shape you into something extraordinary.

Binh

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From Idea to Impact: 11 Lessons in 11 Years of Speakable

This year, we celebrate 11 years of Speakable Speech Pathology – a milestone that reminds us how far a simple idea can grow when it’s backed by passion, persistence, and purpose. 

When I first started Speakable in 2014, I couldn’t have imagined the incredible journey it would become. What began as a vision to help children find their voice has grown into a thriving practice that impacts families every day.

Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about what it takes to build not just a business, but a mission-driven start-up that lasts. 

To celebrate, I’d like to share 11 lessons from 11 years that shaped Speakable and can help guide anyone dreaming of starting something of their own.

1. Start with purpose

The heart of any successful start-up is a clear “why.” For Speakable, it was simple: helping children become confident communicators and learners. Purpose fuels resilience – it’s what keeps you going when things get hard.

2. Solve a real problem

A start-up only works if it addresses a genuine need. Parents were searching for practical, evidence-based strategies to support their children’s speech and language. Speakable was built to fill that gap with accessible, personalised solutions.

3. Begin small, dream big

Speakable didn’t begin with a full team, branded office, or polished systems. It started with a commitment to serve (and a small table). Growth followed naturally as we stayed focused on helping one family at a time.

4. Build relationships, not just clients

Our growth has always come from word-of-mouth referrals and long-term relationships. People don’t just buy services as they invest in trust, care, and genuine connection.

5. Adapt and evolve

The pandemic taught us this lesson most vividly. We pivoted to online services, developed new resources, and found ways to support families remotely. Flexibility kept us relevant and resilient.

6. Hire for heart and skill

As Speakable grew, so did our team. We learned to bring in people who not only had the expertise, but also shared the same vision and values. Culture is the backbone of a strong start-up.

7. Keep learning

Running a business means wearing many hats. At the start, I was a clinician, a marketer, a manager, a technician, a cleaner and a coach. I invested in learning constantly, whether it was professional development, business strategy, or leadership training.

8. Celebrate small wins

Every milestone matters. From a child saying their first word to expanding our clinic, celebrating progress kept the journey joyful.

9. Stay financially grounded

Growth is exciting, but sustainability requires careful planning. From reinvesting profits to setting fair fees, keeping Speakable financially healthy ensured we could keep serving families long-term.

10. Give back

Success isn’t just measured in profit – it’s about impact. Speakable has always been about more than therapy sessions. It’s about empowering parents, training future clinicians, and sharing knowledge through workshops and writing.

Over the years, we’ve also extended our impact by supporting charities such as the World Food Programme, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, and One Tree Planted. Giving back has been an essential part of our journey because true success comes from creating ripples of change beyond your own business.

11. Never lose sight of the vision

Through every challenge, from long hours to unexpected changes, the vision of Speakable – to give children a voice – has been the guiding light. That vision has kept us grounded, inspired, and moving forward.

Looking ahead

Eleven years in, Speakable is stronger than ever. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it. If there’s one message I’d share with anyone starting a new venture, it’s this: anchor yourself in purpose, stay adaptable, and keep learning.

Here’s to the next chapter, and to every dreamer ready to turn their idea into something remarkable.

Big hugs, 

Bình 

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If you believe: Finding my voice in a new country

When I was 15, I moved to Australia from Vietnam, and honestly, it was rough.

I didn’t speak much English. I was shy. Everything felt different and unfamiliar. I’d sit in class, trying to keep my head down, hoping no one would notice me. Not because I didn’t care – I just didn’t know how to join in. I had so many thoughts but couldn’t really find the words to express them.

At times, it felt like my voice was stuck somewhere deep inside, and I didn’t know how to bring it out.

But something in me wouldn’t quit. Maybe it was the thought of my family, who gave up so much to get me here. Maybe it was just that quiet belief that somehow, I could figure it out. So I kept going.

I studied harder than ever. I asked questions, even when it made me uncomfortable. I read everything I could. I slowly pushed through the fear and the awkwardness. One step at a time.

Eventually, I started to get it. I made it through high school. Then I went on to uni. Then, against all odds, I became a biomedical scientist.

But my journey didn’t stop there.

Because of what I went through – struggling with language, confidence, and connection – I felt drawn to help others who might feel the same. So, I became a speech pathologist. Fast forward to today, I now run my own clinic in Sydney, supporting kids and families to find their voice, build their confidence, and feel heard.

