Ground Control to Major Tom

Notes from My Own Floating

“Ground Control to Major Tom..”, there’s a song by David Bowie about an astronaut named Major Tom. He’s strapped into his capsule, the countdown finishes, and he leaves the ground behind. And then, somewhere past the point of no return, something in him just… lets go. He stops trying to get back. He floats. Calm. Detached. Watching the planet he came from turn slowly, beautifully, and completely out of reach.

I think about that image more than I probably should, these days.

Jobless, and Running Out of Savings

It’s been 17 months with no job. No income. My savings are getting thinner every week, and I can feel the bottom of that tank the way you can feel the bottom of a glass before you’ve even finished drinking. I’ve sent out application after application. Cover letters, portfolios, follow-ups. And mostly what comes back is nothing. Not a rejection, even — just silence. The kind of silence that makes you start to wonder if you’re still transmitting at all, or if the signal just stopped reaching anyone a while ago.

That’s the floating part. Untethered from a routine, from a title, from the ordinary proof that you’re doing something with your one life. No ground control. No clear direction home.

My mom tells me to pray more. To tell God plainly what I want, and to trust. And I do believe that. I still have my faith, I still have Jesus with me in this — that part hasn’t left, even out here. But there’s this other voice in me, quieter but just as stubborn, that keeps saying: berserah itu bukan berhenti berusaha. Surrender isn’t supposed to mean giving up the trying. So I sit in that tension almost every day now — wanting to let go and rest in that faith, and also knowing I still have to paddle, still have to search, still have to send one more application into what feels like an empty room.

Some mornings the effort itself feels pointless. Like Major Tom pressing buttons in a capsule that isn’t going anywhere anyway. I’ve been trying to build something out of the only real material I have left, which is that I’ve always been a writer, a dreamer with a brain full of stories and no direction to point them. So I’m trying now — content writing, this blog, whatever comes. And the road is dark. Genuinely dark. I won’t pretend I can see the end of it from here.

Grateful and Afraid, at the Same Time

And yet — and this is the part that confuses me most — I wake up every single day still grateful. Grateful I’m alive. Grateful there’s a roof over my head. Grateful I can fill my stomach. That gratitude is real, it’s not performed, it sits right next to the fear without cancelling it out. I don’t know how to explain that to people who expect gratitude to mean things are fine, or expect fear to mean things are falling apart. Both are just… true, at the same time, in the same body.

I don’t have an ending for this one. I’m not going to tell you I found the checklist that gets me back to solid ground, because I haven’t. I’m still floating. Still sending signals out into a silence that mostly doesn’t answer. Still torn between “let go and trust” and “keep trying,” most days landing somewhere in the middle, exhausted by both.

Maybe that’s just what this stage is. Not a problem to be solved by the end of a blog post, but a season to be named honestly, while it’s still happening. Ground Control, this is Major Tom. Still out here. Still watching the blue planet turn. Not sure yet which way is home — but still, somehow, breathing. (stf)

When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words :  A Reflection on Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence”

There’s something profoundly comforting in silence — not the kind that feels empty, but the kind that feels full. Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode isn’t just a song I like; it’s a song that echoes the way I move through the world. Its lyrics speak of retreat, of craving closeness without the clutter of words, and I relate to that in ways I didn’t expect until I looked back on my own experiences.

“Words like violence / Break the silence / Come crashing in / Into my little world…”

In today’s world, so many relationships — friendships, romances, even family bonds — are built and maintained through chat bubbles and voice notes. It’s practical, yes. Convenient. Necessary in a digital age. But also… deeply flawed. Because while texting allows for instant connection, it strips away the things that matter most — the tone of voice, the look in the eyes, the gentle pauses that hold emotion.

I’ve experienced it too many times — where a single message, maybe even meant with care, triggered confusion or hurt because it was read in a different emotional tone than intended. We interpret texts through the lens of our own emotions at that moment. A simple “okay” can feel like distance. A delayed reply can feel like disinterest. Even voice notes, as expressive as they try to be, still fall short of capturing the full presence of a human being in front of you.

