The 30-Day Writing Challenge
#LivingWriters #Viettothon30days
Week 2 – Day 11 – 4^th Feb 2025
Topic #4: What helps you stay strong when you’re feeling down?

My son – Nasa.

I remember my first session with a therapist (who is no longer my therapist because it didn’t match later). He was surprised when he asked what made me happy, and my answer was, “Spending time with my son.” He had expected me to say I needed more “me-time” given my busy workload and stress.

Yes, I do feel physically tired sometimes, but mentally, I am incredibly happy—especially when it’s just the two of us. He is my power charger. When I pick him up from school, I cherish the moment we run into each other, like we haven’t met for weeks. His smiles, his hugs, his words—they fill me with joy. At home, we do different activities together. Of course, he slows me down on my household chores list, but doing things together makes it all worth it.

There were nights when I had training sessions or meetings, and I still regret those times. I would sometimes get frustrated when he tried to get my attention while I was working. But then, there were nights when he played quietly in his little corner, only to suddenly come over and give me a kiss. He is truly my source of love.

Now that I am traveling, I miss him a lot. But I carry a little version of him with me.

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In one of the books I’m reading, The Whole-Brain Child, there’s a passage that really resonates with me:

“Survive. Thrive.
We’ve met with thousands of parents over the years. When we ask them what matters most to them, versions of these two goals almost always top the list. They want to survive difficult parenting moments, and they want their kids and family to thrive.”

I hope I never have to use the word survive when it comes to parenting. But the truth is, we all need me-time sometimes. That’s why I always try to take a short personal holiday after every business trip—to recharge and return as the best version of myself for my son.

Thank you for reading.