It’s crazy to think back to that quiet 15-year-old version of me, the one who felt lost and unsure. He wouldn’t believe where we are now.

But that’s the thing. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once. You just need to take the next step. And then the next.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: when you believe in yourself, even just a little, you can overcome way more than you think.

So, if you’re struggling right now, or feeling like you’re behind, or like you don’t belong – keep going.

You’ve got more strength in you than you know.

And if you believe in yourself, even a tiny bit, that’s enough to start.

Hugs & peace,

Bình

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From Passion to Practice: 8 Lessons Learned in 11 Years of Business

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a childhood interest in business into a flourishing speech pathology practice? Growing up, I was more fascinated by the hustle of helping my parents with their business in Vietnam than by any school lesson. This early experience sparked a love for entrepreneurship that eventually led me to start Speakable Speech Pathology in 2014 in Sydney, Australia. 

Over the past decade or so, I’ve picked up a few key lessons that have not only shaped how I approach my profession but have also deeply enriched my personal life. 

Here are 8 big takeaways from my journey:

1. Relationships are everything

At our practice, it’s all about more than just the usual appointments; it’s about building real, meaningful connections. We treat everyone who walks through our door like family. This friendly vibe helps everyone feel included and supported, not just during sessions but as part of our bigger family circle. It’s cool to see how this turns our clients into friends who really get involved and feel connected to what we do at Speakable.

2. Stay flexible

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly adapted by transitioning to telehealth services. This not only kept our practice running but also demonstrated our commitment to our clients’ progress and well-being under any circumstances. Flexibility in therapy approaches, like incorporating more digital tools or adjusting strategies based on client feedback, has also been crucial.

3. Never stop learning

My team and I personally take courses annually on the latest developments in speech & language pathology which has tremendously enhanced the therapy sessions we offer. Staying updated through continual education ensures that we are equipped with the most effective and innovative therapy techniques.

4. Set boundaries for a healthy work-life balance

Learning to set boundaries early on was essential. For example, I make it a point to not schedule clients after 6 PM so that I can have evenings with my friends, family and other hobbies. This helps maintain a sustainable work-life balance and prevents burnout.

5. Broaden your horizons

We diversified our services by introducing group therapy sessions and workshops for parents on how to support speech development at home. This not only helped stabilize our revenue streams but also catered to a broader segment of our community, enhancing our practice’s impact.

6. Get involved locally

Participating in local health fairs and school events has significantly boosted our practice’s visibility and reputation. By offering free screenings and workshops, we’ve been able to demonstrate our commitment to community wellness and draw in new clients who are looking for trusted local services.

7. Embrace technology

Investing in an integrated practice management software revolutionized how we handle appointments, billing, and client records. This technology has not only streamlined administrative tasks but also improved client satisfaction through smoother processes.

8. Feedback is gold

We regularly collect feedback through surveys at the end of each therapy cycle. This has been instrumental in fine-tuning our services. Celebrating positive feedback and addressing constructive criticism transparently has helped foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Running a speech pathology business is so much more than a day job—it’s a never-ending adventure of growth and discovery. These 8 lessons we’ve shared are just the beginning. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities that push us to learn more, do better, and think bigger. I’m really pumped to see where these insights will lead us and how they’ll help us make an even bigger impact. 

What kind of business are you running or thinking of starting? How do you see it evolving? Let’s inspire each other with our stories and ambitions!

Binh

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Blending Art and Science: The Intersection of Acting and Speech Pathology

As someone deeply embedded in both the acting world and the realm of speech pathology, I’ve discovered some powerful synergies between the two disciplines that have profoundly influenced my approach to therapy.

Acting, at its core, is about communication—conveying emotions, ideas, and narratives in a way that resonates with an audience. Similarly, speech pathology focuses on enhancing a person’s ability to communicate effectively. 

But how exactly does acting influence my practice as a speech pathologist? Let me share some real-world insights and stories from my journey.

Using acting techniques to build confidence

One of the first lessons in acting is about building confidence—being able to stand in front of an audience and deliver your lines without letting your nerves get the better of you. This aspect of acting has been invaluable in my speech pathology sessions, especially with clients who struggle with speech anxieties or social communication.

