Under Pressure

I believe that stress is a result of our mindset; thinking that we have no option or way out from a problem. Nowadays, stress is associated with a lot of things, especially in the cosmopolitan city, Jakarta.  Every day, there are always people who mention how stressed out they are due to traffic jams, heavy work load, or an irritating client/  colleague. For women who are still single, the pressure is doubled by “When are you going to get married?” questions raised (by family and friends).

It’s understandable that city people then search for places where they can soothe their ‘pain’. From hip cafés to prestigious vacation destinations, their motto is ‘work hard, play hard’. A dear friend of mine would be restless if she doesn’t have any plans at weekends. Part of it is because weekends are ‘the catch’ of the week, something to look forward to every day at work…an escapism. Another part of it is because it is almost “challenging” to stay put and enjoy the stillness.

Going to fancy places can be relaxing indeed for recreation is necessary. However, if we can’t make peace and accept the daily traffic jams, heavy work load, irritating client/  colleague and/or marriage-related questions, we would remain stressful. Remember, nobody (and nothing) can hurt us without our consent.

We always have options; whether to live with it or leave from it. In any other way, life’s challenges will always be present. What matters is the choices we make on how we live our lives. It’s all right to be upset when something doesn’t come out as we expected, but don’t get too carried away. As happiness that will always come to an end, so does sadness. It’s what the cycle of life is all about.   

Perfect World vs Reality

In the perfect world, I would teach only the ‘good’ students

In the perfect world, I would get married to Prince Charming

In the perfect world, I would eat as much as I’d like without getting fat

In the perfect world, I would travel around the world with first class service and wear the prettiest dresses like Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City

In the perfect world, I would live be an adored Queen in a magical palace

The perfect world does exist…in movies

In reality, I have students with all kinds of behavior (which aren’t always pleasant)

In reality, I’m still looking for a decent person whom I can spend the rest of my life with (with no guarantee of a ‘happily ever after’)

In reality, I love to eat, and exercise isn’t exactly my favorite thing to do

In reality, yes, I do occassionally travel (nothing posh…but I do try to make the best of it); as for pretty dresses, I do enjoy watching fashionable people, but my personal style is clean and classic with a touch of ‘today’ accessories

In reality, I’m nothing near a Queen…but I’m spoiled enough by having a household assistant who does my laundry, clean my space and serve delish food :9

In reality, life is like a book. On every turning of a page, each question asked in the past will naturally be unfolded along the journey. I realize that every experience gives a better understanding to who I am and why I’m here. Sometimes I’m too focused in the thing I ‘want’ that the bigger picture is outlooked …which is, in fact, the thing I ‘need’ (to grow). Thus, regrets are useless. Just like in a book; on each ending of a chapter, there’s always a new beginning. And I’ve walked long enough to learn that there’s no such thing as a ‘happy’ or ‘sad’ ending. My stories (and yours), both happy and sad, will be written unpausingly, until we finally exhale our last breath.