1. Letter to My Daughter
My dear,
Life will be kinder and fairer to you in many ways if you follow my advice, so that you can live joyfully, happily, and extend your youthful years. Please listen to what your father says, my dear daughter!
Women, from birth, often endure hardships and must assume their roles as mothers and wives right when they begin their own families. True equality between men and women doesn’t exist unless men can bear children. So, don’t marry too early, my dear. Live your youth joyfully and fully, as the time of youth once passed, will never come back. There are so many successful women at the age of 60. But if you ask them whether they are satisfied with their lives, most will say NO. Statistics show that most of them regret not having loved enough, not having played enough, not having gathered with friends enough, or traveled and done the things they truly wanted to do. They never truly lived the life of their youth.
My dear! No matter how far your footsteps go, or how vast your heart may become, the books will broaden your vision. Books will take you on a journey through knowledge. Do not be consumed by work or rush into marriage and motherhood. Love, know love, be loved, and cherish the things that matter to you, my dear. You must take care of yourself, cook your own meals, as those who love you won’t always be by your side. The most important thing is that you have a job that suits you. Be proactive in your work, so you can manage your own time. No matter what, you will be able to live independently. My dear, when you travel or go far away, take your phone, camera, and a notebook. Record the beautiful things you encounter, as memories, images, and feelings will never repeat themselves.
My dear, your home doesn’t have to be large or luxurious unless you are wealthy. But you must have a small room for yourself. It will be a place for you to calm down if there’s a storm. A place where you can escape conflict, avoid bad situations, and find peace in your soul. You must study well and gain knowledge. Your life will improve, be joyful, and you will be happy. Knowledge will teach you from the experiences of others, not just from yourself. My dear, you must learn to drive, whether it’s a bicycle, motorcycle, or car if possible. This way, you won’t have to depend on anyone, whether it’s your husband or a relative. This will give you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, saving you time.
My dear! Even if life doesn’t go the way you expect, never give up. Do not blame your fate, do not resent, do not cry, even if the world falls apart. That will only hurt those who love you. Stay calm, accept things, and get used to them. Only your own reason can help you stand up again. No matter what happens, always be kind and virtuous. Only then will you be blessed with the love of the heavens. Because kindness brings good fortune, this is true.
My dear! Finally, I want to remind you of something very important. Always take good care of your health, love yourself, and treat yourself well. Drink plenty of water every day, exercise regularly, eat properly. With good health, you have everything. On this earth, people often earn more money than they actually need to live. Don’t wait until you’re older and need money for medical care. Regret the youth you have lost... Everyone has only 24 hours in a day. Today’s time and the valuable things of yesterday can never be reclaimed, my dear. Please remember what I’ve told you, and always love your parents who gave birth to you, my daughter!
We always love you! Be a happy, useful, and meaningful daughter to society and your family. Life will be kind and fair to you.
Le Minh


2. We Are All the Same, We Have All Tried So Much...
Once, someone asked me...
Do you truly believe in love and effort?
I would probably say that I do. In the days when I felt I was about to collapse, someone appeared. That person embraced my fragile shoulders, protected me, and comforted me through those past days. The sky was overcast and dark, the wounds piled up, and negative thoughts ran wild in my mind every night. It felt suffocating, like I might shatter...
That person was like a refreshing stream, flowing through me every day. Like a gentle ray of sunlight pouring down, even as dawn lingered. And so, every sunset, the love left behind, and our hands clasped together as if we were meant to be one...
The sunlight warmed the pain, mended the broken pieces. Carrying all hope and the love meant for me. There was a time I asked, was it worth it? When someone already knows the answer, saying it out loud is just redundant. And that thought in me could no longer stay quiet, it wanted to be clear...
Thankfully, the answer was as I expected. Occasionally, if it hadn’t gone as I hoped, I would be sad. I would cry in the cold night, wander alone watching the sunset at an intersection. And I would hurt myself to erase all the feelings of existence...
Thank you, for always being there for me. For always watching my unclear figure among the crowd. For not hesitating to shield me from the storms. And thank you, for being the best thing in my life...
