Journey of the mind

Look at my recent photos, I see myself getting older. With the face --- looks more mature, I feel like I am becoming ready to be a mother. Finding Mr. RIGHT will take time, and by then, I will be even more prepared for motherhood. I would love to see my children as a part of me. I truly hope their eyes resemble mine in some way because, to me, eyes hold deep meaning and I love my eyes, too. I do want a big and happy family. I do want to give the best for my kids --- teaching them valuable skills, raising them with love, and taking full responsibility for their growth.                       But never ever I thought that being a mother meant sacrificing my entire life for my children the way I perceive some mothers around me do. Becoming a mother, not losing myself. I cannot force myself into a job I dislike just to provide for them financially. Instead, I want to build a career I love --- one that allows me to support them while stay...

1. Everything else feels far simpler I have spent a long time tackling tough and challenging scientific problems. The complexity, the vast knowledge I need to accumulate, and the moments of being stuck make the process mentally demanding. In contrast, I have realized that many other aspects of life are far simpler --- like the straightforward rules of board games, the way relationships thrive on small acts of care, the natural rhythm of daily activities, and much more. 2. Ignoring life's joy I do enjoy life in my own way, focusing on what truly matters to me. However, I have also come to realize that there are many fun and interesting experiences I have overlooked along the way. For example, attending improv comedy classes just to have fun with other, engaging in endless debate with friends for the joy of it --- something I might not have previously thought about it. 3. The little details I overlook When solving research problems, I sometimes believe that my work is good enough and...

Learning Chinese Is More Challenging Than I Thought #1. Writing challenges - Hard to write small and neat characters  >>> Use grid notebooks to limit spacing. - Difficult to copy characters correctly: Handwriting varies between individuals and even printed books with small characters  >>> Need to recognize and memorize them. #2. Speaking and Listening challenges - The way Chinese is spoken and written is not connected - No phonetic clues  >>> Must rely entirely on memory #3. Memory challenges - Hard to remember characters  >>> The only way is through constant practice and familiarity. #4. Grammar  challenges -  Chinese grammar is more similar to Vietnamese. It  relies on word order, context, and particles to convey meaning.  This makes Chinese feel simpler yet more vague. The pace of my class is too fast, for me as a beginner!  I am learning a new language with a differe...

Joy in writing 📝 poetry from my experience (applicable  to other arty writing too!)   #1.  After finishing work, I don’t know what to do. So, I do write a poem. #2.  The length of my poem is decided by how long I stay awake #3.  Writing poetry doesn’ t always mean telling the truth #4.  It allows me to express my thoughts more concisely and vividly, with little need for correction. #5.  I can imagine connections between everything #6. With just an idea,  a poem can be written quickly #7. Writing about love comes more easily. I use my emotions at this time to write as much as possible  #8. It looks cool and I am addicted to making it PS. 📚 dates                                                                         ...

Saving the best for last How many times have I walked these streets, How many times have I heard that song, How many times have I been alone. Over and over again  Tears falling, Soft against my cheek, Thinking of you. Is the road to us so steep, so far? What should I do? Am I missing something— A sign, a truth? I don’t know, but I believe I am on the right path. Step by step, I am preparing, Turning the tears of waiting Into tears of happiness, Saving the best for last. --Quynh--                                                                                                                               ...

When you finally arrive You only come when I am steady, when my personality is fully formed. You are not here when I struggle, nor when I am lost in doubt. You do not appear when I search for you, nor when I am close to giving up. But when I choose to focus on my life once again, that is when you finally arrive. Tell me— Are you selfish or have you simply been finding your way to me? --Quynh--                             P.S When I make dozens of poems for you, you come.                                                                                                                    ...

#40. A producer mindset When I listen to a song I truly love. I wish I could create one of my own. Everything feels perfect: melody, rhythm, storytelling, artistry, emotional connection.  I deeply admire artists for the craft of music-making. Their work reflect immense talent with a producer mindset. It is a combination of creativity, vision, technical skills, and hard work. In my opinion, although I am a very good listener, I am not naturally sensitive to making sounds. This sensitivity, to me, is the crucial foundation for producing something unique and excellent. I cannot sing well either. However,  I am more sensitive about emotion and imagery which driven me to start journaling and poetry. This is why I tend to extremely admire who are both singer and songwriters Vietnamese:  Vũ, Lily, Sơn Tùng MTP, Hoàng Dũng, Hứa Kim Tuyền etc International : Sia, Lady Gaga, Adele, Billie Eilish, Alan Walker, Ed Sheeran, etc. I have a clear understanding of what I want to do and wh...

Lyrics I'm not afraid of getting older I'm one less day from dying young I see the light go past my shoulder I'm one less day from dying young I see my life Like a train with a one-way track I've made mistakes And I couldn't take 'em back And I've been runnin' 'round in circles 'Til I'm dizzy, I can't lie But every night I go to sleep's A day that I survive I'm not afraid of getting older I'm one less day from dying young I see the light go past my shoulder I'm one less day from dying young And I've seen my friends Fall away before their time And I've been afraid That I may follow in their light So I drink and love and whisper All the things I know are right Someday, I will leave this world But maybe not tonight I'm not afraid of getting older I'm one less day from dying young I see the light go past my shoulder I'm one less day from dying young I'm one less day from dying yo...

Motivated by these videos linked below, I play an interviewee down the street and answer the questions. 80 Year Olds Share Their BIGGEST Mistakes New York 70 Year Olds Share Advice for Younger Self S. How old are you? Q. I am 29 S. What does it feel like to be 29? Q. It feels fine. I am smarter than before, calmer, have some achievements I am proud of. My personality feels fully developed. But there is still uncertainty --- career, relationships and the future in general. Even so, I keep going with the foundation I have built.  S. What is a big mistake that you made, or big regret that you have that you learn valuable lesson from? Q. The biggest regret is saying hurtful thing to my mom. It made me realize we often more patient with strangers than family members who love us the most. I learned to be careful with my words and take better care of my family.  Once spoken, words can’t be taken back. S. When you look at 20s or somethings of today, what one thing you don't like about...

Or maybe just work enough to buy coffee? A girl likes winter. It reveals herself Little things #11 Don't know how long it will take I've promised Korea that Every questions will find its answer A lack of another form of confidence Little things #10                                                                                                                                                          Hanoi, February 6th, 2025 

My whole time focused on answering questions about myself --- say self-discovery (a must for researchers, like asking good questions leads to good solutions). However, the questions are not intellectual and groundbreaking in a scientific sense. Instead, they are tiny and awkward--- just about my small behavior, intricate curiosity, subtle details etc. Yet these questions might hold the key to truly shine my whole life --- as understanding and real transformation are getting started. At this age and this moment of my life, I have clearly answered most of these questions and gain more confidence. But to truly shine my life is a long journey ahead --- one that demands determination, action and patience. I have uncovered what truly matters to me, why I feel like that and why I behave the way I do. I now understand why people around me often have that comment and perceive me in certain ways, what my passion and my strength are and what my shortcomings distract me from achieving my goals. Mo...