Author: Di Tran

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Community Self-Improve

The Power and Practice of Prayer: Principles for a Meaningful Connection to the Divine

Prayer is a practice that has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. Whether as a form of worship, a means of seeking guidance or support, or simply a way to connect with something greater than ourselves, prayer has been a cornerstone of many spiritual and religious traditions.

At its core, prayer is a form of communication with a higher power or divine being. It can take many forms, from reciting a specific set of words or phrases, to silently meditating and reflecting on one’s thoughts and feelings. Regardless of the specific form it takes, prayer is a deeply personal practice that can have profound effects on the individual who engages in it.

While the specifics of prayer can vary widely depending on one’s personal beliefs and religious practices, there are some general principles that can guide the practice of prayer. These principles include:

  1. Setting aside a dedicated time and space: Choosing a quiet and peaceful environment free from distractions where one can focus on their communication with the divine is essential to creating a conducive environment for prayer.
  2. Showing respect and humility: Recognizing the power and authority of the higher power being prayed to, and approaching prayer with a sense of reverence and humility is an important aspect of many religious practices.
  3. Being sincere and honest: Speaking from the heart and expressing one’s true thoughts and feelings to the divine, even if they are difficult or painful, can be an important step in developing a deeper connection to the divine.
  4. Using positive language: Focusing on positive affirmations and expressions of gratitude, rather than negative or complaining language, can help to cultivate a more positive and optimistic outlook on life.
  5. Listening for guidance: After expressing one’s thoughts and feelings in prayer, taking some time to listen for any guidance or messages that may come in response to the prayer can be an important step in receiving the support and guidance that one seeks.

Ultimately, the right way to pray is the way that feels most authentic and meaningful to the individual engaging in the practice. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to prayer, and each person’s relationship with the divine is unique. However, by following these general principles, one can create a space for prayer that is respectful, sincere, and open to the guidance and support of the divine.

In conclusion, prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with the divine and seeking guidance and support in one’s life. By following the principles of setting aside a dedicated time and space, showing respect and humility, being sincere and honest, using positive language, and listening for guidance, individuals can develop a deeper connection to the divine and receive the support and guidance they seek. Whether as a part of a religious tradition or simply as a personal practice, prayer can be a transformative experience that brings peace, clarity, and meaning to one’s life.

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Community Early Childhood Education Health Leadership Development Self-Improve Workforce Development

Investing in Children: A Value-Based Approach to Fulfillment and Success.

Di Tran recently had a conversation with someone who made a statement that resonated strongly with him: “You don’t live for your children, you live for you.” This statement is in alignment with another statement that we often hear in media or motivational speaking: “Your children did not choose to come to life, you made that choice to bring them to life.” Another statement in a similar context is “Your children exist to fulfill your life, so don’t act like it’s the other way around.”

5 Years Old – Doing School Homework

Di Tran often has conversations with his wife about what their life would be like without children. They wonder if it would just be two souls simply hanging out but with a very different kind of happiness than what they have now. However, Di Tran realizes that everything costs something, and nothing is free, and that includes children. Having children is an investment, and just like any investment, there are no guarantees. You invest a lot and you hope to harvest good results, but there’s no such investment that guarantees a result, and the same goes for children.

But Di Tran believes that there’s always a proven technique, which is often boring, not flashy, and not glamorous. For example, Warren Buffet always makes his bets on value-based companies, not trends. Similarly, with children, a value-based approach is crucial. There’s a lot of doing toward value-based investment in children, such as teaching by being an example, teaching human kindness as a focus regardless of how the world changes, and teaching that failing is good, a step to learn and enjoy it. Di Tran teaches his kids to give 100% effort at all times in all things they do, not to worry about the result, and to enjoy the ride. He always applies a technique he learned in IT, “fail fast so you can fix fast.”

7 Years Old – Iron clothes for his younger brother

Di Tran is the author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs” book and soon to be released “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH.” He believes that by dropping the focus on oneself and instead focusing on others, you can achieve greater happiness and fulfillment. Similarly, by dropping the fear and focusing on faith, you can achieve greater success and overcome any obstacles that come your way.

While it may be easy to get caught up in the idea that children are the center of our lives, it’s important to remember that we are also living for ourselves. However, investing in our children with a value-based approach can lead to fulfilling and successful lives for both ourselves and our children.

