Heidi Ahihi

I wrote this on November 10, 2022 when I was a teacher in Vietnam

“Happiness doesn’t come from outside. Happiness comes from within.

As usual, no matter how busy the day gets, I always carve out a little time for myself to reflect: What did I accomplish? What’s still unfinished? What brought me joy? What gave me a new lesson or experience? And then, almost without realizing it, I smile. Today I learned a little more than yesterday – that alone is happiness.

To cherish the present moment is happiness.
Someone once told me that I didn’t respect their words, because after they spoke, it was as if everything slipped right past me, as if I remembered nothing. Back then, I felt so wronged because I truly was listening. It was just that my thoughts often wandered after fleeting ideas that flashed through my mind, and in those few moments I would miss part of what was said. I used to excuse myself, blaming an old health condition that weakened my memory and sometimes clouded my mind.

But the day I met chị Trang at “Không” Café and listened to her speak about the power of the present moment, I woke up. In truth, every moment we live is the “first time.” If we knew it was the last time we’d see someone, wouldn’t we talk to them a little longer? Regret is born from not treasuring each passing second of life.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” The truth is, the “us” of one moment is never the same as the “us” of the next. Time flows, everything shifts, and each experience happens only once in this miraculous life.

As General Võ Nguyên Giáp (Who is one of Vietnam’s most respected generals and national heroes. Beyond being a military leader, he’s remembered by Vietnamese people for his wisdom and humanity) once said to my uncle, who proudly quoted him at a family gathering: “The very fact that we can meet each other is already precious.”

When we realize that everything happens only once, we naturally begin to value every word spoken, every chance to meet, every conversation, every event. We welcome each moment with joy and serenity.

Each day I teach, I remind myself: this is a new lesson. When students struggle or can’t finish an exercise, I find myself more patient. I want them to understand that each school day is unique, tomorrow will be a completely different lesson. When they hesitate to answer, I smile and encourage them to just share what they think, without fear of right or wrong. If it’s correct, they may forget it quickly. But if it’s wrong, that’s wonderful because they will remember it for much longer.

And I feel joy when I see that in my class, students are never afraid to speak up. Why should they be? We’re all just eager to discover something new.

Whether as a teacher, a manager, or a businessperson, I savor each moment and cherish every task. I tell myself: I am learning, and I am truly living.

To know how to listen is happiness.
When we listen to others, we gain time to reflect and think. We learn so much through their stories and perspectives. Listening makes me more patient and helps me feel the life unfolding vividly around me. The way people speak, their laughter, gestures, glances; the streets, the nature, everything becomes strikingly alive. I feel happy simply to be present in those moments.

Listening with a peaceful heart helps me regulate my emotions when life changes suddenly, helps me be more compassionate with problems, calmer when facing challenges. I let disturbances dissolve into nothingness, so I can enjoy clarity of mind and save my reflections for writing at the end of the day.

After all, life is short. How long do we really get to be with one another? If during the day we meet someone harsh or unkind, let’s listen and show compassion for they are suffering. To argue back only escalates the conflict, and hurtful words leave wounds that never fully heal.”