I realize that everyone is unique. The meaning of the word unique according to the Big Indonesian Dictionary is “Other and there are other differences”. And uniqueness is only known by those who know it. But we can know it if we pay attention.
When I learned to bring out the good, I started observing the good things I had and then observing the good things in other people. I discovered the unique points that I have which are strengths, namely that I am a hard worker, always be grateful for life, and interested in assisting children with special needs. This makes me grateful and proud of myself.
How come? I was a single parent 39 years ago. I bear two children’s school fees. And my first child graduated from a private university in Semarang one year ago, and now works to make ends meet. She lives in another city, so she has to rent a place to live. My second child lives with me at home. He helped me work collecting recyclables while studying at a nearby private college where he got a scholarship. Apart from the children who still need money, I also cover the living costs of the three parents who live with us: my mother, my father and my grandmother. We live simply. We build cooperation by sharing the role of classifying recyclables for sale. This is our source of livelihood.
But in the midst of my situation, I have the heart to accompany children with special needs both at Joglo and at Griya Harapan. Griya Harapan is a place that serves special needs children from kindergarten to high school in my area. There children learn to read and write. And the happiest thing is seeing them grow and develop. There we met children’s families with many differences such as differences in social status, religion, character, hobbies, work or perspectives on life. But we work together, respect and complement each other.
It’s been one year since I joined as a teacher at Peace Place Pati, the preschool program at Joglo. Every day with my children teaches me to respect myself and others, and control my emotions. There I learned how to build a peaceful life. Life values that strengthen me to live my life give me the opportunity to continue to grow and change for the better. I learned simple things such as looking for my own good, the good of others and how to share.
I also learned how to look for my weaknesses and to ask for help. This brought a big change in my life. I am more able to accept myself, other people, and recognize that everyone is good and capable, even if the rhythm is not the same. If there is a problem, it may be because something has not been communicated well and clearly.
So what differences will prevent me from getting along? As long as these agreements to build peace become a mutual agreement, we will be able to build better relations, and peace can be realized wherever we are. So peace is possible!