The 30-Day Writing Challenge
#LivingWriters #Viettothon30days
Week 3 – Day 15 – 19th Apr 2025
Topic: A book, a song, or a movie you enjoy

A Song

I love music by Hans Zimmer—most of the songs I listen to are from his work. The ones I enjoy the most are either Interstellar or Now We Are Free. If I had to choose, I’d pick Now We Are Free, because it’s the song I added my own lyrics to and sing for Nasa before he goes to sleep.

I don’t sing it as often these days, but the melody still lives in our minds. Sometimes, he asks, “Mommy, can you sing ‘Nasa ới ời…’?” “Nasa ới ời” is the way I always call him.

The lyrics I wrote for this song are about him—my only son for now. One day, when he grows up, I hope he’ll know that I will always be there for him, whenever he needs me. He may have his own family one day, and I may be watching over him from afar—not sure if I’ll still be there physically.

That was inspired by a quote from Interstellar that has stayed with me:
“Once you’re a parent, you’re the ghost of your children’s future.”

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A Movie

I choose Forrest Gump because it gives me the belief that as long as you try your best, with a positive mindset, the whole journey is already meaningful. You don’t need to wait for the final result to feel fulfilled. The result is like a bonus—the journey itself is what matters most.

I especially love that he has a mother and a friend who truly believe in him. After watching this movie, I became a fan of Tom Hanks.

There’s another movie—3 Idiots, an Indian film—that I also love. It carries the kind of positive energy I often need.

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A Book

There are so many books I want to write about—books that helped me grow, made me smile, made me cry, or lifted me up.

But the one book that really shifted my mindset and made me start thinking about my life’s purpose was When Breath Becomes Air, a non-fiction memoir by American neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi.

Even though I knew he was going to die, the way he expressed it felt very light—like air. I’m not exactly sure why I love this book so much. Maybe because it awakened something in me, but gently. It didn’t feel like a slap to the face—it quietly snuck into my mind.

It was enough to make me start asking myself: What do I really need? What do I really want? Why don’t I try to enjoy every single moment of life?

Paul went through so much to become a doctor—and then a writer. But at 37, just when he had everything in his hands, he had to let it all go.

It’s not a heavy book about death—it’s more like a legacy, a message he left behind for readers like me.

Thank you.