All We Need is One Person in Our Life

Alone is not enough. Muhammad embarked on his prophetic journey with Khadijah’s by his side. Karl Marx’s ideas began influencing the world with the backing of Engels, and Soeharto’s 32 years regime can’t be established without Tien Shoeharto’s influence in every political decision.

Even if we feel we can do everything alone, the presence of the right person around will make it all better.

All we need is one person in our life who says, “You got this, I believe in you, and you’ll have the courage and ability to face all these challenges and achieve your dreams; to achieve what you’ve never had before.”

More importantly, that person needs to say, “And if anything goes wrong, I’ll be there for you, I’m ready to stand by your side at your lowest point; when no one else is around.”

The right person also should be able to say, “I worry about you. Burnout happens. Something goes wrong this way, but you can fix it in that way.”

A true partner will keep us on the right path, not merely justify our mistakes.

Sometimes we’re too naive in pursuit of achieving some goals that other people have achieved, thinking we can also do it; without realizing that those people have deep and meaningful relationships we can’t see. And we’re mistaken in believing that we can achieve the same thing alone.

That’s when burnout strikes, because as an individual, we may lack the energy, but within the embrace of community, friendship, and relationships, we find strength.

And here is my friend, partner, and love, Hanum.

She has the ability to convince me to face life’s challenges, chase my dreams, and remind me when I stray from my path. Likewise, so do I for her.