my thoughts on the environment, travel and life reflections

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  • A WOMAN IN HER 50S; ANXIETIES AND HOW SHE COPED WITH

    March 19th, 2025

    Hello everyone,

    Finally, I managed to finish writing this book, which elaborates my experience entering my 50s. I felt restless and tense, haunted by many fears.

    Slowly, I managed to conquer the fear of being shunned by children, fear of lack of money, fear of death, and other disappointments.

    If you want to know or learn how I deal with my troubles, please order this book via:

    http://lynk.id/hoyapublishinghouse/55w90697d7m2/checkout

    Pdf format. Written in Bahasa Indonesia.

    Price: Rp30.000

  • A SUCCESSFUL MOM

    March 18th, 2025
    Daily writing prompt
    What was the best compliment you’ve received?
    View all responses

    A woman’s success is not only regarded by her high position, wealth, or beauty but also by her ability to manage her family and raise her children well. Although it is not entirely her responsibility, her husband must also play a role. Yet, success in developing a happy and distinct family is often associated with a woman’s soft skill.

    I was very flattered when being praised for the success or goodness of my children. I sensed that I have contributed a good legacy for the goodness of this world.

    I strongly believe that the more good children are ‘created’ by families, the better our future.

    However, such a compliment will not intoxicate me.

    All goodness comes from Allah. May Allah still make me a humble person.

  • A WEEK TRAVELED TO SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, AND THAILAND

    March 17th, 2025

    In mainland Europe, you might be able to choose just one type of transportation to explore several countries. But not in here.

    I live in Indonesia, and the closest countries are Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. My husband, our two children, and I explored these three countries for a week a couple years ago.

    We can’t rely on just one mode of transportation because Indonesia and the surrounding countries are separated by a vast ocean. To reach Singapore, we took a ferry from Batam. Then, from Singapore, we traveled to Malaysia and Thailand by bus.

    Finally, after two days in Bangkok, we returned home by plane. That was one of the most tiring but pleasant moments of our family traveling.

    In my opinion, it’s more fun to bring your own vehicle. You can stop at many places and enjoy special moments such as rural views or culinary delights. A cross-country trip using public transportation and in one tour package would limit your chance to explore the country’s uniqueness.

  • OBSERVING SELF-CONFIDENCE FROM BOTH SIDES

    March 16th, 2025

    My friend Lily (not her real name) is the most confident friend I have ever had. The way she speaks in public amazes everyone and makes them believe in her reputation as a senior government official.

    Indeed, she has worked for years in the field. No wonder she understands and can provide quick responses to pressing problems.

    I admired her confidence and even felt a bit inferior to her greatness. Until one day…..

    She chatted about the complicated problems in her household and the pressure she faced from the boss. That I thought was worth confronting, but she chose to compromise.

    I learn a lot from her. Confidence does not mean that someone can really control their own life. Someone who looks so confident on the surface may just be acting. But in reality, they are hiding worries that would destroy themselves.

    I am not always confident in myself. I am grateful for that. I tend to be quiet and less vocal about my work achievements. The benefits are great, you know. I can live more peacefully because not many people look at me or are jealous of my life.

  • IF CRYING COULD NOT EASE YOUR FEELING

    March 15th, 2025

    Negative feelings can be hard to shake off.

    Cry. The negative emotions may be released more quickly, a way for healing. That’s the common suggestion to release from the negative emotion.

    However, that doesn’t apply to me because I tend to overthink and find it difficult to cry.

    I will do this to get rid of negative feelings:

    1. Writing a journal or diary, spilling all my frustration, and analyzing it as detailed as possible. My writing can be up to 3 or 4 pages. On the final page, I usually find the insights. What I experienced was not very bad. Happen in anyone’s life. Don’t be exaggerated. I also began to forgive the one who bothered me.
    2. Taking care of plants, replacing the pot, adding soil, or cutting yellowing leaves.
    3. Doing household chores, followed by a nap, often leaves me feeling lighter when I wake up. A cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake would make me feel fresh again.

    Each person has a unique way of adapting to negative feelings right. How about you, friends?

  • BOOK BOOTHS UNDER JACARANDA TREES

    March 14th, 2025

    One memorable activity during my studies in Australia was shopping for second-hand books in the courtyard of the University of Queensland. The flea market there was known as Wednesday Market. That’s the hunting place to get lower prices for books, fresh flowers and food.

