We now have three pairs of candidates vying for the position to be the president and vice president of this republic. Whether they are the best sons and daughter of the country is questionable but at least each seems to be convinced that he or she is the right person to lead this nation to happiness and prosperity.
To be sure JK's and Megawati's entrance in the presidential race together with Indonesia's most prominent and rather problematic generals certainly add to the drama of the election and provide the voters with more if not necessarily more interesting if choices. On top of it the result will undoubtedly seal the fate of these remnants of the New Order government once and for all in a sort of make or break coup de grace.
In the unlikely event that either Megawati or Jusuf Kalla wins the presidential election it would be the peak of their political ambitions, while losing will most likely see the end in their political careers.
My interest in this whole affair however, is not so much in the race and its potential outcome, as in what it is that can drive some people to believe that they can achieve great things based solely on personal ambitions without much solid basis for their convictions and without seemingly any awareness of the enormity of the task the leadership position entails.
After all running a huge country with its huge amount of problems such as Indonesia is a daunting task that would put off any sensible and rational person, especially given the less than happy fates of past leaders in this country.
Not only does succeeding requires a good understanding about how this country works as well as its role and place in the world family, but being a president is a job that requires a real calling beyond personal dreams and ambitions, personal sacrifice for the sake of the greater good and a vision that is far greater than the size of their personal ego and self serving interests.
Leadership requires a conviction not based on some misplaced delusion of grandeur or mythical divine rightness, or even simply the belief that one could do the job because he or she could muster the most number of votes.
After all what the people ultimately look for in a leader is not someone to fill the presidential seat once every five years but someone who could fill those five years making every citizen's dream for themselves and for the country come true: someone who works hard to serve the people and the country and not to polish their self-image, inflate their ego or suppress their fear of fading into political irrelevance.
Ten years into our democracy there is no longer any place in this republic for experimenting or playing political games and indulge in political musical chairs.
What the country needs is not someone who wants to play at being Mr or Mrs President and who sees the position as the ultimate and coveted prize of a lifelong political wheeling and dealing but someone who could be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of their own, a figure that truly embodies the nation's aspirations and inspires the people in their quest for a better future.
A someone whose conviction is not based on petty yearning but based on purity of intention and full awareness of the heavy weight of its responsibility. Someone with a clear vision of where the country should be heading and why. A person that is ultimately no mere mortal but a repository of all our hopes.
Looking at the present presidential candidates, though I admire their audacity and confidence at offering themselves to be the chosen leader, I cannot help but wonder if any of them is anywhere near morally fit to don the enormous mantle of responsibility and whether their integrity is big enough to fill the shoes of leadership.
I wonder about the kind of dreams they harbour at night: is it the fate of the nation that keeps them awake or the fate of their career that's making them toss and turn?
And lastly, looking at their faces, is there any amongst them selfless enough to be able to step outside the boundaries of their ego and really see themselves the way the people see them? Even just for a moment.
For then they might just realize what the country needs is not cynical politicians in the twilight of their career without real convictions desperately hanging on to power.
http://kickandy.com/friend/4/5/1595/read/Is-there-a-convincing-leader
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A Good Journey
I'm writing this in an ICU where someone who had been sick for the last month just passed away. She lies there with her hands clasped, quite still, as the warmth of her body gradually escapes her and rigormortis slowly seeps into her bones. Once she was a living, talking, eating human being. Now, she is as lifeless as the bed she's lying on.
Why this dwelling on death, I hear you think. It's morbid, no? I beg to differ. Death is very much a part of life - and increasingly part of my social agenda. In the last couple of weeks I've attended a few funerals of people of varying ages (most didn't even make it to the average national life expectancy age) who died of various, though predictable, illnesses and with varying degrees of pain and suffering.
In these instances one feels sad, particularly for the loved ones left behind. For the departed, it is said that one must not show too much sorrow or shed too many tears as it would be painful for the soul to leave to their next destination with so much emotion holding them back. Instead one must accept their passing with stoic resignation as when it comes to death, it is supposedly in the hands of the Almighty.
One does not know when the Grim Reaper will come and cut our mortal coil. When he does, all our plans, our thoughts of tomorrow and the woes of this planet are swept away like sandcastles at high tide.
