Tag: binhdoan

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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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8 Ways to Relate Well to Children

After working with children for a number of years in the speech pathology industry, I’ve been able to learn how to relate well to them.

Building rapport with children involves communicating effectively, understanding their needs and creating a positive connection.

Here are some tips that you might find helpful when interacting with the little ones:

With one of my students at Speakable Speech Pathology (Permission to post given by parents)

1. Show genuine interest: Take a sincere interest in what children have to say. Ask them questions, listen and respond with enthusiasm. Show that you value their opinions and thoughts.

2. Use age-appropriate language: Change your language and vocabulary to suit the child’s comprehension level and age. Avoid using complex terms when explaining things. Speak clearly and use simple words to ensure their understanding.

3. Active listening: Give children your full attention when speaking to them. Maintain eye contact, nod, and respond appropriately. This shows them that you are listening and that their words matter.

4. Respect their feelings: Children experience a wide range of emotions. Acknowledge their feelings, whether negative or positive, and validate them. Help them understand and express their emotions in healthy ways.

5. Be patient and understanding: Children may take time to express themselves or understand certain concepts. Be patient and give them time and space to process their thoughts. Offer your support when needed. Avoid rushing or dismissing their concerns.

6. Play and engage: Children learn through play and engaging activities. Join in their playtime, participate in their games, and encourage their creativity. This creates a sense of connection and makes them feel valued.

7. Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward them for their efforts and achievements. Focus on their strengths and encourage their progress. Positive reinforcement boosts their self-confidence and motivates them to continue learning and growing.

8. Be a role model: Children often observe and imitate the behavior of adults around them. Demonstrate respect, kindness, empathy, and good manners. Model positive behavior and values to set a good example for them.

Ultimately, every child is unique and it’s important to adapt these tips to suit their individual needs and personalities. Building a strong relationship with children takes time and effort, but the rewards are invaluable.

Thank you for reading,

Bình

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A bottle, an experience

Tonight when I opened a bottle of wine… 🍾

It brought back my memory of being a waiter for many years in Brisbane.

You see, back then, I was a uni student and needed to work for pocket money. I despised my work as I was bossed around and paid a minimum wage.

100’s of bottles later, I’ve grown to be the person I am today. I learnt to serve people, work at the speed of light (as my boss used to say), and most importantly, cope with what life throws at me. For that, I am thankful.

What about you? Which life experience has helped you grow?

Cheers to that🥂

A bottle. An experience.

BD