    The place was a favorite of all students. I can still clearly remember the atmosphere every Wednesday. Dozens of stalls with canvas tents stood, selling books, flowers, sketches, ceramic and wool dolls, etc. On the side of the road were lined with Jacaranda trees for shade. Its lavender-blue flowers were scattered on the road throughout April to August.

    As foreign students with limited pocket money, we had to be frugal while pursuing our passion for exploring many places and gradually collecting souvenirs to bring back to Indonesia.

    Shopping here felt like an extravaganza for me. I enjoyed walking around the booths and choosing classic novels, history books, and other things that took my attention. I didn’t invite anyone to join me, in worry that my concentration would be divided when choosing books.

    Over the course of nearly a year and a half, I collected a substantial number of books. I had to pay for cargo rental to bring them back to Indonesia, which I cost-shared with friends with the same interest.

    The books only cost me 5 cents, or at most 1 dollar, but I felt very lucky to have them. They are my precious collection.

  • LAW AND ORDER

    March 13th, 2025

    I learned a lot about law from this TV series. Law is not something static. Law can be changed and revised frequently to keep up with changes in people’s behavior.

    Human actions evolve, legal issues grow more complex, and crimes become increasingly organized. What may seem straightforward at first can have a complicated backstory. Therefore, it is essential for honest law enforcers to keep their legal knowledge up to date and to remain vigilant.

    I got all the insights from the Law and Order Special Victim Unit series. While watching, I was curious about who the real suspect was? The ending was often full of surprises.

    I also watched the prosecutor work hard to prove the suspect’s guilt. The cooperation between the police and the prosecutor must be strong to uncover a case and to convict the perpetrators. Sometimes, they face failure due to a lack of evidence or cannot refute the defense strategy of the cunning of the lawyers.

    The part that saddened me the most was the case involving the abuse of young children or good women. OMG, how could the perpetrators be that cruel? I became paranoid and afraid to go to America. Is the behavior of sexual predators that depraved? Do cases like those in TV movies often happen in America?

  • NYI RORO KIDUL

    March 12th, 2025

    A superstitious figure in the sea off Java Island. She is believed to be the protector of the people. Every year, a ceremony is held to deliver offerings to the queen of the southern sea.

    In some areas in my country, traditions mixed with superstition still exist, even becoming tourist attractions and annual agendas.

    However, some people see it only as mere culture (traditional clothing, dances, and rituals). So when they come to activities that have elements of superstition, they only want to immortalize the moment with photos or videos,

    The values ​​of superstition and religion are contradictory. Pious people avoid doing superstitious things. However, the tourism industry does not recognize the term superstition. If an event can attract thousands of people, they will manage it for money.

    At the popular tourist agenda of offering to Nyi Roro Kidul on the South Coast of Java Island – as an example, many religious people also gather. They come as groups that organize events, sell food, offer souvenirs, and provide other services.

    Well, in such conditions, superstitious activities can be economically beneficial.

  • SWEET BUT RESTLESS DEER

    March 11th, 2025

    One day, my son gave me a quiz and asked me to answer the questions honestly. The quiz would show which animal has the same character as my personality.

    The answer came out in the blink of an eye. Deer.

    I was described as a person who was very concerned about the comfort of the soul. If something disturbs me, I would be restless and want to escape. This description was similar to the nature of a deer.

    Whether I like it or not, I agree with the quiz’s results. Yes, that’s right. Environmental comfort is the most important thing for me.

    I can’t be indifferent. In a bad situation (especially ignoring norms of propriety), my body would absorb the negative aura, and the accumulation would torture me.

  • ON THE PORCH, I READ YOUR LETTER

    March 10th, 2025

    Hello Asnelly, how are you today?

    I hope you can enjoy this morning’s brightness without complaining. Look at how shady the Ketapang tree is and the birds chirping on it. You can also see the dove orchid growing sticky on its trunk. Can you smell its soft scent?

    How is your back? Sore and stiff? You can’t straighten it anymore?

    Hmmm, I understand your suffering. I feel it, too. No one can escape back pain in our age. Back pain won’t kill us, but boredom.

    You look so content, surrounded by your children, daughters-in-law, and cheerful grandchildren. Your patient and humble demeanor inspired your family to love and connect with you.

    You have enough funds for your old age care; there’s no need to burden your children. You are also a constant donor for community activities. You have all the qualities to live comfortably in your elderly.

    I am sure God loves the old guys who are not fussy like you.

    Enjoy your morning on the porch while sunbathing so your bones are strong and your skin is not too pale. Don’t forget to drink tea and health supplements.

    A warm hug from me, love.

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