A year ago, in the middle of my packed routine, between teaching, leading teams, and coaching clients, I received an invitation from my dear friend, Sofiana Julia Damu, to spend a quiet weekend at her villa in Bodogol, nestled at the foot of Mount Gede Pangrango.
At first, I simply wanted to rest. To breathe, to slow down, to find peace in nature after long days of work. But as always, the universe had a more beautiful plan for me. While I was there, my friend and I visited several local residents to distribute food supplies for those in need.
Among the smiles and words of gratitude, a little girl, “Neng her name”, caught my attention. The moment she saw me, she held my hand tightly and refused to let go. Wherever I walked, she followed. There was something warm, yet fragile, in the way she held me. I could feel it; she needed a hug, affection, and to be seen. The locals told me that she had emotional instability, but she was kind, gentle, and obedient.
We talked for a long time, like mother and daughter. She listened to me, promised not to scream or play in the rain when she was angry again. Somehow, I felt that God had sent me a little angel, a reminder wrapped in a small, loving soul. Before I left, I promised her I would return.
That promise was not just words. When I came back to the city, my friend Sofina and I began to think about how we could help more women in that village, not just by giving food, but through empowerment. We designed a small community program called “Women with Culture and Power, Villages that Thrive.” Through collaboration between Refine ID and AS Foundation, we organized a handicraft workshop, one of my own hobbies, to help the women develop creativity and turn their skills into a source of income.
And yes, a few weeks later, we went back to Bodogol. I kept my promise. I saw those bright eyes again, this time filled with new confidence and hope. For me, it was more than just a social activity. It was healing, a way of restoring myself by bringing joy to others. I’m deeply grateful that my journey studying Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Neuro-Semantics has taught me how to understand human emotions on a deeper level to see the meaning behind every behavior and every unspoken word.
I’ve learned that behind every action, there’s always a good intention waiting to be expressed. And maybe, that small hug in Bodogol was the universe’s gentle reminder of that truth. Today, amidst my professional responsibilities, I’m also honored to serve as a Board Expert Member of PORTADIN (The Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities in Indonesia). Every encounter with these extraordinary children reaffirms my belief that love, empathy, and genuine presence are far more valuable than any title or achievement.
As a Meta Coach, Trainer, Lecturer, Business Advisor, CEO, and Rector, I believe that true leadership is not only about inspiring people to succeed, but also about nurturing love, compassion, and humanity in every step we take. Because true empowerment begins with a heart that is willing to give. I’ve learned that when we are blessed with health and wholeness, we carry a noble responsibility to complement what others may lack, to offer warmth, comfort, and hope to those who feel unseen.
Sometimes, healing doesn’t come from luxury or leisure. Healing comes from the simple joy of seeing someone smile because we chose to be present in their life. The beauty of giving lies in never forgetting to also love yourself.
