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LifestyleStyle

Life Lately: True Happiness & Being Yourself

Posted on May 8, 2019October 13, 20214min read

I’m beginning to recognise that real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead, but something small, numerous and already here. The smile of someone you love. A decent breakfast. The warm sunset. Your little everyday joys all lined up in a row. —Beau Taplin

Life sometimes has a way of speaking to you when you just take the time to slow down.

Or when life forces you to slow down. And for the last few weeks, it’s been like that for me.

Time to grieve, time to live in the moment and time to reflect on love, relationships and the direction life has to offer.

Today’s semi-random real talk post is going to be informal as I want to catch you up on my life lately and share my thoughts on true happiness and how it ties to being yourself.

Life Lately - True Happiness & Being Yourself - She Sweats Diamonds - Huong Vo - Dallas blogger
White tee | Black Skinny Jeans | White Booties (get yourself on the waitlist!) | Sunglasses (old; similar tortoise cateye sunglasses) | Nude Liquid Lipstick

HEALTH — WELLNESS

As my relay marathon approaches, my workouts at the gym have been more frequent. I’ve learned that my day-to-day happiness is most definitely tied to how I physically feel. If I’m feeling sluggish, lacking sleep or can’t fit into my clothes, I don’t feel like I’m my true self: a super positive, confident, self-motivated person. I’m at a point where I’ve drawn the line due to my lack of motivation. I will now be working out at home in the morning before my day job begins as well as after my 9 to 5 and will be squeezing in running to train for my big race.

You can expect more workout looks in future posts!

So far, the hardest part hasn’t been the food, but the sleep. Do you ever have SO much on your mind that a brain dump barely helps? That’s me lately with every area of my life. But one thing I do know is if I’m healthy, I’ll be back to my cheerful self. That and taking my happy pills (vitamin D) will definitely help.


HEALTH — BEAUTY

Another huge part of my health is my beauty routine. As I get older, I’m finding that my attention is focused on bringing my skin back to its radiant glow rather than slather on a crap ton of makeup to hide it. My desire to go makeup free as much as possible is solely based on being physically confident in my skin…and to a point where I can leave the house to run errands with just a swipe of lipgloss without thinking twice. My inspiration? Jamie O’Banion of BeautyBio. Her skin is absolutely STUNNING!

Stay tuned because as my Sephora order comes in from the VIB sale, I’ll be sharing some skincare products I’ve discovered and will be experimenting with in the coming months!


CAREER / BLOGGING

I learned recently that the best job in the world is one where you can be your true self. When it comes to my career, I’m definitely standing at a crossroad. I’ve worked in retail/fashion for nearly 15 years and I’m pretty sure I’m ready to call it quits and switch industries.

I’ve learned over time that just because I’m good at what I do (i.e. reports), doesn’t mean that it’s my passion nor does it make me truly happy. Sitting at a desk doesn’t make me happy and neither does having a structured 9 to 5 make me happy. I’m too free-spirited and very much a creative to be feeling this “trapped” and cannot see myself doing this even for another five years.

It’s not that I don’t love fashion anymore. I’m just tired of the day-in, day-out, clock-in, clock-out life. That and the over-consumption that’s in my face everyday has taken a toll on me. I also find that the older I get, the more I don’t want a ton of stuff. To me, having less material things brings more happiness. And with fashion, it’s been about investing in things I will love and wear for years to come. And it’s been this way for quite some time. Hence, my past collaborations with a local consignment shop and re-wearing a lot of what I already own.

Blogging will still be a side hustle for me as I love to write. However, I want to be very mindful from an environmental standpoint when it comes to fashion.


PERSONAL

A few weeks ago, I lost my adopted grandma. She had a stroke and within a week, she was gone. Needless to say, it’s been more tough on me than I expected. Her leaving our family so quickly caused me to stop and reflect and to live in the moment with my loved ones.

I’ve been enjoying life a lot more, which is why I haven’t posted lately on here or on my Instagram. I’ve been resting purposefully (which is hard for me to do), thinking about my next chapter in life, playing Homescapes (which is very addicting by the way) and watching tons of movies. Among the most recent ones? Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame. Side note, if you’re a superhero geek, feel free to talk nerdy with me!


THOUGHTS

It’s funny because a part of me feels like my absence from the internet means I’m unmotivated. However, it’s quite the opposite. I feel motivated now more than ever. I feel motivated to be in the best shape of my life. I’m motivated to continue working on my spiritual walk, loving others hard and dreaming of the future and its endless positive possibilities. My absence from the internet realm means I’m working hard behind the scenes because of my “why not me?” mentality and most of all, seeking the freedom to be me in all every area of my life.

My desire is to wake up every day with a sense of peace and happiness.

I want to feel my blessings and to know the kind of happiness that makes me smile so big, my cheeks hurt!

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Life Lately: True Happiness & Being Yourself

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4 Comments
  • Moonsparkle (ZM)
    May 25, 2019

    Hi, I recently commented on this but not sure if it worked, so I’m posting again. Sorry if there’s duplicate comments! 🙂

    Hi Huong, I enjoyed reading your update.:) I’m sorry to hear about your grandma, especially how quickly it happened. That’s good that you’ve been enjoying life more. Waking up every day with a sense of peace and happiness is what I want for myself too.

    Hope your May is going well and wishing you a great start to summer. Look forward to reading future posts. <3

    Zania

  • Moonsparkle (ZM)
    May 23, 2019

    Hi Huong, I enjoyed reading your update.:) I’m sorry to hear about your grandma, especially how quickly it happened. That’s good that you’ve been enjoying life more. Waking up every day with a sense of peace and happiness is what I want for myself too.

