I started my life’s new chapter in a new role with unprecedented responsibilities after I moved to the US. That was to become a full-time homemaker and my wholehearted mission was to keep our marriage happy and healthy. S makes us a house; I make it home. My daily chores include cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry, grocery shopping, taking care of pets and paying bills among loads of other unnamed, unseen, trivial duties. However, as an inexperienced, stay-at-home immigrant, it took me a great amount of time to do those since I had to learn how to do it right. I learned how to cook American foods, ways to clean/decorate expertly, tips to shop frugally and wisely, and many other life skills in the country where life seems opposite to one in my homeland and my upbringing. I also learned about American culture, social norms, principles and laws so that I could confidently integrate into society.
Staying at home is a priceless chance for me to hit a pause in my life. I could observe the world and my inner self rather than be spiraled into a fast-paced life like a hamster hysterically running on a treadmill. Observation in stillness has changed my shallow and limited perceptions about life in a deeper and broader manner. I could peel off layers of illusions about life to see it as it is, sweet or bitter, rough or smooth. Right view of life and myself has helped me realize my inner power that I ignorantly thought had never existed. That endless source has transformed my old submissive, credulous self into a confident and valiant individual.
Staying at home has granted me an enormous amount of time teaching myself anything I thought necessary. I had never been a true learner throughout my student life in Vietnam. Therefore, I have tried hard when I was lucky enough to be able to immerse myself into study again. I value experiences and knowledge as those, from my perspective, significantly contribute to right observation. They all have encouraged me to be true to myself and to everyone.
Deep in my heart, I owe a debt of gratitude to my dear man. Without his full commitment to our marriage, his leadership and financial responsibility in our family, and especially his support and understanding, I should have been part of a hectic life and probably never had a chance to be who I am today.
Begin life at forty 