Having witnessed many passings, including my parents', I no longer feel excessive sorrow in these occasions, but rather a sense of gratitude for the reminder to put things in their true perspectives. Including an increasing realisation that when it comes to our own death, just may be each of us has a lot more active hand in its design than we think. And that if we regularly put our life tape in pause, we would be able to discern a pattern where death is not the end or culmination of life nor the opposite to existence.
Neither is death the mysterious or scary phenomenon that steals in the night catching us unawares, but rather the seeds of death have been planted in each of us when we inhabit our physical bodies and we feed and nourish them throughout the years as we go through our so-called lives. In this way, barring fatal accidents and unpredictable tragedies, it is becoming more and more apparent that how we live our lives play a large part in how we shape our own deaths.
We are after all a driver in a vehicle that has its own intelligence and built in obsolescence that is quite beyond our control. The best that we could do is ensure its maintenance so that it gives us the best in its performance and provide us with quality driving. A lot of the time however, we think that we are not just the driver but also the vehicle. We drive it the way we want to, often carelessly, at times dangerously, mistaking our immortality for the car's.
Far from taking care of it and cherishing it as a precious thing, we subject this vehicle to all our worries, our roller coaster emotions, our fears, angers, disappointments and traumas as well as all the mental twists and gymnastics that form the journey we call our life.
We believe we are the master of the journey and in full control of this vehicle. It is often only at the edge of the abyss that we remember the vehicle has its own journey and we have ours: and our painful parting becomes our moment of rude awakening.
So wouldn't it be nice if we could ensure ourselves of a good death?
One that doesn't catch us by surprise when we are far from ready, when our to-do lists are still clutched in our hands and the worries of today are foremost in our minds? One that doesn't force us to review our lives in the final months, weeks, days or even hours before our last breath, when there is little room for introspection, barely any energy to correct our mistakes and no time prepare our own departure.
How much better it would be if we could be ready well in advance with our suitcases packed, our letters written, our messages sent, our debts paid and our farewells duly said. Then we would have no need for others to go over our lives, trying to remember what good deeds we had done and the achievements we had accomplished. We won't have to rely on others to judge whether ours is a life well-spent or time wasted.
Because we have penned our own obituary well in advance, every day each time we look in the mirror and ask ourselves, what is this journey that I'm undertaking, how far have I gone and how am I enjoying it?
So that when the time comes for us to leave we could exit gracefully and proudly like in a well-rehearsed curtain call, bidding a fond farewell of gratitude to that vehicle that had so faithfully supported and sustained us safely during our adventures.
http://kickandy.com/friend/4/5/1936/read/A-Good-Journey
Why this dwelling on death, I hear you think. It's morbid, no? I beg to differ. Death is very much a part of life - and increasingly part of my social agenda. In the last couple of weeks I've attended a few funerals of people of varying ages (most didn't even make it to the average national life expectancy age) who died of various, though predictable, illnesses and with varying degrees of pain and suffering.
In these instances one feels sad, particularly for the loved ones left behind. For the departed, it is said that one must not show too much sorrow or shed too many tears as it would be painful for the soul to leave to their next destination with so much emotion holding them back. Instead one must accept their passing with stoic resignation as when it comes to death, it is supposedly in the hands of the Almighty.
One does not know when the Grim Reaper will come and cut our mortal coil. When he does, all our plans, our thoughts of tomorrow and the woes of this planet are swept away like sandcastles at high tide.
Having witnessed many passings, including my parents', I no longer feel excessive sorrow in these occasions, but rather a sense of gratitude for the reminder to put things in their true perspectives. Including an increasing realisation that when it comes to our own death, just may be each of us has a lot more active hand in its design than we think. And that if we regularly put our life tape in pause, we would be able to discern a pattern where death is not the end or culmination of life nor the opposite to existence.
Neither is death the mysterious or scary phenomenon that steals in the night catching us unawares, but rather the seeds of death have been planted in each of us when we inhabit our physical bodies and we feed and nourish them throughout the years as we go through our so-called lives. In this way, barring fatal accidents and unpredictable tragedies, it is becoming more and more apparent that how we live our lives play a large part in how we shape our own deaths.
We are after all a driver in a vehicle that has its own intelligence and built in obsolescence that is quite beyond our control. The best that we could do is ensure its maintenance so that it gives us the best in its performance and provide us with quality driving. A lot of the time however, we think that we are not just the driver but also the vehicle. We drive it the way we want to, often carelessly, at times dangerously, mistaking our immortality for the car's.
