hope.

Thank You, 2021

This post serves as a summary and key takeaways from the author’s point of view based on reflections and contemplations over the year 2021. At least, there are five life lessons learned from what the author has been through this year.

First, we need to have the willingness to take responsibility. It is inevitable. A responsibility exists regardless of individuals choose to take it or not. It is just a matter of time, a matter of maturity that makes individuals recognize and raise their willingness to face any challenge. It is our decision of how to take the responsibility given to us. In facing those challenges in taking responsibilities, we need courage – which leads to the second takeaway.

Second, we have to keep the courage. An act of courage that is based on faith and accompanied by hope. The kind of courage that keeps our feet standing still and lets our hearts holdfast. It is because we know that fortune favors the brave. This message is both universal and specific at the same time, subject to circumstances faced by individuals.

Third, the right timing is significant, and therefore being patient plays a pivotal role. Once, the Indonesian Minister of Finance – when this post is made – highlighted two important yet relatable messages regarding policy-makers: the first is the significance of the right timing of a policy, and the second is the appropriate dose of the policy. In other words, a balance needs to be achieved in any aspect of institutions as well as individuals.

Fourth, to be steadfast during uncertainty. A period of uncertainty is arguably inevitable. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that the tempting time poses an opportunity to grow and expand ourselves. The author’s someone special encouraged and gave a piece of advice that uncertainty and struggling time are indeed not easy, yet it expands our comfort zone. Problem and uncertainty do exist, but they shall pass anyway. Knowing that hard times will pass and overcoming struggles with responsibility might help in enduring steadfast and establishing hope for a better future.

Fifth, to be prepared, particularly for things we know we will face shortly. Being prepared in one area allows people to have confidence in their beliefs about something – setting a particular mindset. Moreover, preparedness is about knowing how to respond to future outcomes. Hence, we need to prepare ourselves as part of our efforts that help us organize our time and resources in the best possible way to achieve the best possible results.

In conclusion, based on what the author has learned, it is our willingness and decision that might open another world before us and lead us to another level in our life, which certainly requires greater responsibility. Our life is not static, yet on the contrary, it is stochastic and dynamic. It is our courage and willingness that might enable us to step forward and experience upward growth in our life. So, take what we need and be in our way. Thank you for the lessons, 2021.

Random Post: The Pain of Shallowness and Some Tips to Avoid Awkward Social Situation

If you had to stay the night with people who you just knew, how would you feel? Not to mention the absence of the internet which means you lose most entertainment and information that you could use to reward some space for yourself and kill the time synchronously.

For me, it is a kind of pain of shallowness arising from a kind of social situation. A chit-chat, a bull. Maybe other people can stand such a situation, but it is just not me, I guess.

Next, if I were in a situation of being trapped at shallowness then how would I survive?

I think that is one of the most important things I have to work with in order to survive, instead of merely ranting and complaining about the situation that I am not comfortable with, some kind of survival kit.

Yes, questioning something that attracts my attention and focus would help in relieving the nerve, ignoring the pain resulting from an uncomfortable and awkward social situation. A unique feeling, I would say, that only certain (mostly introvert) people could comprehend and relate with. That feeling of tiredness and pain is due to the requirement to get involved in primary social communication with many people at once. It wears a part of the self that has the necessary to be alone and have a me-time. It should be highlighted the difference between the term alone and lonely. Someone can comfortably stay alone for some time – in fact, it is good for someone to have a me-time to introspect his situation and reflect things to further get correction upon his life. Nevertheless, no matter what perspective that someone might take, feeling lonely is damaging.

I am not insulted by the crowd without reason. It is not uncommon for me to be in a situation where I feel uncomfortable with the surrounding people or a circumstance that I do not expect previously. Nevertheless, in a rare case, it is highly uncomfortable to feel stuck in a circumstance where I am surrounded by people who I just know, get intensely interacted with them on the first day I meet and know these people!

Getting back to the main question: how would I strive and survive this situation – at least until the next moment I could feel more comfortable or get busy with no internet?

First, read an article or a book. That is a brilliant solution. Prepare some books to read on the main device so that in a boring situation that I could not play with your gadget, I would find it beneficial. It would also be better if the book is interesting enough to get me engaged with the discussion since it will have the sensation of traveling with the mind. Second, write anything, literally anything. Something in my mind, something that I feel, just write. It keeps the mind focused on what I am writing, and further encourages creative thinking. As a bonus, writing might bring an unexpected feeling of relief. It would make me feel better somehow, and surprisingly an hour has passed. Third, make a to-do list and a short-term plan. While this may only take a short time, it is still useful in harnessing the time when there is no internet and I am surrounded by people that leave me uncomfortable. A concise list and short-term plan would be beneficial not only in stimulating myself upon doing necessary actions but also keep the mind busy at least in a good way.

