During a recent SEA staff meeting, Angelic introduced a simple yet profound exercise: hearts of different colors, each representing the emotions we carry in our work and in our lives.

White for gratitude and peace.
Orange for anxiety and worry.
Red for happiness and joy.
Black for managing but needing support.
Purple for the beginnings of struggle.
Yellow for feeling overwhelmed.
Green for feeling nourished and recharged.
Blue for sadness, hopelessness, or grief.

Each staff member was asked to choose the color that reflected their heart that day. It was a moment of honesty, reflection, and courage—a recognition that our feelings are as important as our tasks.

When asked about her own color, SEA Executive Director Ann chose green. She explained, “Only you can nourish and refuel your own self and heart. At the end of the day, there is always a solution for any problem you have. And the support is still there.”

Her words reminded everyone that leading Lakaran, and managing diverse people in an organization, is not just about tasks—it is about managing hearts. To guide a team with compassion, to serve others with dedication, and to face daily challenges, one’s own heart must be built with care, empathy, and resilience.

This simple exercise with colored hearts became more than a check-in—it was a lesson in self-awareness and self-care. It was a reminder that emotions are signals, not weaknesses. That joy, grief, stress, and calm all have their place. And most importantly, that taking the time to nourish one’s own heart enables a leader to inspire, support, and uplift others.

In the end, the colors are not just reflections of today—they are guideposts for Lakaran, a path that reminds everyone: to lead well, to serve well, and to thrive, we must first care for our own hearts.