That’s why I’ve always preferred face-to-face conversations when it comes to the things that matter. The deep stuff. I want to feel the temperature of a person’s mood, see the microexpressions on their face, sense the energy between us. I believe in the power of “eye to eye” and “skin to skin.” Not just romantically — but emotionally, soulfully. Because real presence, real engagement, creates understanding beyond words.

“All I ever wanted, all I ever needed / Is here in my arms / Words are very unnecessary / They can only do harm.”

This chorus feels like the anthem of my heart. I’ve loved in silence. I’ve found peace not in long paragraphs but in long embraces. I’ve discovered that sometimes the more we try to explain with words, the more we complicate what’s already clear in the way we feel.

In silence, there is truth.

In presence, there is clarity.

I’m not saying we stop communicating — but maybe we remember that communication isn’t just about what’s said. It’s about how it’s said. And sometimes, it’s about not saying anything at all, just being there.

So when the world gets too noisy, when messages are misread and intentions get lost in translation, I return to this song. I turn it on, close my eyes, and remind myself that silence — shared with someone who understands — can be the most honest form of love there is.

STF- 14 April 2025

Reflection on 2024: A Journey Through Mental Health and Gratitude

Boom… boom… boom…

The muffled sound of fireworks filters into my room. I toss and turn, unable to find sleep despite the weight of exhaustion pressing on my body. My mind, however, is restless, wandering across the landscapes of the past, the present, and the uncertain future.

Happy New Year!

Messages pour in from friends, confidants, and even a “lover,” filling my inbox with well-wishes.

Ah, yes—another year has begun. It’s officially 2025, though to me, it feels no different from any other night.

As I reflect on 2024, I’m struck by a sobering realization: I haven’t been okay. Outwardly, I appeared composed, but internally, I was anything but.

For over two years, I’ve been operating in survival mode. Sleep eluded me. Productivity felt like a distant memory. I procrastinated, my emotions swung erratically, and my weight surged. I stopped caring, stopped searching for solutions, and succumbed to impulsive spending.

I was adrift, lost in turbulent waters, not even attempting to reach for a lifeline. And worse, I began entertaining thoughts that frightened me—thoughts of welcoming an untimely end.

The Turning Point: Acknowledging Mental Health

As 2025 begins, I’m forced to confront a stark truth: my mental health is not okay.

This realization terrifies me. While others set ambitious New Year’s resolutions, I’m struggling to envision anything beyond tomorrow. Next week, next month, or the year ahead? I haven’t dared to look that far.

But there’s power in acknowledgment. By admitting I need help, I’ve taken the first step toward healing.

Finding Gratitude Amid the Struggle

Even in my darkest moments, I’ve found fragments of gratitude. I’m thankful for the blessings I’ve received, the experiences I’ve lived, and the people who’ve stood by me.

Each morning, I remind myself of these gifts. It’s a small but meaningful practice, helping me shift my perspective and rediscover the will to embrace life once more.

Moving Forward: A New Year, A New Hope

As I reflect on 2024, I recognize the importance of self-care, mental health, and finding purpose. My journey is far from over, but I’m learning to mend what is broken and nurture hope for the future.

If you’re reading this and feeling similarly, know that you’re not alone. Let’s take this New Year as an opportunity—not for perfection, but for progress. Together, we can embrace life’s challenges and celebrate its blessings, one day at a time.

STF – January 2025

Walk in the Darkness

I never anticipated experiencing another significant turning point in my forties. Yet here I am, facing it head-on. It’s reminiscent of the slogan “Mulai dari 0 ya Bu…” (Starting from scratch, ma’am) coined by one of the prominent state-owned enterprises (BUMN). That’s precisely where I find myself now. This transition has rendered me and my coworkers, particularly the mid-level managers, feeling as though we’re learning to walk again.

It’s been ages since I last underwent a job interview or crafted a resume or cover letter. The process feels foreign, daunting even. My colleagues and I share stories of our endeavors in ‘hunting for new jobs’—searching for greener pastures that promise greater stability. It’s a journey filled with uncertainty, yet we persevere in pursuit of brighter opportunities.