In summary, just in case that you might find yourself getting trapped in an awkward social situation for some time without the internet or any other entertainment on your main device, have a consideration on doing alternative things, including reading an article or a book, writing about anything, and arranging a to-do-list and short-term plan. Hopefully, it would work and help you avoid the pain due to shallowness from a kind of social situation.

The Messenger (Part 3)

A succinct summary of a week in photos and insightful quotes (according to the author’s opinion)

It is undeniably relaxing to spend some time in nature. Reflecting on how life has been going on, nature has brought luggage of lessons in a peculiar way. Being in nature might further reveal the true self of an individual which even himself had not recognized beforehand. In addition, observation regarding the contrast between urban and rural life has once again raised the importance of a balance in each aspect of life.

The battlefield is in thoughts and feelings

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16

The Significance of Having A Life Purpose

What is the purpose of your life? Together with other existential questions, this could be both easy and difficult questions to answer. While some might argue that people could live their life like flowing water, it is worth noting, however, that the answer one gives to this question – hence revealing his ultimate purpose – might influence the extent not only to which he could overcome struggles and challenges but also to the attainment of a meaningful and fulfilled life.

To begin, a life purpose needs to be defined, in which according to a publication by John Templeton Foundation, there are three important components that define a purpose in life, including a goal orientation, personal meaningfulness, and a focus on aims beyond the self. This means that a life purpose is an objective covering a distant, long-term horizon aims that guide the steps and actions needed. Further, a life purpose is most likely to be personally meaningful, and motivated, at least partly by a willingness to make an added value in the world beyond the self. This definition of purposeful objectives proposes goals are deliberately selected, and a study suggests individuals might have a motivational responsibility in choosing and paying attention toward particular goals, including their life purposes (Fishbach, 2014).

As a result of its aforementioned definition, a life purpose is essential and beneficial for individuals, particularly following its association with meaning. In relation to a meaningful life, a purpose in life reflects a subset of sources of meaning (Bronk & Dubon, 2016). This means that meaning is a broader and more inclusive concept than purpose. Having a life purpose, therefore, brings fundamental benefits since it would contribute to the fulfillment of meaningful life. The first benefit is that a life purpose promotes an individual to be adaptive, innovative, and enthusiastic with his life. For instance, Bronk (2012) found that deriving pleasure and a deep sense of meaningfulness from engagement in the research samples’ ultimate purposes complemented with the skill in utilizing useful strategies to cope with challenges such as maintaining confidence in a final settlement and using innovative ways to solve problems helped them sustain their commitments to the ultimate purposes.

Moreover, it is suggested that commitments to ultimate purposes might develop as time passes by. This means that while the ultimate purposes were remaining, the ways to accomplish those purposes were often altered, which implied that individuals might be adaptive and agile to achieve their life purposes. The certain focus of the samples’ actions shifted as they had new approaches concerning new resources and confronted stimulating experiences. Hence, it could be inferred that having a life purpose may encourage someone to keep up-to-date, develop acquired skills, and explore new abilities synchronously.

The second benefit comes from a broader context of young and adult people where it is obvious that a remarkable purpose in life contributes to a pivotal role in healthy identity development (Bronk, 2012). The figure that an individual hoped to become was hugely influenced by what he hoped to accomplish in his life. This is to say that the sense of self was complicatedly entwined with the sense of purpose. Albeit limitations are applied regarding the study, it is still worth noting the suggestion of the study to serve as an important guide. For instance, it is imperative to know that the presence of mentors and peers with similar minds establish positive developmental contexts that probably support not only the evolvement of a remarkable purpose but also the healthy growth of young people.

Meaningful Work

The third benefit appears in a more specific context, that is from the perspective of taking actions following one’s role, particularly in a work environment, in which someone could obtain life contentment from meaningful work or anything that he does by setting a notable purpose that aligns with his established values, interest as well as pertinent skills, and working towards that “dream job”. Every movement towards the dream job would bring satisfaction to an individual. Even if an individual has attained his dream job, it does not necessarily mean that it is terminal. Instead, it is actually an entrance to a new platform in which an individual could explore and contribute more to society and focus on aims beyond himself following his new role.

It is suggested that work has become a focal point in providing meaning, stability, and a sense of community and identity in individuals’ lives (Cartwright and Holmes, 2006). The importance of work is not only about the degree to which individuals could contribute to others but also about themselves, and how much they could be able to realize themselves since it is pivotal for individuals to feel that their existence and unique selves matter (George and Park, 2014). This means that individuals have to experience their work aligns with their self-image of who they are, their originality, values, and interests, which further could be called self-realization. Thus, self-realization is an inner value for individuals that might affect their ultimate purposes and how they could realize the purposes through meaningful work.

