my thoughts on the environment, travel and life reflections

WORKING BESIDE MY CHILD

May 18th, 2025

My child, who was 5 years old at the time, once said, “Mommy, your boss is so mean. He gives you so much work.”

He expressed his frustration at seeing me typing at home, even though I had already spent the entire day working in the office. He felt excluded from what I was doing. He reminded me about our time for learning the alphabet.

Parents need reprimands from their children to remind them that the burden of work does not take up their children’s time.

My decision to bring work home was a compromise. My seniors at the office opted to stay late to catch up on urgent tasks, but I was reluctant to take that route. Instead, I chose to work from home, where I can continue my responsibilities in the family room while attending to my child’s needs and addressing any complaints.

To keep himself busy, I gave my son paper and crayons to draw with or rubber dinosaur toys.

After finishing my work, I would chat or wrestle with him. I didn’t feel anxious about facing the next day because the draft report requested by my boss was completed on time.
THE SACRIFICE I HAVE FORGOTTEN

May 17th, 2025

An Indonesian film based on a true story once gained public attention. The film tells the story of a devoted daughter who can not refuse her mother’s request to take in her younger sister. She already has a husband and children who require her care and a thriving business that demands additional attention to develop. The mother did not take these responsibilities into account.

For her mother to be at peace, she fulfilled her mother’s wishes. She financed her younger sister’s education and treated her with affection. The hope was that the younger sister would become a successful and independent woman.

But without her realizing it, her husband and younger sister got into an affair. Her husband was a devoted husband, though. But he was conquered by evil. It even got to the point where the younger sister wanted to get rid of her older sister from the marriage. She felt she deserved him more.

You know how furious all of Indonesia was following that true story.

Well, a sacrifice that severe, or a sacrifice for evil in-laws, for example, has never happened in my life. Maybe I ever made a quiet sacrifice, but I have really forgotten. Everything was covered by other good things that God has given me.

I am thankful that my life is not too miserable. Mine is not a princess-like life either.
TWO PENDANTS FULL OF MEMORIES

May 16th, 2025

I have two pendants that I wear often. They have been around for a long time. The diamond pendant was a gift from my mother when I got married 29 years ago. It is very valuable, both in terms of its material value and history, so I take great care of it. I only wear it on special occasions or when I really miss my mother.

I bought the second pendant in Mecca 16 years ago. The seller claimed it is made of Yemeni silver and is adorned with stones. I wear it every day, although it has become a bit dull over time. This question reminds me that I need to take the pendant to a jeweler for polishing and cleaning.

Jewelry is a woman’s pleasure, not only because it is expensive and looks luxurious but also because it has sharp memories.

Once, I looked at the jewelry gallery in a pawnshop and found old jewelry displayed there, and I felt sad. How much pain the woman must have gone through when she took off her jewelry to sell it. Maybe it was like amputating a part of her body. A man should not force his woman to take off her jewelry to sell. The sadness will last for a long time.
BE YOUR OWN LEADER

May 15th, 2025

Many children, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, answer loudly that they want to be president. Then their parents and the people who hear the answer smile happily. Oh, my child has good ideals, they mutter to themselves.

As they grow up, I’m sure those ideals change a lot. Becoming president is challenging, especially in a large country with hundreds of millions of people and a complex political system. A president must have a clear development concept. Otherwise, he will be a failed leader. The chances of winning are also tiny.

As an adult, I desire financial independence and the ability to make my own decisions. I am willing to compromise with my parents, siblings, or husband, but the final decision must ultimately satisfy me.

In such conditions, am I a leader or a follower? Maybe I’m a leader. I can communicate my vision about one interest, and others consider it. A leader is not always the winner in a debate or decision-making. In fact, his ability to listen to other people’s opinions, accommodate them for the common good, be willing to do checks and balances, and be humble will be his strengths.

I am still far from that skill. I am not too ambitious, either. I think the most important thing is to be able to lead yourself and your family. If other people are affected, that’s a bonus.
PINEAPPLE TO CONTROL VERTIGO

May 14th, 2025

I once told you that I suffered from vertigo. This disease once attacked me when I was out of town. I was taken to the hospital and given an IV drip. After recovering, I returned to the hotel. I thought it would not come again.

The next day at the airport, the vertigo recurred. I tried to act normal even though my head felt spinning. I was afraid that I would not be allowed to board the plane if the officer found out. I endured it until I landed. I was taken to the waiting room and met my husband in a wheelchair.

