start small, big changes, a better life

I used to see life as divided into two main time zones: working and everything else (learning, having fun, or simply doing what I wanted). I gave my all to my work, but outside of that, I lived without much structure. In short, I had no discipline. Then, I married someone who is the complete opposite, a deeply disciplined person and very accomplished. Now, I see the true yield of discipline. Witnessing my husbandโ€™s example has inspired me to train myself to build disciplineโ€”slowly, with intention, and with compassion for myself.

Don’t Let This Be My Last Ramadan

Tonight, I realized that asking Allah for help before any act of ibadah (not only before a test or presentation)โ€“ prayers, studying Qur'an, or anything else โ€“ is really powerful. During my prayers, particularly in those teary sujoods, I asked Allah to grant me the ability to pray with true focus (khusyuk) and calmness (tuma'ninah).... Continue Reading →

[Book Review] A Journey of Grief: Finding Hope and Healing

"Seorang Pria yang Melalui Duka dengan Mencuci Piring" offers a compassionate guide through grief, urging acceptance and mindfulness. It reminds us of impermanence, the value of companionship in grief, and the absence of "right" choices. The book encourages gratitude and reflection on life's meaning, making it a profound read for anyone touched by loss or seeking a mindful approach to life.

The Qur’an Learning Series: Navigating Life with the Qur’an (Episode 1: Introduction)

Est. reading time: 5 - 7 mins | Tone: Thoughtful, Warm, Reflective | Ideal reading moment: Best suited for moments seeking spiritual insight or personal reflection, whether you're well-acquainted with the Qur'an or newly curious about its teachings and its integration into daily life. The "Qur'an Learning Series: Navigating Life with the Qur'an" is a personal exploration of Qur'anic teachings, embracing an analytical approach with open dialogue. My encounter with verse 282 of Al-Baqarah sparked a deep curiosity about the Qur'an's comprehensive guidance on life's essential aspects, leading to a rich journey of discovery and reflection.

How to Escape from the Self-Blame Maze?

Life is a mix of sunshine and storms, but it doesn't stop spinning. Thus, it's crucial to handle negative emotions effectively. Quick fixes often lead to self-blame, but conscious choices can bring relief. Embrace self-compassion, take a moment for yourself, and find what brings you back to yourself. One mindful moment at a time can turn your day around.

Discipline Equation: Equation to live by

I talk about the roulette table of my life. It's a frame I think through where we wake up in the morning with these 24 chips. If you spend 8 hours sleeping, you wake up with 16 chips left. And how you place those chips on this roulette table that sits in front of us just before the wheel spins every day determines all of our outcomes in our lives.

Inshaa Allah, Allah Mampukan…

Pagi ini aku memulai hari dengan loyo karena hidup sedang terasa kacau-kacaunya. Tapi ya sudah, pasrah, terus menjalani hari walaupun sudah tidak bertenaga. Sampai akhirnya pas shalat Dhuhur berdoa, mohon pertolongan ke Allah, "Ya Allah, mampukan Hamba dan beri Hamba kekuatan untuk menyelesaikan tugas-tugas hari ini."

Don’t Let the Slip Becomes a Slide

Lately, I feel like everything is going wrong. I am not interested in doing much activity during the weekend. And the creepiest part is, that I am very anxious about welcoming the Monday. It is so not me as I was always very excited about work. So I did a little contemplation and self-check this morning.

Vitamin for the Low Spirit: Seth Godin’s Newsletter

Motivation booster is not necessarily found in expensive things as traveling abroad or some exotic places. Sometimes we are relieved after reading an Instagram post or talking to a charming and resourceful salesperson in a pharmacy store. We can find booster in the small things, for example in this Seth Godin's newsletter: "And Also Convenient".