The Twelve Commandments

Terinspirasi dari buku Gretchen Rubin yang berjudul The Happiness Project. Disitu dia ngebahas  tentang dua belas perintah yang dia miliki untuk hidupnya sendiri. Dua belas perintah yang dia punya untuk dirinya sendiri dibagi untuk setiap bulan dalam setahun. Dan yeah menurut gw kita hidup itu harus dengan sengaja bergerak menuju rasa kepuasan, kebahagiaan, dan keseluruhan berkembang menjadi wanita yang kita mau. 

Ketika menulis perintah-perintah ini, itu semata-mata didasarkan pada wanita yang saya cita-citakan berada di tahun depan. So by 2019, I will have a whole other set of commandments for myself to live by for that year, while keeping the ones from last. Yeah go diah go!! HeHeHe

Note: Gw bukan manusia yang sempurna. Jadi itu gila kalau gw bilang gw ngelakuin ini setiap detik setiap hari. Gak, gw ga setekun itu haha Tapi, gw berusaha keras untuk berlatih berlatih setiap hari.

Diah’s Twelve Commandments:

1. Be Diah:

This is by far is my favorite commandment. It’s a reminder to stay true to myself, and forever and always be me. I will act in ways that stay true to myself, despite opinions of others. I will never seek to be somebody I’m not. 

2. Do It Now:

Don’t wait an hour, a day, a week, or a month to do something. Do it now. Even if it’s something as small as laundry, do it now. Learn to always put off procrastination because procrastination is the number one thief of time. Build a habit to do things at that exact moment. beberapa kali gw suka nunda pekerjaan, dan itu cuman buat gw susah karna pada akhirnya pekerjaan itu jadi numpuk! Kalian pasti pernah kan ngerasain gitu dan akhirnya bilang (ah kenapa ga gw kerjain kemarin nih kerjaan) yep me too 

3. Speak Up:

I’ve always had such a hard time speaking my mind. I want a bigger voice in this world, and I want it to speak melodies and harmonies through others. This will be a reminder that if I have something to say, I should just say it. Disini bukan berarti apa pun kita bicarakan, engga. Tetep, mulutmu, harimaumu. Jadi kita harus tetap berhati hati dengan ucapan. Start to writing my blog again is one way of saying what's on my mind.

4. Be Spontaneous:

Life should have its crazy fun experiences and moments. If it’s a chance to go cliff diving or jumping off a plane, like hey go for it! I want to have the stories to laugh about and be in complete awe that I did that. I love to be a storyteller for my kids and my grandkids in the future.. Like having a tea time or eating ice cream together while i tell my story yuhuuuuw its a good plan :p  I, and all of us, only have this one life, live it spontaneously.

5. This Too Shall Pass:

Whether I’m going through the biggest struggle—feeling beat, weak, and tired, it won’t last forever. This too shall pass. Whether it’s the most happiest moment of my life, cherish it because this too shall pass :)

6. No Fear:

Don’t let fear paralyze me from making decisions and taking steps forward. Yes, doing something out of my comfort zone is scary but I know the reward of doing it is worth it. I won’t let fear be my future.

7. Reach Out:

No one succeeds alone. Lately I’ve been reaching out because I absolutely love opening up my bubble to people I find very similar to in values and beliefs. But, I could always do more reaching out (with intent). Networking is such a good thing!

8. Always With Love:

Do every single thing with love. Add a dash, hint, drop of love in EVERYTHING. Be the loving lovable woman.

9. Laugh More, Smile More:

I’m not planning on going through life moping around. Laugh until you cry, smile until your cheeks hurt. There are so many things to smile about, and find something to laugh about.

10. Always Room For Growth:

There is no such thing as reaching your limit, or being satisfied. There will always be more for myself. There will always be more to learn, more to do, more to give, and more to GROW. Even when you achieve everything you possibly ever want, there’s more to be achieved.

11. Spend Out:

Stop hoarding money and letting it waste away. Invest in myself and future. Live with the abundance mentality—there will always be more. Living in a scarcity mindset—there will never be enough, is one hell of a sad way of living.

12. Let Go Of The Past:

Anything from the past that has been something that hurt me can only now just be a burden to me. It will anchor me down from picking myself back up. Let go, move on. The past is already done with, my future is still ahead—everything I want still has yet to be created.

A Letter To Herself

At the end of the day when you are laying in bed it is you who is left alone with just yourself, your thoughts, and your own soul.

Find what makes you happy, find what makes your little heart dance. It may be the biggest most difficult search and journey of your life. But listen, once you find it and you take full grasp it – soaking it up wholeheartedly,  it will radiate you like no other. That is when the spark in your face never dies and you become unstoppable.

No one is physically going to hand you that happiness. You cannot depend on someone else to support you and carry you on their back to get you to your destination. It is all on you. Be strong, stand on your own two feet. You might want to stop along the road, your feet may get tired, and blisters will appear along the way. But, you just keep going. No one said it was going to be a walk on the beach.

