My Delight List for the first half of 2024

And, the smallest things can take up the most room in your heart sometimes (said Pooh bear).

Jul 07, 2024

Dear readers,

How are you doing? I hope that you’re doing well.

As I always said, thank you for reading my blog. Your support helps me to keep writing as a way of expressing myself and experiencing life.

So today's blog I’d love to share with you my Delight List for the first half of 2024.

Last week I received an email from my former coach Milena about her Delight List. It inspired me to write this, even though I’m still counting my blessings every month to protect myself from anxiety.

Photo: Natureholic

I know that it’s not about “the wins” all the time, but for me, it’s important to celebrate small wins to gain more motivation for the next part.

Furthermore, life is made from this kind of piece. And, the smallest things can take up the most room in your heart sometimes (said Pooh bear).

Now, here is my list, which made me happy when I looked back the last 6 months:

1. Crowdfunding for myself:

The first time I did it was for the tuition to study 2 courses I longed for. I was so nervous before that, but when people showed up one by one, to support and donate for me, and said that they believed in me, I couldn’t be more grateful.

Photo: I used this one for the funding activity

I learned that asking for help is a crucial step to love myself and cherish people more.

For more information: Crowdfunding for myself

2. Writing on the net 5:

I finally started my blog, after years of delaying. I’ve met dedicated bloggers and gained inspiration from them. Blogging helps to bring me to the world through words and images.

My blog now has become the shelter for my inner world, which I can also welcome others.

Photo: We met in person after the writing challenge in 30 days

3. Art of Hosting 5:

I felt like I could immediately become family with these people. Once I joined, I knew I could be in the arms of this community from year to year. They taught me how to live peacefully with myself in this chaotic sense of the world.

In addition, they gave me the comfortable trust that I was always searching for in humans.

Photo: Knowmads alumni reunion in AoH

For more stories: AoH 5 , AoH 5 Quyền được mơ

4. My scholarship progress:

I feel proud of myself when I’m a reserve candidate for the Chevening Awards. And I even posted about it on my FB. For all the sweat and tears of mine through all these years, I just felt like I deserved the cheer from all my beloved people at that moment.

I also submitted other programs to conquer my fear. I’m still waiting for all of the results.

It’s a nerve-breaking feeling.

But I know that I keep trying for my dream of studying abroad, and do not choose to give up.

5. Dream projects:

I’ve made “Sparkle Retreat” with my co-host and co-organizers. We danced in nature, wrote stories, and shared our insecurities. Yes, I found my soulmate sisters after that.

Photo: Our Sparkle Retreat

I’ve also worked with students from public, private, and international universities. They gave me a source of energy, ideas, and connection to my younger self who was lost and dreamy (sounds true even now haha).

Still, I can say that I create and do my dream job <3

6. Trips & friends:

I traveled to Ba Vi, Sai Gon, and then Malaysia with and to meet my friends.

I remember when we gathered and had a group praying session in Ba Vi, I felt so touched and safe under the spirit of immortal life.

I remember when I had a late-night dinner with my friend in Saigon, we talked about old memories and realized how much we had changed. We became “us and them” for a while.

I remember when our group stayed in one hotel room in Kuala Lumpur and talked about my picture book then school days, we laughed and criticized the bullsh*t of nowadays schooling, I felt so relieved and enjoyable.

Photo: We were in REXKL, Malaysia, after the digital art show

All the little things made my trip worth the time and money haha. Just kidding. I just felt good that I still had some trips after all the busy season.

7. Going somewhere with Mom:

We could just talk about the grab price, how long she didn’t go to the temple, or how she was preparing for the next holiday with my Dad… The small talk that I always can enjoy and bear is only with my Mom.

Long story short:

For the last 6 months, I’ve learned to ask for support, worked hard on my dream, joined new practicing communities, enjoyed my time with friends and family, and not quit my job. Not at all haha. And most importantly, I struggled and survived.

Here is my favorite photo of the first half year. It’s not as colorful as I am as always, but I just love the spirit! Kind of “Yeah it’s me and Yes I did it!!” type ^^