Overcoming fate, sowing love

Muscular dystrophy has weakened my left leg and I have had to wear a brace since I was a child. My childhood was different from that of my peers: instead of running around the schoolyard, I had to limp, each step as if I were passing through a test of fate.

But I never let myself give up. After graduating from high school, I boldly enrolled in an IT training course for the disabled at ESTIH. It was here that I first had access to computers and learned how to turn difficulties into opportunities. Thanks to my constant efforts, I was honored to receive a scholarship and a certificate of merit from the Hanoi Moi Newspaper. That achievement became a great source of motivation for me to continue pursuing my studies, graduating from the intermediate IT program with a good grade.

- Ảnh 1. — Work gives me joy and independence.

After graduating, I found a job cutting photo paths online at home for PixelVN Company. The job was quiet and meticulous but gave me joy, independence and the opportunity to prove that disabled people can also live with their own hands and intelligence.

Not stopping there, I also joined the Duy Tien Town Disabled People's Association, actively attended training courses organized by DHF and the Ha Nam Disabled People's Association. I learned more communication skills, then became a contributor to write articles on the fanpage and group of the Ha Nam Disabled People's Association and the DHF project. I hope my small articles will contribute to spreading the voices of disabled people, so that society can understand, sympathize and accompany the disabled community more.

- Ảnh 2. — Living beautifully is not about having a lot, but about knowing how to give a lot - with all the love in your heart.

Thanks to hard work and the thrift of the whole family, I saved up with my parents to build a two-story house. Currently, I rent out rooms to increase my income and feel that I have truly matured and can stand firm in life.

But the most miraculous thing that happened to me was not a degree or a new roof. One morning in August 2024, while going to the market, I suddenly heard a faint cry coming from the corner of the street. Following the sound, I was shocked to discover an abandoned newborn baby. My heart ached. I remembered the image of myself in the past - small, weak and seemingly unable to overcome. I could not turn my back. I held the baby in my arms, decided to bring him home to raise and care for him, even though I knew the road ahead would be filled with difficulties.

- Ảnh 3. — You are the gift that life sends, the miracle of kindness.

Since having a child, my life has changed completely. I learned how to be a mother, how to make milk, change diapers, and lull my child to sleep. On nights when my child had a fever, I was so worried that I couldn’t eat or sleep. But every time I heard his laughter and saw his clear eyes looking up at me, I gained strength. My child is a gift from life, a miracle of kindness.

Someone asked: "A disabled person, whose circumstances are already difficult, why does he still raise and care for an abandoned baby?". I just smiled: "Because I believe that happiness is not about receiving, but about giving. I want this baby to grow up in love, not in abandonment."

Every day, I work online and take care of my child. There is fatigue, anxiety, but more than that, there is joy and peace. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be a support for a small creature. And thanks to my child, I am more determined to live stronger, to make more efforts, to continue my own journey of "living beautifully".

- Ảnh 4. — Attend training courses organized by DHF and Ha Nam Association of People with Disabilities

Life is never smooth, especially for those with disabilities. But I believe that kindness - even if it is just a small act, an open hand - can create miracles. I have received the protection and love of family and friends... to overcome adversity. Today, I continue that love for another unfortunate child. It is a simple but profound connection of kindness - like a never-ending flow.

I write these lines not to boast or to be pitied. I just want to share a story: that in each of us there is a "beautiful flame of life", no matter how small, but if lit, it can illuminate, warm and spread to the hearts of others. I believe that one day, my daughter - the little girl who was abandoned years ago - will grow up and proudly say: "I have lived in love".

Living beautifully is not something far away. Living beautifully means knowing how to overcome fate, daring to dream, daring to give and knowing how to sow love. I, a disabled woman, only hope that my little story will inspire and motivate someone out there: that no matter what situation you are in, believe in the power of kindness. Because it will bring miracles - for ourselves, and for this whole world .

And if someone asks me, what is a beautiful life, I will smile and answer: "A beautiful life is not about having a lot, but about knowing how to give a lot - with all the love in your heart."

The fifth Living Well Writing Contest was held to encourage people to write about noble actions that have helped individuals or communities. This year, the contest focused on praising individuals or groups that have performed acts of kindness, bringing hope to those in difficult circumstances.

The highlight is the new environmental award category, honoring works that inspire and encourage action for a green, clean living environment. Through this, the Organizing Committee hopes to raise public awareness in protecting the planet for future generations.

The contest has diverse categories and prize structure, including:

Article categories: Journalism, reportage, notes or short stories, no more than 1,600 words for articles and 2,500 words for short stories.

Articles, reports, notes:

- 1 first prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 2 second prizes: 15,000,000 VND

- 3 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 3,000,000 VND

Short story:

- 1 first prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 20,000,000 VND

- 2 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 4 consolation prizes: 5,000,000 VND

Photo category: Submit a photo series of at least 5 photos related to volunteer activities or environmental protection, along with the name of the photo series and a short description.

- 1 first prize: 10,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 5,000,000 VND

- 1 third prize: 3,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 2,000,000 VND

Most Popular Prize: 5,000,000 VND

Prize for Excellent Essay on Environmental Topic: 5,000,000 VND

Honored Character Award: 30,000,000 VND

The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2025. The works will be evaluated through the preliminary and final rounds with the participation of a jury of famous names. The organizing committee will announce the list of winners on the "Beautiful Life" page. See detailed rules at thanhnien.vn .

Organizing Committee of the Beautiful Living Contest