For instance, I worked with a young client, let’s call her A, who was extremely shy and had difficulty speaking up in class. Drawing from acting, I introduced her to warm-up exercises like those used in theatre rehearsals. We practiced projecting her voice, using exaggerated expressions, and even some improvisation games. Over time, Mia’s confidence increased. She began participating more actively in class discussions and even joined drama as one for one of her school subjects.

Emotional expression and speech dynamics

Acting has taught me a lot about the nuances of emotional expression and how these can enhance speech dynamics. In therapy, I often use exercises that actors employ to convey different emotions through tone, volume, and pace. This is particularly useful for clients who speak in a monotone or whose speech lacks variation.

Take the case of S, a teenager with autism who struggled with monotonous speech. By incorporating role-playing scenarios that required expressing excitement, sadness, or curiosity, S began to understand how his tone could change the meaning of his words. His newfound ability to vary his speech made his communication more engaging and expressive.

Script analysis and speech planning

In acting, script analysis helps actors understand their characters’ motivations, which influences how they deliver their lines. This concept translates seamlessly into speech pathology, where I teach clients to plan their speech depending on their communication goals.

For example, during a session with a client preparing for a job interview, we analysed typical interview questions as if they were lines from a script. We discussed the intent behind each question and planned appropriate responses, focusing on delivering them in a way that showcased his strengths and enthusiasm for the position.

Feedback and adjustment

Finally, the iterative process of acting—where you continually receive feedback and make adjustments—is a critical component of effective speech therapy. Just as a director provides feedback to actors, I provide continuous, constructive feedback to my clients to help them refine their communication skills.

In a recent group therapy session, we created a mini-play, and each participant had roles with specific speaking parts. After each run-through, we discussed what went well and what could be improved, much like a rehearsal discussion in a theatre setting. This not only helped in fine-tuning speech skills but also fostered a supportive community among the participants.

Conclusion

The intersection of acting and speech pathology is a testament to how art and science can blend beautifully to enhance human capabilities. By integrating acting techniques into my speech pathology practice, I’ve been able to offer unique, creative solutions that motivate, inspire, and make learning enjoyable for my clients. Whether it’s through confidence-building, emotional expression, strategic planning, or iterative feedback, the art of acting continues to enrich the science of speech therapy in dynamic ways.

This cross-disciplinary approach not only makes therapy sessions more effective but also more enjoyable, proving that sometimes, a touch of art is just what science needs to change lives for the better.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences on blending art with science in your own careers. Drop a comment below or reach out on my socials!

Bình

“An Inspector Calls” at Darlo Drama, Sydney, 2023

“Macbeth” with Matt Dell at Darlo Drama, Sydney, 2024
Advertising for Pearson, Sydney, 2024
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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

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Unleashing Strength and Confidence: Lessons Learned from Four Levels of Pole Fitness

Embarking on a journey through 4 levels of pole fitness since June 2023, I discovered it’s much more than a physical workout; it’s a transformative experience that reshapes your body, mind, and soul.

As I swung, climbed, and twirled, I gleaned profound lessons that resonated beyond the pole studio walls. Here’s a reflection on the invaluable insights gained from this exhilarating journey.

  1. Courage: Facing Fears Head-On

Pole fitness, inherently challenging and often daunting, demands a significant amount of bravery. Initially, the very thought of performing a complex move high off the ground was nerve-wracking. However, each class, each attempt, and each fall taught me the essence of courage. It’s not the absence of fear but the determination to face it and rise above. The more I embraced the challenge, the more my fears diminished, and confidence took its place.

  1. Breaking Out of the Comfort Zone

Each level of pole fitness pushed me into uncharted territories. What seemed impossible in the beginning gradually became achievable. This journey was a constant reminder that growth lies in discomfort. Embracing the unfamiliar – be it a new spin or an upside-down manoeuvre – was empowering. It taught me to apply the same principle in life: to grow, one must dare to step out of their comfort zone.

  1. Letting Go: The Art of Trust and Surrender

Pole fitness is as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess. It taught me the art of letting go – trusting my body, the pole, and the process. Whether it was releasing a hand during a spin or relying on my own strength to hold a pose, each step was a lesson in surrender and trust. It’s a powerful metaphor for life – sometimes, we need to let go and trust that we’ll land exactly where we’re meant to be.