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Community

The Waste Reduction Center: A Convenient Solution for Louisville Residents to Dispose of Bulky Waste

Viet Bao Louisville, KY - Landfill and Waste Management
Viet Bao Louisville, KY - Landfill and Waste Management

As a citizen of Louisville, Kentucky, you may never have to worry about large waste or dump when running your business, doing construction, or moving. This is because the city provides a convenient solution in the form of the Waste Reduction Center.

The Waste Reduction Center is a facility where Louisville/Jefferson County residents can dispose of a wide range of waste items, including tires, household bulky waste, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris, and furniture. The center is located at 636 Meriwether Avenue, with the entrance on Bland Street.

Residents can drop off up to four household bulky items per day at no charge. However, any bulky loads or drop-offs exceeding four items will be charged according to the fee schedule, and cash is the only accepted form of payment. For example, residents can drop off up to four passenger tires, one appliance, or one large household item such as a mattress, box spring, sofa, or chair, at no cost.

The Waste Reduction Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is important to note that trucks with trailers must arrive at least 15 minutes before closing. Also, the center’s hours may be affected by certain holidays such as New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

If you have a bulky load or drop-off that exceeds four items, you can still dispose of it at the Waste Reduction Center, but fees will apply. Cash is the only accepted form of payment for these fees. Also, it is important to note that if you have lawn maintenance equipment, you can recycle it at the center in partnership with the Metro Air Pollution Control District. Rebate vouchers are issued as proof of recycling, which participants can use to receive the larger bonus rebate instead of the standard rebate when the vouchers are used for electric or human-powered equipment.

Overall, the Waste Reduction Center is a convenient solution for Louisville residents who need to dispose of bulky waste items. The center accepts a wide range of items and provides a convenient location for residents to drop them off. If you have any questions about the Waste Reduction Center or the items that it accepts, you can contact the facility directly or visit their website for more information.

The Waste Reduction Center is a valuable resource for Louisville residents to dispose of bulky waste items in a convenient and environmentally-friendly way. With the ability to drop off items such as furniture, appliances, electronics, and construction debris, the center provides an easy solution to waste disposal needs. It is important to note that residents can drop off up to four bulky items per day at no charge, but fees will apply for larger loads or drop-offs exceeding four items. Additionally, participants in the lawn care program can receive bonus rebates when they recycle their equipment at the center. It is worth mentioning that residents can also schedule a waste pickup at their address for even more convenience. With these options available, Louisville residents have a range of convenient and eco-friendly solutions for their waste disposal needs.

REFERENCES

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/waste-reduction-center

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Community Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Selma Jacinto Domingos: An Inspiring Story of an Immigrant Small Business Owner Serving the Community in Louisville, KY

Viet Bao Louisville, KY - Selma
Viet Bao Louisville, KY - Selma

Selma Jacinto Domingos is a true inspiration for anyone looking to make it big in the USA. Her story of resilience, persistence, and determination is truly remarkable. As a local family-owned business owner, Founder & CEO of SUN – Selma Unlimited Network, and GHC – Green Health Cleaning Services, Selma has been serving the community of Louisville, KY with great pride and dedication.

Selma’s journey to the USA started with no English background and escaping the political and social-economic situation in her home country, Angola-Africa. Despite facing numerous challenges, Selma overcame all the odds against her and started from zero to become a successful business owner and a certified speaker in the USA. Her life purpose is to inspire and empower each person to create and build a better life for themselves, their children, family, and their community in harmony with integrity, respect, and love by action, self-leadership, and by knowing who they are as a person.

Through her company, Green Health Cleaning Services, Selma educates her clients on the benefits of using Eco-friendly cleaning services to protect their health, family, friends, and co-workers, especially to those who suffer from allergies and have small children or pets. She is also the author of the book “How To Make It Big In The USA – Immigrant Guidebook Series,” where she shares her story of resilience, persistence, and determination to conquer challenges in life and within yourself. She inspires many people, especially immigrants who may find new life here in the USA that are not available in their home countries, on how to navigate and overcome challenges in their lives to achieve their goals.

Selma’s contribution to the Louisville community has been immense. As a board member of the Chamber of Commerce of Jeffersontown and member of the Rotary Club of Louisville, she actively participates in community development initiatives. Her business, SUN – Selma Unlimited Network, is a networking organization that promotes community engagement and helps people build their networks.