Vân Hi


3. There is a Bus Ride Called Life
Recently, I’ve been taking the bus to work frequently. Sitting on the bus, I listen to my favorite songs while gazing out of the window. I watch the crowds of people pass by, the houses and streets blur past, and it strikes me how fast life moves. I quietly observe and feel as though life continues without ever stopping. Each day, on every bus ride, I meet strangers. The bus stops at every station, some people get on, some get off, but they are all unfamiliar to me, and I feel alone in that world. Whether old or young, male or female, each person chooses a different way to pass the time on the bus. Some do what I do—simply looking out the window. Others are absorbed in their phones, unaware of the world around them. And some hold books, reading them with passion. There must be some who are still deep in their work, or lost in thoughts about life and their own worries.
Everyone has different thoughts, different jobs, and different perspectives. It’s as if we live in an age of digital technology, which has become an invisible wall separating us from one another. There are no face-to-face conversations where we can read the expressions and emotions of those around us. There are no firm handshakes or comforting hugs when we’re down, when we need someone to pull us out of the quicksand of life. Life goes on without stopping to see who’s walking fast or slow, who’s rushing and who’s strolling, who’s paying attention to what’s happening, or who is indifferent to the flow of life. Day after day, hour after hour, it passes...
The bus takes us to where we want to go, to the people we need to find. The bus ride—an ongoing journey—sometimes brings happiness and anticipation; at other times, it’s about saying goodbye, leaving, or seeking peace. But sometimes it’s about walking away without looking back, leaving to find a different kind of peace, without regret. Other times, it’s about returning home, back to the warm embrace of family after a long day fighting the storms outside. Life is always like this—full of yearning, waiting, and dreaming. Each person’s journey is different, but we all experience moments of joy and sadness, highs and lows, and sometimes glory. No matter how much life fluctuates, everyone chooses their own path, their own way to live, to survive the storms, and to achieve what they desire.
I always remind myself: In life, each person chooses their own path. No one can know if they will be happier or luckier than others, whether they have chosen the right path or one with a brighter future. We can only give our best because that’s the path we’ve chosen. Yes, I can only work with everything I have, striving to overcome challenges and failures. The things I want to do, the dreams I have, and the things I long for—I will try to make them happen. I don’t want to regret later in life for not giving it my all or for being afraid of failure and not trying. I want to be the master of my future, to make my own decisions, and to seize it. The bus ride of my life is for me and me alone. And all of us are choosing our own ride, our own journey, moving forward. On this journey, will there be someone to share the sweet and bitter moments with, someone to walk beside me, and someone who stays for me, never leaving? I am still searching for that companion...
The bus ride of life sometimes stops at a destination, sometimes speeds up, and at times slows down. Sometimes there are unexpected obstacles along the way. But the ride continues, always moving forward, never turning back. There is still a long road ahead, the destination is not yet reached. Whether the journey is fast or slow, it will ultimately take us to the end. The place we have chosen for our lives. Whether happy or sad, joyful or painful, it is all a choice; sometimes success or failure is the same. I hope that we all make the right choices for ourselves. And when we look back, we will smile, content, without regret. I wish for myself, for you, and for all of us to be lucky and happy with the choices we make.
-TTKD-


4. Cherish Life
Sometimes, we ignore the things we already have, failing to appreciate the simple joys and everyday happiness around us. We chase after fleeting, illusory ideals, thinking they are more meaningful. But when we look back, we realize life may be slipping away from us.
Ultimately, life is temporary, both in its philosophy and truth. So why should we struggle so relentlessly? Life is like a machine or a moth that just keeps moving until it runs out of energy.
We race against society, comparing ourselves to others in our effort to get by. But what are society’s standards? How many of us truly understand what is most valuable in life? Happiness cannot be measured by any standard. Perhaps being content with life itself is happiness.
That’s it.
These thoughts are limited to my heart and mind... That’s why I’ve chosen my own path. Maybe many people look down on me because I don’t match their skills or have a lot of money. But I don’t care. I am proud of who I am.
Every moment I live, I live fully. I live for my mother because of the love we share. She is always proud when I buy her a new dress or some supplements, showing them off to everyone in the village. Seeing her happy fills me with joy. I live to raise my children with love, treating them like friends, guiding them without forcing them to follow my rules. Their happiness is my happiness. I live with my wife as a pillar of strength. I cherish and love her because she is the heart of our family, where all members are nourished. A happy family is key; don’t anger your wife, or you might lose more than you think.
Village life means supporting each other—sharing a warm drink or a kind word when needed. True community comes when we stand together, not when we isolate ourselves. Without friends or neighbors, we are often ignored, and the world looks down on those who live in solitude.