    Hope your May is going well and wishing you a great start to summer. Look forward to reading future posts. <3

    Zania

  • Rachel
    May 8, 2019

    I love how raw and open you are with us. I am excited to see where your health journey, and career path takes you Huong! I know losing grandma was hard but she is so proud of your reflection and upcoming changes. You got this and I know God will be with you all the way! And ooooo oooo oooo I love Homescapes and Marvel because of you LOL!

    • Huong
      May 24, 2019

      Thanks, Rachel! I appreciate your support and kind words. And oh, I’m not sorry that you’re addicted to Homescapes and Marvel now, ha! 😉

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May 9

Open
To my grandma who is halfway across the world, I thank God immensely because it all began with you.

Thank you for encouraging your daughter to come to America to live a better life.

Because of your sacrifices, I get to have my most precious gift and cherish her with every fiber of my being. I love you so much.

Mom, thank you for your courage and bravery to come to America with nothing except a knitted handbag and coat on your back.

Thank you for passing on your wisdom and teaching me about emotional intelligence before EQ even became a thing.

Thank you for teaching me that you’re never too old to learn about anything.

Thank you for always reminding me to not stress or worry.

Thank you for always making sure I have food even when I’m full.

Thank you for making me laugh endlessly.

And mom, don’t think I don’t notice that you put the best pieces of food on my plate instead of yours.

My word, I am so incredibly and abundantly blessed to have a mom like you! 

I love you SO much, mẹ! God, you broke the mold when You made her!
#MyHearts
#MyGrandma
#MyMom

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Apr 21

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Another year without you. It’s hard to believe you left us 14 years ago.

Sometimes I wonder what our conversations would be like if you were still with us…if you’d already be retired or still be doing what you loved, what you’d think of world events, and if you’d finally come to a place where you could tell us stories from the war.

No matter what, I’m going to keep your memory alive. I love and miss you, daddy!
#MissYouSoMuch
#InHeaven

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Apr 16

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Happy Easter Weekend, loves!

Spent today reflecting on Christ’s love for us and I’m still in awe that until we meet Him, we still won’t understand the magnitude of His love.

Romans 5:6-8

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Apr 4

Open
Tonight, I’ll be making my return to the gym after two long years!!!

So happy I got clearance from my chiropractor to lift weights again!

Not going to lie, I’m nervous, but I’m more excited because I’ve missed it so much.

I hate having to start all over again, but to know that I GET to work out is such a huge blessing!

Y’all know I love my @apl, so what better way to celebrate than a new, neutral-colored pair of workout shoes?

You can shop them here — https://liketk.it/3BKHu

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Mar 22

Open
Goodbye winter!!! Don’t take it personally…I used to love you.

I just prefer sunny walks, flowers and trees blooming, baby ducks swimming, and birds chirping.

Don’t worry. Unlike Ross and Rachel, I have it on record that we’re officially on a break. 

Not sure if I hate your ice storms more or tornado warnings (like the one we just had just now).😑

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Mar 20

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Happy first day of spring, loves!!!🌸

I cannot tell you how excited I am now that spring is here. More sunshine, more flowers, more nature. Thank you, God!!!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

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Mar 19

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How do you take your coffee — iced or hot?

Iced all year round for me.🧊

Oh and whoever invented bean water, thank you. You became a hero the day you threw some beans into hot water and created this magical elixir.

#DallasCoffee

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Feb 22

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STOP. THE. PRESSES!!!

I posted an outfit photo? What? 🤯

Well, I forgot I took this photo a few weeks ago when it snowed here in Dallas.😂

And guess what? I see snow in the forecast for Thursday!

By the way, what do you think people want more these days? Photo or video content? Comment below and let me know YOUR preference!👇🏼

Outfit details here — https://liketk.it/3xBxx

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Feb 14

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Life was breathed into us so that we may live to have the chance to love and help others.

Think about it.

When you leave this Earth, no longer will you have any more chances to love and help the people surrounding you.

The chance to smile to make someone's day better is gone. The ability to make someone laugh is done. The chance to hug someone to make them feel better is over.

It's all gone.

The opportunity to help others and show them love is here and NOW. Who says you have to love by yourself?

Love is more powerful when you have a body of people who are on the same mission as you. Do you have people in your life you can love others with? I can definitely say that I do.

Every day, ask yourself, “What am I doing with this day that has been graciously given to me?”
#BeABlessing

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Feb 11

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day so I thought I’d flashback to one of my favorite red outfits! ♥️

Linking AMAZING red dresses for the wedding season as well — https://liketk.it/3xTik

Follow my shop @huongvo on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

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Feb 3

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Really posting this photo to mark 2.2.22 because I want to remember it as the day I began to step into who God made and called me to be. ✨
#SheSweatsDiamonds

Outfit details — https://liketk.it/3xjhh

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Feb 2

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Chúc mừng năm mới!!! Happy Lunar New Year, loves!🎉

What a wonderful first day for the Year of the Tiger!🐅

For those who celebrate, I hope you had a wonderful day today and wish you a year full of good health, happiness, wealth, and prosperity.🧧

For those who want to learn more about the #LunarNewYear and it’s celebrations, traditions, and Vietnamese heritage, head to my stories where I have a highlight saved!!!
#LunarNewYear2022
#YearOfTheTiger
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