The Peak of Life: A Journey of Gratitude and Healing

One day, a dear friend asked me,

“Which English word do you love the most?”

Without a moment’s doubt, I said, “Grateful.”

Grateful — that simple yet profound word — has carried me through every rise and fall of my life. It has been the quiet strength that guided me through both sunshine and storms, especially during the most recent and deepest low note I have ever faced in nearly sixty years of being blessed to walk this earth.

I am deeply grateful to my parents — who gave me life, and the freedom to choose a path that suits my heart and abilities; who allowed me to live and work in places where I find peace and joy.

I am grateful to my brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews — for their patience, their efforts to understand my choices, and, above all, their unwavering trust and love through all my trials.

It is from this deep sense of gratitude that I decided to write my first blog — to share my journey of healing and finding light after my darkest days. My hope is that my story may bring a little comfort and courage to those who are also walking through the shadows of today’s most common struggles — depression, anxiety, or psychosis — so that they may rise again, stronger and more peaceful, just as I am learning to do.

I thank God for choosing me to experience this low note, for now I see it as — in its own beautiful way — “the peak of life.” From here, the path ahead feels clearer and brighter, leading me toward my true purpose: to give back, to contribute, to serve the community.

My heartfelt thanks go to my family; to Dr. Khánh Trân and the compassionate team at Hyppo TMS Center (Mrs. Trang and Ms. Nhiên); to Dr. Đương from CarePlus Clinic; Dr. Viên-Trinh — who have walked beside me with care, kindness, and healing hands.

And last but not least, to my soul friends — the precious gems I’ve been so blessed to find in this lifetime: AHang, TDan, CDao, THa, THương, TAnh, TThy, HQuang, TDuy, and Wen — , to my Magnificat Choir members in Singapore, Mani Yoga Therapy (Tra My and Loan) and to my beloved friends whom I call brothers and sisters in Saigon, Hanoi, Singapore, Australia, and the United States. Your love and faith have given me the courage to keep walking the second half of my journey — with peace in my heart and gratitude as my constant companion.