Selma’s life purpose is truly inspiring, and her dedication to serving the community through her businesses is an inspiration to all small business owners. Her hard work, determination, resilience, and persistence have paid off, and she is an excellent example of the value that small businesses bring to their communities. Selma Jacinto Domingos is a true asset to the city of Louisville, KY, and we are grateful for her contributions to the community.

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Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Self-Improve Workforce Development

Reflecting on the Meaning of Life: A Visit to Calvary Cemetery

Di Tran had a profound experience at Calvary Cemetery in Louisville, KY, when his Catholic Vietnamese church members gathered last Sunday to perform the 12 stages of the Holy Cross and pray for their loved ones who had passed away. One of those buried in the ground was Di Tran’s grandfather, and during one of the stages where everyone kneeled down and prayed at his grave, Di Tran had a moment of introspection.

Growing up in a mud hut in rural Vietnam, Di Tran spent much of his childhood with his grandfather, who was now lying beneath the earth. It made him question the meaning of life, and he asked himself, “What is the point of it all? We go through a life cycle, and eventually, we end up buried in the ground. People may remember us, but for how long? Eventually, they go back to their busy lives and forget about us.”

As he wrote this article, Di Tran’s eight-year-old son Jayden Tran, the oldest of his three children, asked him, “Which book are you writing?” Di Tran replied, “My second book,” referring to his upcoming book, “Drop the Fear and Focus on the Faith.”

Childhood Education – Teaching Progress

The central theme of the book is that we must face ourselves if we are to find fulfillment and overcome our feelings of emptiness. We all seek completion, but the quick answer is not as simple as just finding God. As a pastor once told Di Tran, “Yes, God is the answer, but you have to find Him within yourself and surrender to the power of the universe. Be thankful and appreciative.”

Di Tran’s experience at Calvary Cemetery reminded him that life is fleeting, and we must cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. It also reminded him that we must be thankful for what we have and seek fulfillment from within ourselves rather than external sources.

Di Tran’s visit to Calvary Cemetery was a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of introspection. By facing ourselves and finding God within, we can overcome our feelings of emptiness and live a more fulfilled life.

Children – Learn to work and to progress and progress
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Community Information Technology Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

The Burdens of Success: Surrendering Control and Focusing on Others

In life, we all have dreams, desires, and aspirations that we want to achieve. However, sometimes the things we desire may not be easily attainable or may come with a great deal of responsibility and burden. As Di Tran, author of “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERs” and “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” suggests, if you want something that others cannot normally have, you must be willing and able to handle the burden that others may not be able to handle.

It’s essential to understand that success and achievement come with responsibilities, commitments, and sometimes hardships that we must be willing to endure. If we want to achieve something extraordinary, we must be willing to take on extraordinary responsibilities and face challenges that others may not be willing to face. It’s easy to get lost in our own desires and become self-centered. However, Di Tran emphasizes that we must focus on others, be selfless, and serve the greater good.

The burdens that come with achieving our desires can be challenging to handle. The stress and pressure can take a toll on our mental and physical health. However, Di Tran suggests that surrendering our stress to the divine universe and focusing on the things we can control, such as our self-care, love, and devotion to our craft, can make life much happier.

Instead of getting lost in our own desires, we must focus on the bigger picture and understand how our achievements can positively impact others. When we focus on serving others and being selfless, the burdens become lighter, and the challenges become easier to handle. We must also understand that we cannot control everything in life, and there will be obstacles that we cannot overcome. However, by focusing on what we can control, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

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Information Technology Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Serial Entrepreneur Di Tran Launches Cloud-Based Platform MiaHire to Streamline Job Interview Process and Eliminate Biases

DTE - MiaHire
DTE - MiaHire

Serial entrepreneur Di Tran is leveraging his extensive experience in job interviewing to streamline the process and eliminate biases with his new cloud-based online platform, MiaHire. Having applied for jobs twice a week for 20 years, Tran has done at least 1,000 interviews as a job applicant and another 1,000 as a hiring manager for his 10 different businesses. MiaHire, which was launched a year ago in Vietnam by co-founder Truong Dinh Hoang, has already been used by 30 companies in the country and 10 in Japan, resulting in close to 10,000 recorded interviews for white-collar tech jobs for college graduates.

The online platform enables candidates to automatically record initial video responses that relate to the job opening, with assessments of multiple evaluators conducted through the platform to eliminate biases. MiaHire also aims to simplify the process for recruiters and HR professionals by removing the need to deal with multiple recruitment sites, screen resumes and arrange interviews, among other pain points. The platform is subscription-based, with companies buying tickets for one interview, ranging from as low as $4 to as high as $10, depending on the number of interviews purchased.

