aristiwidya.com

On my way back from a meeting today, I saw a huge billboard digitally printed, saying “Let’s make Indonesia green.” And I say to myself, isn’t ironic, don’t you think? (While singing Alanis).  Then, at work, Mas Alex and I were discussing ‘Brand Image.’ It triggers another question: Is it how you want to be perceived, how the world perceives you or how do you authentically show your best self to the world? Well, I guess if we have nothing of worth to show to the world, then we’re pretty much screwed. Hehehe.

It is a question I struggle with though. What is my Brand Image? What’s my Brand? Until now, I’m still not sure how to answer that question. But, as I’m compiling our Mid Year Meeting Results,  I’m once again reminded of these two sentences I was asked to complete:

• My goal is to be …
• I will be known for …

And I ask myself, is this part of the process of understanding who I am (again)? Is that what branding process is about? That it’s not just about creating our image, but creating ME? If there’s a design process for every product available in the market, why shouldn’t I design me: the kind of person I’d like to become and be known for. » Read the rest of this entry «

Plan is like a direction, but not a destination. I learn this every time I make plans, because what I realize is that NOTHING ever goes exactly as planned. And the more I plan less, the more adventure I get. As I didn’t plan to get a job for 2011, I ended up getting offered an opportunity I find better than I can ever imagine: to be a part of Daily Meaning.

Zero might mean to re-start, to begin again. Yet when you can feel as big as a hero even when you have nothing, you know you’re in the right place. That’s what I feel with my decision to be a part of Daily Meaning. It is once again my first day of work, where I have zero knowledge of the company culture, of what I can do, of what I can contribute. Yet, I feel inspired, empowered, strong. Is it because the organization’s values and visions are aligned with mine? If there’s a place I am ready to add numbers to my “zero”, this is the place.

And the journey begins. Again. This new “job” sets up nicely for my next journey on this planet earth. Let’s see what 2011 brings and how I can add another milestone into my life through learning and growing with Daily Meaning.

Daily Meaning, thank you for making me a part of your family

Can we really change the world? I believe we can.

A lot of people think of changing the world by doing great things in great capacity for the greatest impact with the shortest time possible. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. Changing the world can easily be changing your OWN world, your own self, your own life, your own community. Start there. That’s what I learn from the Sacred Bridge Foundation, Maros Foundation, Rossi Music and Rhythm Salad from Listen to The World Series.

Define what kind of change you want to see. Define which world you want to focus on. That’s it. For now.

You say, “I want world peace.” My question is, “Are you in peace?”
You say, “I want world full of joy and happiness.” Well, are you full of joy and happiness?
You say, “I wish there are more intelligent and honest people in the government.” Hmm, can you honestly say that you are intelligent and honest? If you are, why aren’t you in it?
You say, “There are a lot of stupid people in this world.” Well, if you can say someone else is stupid, what does that say about you? What’s so ‘intelligent’ about putting other people down?
You say, “I hate ***** for stealing our culture!” Doesn’t that just make you a hater and not a lover? Plus, if we truly embrace the values and essence of the culture, can anyone really steal it from us?

Maybe this is what they mean by common sense. We don’t use it enough. I am still learning myself.

Saw this signs today:

Context! Context! Context!

Use cultural currencies for equality and understanding.

Intellectuality = Conscience + Common Sense + Horizon

My question is:
How does one learn/practice
Conscience, Common Sense + Horizon?
How?

Sometimes we take things for granted.
Hey, I take things for granted,
like having such beautiful, brilliant, bold grandmother AND mother combo.

As we celebrate mother’s day in Indonesia, mom and I had one of our 4 hour lunch over shabu-shabu (our favorites). We talked about passion, life, opportunities… not relationships though :p; mostly me asking millions of questions about her thoughts and experiences. Looking down from the 28th floor overlooking Jakarta’s traffic, I cannot help but be extremely thankful to be a part of such an amazing family of women.

My grandmother.
A trooper indeed. She raised her 5 children by herself, while grand pa was in the political prison. She had to commute everyday from Jakarta-Bogor-Jakarta, until she was promoted to a job in Jakarta. She was the lady who went EVERY WEEK for years so that she can get the license to buy a house in Jakarta. She is a lady who is in her age of 84 still goes to work EVERY DAY! She never forgets my birthday, or anyone’s birthday for that matter.

My mom.
A warrior. Went to school for medicine, ended up as a secretary. Then detailer. Then marketer. Then banker. Was the #1 Banker for Credit Card in Indonesia. A leader, a business woman, inspirators for many. Fought cancer, survived cancer. Still jumping around like crazy in class even though she is a grand-mother.

How am I supposed to fill up the shoes of these amazing ladies? Lemme find a way, to create my own pair of shoes