Beyond goals and achievements: The true missing piece

Hi there!

You are someone who observes and accompanies my journey from afar. Thanks for reading these clumsy little posts on my Blog.

I have revisited my earlier writings and they truly captures the flow of my growth.

How I started with enthusiasm, writing to express my opinions and improve my English. I remember how much I loved English, spending most of my time studying it. That is why, at one point, I used to think English was the hardest thing in life. I motivated myself with all youthful energy, prepared for university admission by taking the IELTS exam, and took a long break to level up my writing skills while focusing on my studying.

Through the years, I moved through milestones --- birthdays, Christmas and New year's celebration. I faced difficulties, gained lessons, allowed myself to express sadness when I almost closed to the goals. Then, I finally achieved my goals what I had been striving for. And as uncertainty about the future crept in, I wrote again, seeking motivation. My focus shifted toward love and relationships, yet I never stopped recording my thoughts.

But as I reflect now, I realize there's something missing --- a part of my life I hadn’t fully documented. The life beyond goals and achievements. A beautiful part that I created and enjoyed. The experiences made my life feel complete. My hobbies, my simple joys, the things shaped my everyday world.

I love riding my bicycle --- not just as a way to get to university everyday, or to carry my heavy shopping bags but to wander, explore new places and create memories. Riding through the streets, listening to good music, and feeling the wind, the sun, and the city around me became a quiet escape.

I engaged in local activities and navigated public transportation. I explored traditional markets and supermarkets, searching for new ingredients, experimenting with flavors. I cooked Korean dishes, Chinese and Indian recipes, along with meals from cultures beyond my own. I truly enjoyed my cooking time --- listening to music, dancing to the rhythm, no matter how the dish turned out. There was no judgment, only the joy of learning something new, and that made me happy.

Living in Korea, I also explored an international community --- not just as a Vietnamese, but alongside people from all around the world. I visited tourist spots, tried different cuisines with my international friends, attend events for foreigners and explored neighborhoods where expats often live and work. Each experience left a lasting mark on my soul.

I woke up early, parked my bike in the same spot, and ran hurriedly to attend lectures with Korean, Vietnamese and international classmates. I prepared for exams, pushed myself, and earned top scores that left a lasting impression on my professors.

There were the small, ordinary joys --- weekly coffee chats with my professor and lab mates, exchanging laughter and ideas. We often joked about whether the professor was in a good mood that day, knowing it was the perfect time to ask questions or make requests.

I embraced my love for fashion and enjoyed discovering styles that resonated with me. I even attended a fashion show by my roommate, who was studying to become a fashion stylist.

I found peace in church, a space where I could slow down and reflect. I admire those who regularly attend church and keep their faith at the center of their lives, guiding them toward good things.

I spent time with friends, climbed mountains, enjoyed the shifting seasons, and even smiled at the small things --- like receiving a message from the delivery man, often accompanied by a photo he took in front of my house from angles I had never noticed before.

I attended activities and celebrated Vietnamese traditional holidays with my community abroad, carrying the warmth of home with me.

I invited friends over to my house and cooked Vietnamese foods for them. They were delighted and compliment my cooking skills which make me happy and surprised. Maybe, I've set my standard too high making me less confident when talking about my skills in the kitchen.

I created. I filmed videos and uploaded them on my YouTube channel. Photography was my passion. I captured moments through my camera, collecting memories in images. I envision photos for myself and make them real. I also experimented with playing instruments whenever I felt highly motivated.

I love traveling. I planned trips and made them happen --- I called it my journey to fearlessness. I observed people, cultures, and nature, letting every experience shape my perspective.

I love journaling and writing. And though I didn’t post much on my blog while in Korea --- caught up in studies and savoring every moment there --- I carried countless ideas in drafts, waiting to be turned into stories.

Above all, I worked on myself, continuously striving for personal growth beyond academic success through observation, reflection, adaptability, and pushing my limits --- as I navigated the space between who I was and who I wanted to be.

Looking back, I see not just achievements and milestones, but a life well lived --- full of passion, exploration, and quiet, unspoken moments of joy.

I’ll write about it all, piece by piece, as I keep living and discovering. Because this journey --- this life --- is still unfolding, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

PS.

I don’t refine anything in my old writing to keep it real, raw and messy. It reflects my younger self as it was. Some make me laugh, and some, I don't even remember posting on my Blog.

Friday coffee shop saved our moments