MiaHire’s revenue model is similar to other third-party hiring sites, and the company has funding from Asia, with Tran and his business partner Anthony Beida seeking American users. Tran hopes to hire an American sales team, English-speaking support team and American consulting team to launch the solution in Louisville, aiming to make it the city’s tech hub. The company also plans to offer multi-month trial periods to American companies to test the market. Tran hopes to have at least 10 American companies as customers and hundreds to thousands of job applicants in the US within a year.

Tran’s vision for MiaHire is shaped by his own experience of facing numerous rejections after applying for 400 jobs after graduating from the University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School for Engineering in 2006. His commitment to resolving the pain points of the job interview process, along with his extensive entrepreneurial experience, is driving MiaHire’s mission to improve the recruitment process for both recruiters and job applicants.

References:

https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/inno/stories/profiles/2023/03/28/di-train-miahire-startup-hiring-job-applicants.html

Louisville Business First – Di Tran Enterprise

https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/search/results?q=Di+Tran

Louisville Business First – Di Tran Enterprise
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Community Leadership Development Self-Improve Workforce Development

Serving Others and Growing Together: Di Tran Reflects on the Power of Rotary Club of Louisville Projects

Di Tran, the CEO of Di Tran Enterprise, has built a successful business that includes Louisville Beauty Academy, Louisville Institute of Technology, and other small businesses. As an author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and soon to be released “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran has made serving others a central theme in his work and personal life. Recently, he reflected on the Rotary event fundraising efforts and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve others through the Rotary Club of Louisville projects.

Vy Truong – Di Tran’s Wife

The Rotary Club is a global organization that is dedicated to promoting peace and improving communities around the world. The Rotary Club of Louisville is one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the world, with over 350 members, and has been serving the community for more than 110 years. The club is committed to making a positive impact in the community and beyond, with initiatives that focus on education, health, and community development projects.

The Rotary Club of Louisville has undertaken numerous projects over the years, including the Rotary Promise Scholarships, which provide tuition-free enrollment at Jefferson Community & Technical College to qualifying graduates from two high schools in the Jefferson County Public School system. The scholarships are designed to motivate students to be academically successful in high school and improve the college-going rate. Another project is the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, which provides scholarships for students to attend a three-day leadership program.

Dr. B, Vy Truong and Di Tran

The club also recognizes unsung heroes each year by honoring one senior from each public, private, and Catholic high school for their school and community volunteer work. They also award two Unsung Heroes students a $2,000 renewable scholarship to a local four-year college that is matched by most of the institutions. In addition, they support various community projects, such as Repair Affair, which mobilizes resources and volunteers to make repairs on homes owned by low-income homeowners who are elderly or disabled.

On an international level, the Rotary Club of Louisville contributes annually to Rotary International’s 32-year-long campaign to eradicate polio in the world. They also partner with other Rotary Clubs in the U.S. or abroad to support various projects, such as providing clean water, working septic systems, kitchen gardens, and instruction on recycling and environmental protection in eight isolated schools in a mountainous area of Colombia.

March 27th at Waterfront Botanical Gardens! – Fundraising

Di Tran, at 40 years old, is grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve others through Rotary projects. As a young CEO compared to many of the other leaders and successful business owners in the Rotary Club of Louisville, he recognizes the importance of the Rotary Club’s values of truth, fairness, goodwill, and friendship. He believes that serving others is the true meaning of life, and he strives to instill this value in his work and personal life.

The fundraising event that Di Tran reflected on was a recent Rotary Club of Louisville initiative that aimed to raise funds to support various community and international projects. The event took place at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens and included the opportunity to attend in person, buy raffle tickets for a chance to win an amazing trip, or bid on online auction experiences. The fundraising event was a way for Rotary to raise funds to help others, and Di Tran is blessed to be part of such an important effort.

Di Tran believes that being around the “have done it” and weekly reminding himself of the Rotary mission, such as “is it the truth, is it fair to all concern, will it build goodwill and better friendship, and will it be beneficial to all concern” Rotary four-way test, has helped him grow each day. He wishes to teach his kids the same values, and he feels grateful to be part of the Rotary Club of Louisville’s efforts to serve others and make a positive impact in the world.