  1. Practice: The Path to Mastery

Pole fitness reiterated the adage: practice makes perfect. Mastering the art didn’t happen overnight. It took consistent effort, dedication, and an unyielding will to improve. With each practice, I not only refined my technique but also built resilience and determination. This journey instilled in me that perseverance and consistent effort are key to achieving excellence in any field.

  1. Connections: The Strength in Community

Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of this journey was the sense of community and connection. Pole fitness brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own stories and struggles. The encouragement, support, and camaraderie experienced within this community were heart-warming. It emphasized the power of connections and how they can uplift, motivate, and inspire us in our endeavours.

As I reflect on my pole fitness journey, I realize it has been a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Each level not only sculpted my body but also fortified my mind and spirit.

The lessons learned here – courage, stepping out of the comfort zone, letting go, the importance of practice, and the power of connections – are universally applicable. Pole fitness, thus, is more than a sport; it’s a conduit to a stronger, more confident, and connected self.

Here’s to more learning! 💪🏽

Level 5 here I come!

Video: my pole school Pole Athletica

https://poleathletica.com

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Why did I live below the line?

“Every 3 seconds, a child dies completely unnecessarily as a result of extreme poverty …The thing is, all these deaths are avoidable..” if we take proper steps to raise awareness and act to end poverty.

During the Vietnam war, my grandparents and parents grew up in poverty. As I was told, life was extremely tough. Mum used to help her parents sell “banh beo” (a traditional Vietnamese dish) on the street. Dad sold knick-knacks and did a number of odd jobs hear and there throughout his childhood to help support his family. Both of my parents went to school but did not have an opportunity to attend college. When they met and got married, my parents decided to work hard to send my siblings and I to school to get an education, and hopefully, we would have a better future. I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t because of them. To my parents, education is the key to overcome poverty.

On 6-10 May, 2013, together with thousands of other Australians, I took on a challenge of feeding on $2/day, for 5 days, to fundraise for The Oaktree Foundation. The funds that we raised helped  renovate schools, train teachers and provide education opportunities for thousands of young people in East Timor, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. I never thought it would even be possible to eat on $2/day in a developed country like Australia. The fact is, almost half the world – over 3 billion people, live on less than $2;50 a day!

Here is my journal of Live Below the Line (LBL) 2013:
Sunday night before the LBL week: it’s time to go shopping.
My budget of $10 Australian dollars for the week’s grocery: a loaf of white bread, 5 eggs, 3 apples, 2 oranges, and 2 cans of tuna. I didn’t think it was possible to buy all this  food for $10.
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Day 1’s breakfast: simple and full of protein
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Day 2, 3 and 4’s breakfast, lunch & dinner. The budget of $2/day could only stretch so far when it came to hunting for a bargain. I felt hungry throughout the day/night and found it hard to concentrate on work. There were coffee withdrawal symptoms too (as I used to have one coffee per day) ! Dinner = 50 cents = Mi goreng + 1 egg. Imagine the children who have to go to school on an empty stomach because their family cannot afford to buy food. It must be very hard to focus on schoolwork. 
428724_10151872776487802_846214916_n          482481_10151872776627802_1474856074_n        943070_10151873083737802_1894525773_n
Day 5: Boiling my last egg in a cup at work (no access to a stove). Today was the last day for Live Below the Line and I felt great, knowing that tomorrow I would be able to eat proper and nutritious food. However, this is not the case for many people who have to battle extreme poverty everyday not knowing when it’s going to end.
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3581_10151878360452802_1756408928_n Having lunch with my friend, Angelica Casado, who was also doing LBL.
At the end of the challenge, I was able to raise over $600 for the Oaktree Foundation. LBL had taught me a number of valuable lessons:
-Anything can taste SO good when you’re hungry
-With some creativity, $2 can go a long way
-Never waste food/water
-Appreciate an abundance of foods/beverages available in Australia
-Look at life from a different perspective and appreciate the little things in life
If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of those living in extreme poverty, why not join the Live Below the Line challenge this year on 5 – 9 May 2014.
For more information, go to:
“One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.” – George Eliot
Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment.
Love and peace to you.
Binh

I’m currently writing an E-book on how to be yourself and be happy. Please fill out your details in the contact form below and you will be notified when the book is ready!

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Come out, Come out, Whoever you are

I’m gay, and proud of it!

