Heidi Ahihi

On October 20, 2022, I woke up to rain and the first biting cold of the season. Years ago, as a carefree student, I would run outside in just a thin shirt to welcome the wind. Now, after some health struggles, I find myself layering clothes, sipping a hot cup of turmeric milk, and taking comfort in small rituals. I’ve learned that no one can always be there to take care of us so befriending loneliness and practicing gratitude are two life skills worth cultivating at any age.

The philosopher Blaise Pascal once said: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Loneliness feels heavy when it comes with anxiety and disconnection. I remember the time when I was setting up my company while caring for my sick father — I slept only 2–3 hours a night. I didn’t complain; I just moved from one task to another. Problems never disappear on their own; they shrink only when we face them. Loneliness is often hardest when we don’t yet know how to handle our challenges.

Over time, I found small ways to lighten it: meeting positive people, reading books, exercising, or listening to something inspiring. And most importantly, I practiced gratitude. Every day, I wrote down at least three things I was thankful for a warm cup of coffee, a kind conversation, or simply waking up early with clarity. As Thiền sư Thích Nhất Hạnh (a Vietnamese Zen master, poet, and peace activist, reminds us that peace comes from living deeply in the present. Thích Nhất Hạnh, often called “Thầy” by his students, brought mindfulness practices from Vietnam to the world and is considered one of the most influential spiritual teachers of our time) wrote:

“Nụ cười hôm nay, ta sẽ nhìn thấy ngày mai
Không có gì đã qua và đã mất
Không có gì sẽ qua và sẽ mất
Hãy cứ là bông hoa hát ca.”
— Thích Nhất Hạnh

“The smile you offer today, you will see again tomorrow.
Nothing truly passes and is lost,
Nothing will come and be lost.
So just be a flower that sings.”

Life is never free from challenges, but gratitude helps us notice beauty even in the ordinary. In loneliness, there is poetry. In gratitude, there is peace. 🌿