Half of it is what I always pursue, half of it is who I am. Naturally, I always want to keep these things close to me, as well as fight to protect them.

Tinkering with Technology

I rarely get FOMO about things like phones, computers, or vehicles (probably because I don’t have extra money), but I’m often drawn to new software, new features, and using new technology to solve problems.

Ever since my family got our first computer, I started tinkering, installing all sorts of software, upgrading the operating system, writing automation scripts… I can’t remember how many times my mom had to call technicians to clean up after my “adventures.”

But perhaps thanks to all that, now I can confidently act like an IT guy, helping people solve most common issues with phones and computers, even though it’s not my profession. I can also advise on new solutions, leveraging software and automation to reduce human resource needs.

Running & Swimming

I started running when Marathon events first came to Vietnam (2017). Then I found a running buddy who was my boss at Brands Vietnam. From there, I worked my way up to running 21KM distances.

All I need is a good pair of shoes, a clear running path, and nice sunny weather, and I’m ready to go. No need for a gym membership, no monthly fees, no PT fees for technique coaching…

After getting me into Marathon racing, my boss then convinced me to try Iron Man (a triathlon combining swimming, cycling, and running). So I learned to swim and can now swim up to 2KM.

Running and swimming share many similarities (like meditation) that I enjoy - they give me time to focus entirely on each step, each stroke, each breath. I think about nothing else while training. After training, many burdens in my heart, if any, feel lighter.

However, ironically, swimming makes me prone to catching cold and worsens my allergies. Running has also caused varicose veins in one leg that get worse with high-intensity training.

Therefore, now I keep these two sports at a moderate intensity, mainly for physical and mental health benefits.

Organizing and Arranging

By nature, this might not exactly be a hobby, as it’s a consequence of mild OCD. Simply put, OCD means you become obsessed with something and need to resolve it to feel comfortable. For me, I get very uncomfortable seeing things that aren’t neat, aligned, or orderly…

I’m clearly aware it’s not good, and I’ve been training myself to overcome it for many years. However, at a moderate level, this hard-to-break habit helps me view cleaning, organizing things, and arranging the space around me as a pleasure rather than a daily obligation.

So whenever I have free time, I’ll indulge in this hobby - it gives me comfort and energy to continue working.

Seeking Quiet Places

I’ve been in Saigon for about 12 years now. Sometimes I feel like it’s become my second hometown. However, if asked whether I’d stay here when I no longer need to chase the daily grind, the answer might be no. Then I wouldn’t stay in Saigon, and might not return to my hometown (Quang Ngai) either. I’d choose a quiet place that balances what I like about both places.

When escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, my wife and I often seek out quiet places, whether it’s a forest trek or lying on an empty beach watching the moon. In my opinion, being close to and immersing ourselves in nature is humanity’s true instinct.

Once I had all the houses and cars in Saigon, I realized that pursuing material goals only brings short-term joy, while peace of mind is the long-term happiness I’ve been searching for.