Live Love Life Leisure

Happy dance - Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com The other day, I found myself trapped in frustration over something I couldn’t fix on my own. My electricity had gone out, but it was only in my place. And to make matters worse, I had no idea who to call for help. Back in Jakarta, solving problems like this was as easy as grabbing my phone, searching for a technician, making a quick call, and… boom! help was on the way. Sure, it cost money, but as long as everything functioned again, it was worth it. Here, however, I was left powerless; literally and emotionally. Feeling helpless, I flopped onto my bed, trying to manage my emotions. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and told myself, “I am experiencing anger.” I repeated the phrase like a mantra, over and over. And then, something unexpected happened. I realized how different I had become. To be honest, it was my first time consciously acknowledging my anger in such a way. I had never verbalized it before. Curious, I ...

  Idea - Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com I’ve been wrestling with this story I had in mind for three days now. Three long, frustrating days of staring at my screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, typing, deleting, rewriting; only to end up with something that feels hollow. No matter how many changes I make, the words don’t quite capture what I want to say. It’s like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands. Desperate for a fresh perspective, I escaped to my favorite neighborhood meatball restaurant. The cozy garden, dappled in warm sunlight, the aroma of broth and spices curling around me. It should have been the perfect setting to unlock my creativity. But even as I sat there, twirling my spoon absentmindedly, my mind remained tangled. I did pour the idea into my laptop, though… But later that night, when I reread my work, the disappointment hit like a punch to the gut. Still not right. The next morning, I couldn’t bring myself to touch my computer. The fr...

Morning Habit - Photo by Aphiwat chuangchoem: https://www.pexels.com This happened some time last month. On that day, I remembered waking up way too early. Unlike my usual sluggish mornings, I instinctively went straight to the bathroom, washed up, and did my morning prayer. Then, I returned to bed, snuggled under my duvet, and planned to steal another hour of rest before heading out for my morning walk. As I lay there, a realization hit me: something had changed in me. The way I started my mornings felt different. At first, I was confused. Why did I rush off to the bathroom the moment I woke up? That wasn’t how I normally did things. I usually spent a few minutes (still on my bed) greeting good morning to God and thank Him for the great night sleep, then did the same thing to my body. But that morning? What happened to me? While thinking about that, suddenly, like a floodgate opening, memories from my past came rushing back. They were memories of my 9-to-5 life that I had left nearly...

  Trust the Unknown - Photo by Antoni Shkraba: https://www.pexels.com My morning today began with a simple thought, a desire to capture my feelings and share them in this blog. But as I powered on my laptop, the gentle sound of rain greeted me, an unexpected but joyful companion.  Like a child welcoming parents home from a long trip, I burst out the door, arms wide open, a smile stretched across my face. The excitement I felt was reminiscent of how I used to welcome my father back from a trip. That homecoming was always brimming with surprises; be it toys, books, or delicious treats; and the anticipation of his return filled our home with joy.  And in that same spirit, I whispered a heartfelt thank-you to the rain for visiting me again, right on cue, as though the universe had orchestrated it just for me. Before the rain, I had prepared a cup of coffee, not out of habit but because I was simply in the mood for it that morning. Alongside it was a pastry I’d saved from last...

Happy Eating - Photo by KoolShooters : https://www.pexels.com Have you ever caught yourself dancing when eating something amazing? That first bite that sets off a party in your mouth and makes your body move involuntarily like a head nod here, a little shoulder shake there, as if your soul is responding to an unsung tune. If you’re smiling right now, chances are you’ve been there. If not, stick around. By the end of this, you just might be inspired to groove your way through your next meal. Let’s be real. Not everyone dances when they eat, but my sister, cousin, and I? We’re full-on performers when the food hits just right. Sometimes, it’s just one of us moving subtly to the rhythm; other times, the three of us together create what I like to call a “movement of gratitude,” exclusive only to us. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply satisfying all at once. What’s funny is that this wasn’t always my thing. It’s only recently that I’ve found myself doing the “food dance.” And now that...

  Love your body -  Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com Have you ever thought of your body as your buddy? Not just a vessel that carries you through life, but a true companion; one that tirelessly works behind the scenes to keep you alive, healthy, and functional?  Well, to be honest, I used to think of my body as just a body, something impersonal and utilitarian. It existed for a purpose, sure, but it wasn’t something I saw as a being deserving my care, gratitude, or affection. In fact, for years, I just used it without thinking about its needs or even acknowledging its existence beyond what was necessary. But that perspective began to shift after attending a workshop where I was introduced to the idea of “thanking your body.” At first, the concept seemed absurd. Thank my legs, arms, lungs, and heart? What am I, crazy? But during the workshop, we were guided through a simple practice of gratitude for our bodies, and I decided to give it a try.  That n...

  Life is to enjoy every moment -  Photo by SlipcoverKAS .COM: pexels.com There’s something profoundly beautiful I recently realized: my healing process has been deeply supported by the minimalist lifestyle I began adopting a few years ago. It’s almost weird how one seemingly simple concept has rippled across different facets of my life, leaving behind clarity, peace, and freedom. The heart of minimalism lies in reducing possessions, but don’t get me wrong, it’s not about living a sparse, joyless life. Instead, it’s about learning to cherish what truly matters. By shedding unnecessary stuff, I’ve come to understand that the memories we treasure far outweigh the physical objects we accumulate. For sure, minimalism has taught me that wealth isn’t measured by how many things we own, but by the value we find in them. Decluttering: The Mind-Body Connection Decluttering has been an essential practice in my minimalist journey. Even after the massive decluttering I undertook when I fi...

Don't stop dreaming -  Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com There was a time in my life when I thought I needed to have all the answers. I believed that if I could figure everything out, I would finally feel secure, accomplished, and at peace. So, I’d set ambitious goals, push myself relentlessly to achieve them, and agonize over every little setback. Still, I didn’t realize how my dreams turned into burdens I carried constantly, weighing heavily on my mind and heart. They whispered to me in every quiet moment, reminding me of their urgency and of how incomplete I felt without them. I still remember one of those obsessions. Let’s just call it “the dream” for now. The dream seemed like it would complete me. I wanted it because I thought having it would mean I was enough—worthy, successful, fulfilled. But the harder I chased it, the more it seemed to slip away, like sand running through my fingers. It consumed me: sleepless nights, countless plans, disappointment so hea...