Turning the Page

Someone once said, “I’m so happy leaving this place behind.”

That got me thinking, especially when you’re trying to figure out if the problem was you or the place you were in. It’s like the situation itself is making you question everything. How bad does a place have to be for you to feel joy in leaving it? Yet, it seems that escaping a toxic environment brings relief, peace, and, most importantly, new hope that turning over a new leaf is a solution.

Leaving a toxic place is akin to shedding a heavy cloak that’s been weighing you down. You might not even realize how heavy it was until you feel the lightness of its absence. Toxic environments have a way of making you feel small, powerless, and lost. They cloud your judgment, dim your light, and stifle your voice until you’re left questioning your worth, your abilities, and sometimes, your very essence.

The decision to walk away is not an admission of defeat but a bold step towards reclaiming your power and peace. It’s an acknowledgment that some situations are beyond repair, not because you haven’t tried hard enough, but because they are fundamentally flawed. The realization that you deserve better is a profound one. It opens your eyes to the possibility of a life where you’re not constantly on edge, where your happiness isn’t contingent on the whims or moods of others.

Navigating Fear

In the heart of Indonesia’s bustling democracy lies a simmering question: Does fear, fueled by the prospect of political power concentration within a single family, drive us towards greater caution? As the nation stands at the crossroads of electing a presidential candidate with deep familial ties to the incumbent power, this question transcends mere political curiosity, touching the very pulse of democratic vitality.

The fear of political dynasties is not unfounded. History is replete with examples where the concentration of power within elite families led to erosion of democratic practices, suppression of dissent, and a widening gap between the ruling class and the common populace. In Indonesia, the specter of such a future evokes deep-seated anxiety among those who cherish democratic ideals.

Making Sense of the Mess

A clear thought hits me: we are always living in contradiction.

This idea doesn’t come from a sudden flash of insight but from watching the pattern of human behavior, my own included, where what we do and what we believe often don’t match, creating a conflict that’s both interesting and disturbing.

For example, in leadership, the biggest clash shows up when there’s a clear difference between what leaders say they value and how they actually act. This difference, often seen as hypocrisy, can really affect the spirit and unity of their teams or organizations. When leaders talk about being open, honest, or fair, but then do things that go against these ideals, it leads to widespread disappointment. Team members or followers, once driven and uplifted by a leader’s goals, might start doubting not only the leader’s truthfulness but also the goals and values they’re working for. This loss of trust is more than just a personal letdown; it shakes the very core of the organization or group, making it less effective and trusted.

Farewell, Olive

This morning, my heart is filled with sadness because of losing Olive, my beautiful Persian cat. Olive, with her lovely gray and white fur, was not just a pet but has been my constant companion for nearly four years. Her passing away has left a big empty space in my heart.

In the past month, Olive’s health took a turn for the worse. Her body was not fighting sickness well, and she had to stay in the hospital for two long weeks. She tried very hard to get better, enduring blood tests, supplements, and even a blood transfusion, but sadly, she did not improve.

When I found out Olive died last Sunday, I felt a lot of different things. I was not ready to believe it, even though I saw she was very sick. I’ve been feeling very, very sad since that day. It was only yesterday that I started to cry. Every night feels so lonely now, makes me question – did I give her the best life possible?