Hello Friends,
In the days leading up to Tet, I like to reflect on the people who have influenced my life this past year. I like to think about my relationships - with family, with friends, and this year, with myself. We often forget that the most important relationship we must manage is with that inner voice. Because that inner voice can be our biggest supporter, as well as our harshest critic.
My biggest lesson this year is that life is about people. It seems like a very simple concept, but it gets complicated when you think about who to choose, and at which moment.
Below are some quotes that summarize my core principles in life, and especially over the past year. I found them to be very helpful in thinking through my life decisions - hopefully they can provide some clarity for you too.
“Don’t fear change. You may lose something good, but you may also gain something great.”
When I left my job, I feared losing my title - my identity as a business person. But I found that I gained a title - Mom - a title that I can now proudly take on because I have actually assumed the ups and downs of being of a mom :)
“If you’re lucky enough to have two good options, always go with the one that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to help you grow.”
Fund manager or start up - the road less traveled is the path that I chose. I continue to be scared every day, but I appreciate that each fear is giving me the opportunity to build a stronger connection with the community in Vietnam. And these bonds are the very reason I wanted to return to Vietnam.
“Smile and the world smiles with you.”
The one accessory that I always wear is a smile. A smile does not always mean you are happy, sometimes it just means that you are trying. And that can make all the difference in life.
What about you? What decisions are you facing? Just remember: Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.
Happy Tet - wishing you a new year full of courage to try new things, motivation to work through the challenges and the optimism to continue forward after each of life’s speed bumps. Happy New Year!