I was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Only about a decade ago, if a guy acted in a feminine way, he would be laughed at and/or given a well-known label, “bê đê” (a Vietnamese word that has its French origin meaning: fag). The term was commonly used. It could easily hurt someone’s feelings and lower their self-esteem. I certainly had this experience ever since the age of 4.

Being the youngest in a family of 4 children, I found myself spending more time with my 2 older sisters playing with dolls, tea sets and dress up.

My brother, who was on the opposite end of the spectrum, participated in all the boyish and adventurous activities e.g., football, karate, running around with bare feet… I admired him for that as he was much loved by the kids in the neighbourhood and my relatives.

I, on the other hand, was known to be the quiet one who was good at art, singing, dancing and literature. Most of my close friends were girls and I found them to be easy to talk to as we shared common interests.

As a result, I was automatically placed in a “different” category and name-calling was not an exception. I went through my childhood feeling attracted to the same sex. I thought that it was just a stage of development that would pass in time. I even thought that, when I grew up, I would get married and have kids just like everyone else.

At 15, I was not doing well in school. I used to be at the top of my class in Primary school. However, for some reason, my grades were lower than expected as I became older.

At the end of year 10, I asked my parents if I could leave Saigon to study in Brisbane, Australia. At the time, my parents were successful entrepreneurs and so I was lucky to be flown to Brisbane, where I finished my High School and Tertiary education.

Growing up with my Christian beliefs, I used to tell myself that “homosexuality is a sin”. I kept the secret to myself until I was 21 when I met my first boyfriend at a social gathering.  That was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Living in an open-minded country like Australia allowed me to be myself. I made new friends to whom I came out, and they had offered me a tremendous amount of support.

Throughout my teenage years into adulthood, I was not around my family and therefore they did not know much about my “other life”. 

My parents often tried to match-make me with a nice girl every time I came back to visit them in Saigon. I often kept quiet about my lifestyle in Australia as knowing the truth could potentially disappoint my family.

I then moved to Sydney where my second relationship took place. Up to this point, I’d never had a girlfriend. People often questioned my sexuality. I was fed up with social expectations.

I decided to come out to my siblings. To my surprise, they’d known for quite awhile now. They would still love me regardless of my sexual orientation. Pheww! What a relief to know that I was very much loved and supported by my brother and sisters.

The next step was to tell my parents. I often avoided the question of marriage.

Until one day, my Mum directly asked me: “Binh, as you’re older now, it’s time to think about finding the right girl and getting  married…”. I thought to myself, this is the moment.

So I replied, “Mum, I’m interested in men.”. Mum did not respond or appear angry. She remained calm but did not look at me.

I turned to my Dad and said: “I’m sure you guys know!”. He said: “Yes! We’ve known about this for awhile…and at this stage, I don’t think it really matters. We are open-minded and as long as you’re happy, that’s all we care about!”.

I was in tears. That was much easier than I thought.

Both of my parents passed away not long after that due to terminal illnesses.

I’m glad that I came out to them as they are my parents and have the right to know.

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One might think she/he has to be ready to come out. In my opinion, it is a progressive process which involves a number of small steps that should be considered in order to achieve the ultimate goal:

1. Come out to yourself: Get to know yourself well: your strengths, weaknesses, interests and sexual orientation. Accept and love yourself for who you are because at the end of the day, you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

2. Come out to your close friends: Coming out to your close friends is a good place to start. Some will be happy for you. Some will be confused. Some will get upset. Just come out anyway! You will at least receive much-needed support.

3. Come out to your siblings: If you have siblings, come out to them. Like it or not, they are related to you by blood and they might want to know the truth. You’re now a step closer to telling your parents!

4. Come out to your parents: This can be the biggest challenge! Take a plunge and tell them when the right moment comes e.g., when they ask you about your relationship status or suggest that you get a BF or GF. You will feel so much better afterwards. Parents often have great expectations of their kids and some will find it hard to accept the truth. Time will tell if they are able to live with this truth or not.

5. Come out to the world: Now that you’ve gone through all of the previous steps (remember, it doesn’t have to be in that particular order), it’s time to come out to the world and let them know how proud you are to be yourself

While “hiding” in the closet, I missed out on a chance to “seek” my truth. 

By coming out, I am being true to myself and others and live a happier life. Coming out is hard, but not coming out is even harder.

Be true to yourself. Be happy.

Love and peace to you.

Binh