The question then, how could one know that the established ultimate purpose is meaningful and worth doing? Probably, the study of Martela and Pessi (2018) might help to answer such a question. They propose that meaningfulness in the broadest sense is about work importance as an overall assessment of work as regards whether it is naturally precious and worth doing. According to the study, it is suggested that the more employees feel that their work has benefited other people, the more they ought to feel that they are giving a higher purpose through their work. It could be inferred that if someone could provide individuals with work where they are allowed to realize themselves and where they feel they are given a wider purpose then he opens those individuals the chance to truly feel that their work is significant and worth doing.

Furthermore, the importance of meaningful work in serving an ultimate purpose is about finding some personal values and interests in one’s work-related activities that cause them worth doing, and further, it is a general assessment of the value or worth of one’s work (Lepisto and Pratt, 2017). The value and worthiness of an individual’s work could be evaluated by questioning the connectedness of individual personal values, interests, and abilities with his work, or the existence of uncertainty and isolation from any values that an individual feels regarding his job (Weber, 1958; Bellah et al., 1985). For those reasons, a notable life purpose could closely be attributed to a meaningful work, in which the latter could serve as an ultimate purpose but not automatically means that once an individual has reached it then it is finished. Instead, it is a good way to bring fulfillment and satisfaction to one’s life by serving a higher purpose through what he does and the value-added given to society.

After all, the significance of having a life purpose does not lie in the attainment of that purpose, but rather in the path and process of attaining the aim and moving towards it. An ultimate purpose helps someone mapping and draw the direction in his life to which he would further use his valuable resources, such as time and efforts, to produce significant steps that bring him closer to the purpose. In other words, having a noble purpose might convert one’s valuable endowment to other valuable things that result in an added value to bring him one step closer to his purpose which in turn would leave him satisfied. As Jordan Peterson – a renowned psychologist – once suggested that it is not attaining an aim that makes us happy, but having an aim and moving towards it.

In conclusion, discussion regarding the topic of a life purpose is a complex issue. While some people might think that having an ultimate purpose is too far away, nonetheless, individuals essentially need to possess ultimate life purposes to serve as guides that direct their steps, in addition to the benefits it brings for those who own it as some researchers have suggested. A purpose that does not need to be a perfect one since owning a direction is better than having no direction. Without a start and a purpose, an individual would remain stuck seeing the world pass him by. Someone might not even need a starting line to start taking an action. If we think what we are contending for is worth the contend then contend for it.

References
Adolescent Moral Development Lab at Claremont Graduate University. (February 2018). The Psychology of Purpose. John Templeton Foundation

Bellah, R. N., Sullivan, W. M., Tipton, S. M., Swidler, A., and Madsen, R. P. (1985).
Habits of the Heart. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

Bronk, K. C. (2012). A Grounded Theory of the Development of Noble Youth Purpose. Journal of Adolescent Research, 27(1), 78–109. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558411412958

Bronk, K. C., & Dubon, V. X. (2016). Approaches to fostering purpose among adolescents in
educational settings. The International Forum for Logotherapy

Cartwright, S., and Holmes, N. (2006). The meaning of work: the challenge of
regaining employee engagement and reducing cynicism. Hum. Resour. Manage.
Rev. 16, 199–208. doi: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2006.03.012

Fishbach, A. (2014). The motivational self is more than the sum of its goals. Behavioral and Brain
Sciences, 37, 143-144.

George, L. S., and Park, C. L. (2014). “Existential mattering: bringing attention to a
neglected but central aspect of meaning?” in Meaning in Positive and Existential
Psychology, eds A. Batthyany and P. Russo-Netzer (New York, NY: Springer),
39–51.

Lepisto, D. A., and Pratt, M. G. (2017). Meaningful work as realization and
justification toward a dual conceptualization. Organ. Psychol. Rev. 7, 99–121.
doi: 10.1177/2041386616630039

Martela F and Pessi AB (2018). Significant Work Is About Self-Realization and Broader Purpose:
Defining the Key Dimensions of Meaningful Work. Frontiers in Psychology. 9:363. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363

Weber, M. (1958). The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, ed T. Parsons.
New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

The Messenger (Part 2)

A succinct summary of a week in photos and insightful quotes (according to the author’s opinion)

Growing in an environment that upholds the principles of justice and fairness, the author finds it pathetic, disgusting, and irritating to witness unfair treatment upon any human under the sun, regardless of their position, wealth, social status, etc. The author believes that each person has to be treated fairly and with respect under any circumstance, not to mention the contribution and effort that he/she has made. Nevertheless, since there are many conflicting interests, the more power someone has following his position, injustice and biased decision are more likely to be inevitable in which only exacerbates the problematic situation. “Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities”, said the Preacher, which the author could corroborate.