Everything in my life is straightforward, whether at home or in society. I follow a personal principle: 'A gentleman handles things with integrity.' That’s why very few criticize me, and no one tries to start trouble with me.
In friendship, I value trust. Without mutual respect, superficial words will lead to broken trust, which can cause quarrels, even violence, disrupting society.
Every moment we live, we should treasure it. Who knows if tomorrow or the day after, we won’t get to see our loved ones again? Life is unpredictable, and there are things beyond our control. Crying won’t help, and no matter how loud our sorrow, it can’t save the souls of those who have passed.
The living must continue the lives of those who have gone, and we should cherish our own lives even more.
Love life as you love your own breath, take care of yourself, explore more around you, live inwards, and appreciate nature.
A simple principle: don’t interfere with others’ business, and they won’t bother with yours. Live kindly, and kindness will come back to you.
For me, I live peacefully, treating every situation as if it’s no big deal. I don’t trouble myself over minor matters. Exploring life’s complexities isn’t to get drunk but to understand the bittersweet nature of existence.
Đinh Minh Thành


5. True Happiness Lies in Doing What We Love!
Life gives us a vast sky to dream within. So why not dream? Dream while you still can, for today is different, tomorrow will be different, and yesterday is already gone. There are things we lose that we can reclaim, but time and flowing waters never return.
Sometimes... we should listen to ourselves. Hear the voice within, echoing through the quiet of the night. Hear the sound of the rice pounding in winter, the river gently lapping against the shore. Hear the suffering of humanity in its calls.
Sometimes... we should love ourselves. Love the sunsets at the end of the day, the golden fields of autumn, the rain falling in the cold of winter, and even the desolation of the season.
Some things belong to the sky, and they will always belong to the sky. The freedom of birds, the winds, the clouds, and the rains at every change of season. As long as we still know how to love, it means life has a certain beauty. Don’t suppress your feelings. Don’t become rigid. Don’t grow indifferent to emotions.
There are things that do not belong to us, no matter how hard we try. But if we enjoy them, we should do so. We should speak up, pursue our desires, and not be afraid to wish for things, even if they seem out of reach. If we are too afraid to express our desires, life becomes dull and colorless.
Society has billions of people, none of them identical. We don’t count the rich from the poor, or the smart from the less capable. Wealth doesn’t define politeness or culture, and poverty doesn’t imply inferiority. We never know what the future holds, because tomorrow is still uncertain, and time proves this every day.
Life spins everything around. Let others handle their affairs, and we focus on ours. As long as we enjoy it, even if it’s difficult or unsuccessful, we will still feel valuable, respected, and true to ourselves!
Some people think that as long as others are happy, they are willing to accept anything. Others think that fulfilling basic needs means happiness for the other person. But clouds are still the clouds of the sky. You can’t buy a bird and trap it in a golden cage, feed it with boiled water, and assume it’s happy. It sings for itself, not for the one who owns it. It longs for the sky, the free air, the food it desires, and the branch it chooses. True happiness cannot be built on imposed desires. When built on compulsion, it’s nothing more than selfishness.
Some people accept being like a bird in a cage, as long as they have enough to eat and no worries about the weather. They’ve adapted to this life, content to sleep and sing for others’ pleasure. But if this is the life they’ve chosen, why still complain? Why feel sorrow or regret? If we can’t fly on our own wings, we should accept it peacefully and joyfully, not comparing or resenting.
We should also stop listening too much to others' opinions. Their wisdom applies to their own lives, not ours. They preach what we should do or how we should accept reality, but they don’t live in our shoes. Each person has the right to choose their own life. As long as we manage our time and finances well, we can create space for our desires. Only when we truly want something can we devote ourselves to it, to strive and give our best. Stop complaining, because no one will truly understand unless they are living in our situation.
Life doesn’t give anything for free. We must strive with all our might, sincerely and responsibly for ourselves. Nature has created everything to live and survive. How we live and survive is up to us.
The world is inherently beautiful and simple. It needs no added embellishment. Only humans complicate it, elevating it to ideals, making it rigid, something that cannot be changed. But isn’t this imposing artificial thoughts onto nature, which is naturally beautiful?
