Make the Best of an Ordinary Life

Today, I was reminded of a truth that brought a sense of calm to my soul: everything that is truly meant for me will feel like peace. It won’t demand struggle, force, or endless questioning. It will arrive with a quiet, steady presence—like coming home to a place I didn’t even realize I’d been longing for.   I’ve spent so much time chasing, striving, and searching for what I thought I needed, only to feel unsettled when I finally caught it. But the things that are right for me—the people, opportunities, and experiences—will find me when I stop trying to control every step. They won’t feel rushed or uncertain. Instead, they will feel natural, as if they’ve always been part of my story.   This doesn’t mean I won’t have to work or grow. It means trusting the process. Life’s gifts often come disguised in small, subtle moments—the ones I might miss if I’m too busy overanalyzing or forcing outcomes. Sometimes, my only job is to step out of my own way.   So, today...

As I sit and reflect on the passage of time, one truth resonates deeply within me—life humbles you in ways you never expect. When we’re younger, the world feels like a race. We chase achievements, accolades, and the thrill of “having it all.” But as the years go by, life quietly teaches us to slow down and appreciate the simple, often-overlooked joys that were always there waiting.   It’s in those quiet moments—alone with your thoughts, sipping coffee or perhaps a tea will do too as the sun rises, or walking under a canopy of trees—that you realize the beauty of stillness. The rush and chaos lose their charm, replaced by the sweetness of solitude and the comfort of enough sleep, a healthy meal, or a genuine conversation with someone who truly matters.   Life humbles you when you experience setbacks, heartbreak, or moments of uncertainty. It teaches you to stop glorifying busyness and instead to honor rest, healing, and gratitude. You learn that the "big things" don’t...

Journal Entry #13:  "Allah will open the right doors at the right time." These words have stayed with me through the whirlwind of the past week, and looking back, I realize just how beautifully everything has unfolded.   I had been feeling overwhelmed, as if I was juggling too much at once—my 30-day writing challenge, preparing to be the MC for my mentor's farewell event, work responsibilities, and training for a 10K race. At times, it felt like I was falling short in every area. But here I am, reflecting on the results, and I feel nothing but gratitude.   The MC event was a success! The compliments I received warmed my heart—hearing people say how good I was and seeing my mentor happy and proud meant the world to me. I poured my heart into it, and it showed.   On top of that, I managed to finish the 10K with a personal record of 1:34 minutes—not too bad, considering how hectic life has been! Crossing that finish line felt like crossing a milestone, no...

Journal Entry 10: Perspective Today, I found myself reflecting on the importance of gratitude and how it shapes the way I see my journey. It’s so easy to feel stuck or behind, but when I truly think about it, every moment—good and bad—has brought me closer to understanding myself.   Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything has been perfect. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the lessons I’ve learned from every setback and heartbreak. The relationships I’ve had, whether they lasted or ended, weren’t mistakes. They were opportunities to grow, to love, and to learn. Letting go doesn’t always mean cutting someone off or shutting the door forever. Sometimes, it’s about making space for both yourself and the other person to thrive separately, while still holding on to the respect and the memories you shared.   I’ve realized that letting go can be an act of love—not just for others but also for myself. It doesn’t erase what once was; it honors it while choosing what’s best for the...

Journal Entry #9   Today, I came across a reflection that reminded me of the strength in kindness. It’s fascinating how often society confuses kindness with weakness, as though being compassionate makes us less capable. But I’ve learned that it takes real courage and self-assurance to remain kind in a world that normalizes pride, ignorance, and hate.   Kindness isn’t about letting others walk all over us or tolerating disrespect. It’s about standing firm without stooping to the level of cruelty. It’s setting boundaries, respecting ourselves, and still choosing to respond with grace rather than anger.   In my journey, I’ve encountered moments where being kind felt like swimming against the current. Whether it was calming a frustrated client or holding back judgment when I felt wronged, I realized that kindness doesn’t make me powerless—it empowers me. It allows me to rise above negativity and focus on what truly matters: treating others with respect and crea...

Journal Entry #8:  There are days when I find myself missing something or someone I know wasn't meant to stay in my life. Yet, in that moment, I can’t deny that it filled a part of me that needed to be filled, even if it wasn’t in the way I expected. Maybe it was the way the words were said when I thought no one understood me, the easiness of feeling that been given, the familiarity that feel like home or the touch that brought comfort when I felt alone.   I think about the times I thought I needed certain things to be whole—love, affection, understanding—and even if those moments weren’t perfect, they were what I needed at the time. And even though the relationship didn't meet my expectations, maybe it wasn't a failure, but rather an experience, a lesson in disguise. We are all just doing the best we can with what we know, learning along the way.   It's hard to admit, but it's okay to acknowledge that not everything will be as we imagined. That people can walk ...

Journal entry #7 Today, I found myself reflecting on the weight of past connections—the ones that once brought joy but now leave echoes of loss in their wake. It’s strange how the mind works, replaying moments and revisiting faces we no longer see. Sometimes, it feels like trying to catch rain in a desert or climbing a steep mountain only to tumble back down.   But I’m learning something important: pain doesn’t mean permanence. Missing people, grieving the loss of what was, or even wrestling with our inner storms is human. It’s not a sign of weakness but a testament to how deeply we’ve loved and lived.   I used to believe my happiness relied on others—on their presence, approval, or reassurance. But life has gently taught me otherwise. It’s not about handing over my peace to another’s control. It’s about finding stability within myself, even when the world outside feels uncertain.   On hard days, when the heaviness feels too much to carry, I remind myself: ...

