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View all search resultsAs the calendar flips open to January, the promise of change and new beginnings is often a universal theme.
For some, it’s about small, manageable steps, like cutting back on sugar, decluttering a junk drawer or finally checking off a lingering to-do list.
But for the four individuals below, new beginnings go far beyond the familiar: They’re about deep reflections, bold leaps and the courage to let go of who they were to become who they’re meant to be.
Nitya: From Silicon Valley to Bali
For many, a 12-year career at Google headquarters and having a Green Card might sound like the ultimate dream.
But for Nitya Priyahita, it is a chapter of her life she’s ready to leave behind. The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence and significant industry shifts didn’t just prompt reflection; they were a wake-up call.
Looking at reaching the milestone age of 40 this year, she felt it was time to chart a new, more meaningful path.
“I didn’t want to spend another decade serving shareholder interests,” she says.
“Aging changes your perspective. As you grow older, you think about what’s next.”
The next chapter for her is in Bali, where she plans to open a boutique villa resort she has envisioned as a sanctuary for guests to reconnect with nature and themselves.
Called Patha, meaning “path” in Sanskrit, her resort in Canggu is set to open this year.
“I’ve always loved bringing people together,” Nitya says.
“I was the one who organized our high school reunions every year. After I left Indonesia, they stopped happening. It’s funny, but that’s when I realized how much I enjoy hosting. Actually, nurturing. Nurturing the people I care about. So I asked myself: How can I turn that love into something sustainable?”
Her journey to this realization was deeply personal, influenced by her family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her late mother ran a hostel business, her father runs a homestay called Omah Blarak Yogya and her late grandfather owned land in Bali.
Through Patha, Nitya aims to empower the local community.
“I don’t want Bali’s travel and hospitality industry to be dominated by foreigners,” she says. Instead, she wants to elevate local talent to leadership roles, ensuring the island’s tourism benefits its people.
“It’s rare to find something you’re passionate about, something that lets you follow your dreams and still get paid,” she notes.
While the vision was inspiring, the journey has been daunting. Leaving behind her Green Card, a stable career and the comforts of Silicon Valley wasn’t easy.
“I’m scared,” she admits. “But I’m also excited. It’s like that feeling you get when you’re about to do something new and it just feels right. I’ve always trusted my gut and so far, it hasn’t let me down.”
It helps that her partner in this venture is a close friend from her university days. Kay, who moved to Bali from Jakarta eight years ago, brings a wealth of experience in resort management. Meanwhile, her deep understanding of Indonesia’s bureaucratic landscape has also been invaluable in navigating the complexities of building a business in Bali.
Even with this strong partnership, Nitya knows there are no guarantees. But even if Patha doesn’t succeed, Nitya won’t regret her decision.
“Every new beginning is a leap of faith,” she says. “Success lies in the courage to take that leap.”
Rita: Back to school at 54
In 2023, a flyer about a theology course caught Rita Clara’s eye. It offered an accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program at Atma Jaya Catholic University.
Going back to school at her age and stage in life wasn’t an obvious choice. But for Rita, a devoted churchgoer who spends her free time serving her parish, it felt like divine guidance.
For over 20 years, Rita worked as a corporate secretary at multinationals like Ernst & Young, Sara Lee and Danone. Her life was meticulously planned, guided by long-term corporate strategies and precise execution.
“When Sara Lee was acquired by Unilever [in 2010], it was a turning point. My role would diminish,” she says.
“It felt like the universe was nudging me toward a different path. I went from adhering to plans to embracing the flow.”
That nudge began in 2013 when a fellow parent at her daughters’ school introduced her to the Emmaus Journey program, which focused on spiritual growth through studying scripture.
Three years later, Rita enrolled in the rigorous Kursus Pendidikan Kitab Suci (scripture studies course), a three-year program that deepened her commitment to spiritual service.
Those experiences laid the groundwork for her bold decision to pursue her bachelor’s at 54.
As the only RPL student in her cohort, Rita faces unique challenges. She’s had to master new technology, navigate generational differences in group projects and adapt to entirely new academic demands.
“Submitting assignments felt like launching a rocket into space, so many steps. I felt like I needed a manual just to get through the process,” she says with a laugh.
“I felt like a beginner all over again. But beginnings aren’t meant to be easy, they’re meant to be transformative.”
Despite the hurdles, Rita soon became a mentor to her younger classmates, bridging generational gaps with humor, empathy and grace.
Through the RPL program, she found a way to formalize her knowledge and bring greater impact to her teaching in her church community.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics from supporting individuals through illness to addressing spiritual crises, subjects that align seamlessly with her aspirations. Practical modules, such as pastoral care and effective teaching methods, are helping her get closer to her dream.
“I want to help my parish develop curricula that truly engage and inspire,” says Rita.
As she continues her academic journey, she is doing so with a heart full of gratitude and a mind eager to learn.
“The universe always has a plan. You just have to be brave enough to follow it.”
Siu Chen: Restaurateur at 75
As a septuagenarian in the midst of a global pandemic, survival might seem like the only priority.
But for Siu Chen, an Indonesian who moved to the United States in the late 1990s, the pandemic turned into an opportunity to launch Medan Kitchen, a restaurant in a strip mall in Rosemead, California.
