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A Constant Battle: Looking In the Mirror and Face Myself

Diah Rani Handayani
3 min readFeb 28, 2025

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Confronting oneself is a complex process, but my life was never the same once I embarked on it.

The Daily Stoic and The Daily Stoic Journal — Author Photo

I read and journaled with “The Daily Stoic Journal” on Where Philosophy Begins today. The book guided me to understand that my journey into philosophy starts when I become aware of my ability to analyse my mind. I wonder, “When did I start to be aware of that?”

“An important place to begin in philosophy is this: a clear perception of one’s own ruling principle.” — Epictetus, Discourses, 1.26.15

It was early 2007 when my adult life turned upside down for the first time. My seven-year-long relationship fell apart, and suddenly, life was not just cruising anymore. I was heartbroken and struggled to find myself as an individual. Mind you, I grew up in a stable family environment. So, in my late 20s, I had no idea that life events can break you down into pieces.

I had a choice to be a victim; my ex-boyfriend had a girlfriend within two months of our breakup, and I was still dealing with my own sadness and fear. Or I can start taking control of my own life as an individual.

After letting go of all the tears and chocolates, the first thing I did was analyse the breakup. Why did it fall apart? Indeed, the mistakes were not just on his side. It takes two people…

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Diah Rani Handayani
Diah Rani Handayani

Written by Diah Rani Handayani

Indonesian woman living and sharing life stories from the land down under. Contact me on email rany.budi@gmail.com or Instagram @minombrerany

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