Is this really happening?

That’s the question that has consumed me for nearly five months now. It’s been half a year of enduring a relentless storm, a sinking feeling creeping in. The impact isn’t just on me; it’s engulfing the entire company. It started subtly, but now it’s undeniable – we’re drowning.

For the first two months, I tried to maintain a sense of calm. I convinced myself that I could handle it, that I could navigate these troubled waters. I told myself I’d start looking for other job opportunities while holding onto my current position, waiting for the right offer to come along. But life doesn’t pause for anyone. Each day brings its own set of bills, obligations, and demands, echoing loudly in the background. Amidst this cacophony, I find myself silently screaming.

Despite the chaos, I count my blessings. Being single means I don’t have dependents relying on me for urgent needs. My worries are centered around my own necessities. And then, amidst it all, the CEO insists that we carry on as usual, despite the company’s failure to fulfill its responsibilities.

2024, It’s not getting better

The indifference that initially sent small ripples through the company has now transformed into tumultuous waves. Though it may seem like just one voice, it echoes the sentiments of many, including myself. Personally, I can’t help but feel disappointed. After all our years of loyalty, it’s disheartening to see business continue as usual, as if everything is normal, despite the far-from-ideal circumstances.

After three months of diligently sending out cover letters and CVs, the only responses I’ve received are rejections. It’s more than just feeling down; it’s a profound sense of insecurity that’s settled in. Questions about my capabilities, my worth, and my future prospects haunt me, casting doubt on every job listing I come across. “Am I truly capable? What have I achieved in all these years? Can I even compete for this position? Am I overestimating myself? How can one person possibly handle all these responsibilities?” These insecurities, coupled with the constant stream of rejections, have left me utterly demoralized.

My mental well-being has taken a hit. Despite outwardly maintaining my composure, inside, I’m gripped by fear. I long to confide in someone, to share the overwhelming uncertainty that envelops me. Yet, I realize I have no one to turn to.

That’s one of the ‘perks’ of being single. There’s no one to offer a guiding hand when you’re stumbling in the darkness. Yes, there are best friends who will listen, sympathize, and offer advice or support, but ultimately, that’s where their assistance ends.

Keep the Faith, Keep Moving On

Entering this month, reality has firmly planted me on the ground. I’ve begun making significant adjustments to my lifestyle. Gone are the days of indulging in expensive coffees; now it’s either sachet coffee or none at all. Shopping for skincare and beauty products is out of the question, as is leisurely hanging out in cafes. I’ve even started considering using my own motorbike for commuting to the office, a far more economical option. While internet access remains essential, subscriptions to services like Netflix have become non-priorities, things to be trimmed from the budget.

Reality has grounded me, prompting me to reconnect with my faith. My best friend reminded me of the constant presence of a higher power, assuring me that I am not alone, that God will never forsake me. It’s a comforting realization, urging me to maintain my faith and keep pressing forward. Despite the darkness that surrounds me, I cling to the belief that there is light ahead. Storms pass; I just need to adjust my course, much like Dory from the Pixar animated movie, “Finding Nemo,” who famously urged to “just keep swimming.”

Uncertainty looms over what tomorrow holds, but I am resolved to keep moving forward. I’m learning to prioritize my time and relinquish control over things beyond my reach. As the wise saying goes, “Do your best, and let God take care of the rest.”

Even as I type these thoughts, tangled in my mind on my blog, I remain entrenched in the storm. I continue to navigate the darkness, doing my best and accepting whatever outcomes come my way. I resist the urge to place blame, choosing instead to be grateful for every blessing, no matter how small. Giving up is not an option; I persevere, inspired by the words of Jaime Escalante: “Life is not about how many times you fall down, but how many times you get back up.”

As I conclude this blog post, I make a solemn vow to myself: to persist in my efforts. I am confident that there is a brighter future awaiting me, a greener pasture where I will flourish and thrive. With unwavering faith in myself and the assurance of God’s presence, I move forward with determination. Amen!