The experience was very stressful. I became reluctant to go far if I was not accompanied by a family member. Afraid of being attacked by vertigo again.

Now I consume pineapple. I make pineapple juice mixed with one carrot, three pieces of ginger, and three pieces of turmeric. My blood pressure and cholesterol levels are back to normal. Vertigo never come since.

I love mangoes, pears, and dragon fruit as well. Speaking of mangoes, Indonesia has hundreds of varieties of sweet and attractive mangoes. My brother-in-law, a Turkish, often expresses his longing for Indonesian mangoes. He believes that Indonesian mangoes are the most delicious fruit in the world.
STOP HAVING SO MANY COSMETICS

May 13th, 2025

My dressing table used to be full of cosmetics and personal care products. There were lipsticks, cleansers, moisturizers, serums, body lotions, perfumes, loose powders, and talcum powders. All of these items are from different brands. For example, I had two bottles of perfume or three lipsticks from various brands.

For some reason, I was not satisfied if there was only one brand. Seemed that I was elite and spoiled by having them. I was trapped by fantasy and much influenced by advertising.

I didn’t have much money when I collected these personal care products. However, that didn’t stop me from buying. Having them was a kind of self-reward. Most of these cosmetics I ended up throwing away, or I gave them to others.

I started to control this habit, and I was actually able to do so. Now, my dressing table is no longer filled with cosmetics. I learned to choose the cosmetics that I truly need with my heart. This significantly reduces their number.

My dressing table is now much neater and spacious. The positive energy flows. When I walk around the room, I think about what else I should remove from my room. I can say confidently that small changes are easy to do if I want to.
I DON’T HAVE ANY STORY LIKE THAT

May 12th, 2025

Daily writing prompt
Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.
View all responses

Who in my immediate environment has significantly influenced my personality? I often ponder this question, yet the answer remains unclear. There is no single individual who most influences me. I take a little bit of goodness from various people to imitate and apply.

My mother has been my role model for perseverance in religion and kindness. My love for books developed from watching my father, a librarian, and an avid reader. I learned to manage family finances thoroughly by following the examples of influential people on social media. My parenting style and approach to educating children are primarily self-taught; I have developed these skills by reading books and listening to advice from educational psychologists.

Everything that I adopt and apply now in my life is a combination of many sources. I cannot mention names specifically.

One important thing to remember is to never idolize others without thinking critically. Prophets are no longer sent to Earth. Humans must open their eyes and minds to the available options. Choose the best according to your common sense and conscience.
FREEDOM RELATES TO DIGNITY

May 11th, 2025

Daily writing prompt
What does freedom mean to you?
View all responses

People’s views on freedom vary, greatly influenced by the depth of their understanding of culture and religion.

Perhaps my opinion isn’t popular, but to me, freedom is closely linked to dignity. Individuals who use their liberty carelessly risk losing their dignity in the eyes of society. On the other hand, those who exercise their freedom responsibly—being mindful that their actions could harm others—are admirable people. Their sensitivity not only protects themselves but also safeguards others, and they do this without any external forcing. They act purely out of their own free will.

The problem is, what is a good level of sensitivity? The level that’s good enough to protect oneself without harming others.

Well, that goes back to the maturity of each individual.
IGNORING A DRAMA QUEEN

May 10th, 2025

If I disagree with a public figure’s opinion, I just tell myself, “Uhh, that person is weird.”

Or I will discuss it with people in my close circle. Just to fill the conversation, not to discuss seriously.

Why respond to other people’s opinions excessively? It doesn’t have much influence on me or others. It will actually make the public figure more famous (Sometimes that’s what they want, conveying controversial things so they become more well-known).

There are so many public figures who have this nature. Doing or saying strange things to get covered by the mass media. Yeah, like a drama queen.
BECOMING A SUHU

May 9th, 2025

My dream of having a brilliant career in the future is now more realistic. I no longer want to be ambitious. Both career and personal life must be balanced. Even I will prioritize peace of mind and family over work or career.

I have fostered this mindset over the past few years. I delegate nearly all out-of-province meeting trips to my staff. They need to gain experience in more strategic tasks, as some will eventually take my place. If I am constantly attending important meetings, when will they have the opportunity to learn?

A good leader knows when to step back and allow others to advance. I step back slowly; it does not mean I become no one. I intend to switch to the position of Suhu. I hope I can still make a positive contribution to my country.

Apologies if it seemed like I was boasting. That was not my intention. I simply wanted to express my thoughts. Everyone has a unique way of thinking and behaving. This is mine.

Salam. Happy weekend to all.