Journal entry #6 :  Today’s reflection reminds me of the beauty in simplicity—the power of building a life that feels good, even if it doesn’t look extraordinary to others. I’m realizing that true fulfillment doesn’t come from flashy highlights or curated perfection like the Pinterest board, but from moments that genuinely make me smile, no matter how small it is.   It’s easy to get caught up in societal expectations, chasing what we’re told of perfect life as we “should” want or do. But when I pause to ask myself what truly makes me feel lighter, I find it’s often the choices that honor my happiness and peace over external validation.  Letting go of those “shoulds” and making space for joy isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. It literally give me peace regardless how odds the view is. I’ve also started to think about the people I keep close. There’s so much value in surrounding myself with those who inspire me, who respect me, and who encourage me to grow—even if ...

Journal Entry #5: There’s a profound truth I’ve come to embrace: beauty isn’t something we chase—it’s something we discover and nurture within ourselves. The more I reflect on this, the more I realize how deeply it’s connected to recognizing my own worth and the energy I bring into the world.   As someone who spent years in the aviation industry, I poured so much energy into maintaining a polished image, striving to fit societal ideals—especially within the framework of Indonesian cultural expectations. I followed trends, analyzed every detail in the mirror, and silently wished I could change certain things. Even when I achieved fleeting milestones, like glowing skin or fitting into a favorite outfit, the satisfaction never lingered. Why? Because I was only scratching the surface, never truly embracing the person I was beyond appearances.   Realizing my worth has been a turning point. It’s not just about looking in the mirror and appreciating what I see—it’s about fe...

Journal Entry #4 Childhood memories are like threads in a tapestry, weaving a story that is both beautiful and haunting. Some threads are vibrant, shining with joy and love, while others are darker, bearing the weight of pain and loss. As I reflect on my own childhood, I realize how deeply these memories, both good and bad, have shaped the person I am today.   One of my most cherished memories is of a lazy Sunday spent with my papa and brother. We were all lying on the bed, talking about the world and its endless possibilities. My dad's voice was filled with wonder and hope as he spoke about moving to another country, about how learning English could open doors to incredible experiences. Even as a child, I could feel how much those dreams meant to him, and unknowingly, they planted seeds of curiosity and ambition in my heart.   But with the good memories come the ones that are harder to bear. My father’s life was cut far too short, and witnessing his struggle was som...

Journal Entry #3 Life has its own rhythm, and like always be, I’m choosing to lean into it. It’s so easy to feel like I’m behind, like I’ve missed some imaginary deadline giving all the pressure fall into my shoulders, but when I pause and take a deep breath, I remember that my path is mine alone.   Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me, even when it didn’t feel like it at the time. Those moments of heartbreak, crying, and uncertainty taught me how to heal, how to rebuild, and how to find beauty in starting over. There’s something peaceful about knowing I’ve come through the storm, stronger and wiser than before.   Instead of rushing, I’m letting myself enjoy this season of life. I’m soaking in the little moments—quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, spontaneous conversations with friends, and the freedom to dream without limits. There’s no rush to get anywhere. Life isn’t a race; it’s a journey meant to be savored.   I’m learning to trust that everything...

Journal Entry #2 Today, I found myself reflecting on the saying, "Everyone we meet is a mirror." It’s such a powerful thought, especially in Indonesian culture, where so much of our identity is shaped by how we’re perceived. We grow up seeking approval, adjusting our behavior to fit societal expectations, and feeling the weight of keeping harmony in close-knit communities. But this idea of others reflecting pieces of our inner world felt like a nudge to shift my perspective. Maybe, just maybe, every interaction—even the tough ones—is here to teach me something about myself.   I thought back to a recent family gathering with the aunties. Ah, the aunties and their endless curiosity masked as concern. One of them, with her usual nosiness, left me feeling dismissed and irritated. But as I sat with that frustration, I realized it wasn’t just about her—it was also about me. There’s an unspoken struggle I’ve always had in personal settings: finding my voice without wrapping my words...

January 1, 2025 Journal Entry #1: Romanticizing My Life  Hello,   New year, new me? Nope. Not buying into that cliché. Resolutions are often just fancy to-do lists that end up feeling more like heavy backpacks. So, here I am, stirring up the same old me—just with a sprinkle of intention to grow, breathe, and maybe laugh a little louder.   This morning, I greeted the sunrise with the curiosity of a cat seeing something suspicious (think cucumber vibes). Coffee in hand—my daily dose of sanity—I found myself pondering the mysteries of life: like why my hijab buns vanish into the laundry abyss or how my nephews can turn crying marathons into their own chaotic symphony. Life's little absurdities, really.   This year, I’ve decided to keep doing what I’ve always done—romanticizing the ordinary. To find magic in the mundane. Every commute will be a tiny adventure, every email a little story. I’ll wear my favorite outfit, swipe on bold lipstick, and feel stunning—not for anyo...