Do what you love with all your heart. Only then will you find peace and lightness. Don’t suppress it, don’t hold it in, as that only leads to frustration. It’s like deceiving ourselves, ignoring the pain that lingers daily. Without passion, without desire, we will never find balance in life.
The years slip by like a fleeting moment. Before long, we’ll be part of the clouds, heading toward the horizon. If there’s anything left undone, do it now. If there are wishes unspoken, express them. Because freedom is the natural path that suits both life and the heart. Freedom in life, in emotion, in spirit is the greatest joy. Do what you love, what gives meaning, for that is true happiness.
Tiêu Diêu


6. The bond of kindred spirits
How rare it is to find a soulmate in life. Even when one actively searches for it, it remains an elusive treasure. To find such a person is a great blessing, a happiness in life that fills the soul. It requires traversing numerous mountains, vast seas, and long rivers. Braving through freezing winter cold, enduring the hardships and bitterness of life. Gain. Joy. Loss. Surviving, all to truly understand the essence of a soulmate's bond.
There was a time in my youth when I questioned the very concept of a soulmate. Could such a person truly exist in this world, in this life, or is it merely a fairytale? Does love transcend space and time? Is there a love that exists beyond selfish desires or societal barriers? Is this the most precious bond between two people, one that disregards status, wealth, and gender?
In life, everyone yearns for an ideal love or a soulmate. And somewhere, there is likely someone just like us, longing for the same thing. But have we truly become the ideal person we seek? Have we learned, cultivated, and enriched our souls? Do we possess compassion, enough sensitivity to perceive all that life offers? Can we truly love, understand, and remain open-minded and forgiving? And does a soulmate always give their best to the other, sacrificing for them, always thinking of them, placing them in the highest regard in their heart?
Is a soulmate someone who understands us, loves us, and accepts us beyond the level of friends or even spouses, without expecting any return? Someone who shares, listens, supports, and helps us without ever complaining?
My father was a man of few words, a soldier of integrity, and because of that, he had very few friends. When he returned to the mainland after many long years stationed on the Spratly Islands, all he had was a worn-out backpack and a few sets of naval uniforms faded by the harsh sun and wind. The burden of life's hardships fell entirely on my mother's frail shoulders. I could see the sadness in my father's eyes, and I could hear his sighs late at night after my siblings and mother had fallen asleep. The only solace my father had was an old friend, a comrade-in-arms, who stood by his side through thick and thin, sharing both joy and sorrow, and the trials life had to offer. Sometimes, I would see them sit together for hours, sipping tea in silence, as though their quiet presence alone was enough to understand each other. Even in their silence, they understood one another, their eyes filled with mutual happiness.
When I witnessed my beloved father fall gravely ill, the moment came when he left us on a stormy night, void of stars. My mother, siblings, and I were filled with sorrow, despite having mentally prepared ourselves. But the grief was overwhelming... My father’s old friend knew the news by early morning. He arrived and stood still for a moment, gazing upward, calling my father's name aloud. With great force, he stamped his foot on the ground outside our home, his face in his hands, crying like a child. It was as if all his strength had gone into that moment. Tears of love flowed from his eyes, a love with no color, and my own tears fell as I watched him weep... for his soulmate, now gone forever... But I believe that, somewhere far away, my father still remembers his only true friend, the one who understood all the sacrifices of his life.
A soulmate, no matter how far apart they are, will always think of the other throughout their life. Words become unnecessary for two soulmates, because even before one speaks, the other already understands. Sometimes, silence is enough to communicate, to understand each other. In the bond of soulmates, there exists love, friendship, and familial affection. The boundary between love and soulmate-like friendship is thin. Sometimes, one must sacrifice romantic love to preserve this special bond. In this connection, we accept each other's flaws, seeing them as our own. Time and space no longer matter when soulmates are together. Whether it's a lifetime together or only moments, the love shared fills all gaps, and there is no such thing as too little time or space. Even spouses, who live together for decades, may still fail to truly know what the other loves or desires. The most complete happiness is when we find a soulmate who is also our life partner. It is truly unfortunate that some people go through life without ever finding a true friend, let alone a soulmate, because they never learned to love anyone other than themselves.
As human beings, no matter how intelligent or successful we are, there will be moments when life feels tiring, confusing, or lost. That is when we most need a soulmate. A soulmate is a pillar of support, a source of spirit, and the catalyst that softens our burdens. A soulmate is like a second self, offering relief and helping to avoid troubles, enduring us without crossing the lines of wealth, status, or love. A soulmate can sacrifice their own happiness to elevate ours, standing quietly behind us, content as long as we are joyful and at peace.