Some soul-searching is being done. I believe there is something/ someone within me who is struggling to break through this exterior. I believe there is something/ someone within me who is demanding more; who wants more than what she has right now. She is in no competition with anyone but herself. I do not know who she is completely at this moment, but I am learning who she is and what she exactly wants.

– A letter to herself.

Loving you.

I’ve had this in the depths of all my notes and I’d thought I’d share to you what I typically write, because whether it’s in my journal, on a random piece of paper, or my notes there is always something I’m writing about.

Life teaches us a variety of things as we open up and allow ourselves to experience what we as humans need to go through. As Tony Robbin preaches, ” love is not only an emotion, but it is an action” and this action comes to be one of our biggest, most important teacher of our lives because we learn something about ourselves and how to better our future relationships and partnerships.

The beautiful thing is I learned quite a bit when I was loving someone. I learned actually way more than I ever imagined now looking back on it. I would never wish to take back the experience nor the lesson that was attached to it. So here is my ode to what loving this certain person has taught me.

Loving you taught me how to love myself in a way I didn’t know how to before; a way that I was able to see how truly special I am and what gifts I have to give to this world.

Loving you taught me that I don’t have a limit to how much love I could possibly have for someone because it showed when I gave my all to you— every drop of love I had.

Loving you taught me that I could and was able feel something so extraordinary for someone.

Loving you taught me taking the risk was worth not taking any at all because without our leaps we wouldn’t have had our amazing moments.

Loving you taught me that there will be the doubters and the haters but they weren’t worth the attention.

Loving you taught me to be absolutely goofy and silly, because everything is better with a laugh.

Loving you taught me how to be free-spirited— to go about each day living it to the best I possibly could have despite any situation.

Loving you taught me to live life not only for myself because you were a part of me—my other half and everything I did I had to take you into consideration.

Loving you taught me how I could completely wholeheartedly be myself with no fear of judgement.

Loving you taught me to give and give, expecting nothing in return. I rarely ever did because a smile or kiss was more than enough.

Loving you taught me to not sweat the small stuff.

Loving you taught me that a partnership required work and consistent effort.

Loving you taught me that it was okay to be vulnerable, to set aside the ego, and if one of us was upset we could go to one another with complete safety and a shoulder to cry on.

And with that, loving you taught me to be strong, to fight for what I believe in, to stand up for what I want. My eyes are opened and are seen through a different perspective and I’m forever grateful for the growth of each other that transpired through it.

Diah, Jakarta 2018

Does Life Really Get In The Way?

I’m pretty sure you have heard this term, “life gets in the way” a term to simply justify why people ignore the things they need to do. Trust me, I’ve used that term a handful of times, and it’s gotten me to point where I was getting the little things done, while procrastinating on the big things that will lead me to the big picture. Everyday things happen to all us that can prevent us from taking a step towards our goals—well only if we let them.

If you put 100% commitment into a goal, you’d make better decisions about your time so that actions can be taken place to achieve it. Despite any challenge, you will find any possible way to get past it and continue forward with your goals.

Sometimes things can be absolutely unavoidable; death in a family, an accident, etc., which would be appropriate to put some more time into and maybe put things on hold, depending on the severity. But things as small as being tired, being “busy”, feeling a little sick, having to pick up your brother, sister, or kids, and having errands to run should be no excuse to stop you from taking action towards your goals.

If you’re feeling sick, use that time to read, study, make some phone calls, write—whatever you need to do. If you have to pick up your brother, sister,etc. or have errands to run, plan ahead of time so you can have a set schedule to what you need to do. By putting the littlest of things in front of what’s most important, you’re only setting yourself up for failure.

Amongst the greatest enemy of success if procrastination.

I’m sure you had an hour or two in your day where you have used it unwisely. Time that should have been used for working, you may have used it to watch T.V, take a nap, or go out with some friends. If you have an hour in your day to watch T.V, you have an hour to get shit done. So if you are wanting to step up, get out there, take charge of your career, your life— don’t let “life get in the way” of getting the big, significant work completed. Own your shit and get it done! No more excuses and ways to justify your laziness.

Take a rest but never quit

“If you get tired learn how to rest, not quit.”

Do you ever feel like you’re tired, drained, and maybe just overall “so done” with everything because of a new project you’re taking on, a new career path you decided to hop on, a class that’s too difficult, or a situation that seems impossible to get through?

We are all very well aware that life is difficult — difficult for us all. The ups and downs and what I call the “messiness” of life where there’s so much going on you feel like you’re taking on a whole load, we all experience them.

For some of us that gives an excuse and a leeway to say “I quit” or “it’s too difficult, I give up.” When times get tough we look for the easiest possible solution to get out of things we believe we cannot get through. Your brain has a purpose to protect you. When you feel scared, stressed, and overwhelmed your mind starts grinding its gears looking for that one reason why you shouldn’t do it because it’s programmed to do that.