Sorry Seems The Hardest Word

After a month, I mustered up the courage to start writing again. This tendency is quite characteristic of me. Part of the reason was that you were on my mind, along with the memories we shared.

Frequently, women have a tendency to overcomplicate matters, whereas men often present things in a straightforward manner, allowing us to perceive them directly. We often attempt to decipher everything as if men were speaking in code. However, in reality, men tend to act based on their immediate priorities in a given situation, as they generally focus on one task at a time.

So, He’s not responding to your text

I’ve often wondered why it’s so difficult for you to send me a text and ask me about anything beyond the usual ‘Have you eaten?’ or ‘Good morning?’

Yet, at the same time, you’re not particularly swift in responding to my messages. You keep me waiting. It took an entire day, extending into the late hours of the night, for you to reply to my text. I can’t help but wonder why.

I fully acknowledge that not all men in the world are like that. I’m well aware that you are fully capable of texting promptly. So, why does it seem like the enthusiasm and effort have waned after we made a commitment?

I constantly provide myself with various reasons to rationalize your lack of response: “Perhaps he’s tied up with work.”
“Maybe he’s driving.”
“Maybe something urgent came up.”
“Perhaps he misplaced his phone.”
“Maybe he was in an accident.”
“Maybe something even worse..” — No, I never even contemplated this possibility

I always questioned why you weren’t much of a texter. You consistently responded that it’s just your natural disposition – that you’re not particularly fond of texting. Based on this, I presumed that you preferred phone calls. However, that didn’t seem to be the case either. So, I assumed you were more inclined toward face-to-face interactions. Yet, you never initiated discussions about meeting or making plans.

The suggestions and invitations always originated from me:
“Do you have any plans for the upcoming weekend?”
“Would you like to meet this weekend?”
“Are you occupied over the weekend?”
“Could we possibly meet during the weekend?”
“Are you interested in going to this place next weekend?”
“Are you up for watching a movie next Saturday?”

I understood that you were essentially aligning with my preferences and adapting to my inquiries. However, that wasn’t what I wanted.

The challenge we consistently faced was how to communicate effectively with each other – that remained an ongoing issue.

So, He’s not Putting an Effort

I’ve received a lot of advice, and much of it has emphasized the importance of patience. People suggested that I should give you the time you need to focus on your priorities. I made a sincere effort to be patient and adjust my pace to match yours.

I’ve also been advised not to be too accommodating and to let things develop naturally. I’ve taken this to heart. I haven’t imposed any demands on our relationship and have allowed you to set the pace. However, it wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that I secretly hoped you might miss me and perhaps take an impulsive step like calling me.

I waited.

It seems, though, that I’m always the one left waiting.
Waiting for your call,
waiting for you to confront your own feelings,
waiting for you to mature.

You seem to assume that my understanding and patience are limitless. You’ve treated me as if I’m a mere garnish on the side of your plate – there but not really important. How did our dynamic come to this point? Your actions suggest a lack of respect for me.

So, He’s Not That Into You

I used to consider myself intelligent, but now I realize I was naive not to recognize the clear signs you scattered everywhere. It’s time for me to stop denying reality and acknowledge that your feelings for me are not as strong as I hoped. That’s the end of the story.

It’s regrettable that our journey together concludes with you treating me in this manner. Once again, I find myself taking on the role of the mature one, providing closure for myself and possibly for you as well.

I’ve moved forward now and am prepared to embrace the path that lies ahead. Whether it leads to new love or more heartbreak, I’m open to it all. I’m determined to welcome every experience. I genuinely wish that you gain valuable insights from this and mature further, ready for whoever comes into your life next.

Close but Still Faraway

My mind is all tangled up right now – it’s 11:56 PM and I can’t seem to fall asleep. There’s work waiting for me to finish, but I just can’t concentrate on it.

It’s kind of crazy how we ended up together sometimes. It’s like this weird cosmic coincidence in the universe. And as I got to know you, you became like Jupiter to me, and I feel more like a sputnik sent from Earth on a one-way mission to explore it – not expecting to come back with results, a pessimist might say.