I spread my hands out and thought... A soulmate in this life is like a drop of water falling from the sky. When I raise my hand to catch it, if that drop stays gently nestled in my palm, understanding me as I understand myself, accepting all my flaws, sharing in my joys and sorrows, then that is when our bond has truly been forged... The soulmate bond!
I smile softly... Life and I have smiled at each other...
Lê Minh


7. Reflections on Happiness
The joy in life always has its limits. There are times when we are happy while others may be sad. We may smile now, but others may be crying later. Happiness often requires a shift in perspective, a positive outlook on life.
Today, we may succeed, but tomorrow we could fail. In the present, we may feel happiness, yet the future might hold sorrow... These are the paradoxes of life, the dualities that we must learn to navigate.
Living joyfully in life: how do we remain happy amidst all circumstances? How do we approach life's challenges in the best possible way?
Our life is not always rosy, nor is it always perfect. It is about those who know how to live and appreciate every second of life. Life would not be as interesting if we only saw it from one angle. There are moments of happiness, sorrow, joy, bitterness, tears, and laughter. Only by experiencing all of these emotions can life be considered complete.
Human life is not as long as we often think, passing through years in the blink of an eye. In reality, life moves quickly, and we must understand the true essence of life to find peace and contentment within ourselves.
The purpose of life is to seek happiness. Happiness is the dream of everyone, and it is something we create for ourselves. Happiness is a feeling, a state of mind, and those who understand life know how to cherish and enjoy what they have, working with determination and a positive attitude to make life meaningful.
Throughout history, money has often been seen as a value, the fruit of hard work. But money is not everything. When we are young, we work to earn money for our old age, but when we grow older, we realize that money cannot buy everything. Money serves our lives, but it is not the master of us; we must make money work for us, not the other way around. We need money, but not at any cost.
Money serves our existence, but its essence is something external to us. It cannot be carried with us when we die. There are times when money cannot buy health or happiness. It cannot bring us joy or satisfaction.
Happiness is found when we open our hearts to ourselves, when we make it a habit to live better with those around us, when we find joy in doing good deeds and helping others.
Suffering, aging, illness, and death are natural laws of life. While we live, let us embrace positive thoughts – that is true happiness!
VintageLover KP


8. Don’t Wait for the Next Life to Care for One Another
Have you ever felt a sense of emptiness? A feeling of losing something monumental in your life, yet you try to remain calm, unaffected, as if nothing has changed? Reflecting back, it seems so recent, just yesterday, a single person was missing, and it felt as though I lost half of my limited fortune. In human nature, when we have too much, we take it for granted, as if it’s something we truly deserve. We believe no one else can take it away. Until one day, due to our own thoughtlessness, everything becomes too late.
When I was 9 years old, death seemed so distant to me. I vaguely understood that it meant no longer existing in this world, and that one day, the world would be missing one person. I didn’t realize how deeply I would regret my grandfather’s death. He was the person who loved me the most. The one who answered all my questions, who always spoiled me. Wherever he was, he always favored me. He taught me how to read and write, each stroke of the pen perfect like the rays of the evening sun. He taught me eloquence, the grace in every gesture. He allowed the childlike innocence in me to flourish, while also nurturing my soul. After his passing, I bought a collection of short stories about families, and in one of them, there was a passage that read: "One day, grandmother no longer held my hand. Her hands no longer felt warm like they used to after sitting in the sun, grandmother. I screamed for her to wake up and sit with me in the sun. She was cruel, refusing to listen. She wouldn’t even open her eyes to look at me." That was the first time I shed tears over a book. Regret filled my heart. The author wept, feeling deep sorrow and longing for her grandmother. I, however, never got the chance to see my grandfather’s face one last time. Only later, in photographs, did I realize how beautiful his smile was. I discovered his handwriting was elegant, his heart even more so. But back then, when I played with him, I didn’t understand. How tragic it is that I only knew him for 9 years, and before I could truly comprehend him, he was gone…
Later, when my grandmother passed, I no longer felt regret, but a sense of loss. She had never been in good health. She couldn’t be like my friend’s grandmother who cooked meals, cleaned the house, or bought us tasty treats. Despite that, she was always gentle, giving us small amounts of money for snacks. On rainy days, she taught me how to cook delicious meals. On sunny days, she told me stories about distant relatives or the new neighbors. I would bring her the cakes my mother bought for her. We would sit together for a while before I hurried back home. It felt more like a brief visit. When I was 15, a little older and wiser, I realized time was passing faster. Even though I was busy preparing for exams, I made time to buy her nourishing porridge and feed it to her. Those moments still bring a smile to my face, and I would wonder how many more of these moments I would have left. A year after my grandmother’s death, my great-grandfather also passed. When I visited him for the last time, I remembered my grandmother, who had become so frail and refused to eat, only staring at her children and grandchildren. I let my tears fall without wiping them, afraid someone would see me so fragile. Standing before their remains, I couldn’t cry anymore. I only felt regret for never expressing my love to them. When others were crying, I stood silent, knowing that no matter what I said, they couldn’t hear me. No matter how much I cried, they wouldn’t be there to comfort me or wipe my tears away.