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Looking Within: The Importance of Comparing Yourself to Yesterday Rather Than Others

Viet Bao Louisville - Self Check Instead of Others
Viet Bao Louisville - Self Check Instead of Others

In today’s world, where social media and constant comparison are ubiquitous, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others. Many people spend a significant amount of time and energy comparing their achievements, successes, and even their appearance to those around them. However, focusing on others can be detrimental to one’s mental and emotional well-being. It is much more beneficial to look at oneself, engage in self-reflection, and compare oneself to who they were yesterday, rather than to others.

Comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem. It can create an unhealthy competition and a constant need for validation from others. When one looks at others, they are only seeing a glimpse of their lives, and it is easy to become envious of their apparent success. However, everyone’s journey is different, and it is not fair to compare oneself to others without knowing their full story.

On the other hand, focusing on self-reflection and self-improvement can lead to personal growth and development. By comparing oneself to who they were yesterday, they can identify areas where they have improved and areas where they need to work on. This type of reflection allows for a more accurate assessment of one’s abilities and a more realistic understanding of their progress.

The concept of comparing oneself to yesterday rather than others is emphasized in many self-help books and writings. In the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, he discusses the importance of small incremental improvements in one’s life. He suggests that focusing on making a 1% improvement each day can lead to significant progress over time. By comparing oneself to who they were yesterday, they can identify small areas of improvement and work on them consistently, leading to long-term growth.

Similarly, in the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s circle of influence rather than their circle of concern. By focusing on the things one can control and improve upon, they can make progress in their own lives rather than being consumed by external factors.

It is essential to focus on self-reflection and self-improvement rather than comparing oneself to others. By looking at oneself and comparing to yesterday, individuals can identify areas of improvement and work towards personal growth and development. This type of reflection can lead to increased self-esteem, confidence, and a more positive outlook on life. So, next time you find yourself comparing yourself to others, take a step back, and focus on comparing yourself to who you were yesterday.

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Community Self-Improve

New Kentucky Laws Strengthen Penalties for Hazing and DUI: What You Need to Know

Viet Bao Louisville - DUI Law new
Viet Bao Louisville - DUI Law new

On March 27th, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed two new laws in Kentucky, Lofton’s Law and Lily’s Law, that aim to strengthen the state’s hazing and driving under the influence (DUI) laws. These laws have several specific provisions that the public needs to be aware of.

Lofton’s Law, also known as Senate Bill 9, increases the penalty for hazing resulting in physical harm or death. It will now be considered a Class D felony, which carries a longer jail sentence and higher fines. Hazing that does not cause physical harm will now be considered a Class A misdemeanor. The bill was introduced in response to the tragic death of University of Kentucky freshman, Lofton Hazelwood, in October 2021.

Lily’s Law, also known as House Bill 262, mandates that a person is guilty of vehicular homicide if they cause the death of another while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This law aims to hold those responsible for DUI-related deaths accountable and make the consequences more severe. The bill also requires those arrested for DUI to be detained for at least six hours, which is an increase from the previous four hours, and clarifies the breath test procedure in accordance with the standard operating procedures adopted by the Department of Criminal Justice Training.

In Kentucky, driving under the influence is a serious offense with severe consequences. If a person is caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they will be charged with a DUI. For drivers under the age of 21, there is a zero-tolerance policy, and any amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge. Commercial drivers have a lower legal limit of 0.04%.

If a person is convicted of DUI in Kentucky, they face jail time, fines, and the suspension of their driver’s license. For first-time offenders, the penalties can include up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a 30 to 120-day license suspension. For subsequent offenses, the penalties become more severe, with longer jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.

In addition to the legal consequences, a person convicted of DUI may also face social and financial consequences. They may lose their job, have difficulty finding new employment, and experience strain on their personal relationships. They may also face higher car insurance rates and have to pay for any damages or injuries they caused as a result of their DUI.

To avoid these consequences, it is important to never drink and drive. If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a sober driver or use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft. You can also designate a sober friend to be your driver for the evening. It is also important to be aware of your BAC level and to know your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Lofton’s Law and Lily’s Law have strengthened Kentucky’s hazing and DUI laws, and it is important for the public to be aware of their provisions. If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a sober driver and be aware of your BAC level. By doing so, you can avoid the legal, social, and financial consequences of a DUI conviction. Remember, the best way to stay safe is to never drink and drive.