I thought I had crossed vast distances, like reaching China and standing on the Great Wall, but then it turns out I’m just facing the great wall of your heart that’s keeping me on the outside. I know you’re in there, and here I am, yelling and pleading for you to open the gate and let me in, but you just remain unmoved.

But hey, guess what? There’s a window, and I can catch glimpses of you from outside. Unfortunately, you don’t stay there for long. I can’t have a proper conversation with you, because you come and go. Your words seep through the keyhole from the other side, echoing in my ears, and it makes me want to just sit there, waiting for you to step out.

“What’s on your mind?” I often ask you. Sometimes you answer, and other times you just smile, especially when you look at me like you’re deep in thought. There’s a hint of doubt, a touch of loneliness in your eyes – they tell me stories that your words don’t reveal. Then, you retreat into your shell.

I once compared us to an old couple who’ve been together for ages, and oddly enough, you agreed. What does that mean, I wonder? But again, you never really explain what’s going on in your mind and what you’re feeling.

Both of us have been broken before, like having just one wing instead of a pair. Seeing the end of the road isn’t easy. However, let’s take things step by step, one at a time.

Tertipu mentah-mentah

Setelah berpikir lama, saya berpikir untuk bercerita pengalaman apes saja di bulan Mei 2021 ini. 

Iya, saya sebelumnya ragu untuk bercerita karena cerita ini seperti membuka aib akan kebodohan saya sebagai manusia. Tapi menulis pengalaman apes bisa menjadi refleksi dan bagian dari mengampuni diri sendiri. (.. am still trying to forgive myself )

So,  here we go. 

Peer Pressure is no kidding

Kejadiannya saat awal-awal saya memulai olahraga sepedaan. Iya, damn that trend! Pandemi membuat semua masyarakat urban mencari olahraga yang fun. Entah kenapa kemudian olahraga sepeda menjadi tren. Meski, harusnya jalan pagi menjadi tren karena murah dan mudah. Bu? when everybody can do it, then it doesn’t feel special anymore. Sure, whatever..

So, saya adalah korban tren. I admitted that. Sebelum menjalani ‘fun bike’ sport ini, saya adalah rookie runner, meski saya gak bisa mengakui saya seorang ‘runner’. Mungkin tepatnya ‘one time only runner’ seperti ‘one hit wonder’ song.

Seperti korban tren lainnya, saya ingin menyempurnakan penampilan saya agar well, saya bisa keep up dengan pesepeda lainnya. Dari apparel sampai alatnya sendiri, yaitu sepeda (meski saya sudah punya sepeda lipat). Tapi melihat orang-orang memiliki sepeda yang lebih mumpuni, seperti gear untuk meringankan kayuhan, kerangka sepeda yang ringan, sampai sepeda custom yang memang dirakit sesuai dengan tinggi Anda. Wow! Saya sangat tergoda. Seperti digoda setan, saya menjadi tergiur. 

Berawal dari…

Singkat cerita, sepeda yang saya inginkan ternyata diatas 10 juta. Ha! Tentu saja. Hanya saja, saya gak rela harus menguras kocek sebesar itu. 

Saya cari cara. Lalu mulai iseng browsing di Instagram. Ada akun-akun yang (katanya jual sepeda) dengan harga miring, and turned out there are a lot fraud accounts. 

Saya DM salah satu, setelah melihat sebuah akun instagram yang mental sepeda-sepeda dengan harga miring. Entah kenapa admin nya seperti nge-push saya untuk segera memesan. (ini adalah salah satu tanda there’s something wrong)

Lalu saya memutuskan ini sepertinya valid. Akhirnya saya transfer dengan harga yang terteda di Instagram. Lalu setelah saya transfer, komunikasi kami menjadi pindah ke WA. Admin nya pintar memainkan emosi saya. Memberi update bahwa sepeda saya sedang di-packing. Tiba2 saya di-WA call sesorang dengan nomor beda. 

