Skip to main content

Mirrors in Our Lives

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 in sarcasm or skepticism. That moment with her reminded me that I still have work to do in learning to express myself clearly and kindly.  

On the flip side, I thought about a friend who exudes this incredible calmness. She seems so unshaken, even in the middle of chaos. There was a time I’d compare myself to her and feel lacking. But now, I see her calm as a quiet teacher. She reminds me that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and embrace stillness, even in a world that constantly demands strength and composure.  

Then came the deeper reflection on forgiveness. In a culture that values family ties and harmony, forgiveness can feel like both a virtue and an impossible task. I’ve held onto resentment toward someone close to me for far too long, thinking it was my way of protecting myself. But today, I saw it differently. Forgiving isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about freeing myself from the grip of that pain. It’s about letting go of the need to be right or wronged and choosing to move forward with peace.  

And speaking of letting go, I’ve been learning that sometimes liberation isn’t about fixing a relationship but releasing the attachment altogether. It’s hard—it always is. But there’s a quiet strength in stepping away from what no longer serves me, in choosing to be “unbothered” instead of entangled.  

As I move forward, I want to keep reminding myself that every person I meet—whether they challenge or uplift me—is part of this journey of self-discovery. Every interaction is a chance to grow, to learn, and to inch closer to the version of myself that feels true.  

Affirmation for Today
"I embrace every relationship as a lesson, and I choose to grow with love, patience, and grace. Each reflection brings me closer to loving and understanding myself."

Love, 


Chits

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding Strength in Vulnerability: My Journey with Anxiety

 Hello there! Can you believe we're already halfway through 2024? Time truly flies. Unfortunately, this year didn't start off on the best note for me. It's been a long, dragging few months, and just yesterday, I experienced a severe anxiety attack that lasted for three hours. It felt like my world was falling apart. I couldn't catch my breath, my heart was racing, and my body was shaking uncontrollably. What triggered this? It was just a normal Monday until this sudden wave of anxiety hit me. I had to leave my desk and talk to a colleague to try and distract myself. But the palpitations only grew worse, and I found myself telling my close friend that I needed to get out of there. As soon as I reached the bench outside, the tears started flowing. I felt more vulnerable than I have in two years. It reminded me of my first anxiety attack, which happened alone, in the middle of the night, leaving me feeling lost and scared. I've always been a worrier, constantly frettin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Honoring Our Journey of Progress

Hey there, beautiful souls! How's life treating you all? Sending out a shower of blessings your way. Lately, I've been on another     journey of self-discovery and growth. It's incredible how we can be our own worst critics, isn't it? We often find ourselves tangled up in the web of our own expectations, only to end up feeling utterly devastated when we fall short of achieving what we desire. Yews ouch!   Ah, the vicious cycles of life! They have a way of knocking us down, hitting us hard in the gut, and making us question our worth. It's as if we're constantly riding a roller coaster, one moment feeling on top of the world, and the next, crashing down to the depths of despair. Oh, how I know that feeling all too well! But you know what? In the midst of these tumultuous ups and downs, I've learned a valuable lesson. I've come to realize that it's unrealistic to expect myself to be the same person every single day. Life is a constant ebb and flow, and...
Post a Comment
Read more

Near-death Reflection

Two days ago,  I had an experience that shook me deeply and made me truly appreciate the precious gift of life.  After more than twenty years of driving, I was in a major car accident.  I don't remember much about the incident, other than the airbag exploding in my face.  I was in shock at the time, but perhaps thanks to my previous training as a crew member in an emergency, I was able to cope with the situation. But when I got home, I succumbed to emotions and found myself unable to do anything but cry and cry.  Only then did I realize how lucky I was to be alive, how lucky I am to be able to get home.  The fact that the man whose towing my car said it was a terrible accident and I could lose my life.  The weight of this awareness impressed me so much that I could only hug my mother and keep crying. This experience made me think about how I live my life.  Have I treated others kindly and respectfully?  Have I made a positive impact on those ...
Post a Comment
Read more