Perhaps, like me, you only realize the depth of your feelings after they are gone. When they passed, their love seemed to vanish with them. It wasn’t until they were gone that I realized how much I had. My grandfather and grandmother took a piece of my heart with them, leaving behind a void filled with regret. Now, my heart feels like a battlefield, scarred and incomplete.
Maybe losing them has caused me to drown in nostalgia. But I still have my parents, who care for and teach me now, and will one day love my children in the same way. I remind myself that no one lives for yesterday, and that my parents endure much more than I do. That’s why I want to be more understanding, to help lighten their burden, even if it’s in small ways, so they can live better. Later on, I just want to live well and repay them with the happiness I’ve taken away from them.
If there is a next life, I still wish to live this same life. Born without wealth, so I would learn to rise above. Surrounded by love, so I would understand that true happiness is what’s most valuable. Learning early that receiving requires giving. But I fear that there may not be a next life, and if that’s the case, I won’t know where to find love or where to give my care and protection, as I once received. That’s why it’s important to cherish the present more than anything.
Thank you to life for everything.
Nguyễn Loan


9. Or Perhaps We Should Let Go of All Worries
What do you think if we let go of all our worries? We would ignore the gossip outside, close off all the concerns that plague our hearts, and release all the pressure that lingers behind the small windows. We could simply be, returning to find shelter under a humble roof called family.
Under that little roof, you would cook for me, and I would wash your hair. Together, we would care for the sweet-smelling flowers. You would love the bright sunflowers, while I would adore the gentle white chrysanthemums. Every night, we would brew tea on the porch and listen to the wind whisper through the jasmine vines.
Yesterday at the office party, I used the excuse of being busy with my small family to leave early. Everyone pretended to frown, but smiled with relief knowing I had found my peaceful haven. My boss patted me on the back and jokingly said, "You’ve got a stable job, a beautiful girlfriend, and now you’ve forgotten about us!" I laughed and replied, "Perhaps my single girlfriend is tired of me and suggested I go be with her!" Everyone chuckled and urged me to go quickly, before they got jealous hearing about my 'salary.'
After a long day of work and hustle, I leave behind all the frustrations. I return to being simply myself and feel happiness knowing that someone is waiting for me. I truly believe in fate, because if it weren’t for fate, why would I have turned down so many people over the years just to wait for you to come and smile?
My world is full of rules. The garden in my heart, once full of life, has withered into a barren desert since the person I held dear walked away. Then you came, like the first rain of the season, refreshing my soul. You brought back the sensation of caring for and being cared for by someone.
I still remember the day you arrived, just like any other. The wind still blew on the road I walked. The peaceful alleyway was bathed in the cold, late autumn sunlight. You told me that you had just arrived in the city to find work, and were still a little lost. That day, you got lost on your way to the apartment, and somehow, as if by fate, you ended up as my neighbor. You broke all my strict rules, and your smile was like summer sunshine, brightening every corner of my heart.
And somehow, I started waiting for someone again, and that someone was you. I understand now that fate is something beyond our control, it’s not something you can keep just by wanting it, nor is it something you can escape just by being stubborn. You and I once shared the same paths through our youth. Whether it was burning hot sun or endless rain, we faced it all together. Sadly, the day the rainbow appeared, we had to part ways. That’s life, isn’t it? We plan, but life has its own course. Everything in life is just a game of chance, no formula can predict the outcome of any situation.