Bilangnya adalah orang gudang. Saya perlu transfer uang lagi untuk kebutuhan Pajak. Karena harga yang tertera belum paj?k,. Insting saya langsung curiga. Insting saya mulai mempertanyakan. Kok begini. Apakah ini benar? Dia bilang ini cuma deposito, nanti dikembalikan. Saya labor aja ke adminnya. Akhirnya saya transfer.

Saya bilang ke admin di WA yang pertama (nomor nya di akun instagram). Dia mengiyakan bahwa itu memang orang gudangnya dan minta maaf, nanti ditransfer balik ke rekening saya. Lagi-lagi saya kok percaya. 

Kejadian selanjutnya adalah bapak-bapak yang menelpon minta transfer bilang dia ingin mengembalikan uang saya. Caranya dengan mentransfer ke nomor akun shopee pay nya. Emosi saya sudah naik. Saya sudah tau saya dipermainkan. Bapak2 itu malah marah2 balik. 

Saya jelaskan proses transfer dengan caranya itu namanya saya kasih duit lagi ke dia bukan dia balikin yang saya. Saya berdebat dengannya. Ego saya ingin membuktikan bahwa saya benar dengan cara malah mentransfer dia lagi. 

Setelah dia tau saya transfer, dia diam dan menutup telpon. Ketika tutup telpon, saya langsung sadar, bahwa saya ditipu. Saya dipermainkan. I was being hustled. Pelaku sempat telpon saya lagi, dengan bilang dia akan mengembalikan bang saya lagi dengan bilang pakai DOKU. Saya teriak “Anda sudah menipu saya!!!. Saya sudah keluar Rp.XX juta ke Anda untuk barang yang belum tentu datang. Saya tahu doku itu apa. Anda jangan coba2 menipu saya lagi. Saya akan laporkan ini!!” saya bicara dengan menahan emosi agar saya tidak hilang kontrol.

Mom knows best.

Selesai teriak, saya seperti kehilangan energi. Kalau saya berdiri, mungkin saya sudah jatuh terduduk. Saya bisa merasakan kaki saya lemas dan segala energi positif hari itu hilang atau tepatnya terenggut dari saya. 

Saya lapor ke ibu saya. Beliau terkaget-kaget. Reaksi pertama adalah found someone to blame

“How’s that happened?” — “How could I?” — “Why I did that?” — “Why I am so reckless?!” — “What’s next?” — Itu semua pertanyaan pertama yang dikeluarkan ibu saya.

 Saya tidak menyalahkan ibu saya menanyakan itu semua. Semua jawaban pertanyaan itu adalah finding someone / something to blame. And all that answers pointed to ME.MOI.AKU. I knew I made mistakes. I knew when I am making this mistake. 

Ketika saya cerita bahwa saya kena tipu dengan muka pucat dan menahan tangis, all that come up from my mom is Why are you so reckless or not being careful? How did it happened and so on — Tapi mungkin itu kebiasaan yang dilakukan orang-orang dulu. Orangtua dari ibu saya, juga orangtua dari kakek-nenek saya. 

Saya mengerti tapi bukan berarti saya bisa menahannya. Setelah saya bilang apa yang saya rasakan walaupun tidak ditanya, Ibu baru memberikan kata-kata menenangkan dan pelipur rasa sedih. 

Self – forgiven..

‘Shit happens’ kalau kata orang. Tapi ternyata mengucapakan ‘Shit happens’ bukan berarti langsung bisa melupakan. Kejadian ini sudah beberapa bulan lalu. Hanya 2 orang yang tau diluar dari ibu saya. Saya bahkan belum bisa cerita ke best friends saya. 

Jika ditanya, saya jawab “Saya takut.. saya takut bestfriends saya akan memborbadir semua pertanyaan seperti ibu saya. Saya takut akan penilaian mereka terhadar diri saya. Honestly, until now, I still can’t let it go. I haven’t full forgive myself. And I don’t know if I can answer all those questions. 

