Seizing Opportunities: A Lesson from a Stranger in Central Java
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Chapter 1: A Brief Encounter
It was a typical morning as I savored breakfast with my wife and daughter in Central Java when a stranger approached me.
“Where do you hail from, my friend?”
“England.”
“Ahhhh… England. Rolling Stones. Good!”
The man clapped his chest a few times, flashed a thumbs-up, and exited the small eatery with a wide grin. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him hop on his scooter and drive away.
This brief interaction lasted mere seconds, yet it left me chuckling. It made me reflect on the encounter.
The man spoke to me using my language, albeit just a few words. He confidently initiated a conversation and seemed to enjoy it. I imagined he might even share the story of chatting with a foreigner with others—such occurrences are rare in this region, as only a handful of us live here.
I’ve noticed that many Indonesians willing to speak even a few words of English are eager to practice whenever they can. This man recognized his chance and took it.
I started to ponder—if the roles were reversed, would I have approached him to start a dialogue? Certainly not.
Why is that?
My hesitance to engage with native speakers is a significant reason why I haven't yet achieved fluency in Bahasa Indonesia. While I wouldn’t label it as a valid excuse for my lack of practice, I acknowledge my introverted nature. I don’t struggle with severe social anxiety, yet I am confident I possess enough language skills to communicate with most individuals, even at a basic level.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
This principle applies not only in sports but in every facet of life. We will not reach our goals unless we take action.
Like the man in the warung exemplified, it’s high time I started taking more chances—no more excuses.
Section 1.1: The Value of Taking Chances
Life presents us with numerous opportunities, but it’s up to us to recognize and seize them. Each moment we hesitate could be a missed chance for growth or connection.
Subsection 1.1.1: Overcoming Shyness
Many people struggle with shyness, especially in unfamiliar situations. Yet, as demonstrated by the stranger, taking that first step can lead to rewarding experiences.
Chapter 2: Learning from Experience
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