If you ask me how I feel about the duration of this relationship, I honestly hope it lasts a lifetime. After several relationships, my trust and enthusiasm have worn thin. So, I hope that in the final days, when the sun is still shining in my heart, I can give you all the peace I have left. Because we are human, we cannot predict tomorrow. So, in these fortunate moments where we can still hold hands and face storms together, we should cherish them. That way, if one day we become strangers to each other, we won’t have any regrets.
10 years, 9 months, and 8 days. Thank you for choosing me as your destination, rather than just a pit stop. Because of you, I’ve stopped writing about loneliness. And I hope, you’ll always be by my side. We may not be musicians, but as long as we are together, I believe we will continue composing our love song.
Vĩnh Hoài


10. Thinking About Life, Thinking About Youth
In the midst of the wavering age of youth, in a life filled with storms and challenges… when you look up at the vast sky, devoid of stars, sometimes you can't help but feel lost and aimless. In moments like these, it's best to lie down on your beloved bed, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and drift into peaceful sleep. Allow yourself to rest, find tranquility, and wake up to a new day with the most comfortable feeling...
The life of an adult involves facing many issues that, as a child, we never imagined. And perhaps, the future version of ourselves is the one we never wished to become in the past. We never wanted it, but life doesn't follow our desires. It’s not covered in roses, nor bathed in perfect pink light. So sometimes, instead of overthinking, we should learn to accept and continue living, continue facing the future.
The hustle and bustle of life, the whirlwind of work, make people increasingly busy, and some gradually forget what they truly need. Often, in our teenage years and early twenties, we have no idea what we want or need. If someone asks, 'What is your true passion?', we hesitate, stammer, and answer just to get by. And that’s understandable, because passion isn’t like a meal that we can define in a day. It’s like a soulmate, a lifelong companion. It takes time, and only through understanding can we know what we really need.
In reality, everyone has moments like this, caught between life's challenges, lost among countless choices. When you feel stuck, like you’ve fallen into a dead-end with no way out, with no one who understands or stands by you. That’s the time we search for answers: Who am I? What do I truly want? We hold nothing in our hands, everything is just halfway to the dreamt future.
In these moments of uncertainty, amidst obstacles and disappointments, when faced with too many paths and choices, we are forced to make a decision for ourselves, but sometimes we don’t even know what to choose. We may give up or follow someone else’s plans. We know every road has its own appeal, every path beckons, but they also come with their own challenges, and we don’t know what to choose. We fear making the wrong decision, so we hesitate, feel trapped, and become frustrated.
We hope our choice is the right one. But how can we be sure it’s the right path if we haven’t even started walking yet? There are too many things in life that cannot be determined, and if we don’t try, how can we know if it’s right or wrong, success or failure? We have to walk the path to find out. But life doesn’t give us enough time to try all paths. Choosing one means giving up another, and loss is real. The truth is we have to learn to adapt in every circumstance.
So we can only choose a few things. Therefore, give your best effort to those choices. If you want a certain job, but it’s not related to your major, or it goes against your parents’ wishes, I still hope you will have the courage to follow your dreams. The opposition of your parents often comes from their own immaturity, not understanding your full potential. Set a goal and put all your energy and passion into it. Prepare the tools, resources, knowledge, and determination to conquer that goal. When passion and belief are strong enough, nothing is impossible.
If you’re afraid that your degree, which took four years to earn, may go to waste, or if you’re scared of the instability of pursuing a job you love, even though it’s unfamiliar, of course, that’s understandable. You want 'stability,' to have a job that you can go to every morning, receive a paycheck, and not worry about starving or being unable to pay your rent… But do you truly feel stable? Do you feel stable doing work you don’t love, day after day, only to lie awake at night wondering if you’re too cowardly to chase your dreams, even just once? Is that stability really worth it? Are you truly living your life, or are you living the life others expect you to live?
What we regret in the future isn’t the things we did, but the things we never had the courage to do.
Be honest with yourself and cherish your own life. Break free from your comfort zone and fight for your goals. It will be painful, you may fall, but never give up.
Youth only passes by like a fleeting streak of light and will forever be stored in our memories. So, will you dare to do what you love, gaining experience and lessons to grow stronger in the future, or will you continue feeling lost with no way out?
Pham Long Thuyen