I felt shame of myself. I let myself being hustled and can’t do anything. Well, saya sudah melaporkan penipuan ini ke cyber crime website milik polisi. Hanya saja saya tidak tau dan ragu laporan saya akan ditindaklanjuti. Seorang warga yang tertipu xx juta rupiah. Orang yang ambil duit negara xx milyar rupiah saja tidak ditindaklanjuti. (Oke, that’s another issued to talk about far-far another time)

Yang ingin saya sampaikan adalah ‘memaafkan diri sendiri is a tiring process, it’s a bitch!”. 

“How are you feeling..?”

Melihat kebelakang, ada 1 hal yang bikin saya sedih. Orang terdekat saya yaitu ibu saya lupa menanyakan keadaan saya ketika saya cerita saya kena tipu. 

Walaupun saya memahami kenapa ibu saya berlaku seperti itu. Saya melihat ini tidak hanya dilakukan ibu saya dan generasinya, bahkan teman-teman juga kadang-kadang saya sendiri tanpa sengaja (secara réflex). 

I learnt hard that pertanyaan ‘Apa yang kamu rasakan sekarang? Atau ‘Hey, are you okay?” itu sederhana tapi sering dilupakan. Ketika saya sadar saya kena tipu, dan saya bercerita ke Ibu saya, yang saya inginkan bukan bagaimana bisa saya kena tipu. Bukan ingin ditanya siapa yang menipu saya. Saya ingin merasa bahwa saya tidak sendirian menghadapi berbagai emosi yang saya rasakan. Saya ingin merasa bahwa saya punya seseorang ketika saya menengok ke belakang (metaforically). 

Sampai saat ini, saya masih sesak dan dongkol kalau mengingat kejadian itu. Sesuatu yang bisa saya kontrol dan insting sudah memperingati, tapi saya hiraukan karena ego saya. Saya masih belum bisa accept ‘Shit happens’. 

Kejadian ini bikin saya belajar (tentu saja!) untuk lebih háti-háti dan tidak jadi korban tren. Meanwhile juga belajar bagaimana membaca situasi dan memberikan support yang dibutuhkan. Sebuah kalimat “are you okay?” mewakili rasa peduli/support lebih besar dibanding “How did it happen?  or Who did it?” 

Kamu.

Hei Kamu. sendu terasa kembali ketika kubaca lagi catatan percakapan terakhir kita.
Karena aku tahu, aku tidak akan pernah tahu kapan kita bisa bertemu.
Memori menarikku kembali ke satu dekade lalu.

Hei Kamu. Apa kamu masih ingat teori tentang Cinta milik mu?
Bahwa cinta sama dengan “Meskipun…. tambah aku tetap…. ”
Kamu. yang punya lelucon aneh tapi anehnya aku tetap menjadi penonton setia untuk joke kamu.
Kamu. who can see through me.. and knew how my head was a mess.
It’s funny, how you said absurd about being religious but keep believing in your faith.
Kamu. yang melangkah pergi menuju masa depan yang kamu pilih dan meninggalkan akü.

Hei Kamu. Hidup berjalan sangat kejam. Apa kamu tahu, ternyata cerita kita bersama tetap setia dalam kenangan. Kamu. yang tidak pernah tergantikan adalah orang yang sama menorehkan luka tajam.
Namun Kamu. juga yang percaya bahwa kita berdua akan bertemu lagi di kehidupan selanjutnya sebagai kucing.

Kamu. yang Aku ingin lukai kembali. Tear me to pieces and I tore you to millions
An Eye for an Eye. Isn’t it lovely?
But somehow I didn’t find a closure that I want.

Hei Kamu. I know our path have met and end. Namun cerita kita, aku ubah menjadi kisah ‘suatu ketika’
Suatu ketika yang menjadi awal bukan akhir.
Suatu ketika yang menjadi indah bukan airmata
Suatu ketika yang berisi asa bukan sisa.
Suatu ketika…

Hei Kamu. yang adalah pelajaran hidup untuk aku.
Kamu. yang mengajarkan tentang menjadi dewasa.
Yang memberiku pertama kali pelajaran “mencintai”
Kamu.

Things that add Value in your life?