I’m here to tell you that those feelings are completely normal. We are human. Our emotions drive our actions; at times for both the good and the bad. But, as intense as those emotions are don’t let that stop you from the end game — the finish line. Rest if you need to, but don’t ever quit. Sprint, but when you feel tired learn how to walk, take the next step, or just breathe. But, don’t ever stop. Once you stop it’s 100 times harder to get back up and go again.

Do not let barriers your mind creates in order to protect you to stop you.

On A Mission

I’ve been on a whole other level of joy and happiness lately, and I’m pretty damn convinced that someone has been putting some extra spice and spoof into my coffee to cause this craziness.

It’s a bit odd that me is this spunky.

But, in all seriousness… This is the reason why:

INSPIRATION. INSPIRED.

I’m just inspired and in complete awe by the people out there who are making a deliberate effort to make a change in this world. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness; a smile, a hug, maybe even a “hello, how are you?” that can make a 180 degree turn in someone’s day or going big and donating to a cause, charity, etc. or even focusing on bettering themselves.

I’ve come to realize there is nothing more rewarding than the act of kindness, love, and positivity that you are able to share with others.

The world has enough problems going on. We know that already with all the toxicity that is being blasted all over Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And quite frankly it’s a bit dreadful to see on a daily basis. I know there are people out there who truly want to make a difference. I know, I know, I know. But, let me tell you something wishing you can do something behind the screen is completely different from actually doing something and taking action. Start small. A small step is much bigger and better than no step being taken at all. 

Think of this...

How beautiful would it be to be the change you want to see in this world? 

How beautiful would it be to be the reason for someone’s smile? 

How beautiful would it be to be the reason someone has food for the week? 

How beautiful would it be to be the reason someone has clothes to wear? 

How beautiful would it be to be an inspiration to someone?

Nothing makes me happier than putting a smile on someone’s face, even giving the slightest bit of advice that might make a contribution to their life, or just giving them that pep they need to get through the day. Embrace the feeling you get when you give what other’s want. It’s a feeling you just feed off of and engulf.

To the game changers and the givers,

You guys are an inspiration, not only to me, but to the rest of the world. Thank you.

“Always have a willing hand to help someone, you might be the only one that does.”- Roy T. Bennett

Syukur.

Pagi ini, seperti pagi-pagi kemarin, kucoba untuk memperhatikan raut wajah setiap orang yg melewatiku. Mulai dari keluar rumah, di angkutan umum, perjalanan ke halte, di busway,sampai melangkahkan kakiku untuk masuk ke ruangan.

80%  dari raut wajah yg kuperhatikan, kelihatan tidak cukup gembira. Entah karena masalah pribadi, keharusan untuk bangun pagi untuk menghindari kemacetan, belum sarapan, dan lain-lain. Sempat terlintas, mungkin memang kita sebagai manusia masih sangat kurang bersyukur. Bukankah ketika kita bangun pagi ini, menghirup nafas di hari yg baru sudah merupakan anugerah yg diberikan Allah SWT kepada kita? Bukankah dengan diberinya kita kesempatan untuk satu hari lagi menikmati hidup merupakan suatu hal yg bisa membahagiakan?

Memang benar yg dikatakan, kepuasan manusia tidak ada batasannya. Hal kecil yg sangat layak untuk disyukuri pun kadang kita lupa untuk mensyukurinya.

Aku teringat saat malam hari, saat aku pulang dari kampus, saat berjalan di jembatan busway yg panjang dan berbelit-belit. Banyak keluhan yg ku lontarkan dalam hati. Tas ransel yg berat, panjangnya jembatan busway yg terkadang membuat muak, dan harus tetap berjalan dengan sisa-sisa tenaga di tambah rasa lapar dan berharap sesampaiku dirumah masih ada beberapa makanan yg bisa di makan tanpa harus dimasak terlebih dahulu.

Tak lama aku lihat seorang kakek tua sedang menyebarang jalan tepat di bawah jembatan yg sedang ku lewati, dengan wajah lemas ia terus menopang kardus yg besar dan mungkin lebih berat dari ransel yg ku bawa. Dan mungkin rasa lapar yg kurasakan tak seberapa jika di bandingkan kakek tersebut, dirumah pasti ada makanan, walau harus di masak terlebih dahulu, setidaknya ada hal yg bisa di makan. Bagaiman dengan kabar kakek tersebut? lagi pula aku jauh lebih muda darinya.

Dan salah satu yg kupikirkan saat melihatnya adalah dimana keluarganya? Mana anaknya? Mengapa ia sendiri? Dan aku berharap agar orang tuaku nanti tak sendiri di hari tuanya, aku ingin terus menemaninya dan mengabulkan impian-impiannya terdahulu yg tertunda karena lebih memikirkan impian-impian anaknya.

Banyak hal yg harusnya ku syukuri atas nikmat yg di berikan olehNYA. Dan banyak waktu yg harus kusesali karna menyia-nyikan dan terkadang lebih memilih menikmati nikmatNYA namun tidak membalas nikmat-nikmat tersebut dengan rasa syukur kepadaNYA.