“While the pandemic forced many businesses to close, the lower rental rates made it a feasible opportunity,” she recalls of her decision in 2020.
Cooking has always been Siu’s passion. After relocating to California in her 50s, she spent her days cooking for family, friends and her church community as a home caterer.
When her husband fell ill in the early 2000s, the kitchen became her sanctuary. Preparing lontong Medan (Medanese rice cake) from her hometown was a way to care for him.
The comforting steamed rice cakes in coconut curry, with sambal and fried anchovies, not only soothed her husband but also became a favorite in her circle. Soon, she had earned the nickname “Ai (Aunty) Lontong Medan”.
Still, becoming a restaurateur was a whole new challenge. Siu had never run a business before, and her family had their doubts. But they also saw how being stuck at home, doing nothing, wasn’t good for her.
In the end they relented, and the restaurant quickly became a family affair.
“The children eventually rallied behind me, handling everything from administrative tasks and supplies to day-to-day management,” she recounts.
This teamwork allowed Medan Kitchen to thrive.
Siu insists on preparing the dishes personally to ensure their authenticity and excellent quality. Customers prefer it this way: Indonesian staples cooked by Aunty Siu herself.
Operating just four days a week, the family-run restaurant serves a steady stream of customers with favorites like nasi kuning (yellow rice), nasi Padang (Padang rice) and of course, lontong Medan.
Now in its fourth year, Medan Kitchen continues to evolve, introducing new dishes while maintaining its signature flavors.
“We cater to Indonesian immigrants longing for familiar tastes and locals curious about Indonesian cuisine,” she says. “While many customers enjoy bold and spicy flavors, we adjust [them] for those who prefer something milder.”
For Siu, Medan Kitchen is more than a business: It’s also a way to combat her fear of growing old.
“Staying active keeps me sharp,” she says. “The thought of becoming senile drives me to stay in the kitchen, where I find joy and purpose.”
Each dish she prepares keeps her engaged, creative and connected to her roots. Cooking is her antidote to aging.
By sharing something deeply personal, one dish at a time, Siu shows us that while cooking can’t stop the clock, it can keep the mind and spirit well seasoned.
Stefani: A healing journey
Despite her tumultuous upbringing, Stefani has built a life many might envy.
As a digital media executive for a global humanitarian organization, the 27-year-old finds purpose in crafting narratives that amplify the voices of underserved communities, raising awareness and generating funds for impactful initiatives.
She lives independently in a premium boarding house in Gading Serpong, Banten, balancing her days as a devoted cat parent, yoga enthusiast and frequent concertgoer.
Today, however, she is preparing to leave behind her carefully curated life in Greater Jakarta to move to Bali and support her aging parents – two people she once found so difficult to communicate with that even a simple conversation triggered anxiety.
As the youngest in her family with a 40-year age gap between her and her parents and siblings who were building families of their own, Stefani often felt like an outsider.
Her father’s career decline led to financial instability, forcing the family to sell their possessions to make ends meet. Moving from place to place became a constant, uprooting them from friends and any sense of stability. This transient lifestyle left Stefani navigating her childhood largely on her own.
The tipping point came in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she found herself caring for her parents while neglecting her own needs.
“My mom refused to get vaccinated. My dad made a spur-of-the-moment trip to Bali and came back COVID positive. I was a wreck,” Stefani recalls.
The fragile family dynamic and the ensuing stress pushed her to make a life-changing decision: live independently for the first time in 25 years, prioritizing personal growth and self-care.
In the two years since, she has found solace in her church community.
“Church started as a university internship, but turned into a sanctuary,” says Stefani. “We grew from a small group to a large family.”
Her boyfriend Edmond, 30, also played a crucial role in her healing journey.
“He mediates conflicts and even organizes family dinners to bring us together. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start,” she says.
Last October, when her parents sold their remaining assets and planned to secure a home in Bali, Stefani saw an opportunity for reconciliation.
Determined to help, she is now focused on finding them a home – or if necessary, purchasing land and hiring trustworthy architects to create a space where they could finally settle down.
Beginnings aren't meant to be easy, they're meant to be transformative. - Rita
The transition is bittersweet. Stefani is leaving behind her job, her church, her beloved cat Maru and Edmond. Yet, she feels a deep sense of responsibility and a longing to heal the wounds of the past.
While the future is uncertain, Stefani is embracing this new chapter with courage. By prioritizing her parents and committing to reconciliation, she hopes to bring closure to the conflicts that have shaped her life.
“I don’t know how long I’ll stay, but I’m committed to seeing this through,” she says.
For Stefani, this move isn’t just about supporting her parents: It’s also about finding peace, healing old scars and redefining her journey forward.
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What if your next chapter isn’t about having all the answers or a perfect plan? What if the magic lies in simply taking the leap, in trusting yourself to navigate the unknown?
Whether it’s leaving your 9-to-5 to pursue a passion, booking a one-way ticket to someplace new or finally going after that dream you’ve been putting off, the courage to start is all you need.
Who knows? The life you’ve been waiting for might just be one bold, messy and exhilarating step away.
