What have I learned lately?
True to the spirit of Anne Take On Things, I’ll be honest—I’ve been in a strange in‑between. A little lost, a little learning, a little everywhere and nowhere at once. Trying to connect the dots and make sense of things, at least in my own head.
Did Jakarta shape me? Absolutely.
Did it toughen me up? Without a doubt.
Did it teach me how to decide, structure, lead, and move fast? Yes—fully.
Jakarta gave me a strong backbone. It taught me how to work professionally, make decisions under pressure, navigate authority, shape culture, support teams, and lead from all angles. I know I’m good at what I do—and that confidence comes from years of being sharpened by the city.
But here’s the uncomfortable part: when you care deeply, when you see gaps, when you know you can help—but stepping in isn’t welcomed—the air starts to feel heavy. You begin holding back, second‑guessing yourself, asking questions like, “Am I overstepping?” or “Am I too confident for this room?” When in reality, you’re just standing firmly in what you know.
I’ve also learned that not every environment values decisiveness the same way. Some spaces move by consensus, validation, or constant testing—and that’s okay. It’s just different. And difference, if not understood early, can quietly exhaust you.
So maybe the lesson right now is learning to pause.
To care—but not carry everything.
To observe—but not absorb what isn’t mine to fix.
“Anne, that’s not your problem. Stay in your lane.”
I’m practicing that. Genuinely.
Letting go without losing myself.
Choosing peace without betraying my values.
And through all of this, one thing feels clear again: Bali still feels like home.
Not because it’s easier—but because it lets me breathe.
We’ll see where this journey takes me. One honest step at a time.
