Tag: Vietnamese

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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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Why I Don’t Have an English Name & Why Authenticity Matters 🇻🇳 🪷

The Question That Often Comes Up

When I first moved to Australia as a teenager, one of the first questions people asked me was: “What’s your English name?”

Sometimes people didn’t even ask. They just assumed. I’ve been called Ben more times than I can count, probably because it sounds a little like Bình, and it felt easier for them.

Even my pastor in Brisbane once gave me the name Timothy. For a few months in high school, I tried it out. I introduced myself as Timothy, signed my name that way, and went along with it. But it never sat right. Every time I heard it, I felt disconnected, like I was playing a role that didn’t belong to me. Eventually, I let it go.

Names Carry Stories

In Vietnamese, Bình means peace. It’s short, simple, and powerful. More than that, it carries the story my parents gave me at birth. It connects me to my family, my culture, and the resilience of generations who lived through the Vietnam War.

Trading it for something “easier” felt like erasing that story. My name is part of who I am, and it deserves to be spoken.

Authenticity Over Convenience

I understand why many people adopt English names. Sometimes it feels easier. You don’t have to repeat yourself three times in class or sit through the awkward silence of someone struggling to pronounce it.

But for me, keeping Bình has been an act of authenticity. Yes, it means people stumble. Yes, sometimes they call me Ben without asking. But each time I correct them, I’m affirming: my name matters, and so do I.

Representation Matters

If people can learn to say names like Schwarzenegger or Tchaikovsky, they can learn to say Bình. It’s about effort, respect, and expanding what we consider “normal.”

By keeping my Vietnamese name, I hope I make space for others too. The more we hear names from different cultures in classrooms, workplaces, and communities, the more they become part of our shared story.

Owning My Identity

My name grounds me. It’s a reminder that I don’t need to reshape who I am to fit in. I am not Ben. I am not Timothy. I am Bình and that’s enough.

So no, I don’t have an English name. And I don’t need one. My name is part of my authenticity, and authenticity is something I’ll never trade away.

Names are not a burden; they’re a gift. Honor them, speak them, and wear yours with pride.

Whether it’s your name, your culture, or your story, don’t feel you have to shrink or change it for others.

Your authenticity is your strength. Be proud!

Hugs,

Bình

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Where can a “hello” take you?

How often do we travel to another country and would ask a local “Can you speak English?”

Say ‘hi’ or ‘thank you’ in the local language can open up a new dialogue or opportunity.

Learn the basics such as saying “hi” and “thank you” can be beneficial.

Try the following – with the biggest smile on your face 😃

Bonjour

Xin chào

Ciao

Konichiwa

Ni hao

Hola

Chúc một ngày tốt lành (Have a wonderful day in Vietnamese) 😘

Bình