I have never… never ever thought living less give more value. We are not poor, I mean my family, but we are not rich people too. I think we are what you called middle class in common. We are enough.

I was blessed to have a happy childhood. That time, little I know about branded things or high technology. I was happy whatever my parents gave me. Such as board game as cheap as Halma ( not UNO ) and Monopoly nasional or even ‘taplak’ game or ‘main karet’ were enough to make me happy.

There were times I want more expensive stuffs like rollerblades, bicycle and even ‘tamagochi pet’. That time I cried and beg to my parents to buy rollerblades for me, or tamagochi pet. But no matter how long or how hard I begged or cried, my parents didn’t bunch. My parents knew that all those things didn’t add value in my life. The Bicycle was the only one finally I got, though it was an old bicycle from my neighbour’s kid that broken. But my Dad repaired it, and it was mine. It just lifted my happiness like 100% because I can join with big kids (my brother and his friends) strolling the neighbourhood.

And because when I was a child I couldn’t ask anything — even my elementary uniform was pre loved from my brother. When I am in my adult year, when I can make my own money, when the decision is on me, that gave me the sensation that I could do anything and buying anything if I can afford that.

esqnews.id

So, If I have this shoes, or I have this dress, these jeans, that makes me happy — I bought it. Or I said to myself, I already worked hard, I deserved these shoes. Thought I already have 2 pairs same shoes or dress or jeans.

Sometimes, I said to myself, this shirt cute with these jeans, or this shoes pair with those pants, and that will make me awesome. That’s my defence before I pull out my card to the cashier.

My Dad that always remind me to save my money. My friend told me to buy something that can be an investment in the future. Well, I realized they were right. So, I bought a house. And now I have a mortgage that follows me 15 years. But it is worth the value.

30 DAYS #MinsGame

So, I’ve been listening to the Minimalist’ Podcast – Joshua Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus. So, after listening to the podcast more and more, I just realized, over the years of my adult life, I become so focus with stuff to make me happy or unconsciously substitute my need for true happiness with stuffs.

There is nothing wrong with buying stuffs/things, but maybe it gets undervalued when you start to buy things just because you can or just to fill your ego or when you don’t really need it.

So, I did my checking list. And turned out, I have a lot (sadly) stuffs that I don’t really need or even use after I bought them. I just want to have them. It’s not really healthy actually. Ugh.

This 30 Days #MinsGame is from the Minimalist. The game is too declutter your home/ your room, your life to eliminate stuffs that you don’t use. Could be anything. I mean ANYTHING. Kitchenware, clothing, collectables, decorations, socks, etc.

So, here I am.. trying to declutter. Crossed fingers.

Declutter My Life

The year 2020 proved to be challenging for me and for people worldwide due to the global struggle caused by the pandemic. Working from home for almost 11 months significantly altered my lifestyle. Without the daily interactions with friends at work, my focus shifted to discussions with my laptop, transforming me as a person.

One positive aspect was that I became more attuned to myself, engaging in self-reflection and pondering what I truly wanted in life. I realized I had been merely going along with the flow without truly listening to my own desires.

Despite this newfound awareness, a void lingered within me, and I struggled to find passion in anything. To address this, I experimented with new activities like doodling, scrapbooking, and book coloring, finding temporary solace. However, each attempt eventually led to distraction, and the void persisted.

On December 31, 2020, I watched “The Minimalists: Less is Now” on Netflix. The documentary shed light on my habit of accumulating things that added little value to my life. The Minimalists, Jason and Ryan, shared their experiences, and I felt a connection with their message. While I may not be a hoarder, I realized I often spent money on unnecessary items, lured by their fleeting charm.

The Minimalist Blog (https://www.theminimalists.com/) provided further insight into my struggles with focus and priorities. Acknowledging this, my resolution for the year is to refocus my priorities by decluttering my life. I aim to create space for items that genuinely add value.

Inspired by The Minimalists, I plan to undertake the 30 Day Minimalism Game as a beginner. Interested in my journey? Stay tuned for updates on my challenge!

Cheers,