“And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.”
Ecclesiastes 3:16

Love is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6

The Messenger

A succinct summary of certain weeks in photos and insightful quotes (according to the author’s opinion)

“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our necessities but of their advantages.”
– Adam Smith

Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Proverbs 24:19–20

Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Psalm 126:5-6

Protected: Two

Jakarta in Pictures

Through photos, this post is here to appreciate Jakarta, the capital city and its heterogeneity, from the author’s view. Here are the things that come to the author’s mind when talking about Jakarta.

Its nature.

Its skyscrapers.

Its busy traffic.

Its public place.

Its ~~vandalism~~ art.

Its sunset.

Its ambition.

Its entertainment.

Its spots that we had visited together.

Perseverance: Taking The High Road

Challenges and issues are inherent parts of humans’ daily life. However, it depends on people’s mindset and perspectives toward the problem they are facing that might determine their response and actions, and thus affect the solution and the final results. Setting up a growth mindset, even struggle could be seen as opportunities to grow and develop, and in that critical time, individuals could find additional strength to solve their issues and to come back from the ground. One of the most pivotal characteristics that individuals need to bear in mind is perseverance. After all, it is not a fight between oneself against others, but a battle between an individual versus himself/herself, and perseverance could lead oneself to be the winner.

There are many inspiring and motivating quotes and an example regarding perseverance and willingness to fight. In this post, the author would like to present some selected quotes as motivation and a reminder for the author personally, and for the readers generally. The first highlighted quote comes from Winston Churchill which says, “success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that count”. While there is still a question of whether the words are truly coming from Churchill, nevertheless it is still worth noting the quotes as motivation during hard times, particularly in transition or changing phases in someone’s life. It makes individuals down to earth, be humble, and keep the focus on what they are doing in the time of success, and maintain the courage and brave heart during the time of striving to get back in tune immediately. The courage to continue could be seen as a way to adapt and catch up with the situation, to learn and improve all the time and at any opportunity.

The second line comes from the Captain Fantastic (2016) movie. In one of the final scenes, it is said, “always take the high road”. According to Cambridge English Dictionary, this idiom is defined as behaving in a moral way when other people are not behaving morally. In other words, it is the integrity and the courage to embrace the process in appropriate ways and in accordance with the applicable rules under any circumstance that an individual encounter to achieve certain goals or positions. This kind of trait and characteristic would eventually bring an individual into success and pay for their efforts with rewards. In addition, it could further be linked with Zig Zigler’s quote which says, “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude”. It reminds us to maintain moral values and appropriate actions in any kind of situation that we experience since we know that by keeping these in mind, we could be more careful and aware in our decisions, and further will lead us to the accomplishment of our objectives.

Moreover, it could be inferred from certain movies and anime some inspiring and encouraging figures, for instance from Luffy in One Piece, and Naruto anime. While it is admitted that both characters are fictional, nonetheless, it is imperative to note that both figures reflect a good example of a fighting spirit that never gives in and quits the battles. The determination that is shown in their stories could inspire people who are in battles with their struggles in real life and encourage individuals to keep going on with their lives, since the paths will eventually be paved, and the favor is there for those who never quit.

In conclusion, it should be noted that determination could lead individuals to reach the optimum point of their potential. Perseverance leads to a willingness to make the most of an individual’s resources to live on the right track, to do the necessary tasks as part of his/her efforts, to win against himself/herself, and to accomplish the ultimate goals that will finally be rewarded with the worth and appropriate gifts.

Reference
Cambridge English Dictionary

Elitekarat e glastonbury.com

Ross, M. (Director). (2016). Captain Fantastic. Electric City Entertainment.

WinstonChurchill.org

Selah

A break, a pause, a temporary stop.

Selah.

A space for a shelter and take a rest for a while from the business and the rush of life that seems to be impatient. A room to reflect from what has happened, to obtain a lesson from what is happening. An area to prepare the self spiritually, mentally, physically.

Selah.

A moment to recover and to be relief from the mundane pressure. A time to switch from hopeless to be hopeful, to be in tune and get back from disorientation. A refuge to find the truly self and his Almighty Creator.

Selah.

A good opportunity to grow bigger and stronger. An enlightenment for the path ahead. A pit stop to refill the courage to continue.

Selah.

A steady plot in the time of storm. A sweet spot full of tranquility and grace. A medicine for the scratches and incisions.

Selah.

A refreshment for the soul. Inspiration and wisdom for the mind. An enforcement and strength for the crooked and weak.

Selah.

A feast is before me in plain sight of my enemies.

Selah.

Behold my soul since in repentance and rest is my salvation.
In quietness and trust is my strength.