Tag: goals

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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

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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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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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Whatever it takes!

After graduating from speech pathology, I was jobless for 6 months.

I worked as a waiter to pay for food and transportation. I slept on my friend’s couch.

Spent most of my savings on driving and flying to interviews in another state.

In the end, I got a job in Sydney at a minimum wage – as a speech pathologist.

I was super thankful. Had to start somewhere somehow.

With a few books and some clothes, I drove through the night from Brisbane to Sydney. Slept in my car for almost a week before finding a home.

You become stronger through hardship!

Chase that dream. Make it happen. Whatever it takes!

🎯 🔥

Bình