Since there isn’t much time, I’ll keep it brief.
Another year has slipped by, unnoticed.
Much has happened, much has changed—
some good, some not, but all part of this journey we call life.
As always, some of my words or actions—intended or not—have rubbed others the wrong way, or even caused hurt.
I’ve apologized or explained where I could, though differences in perspective can’t always be resolved.
Sometimes I wonder—what is “enough”?
How do you express yourself “just right”?
After all, there’s always that “what if.”
But after turning it over in my mind,
I keep returning to:
“Those who walk different paths need not travel together.”
If some misunderstand my intentions, or if our values simply don’t align—
and if I’ve done what I can after the fact—
apologizing, explaining, trying not to repeat—
then perhaps keeping a gentle distance is the kindest choice,
for them, and for me.
Moving forward, I’ll try to be a little more mindful.
The past is already written; the future is held in our hands.
So much in this world lies beyond our control—
but there are always one or two things we can choose.
Even if changing doesn’t guarantee a better outcome,
the effort itself—the struggle to grow—
becomes an anchor in the current,
something to hold us steady,
or even help us move forward.
It doesn’t take much, really.
One meaningful thing each day is enough—
something that lets you face yourself with quiet clarity.
And if you can’t manage it today,
you simply keep going. Keep adjusting.
I’ve rambled longer than I meant to.
So let me end with this:
Today marks the 135th anniversary of Hồ Chí Minh’s birth.
It also happens to be the day I come of age.
So here’s a wish—
for all of us:
“May luck walk with you.”
— Chen Haizhong
— Xiao Chen Notes
May 19, 2025