Far from taking care of it and cherishing it as a precious thing, we subject this vehicle to all our worries, our roller coaster emotions, our fears, angers, disappointments and traumas as well as all the mental twists and gymnastics that form the journey we call our life.
We believe we are the master of the journey and in full control of this vehicle. It is often only at the edge of the abyss that we remember the vehicle has its own journey and we have ours: and our painful parting becomes our moment of rude awakening.
So wouldn't it be nice if we could ensure ourselves of a good death?
One that doesn't catch us by surprise when we are far from ready, when our to-do lists are still clutched in our hands and the worries of today are foremost in our minds? One that doesn't force us to review our lives in the final months, weeks, days or even hours before our last breath, when there is little room for introspection, barely any energy to correct our mistakes and no time prepare our own departure.
How much better it would be if we could be ready well in advance with our suitcases packed, our letters written, our messages sent, our debts paid and our farewells duly said. Then we would have no need for others to go over our lives, trying to remember what good deeds we had done and the achievements we had accomplished. We won't have to rely on others to judge whether ours is a life well-spent or time wasted.
Because we have penned our own obituary well in advance, every day each time we look in the mirror and ask ourselves, what is this journey that I'm undertaking, how far have I gone and how am I enjoying it?
So that when the time comes for us to leave we could exit gracefully and proudly like in a well-rehearsed curtain call, bidding a fond farewell of gratitude to that vehicle that had so faithfully supported and sustained us safely during our adventures.
http://kickandy.com/friend/4/5/1936/read/A-Good-Journey
Invisible Power
The power that is not seen night was so dark. Visibility was only two meters. In the midst of darkness that our bodies adrift in the pounding waves as high as three meters. Body shivering. Strong winds exacerbate the situation. Pierced the skin like thousands of stems of ice. Hours in the hands of 1:45 o'clock dawn.
It's been seven hours we floated helplessly pushed around waves. All was silent. Occasional complaints quietly ejected. Sea water is salty slapping our faces and began stinging in the eyes. Throat feels dry. His lips began to turn blue. ''Do not fall asleep! Do not fall asleep!''There was a shout of power loss. Sound forced. Alternately, remind each other.
Days seemed very long. Since six o'clock nine of us already floating in the Pacific Ocean, at Paradise Bay, Papua. Occasionally our eyes stared at each other. Exhaustion and despair. All this happened because we ignored the warning fishermen who asked us to leave the bay before five o'clock. Passing from it, according to them, will enlarge and dangerous waves. Wisdom of our traditional fishermen opponent with arrogance.
We ignore the warning. We joke about. I remember it well, in 1977. I was sitting in class one STM Jayapura District. At that time students majoring in machine initiated the event a cruise to Paradise Bay whose beauty we can see through top on Skyland Mountain Ifar. That's where we went by boat fishermen. Traditional boat was about five feet in length with a width of one meter. On the left and right there is a balancing pole that we call the employer-employer.
At the stern mounted outboard motor brands Jhonson. All day we spent on the white sandy Gulf Cenderawasih. From morning until evening. Under the agreement, the owner of the boat is only willing to wait until four o'clock in the afternoon. Moreover, they said, the waves would swell and hinder us to go back to the beach Hamadi, Jayapura, where we went. There are about four traditional boats that we rent. Towards four o'clock, three boats returned to the mainland Jayapura transporting students and teachers. While one boat waiting for us, seven male and two female students, who remain engrossed in play sand on a sloping beach.
Time and again we remind boat owners to leave the bay, but many times we do not care. We just laughed, chuckled tekekeh look on his face boat owners who persuaded us to immediately leave the bay. He worried the waves began to swell. Through five hours we finally left the bay. But, too late. New half-hour across the sea, waves trigger the dreaded facing. No more than ten minutes our boat mounting the waves pushed around.
Efforts to drain the water into the boat in vain. The boat then sank and floated like a coconut husk. So that the boat can stay afloat, all the passengers jumped into the sea. We then get by with bepegangan on the sides of the boat. In order to keep the ship afloat, behind the outboard motor had to be removed and the boat lost at sea a blue suit. Our luggage, backpacks, shoes, also had lost direlakan brought current.
Just who is tired may rest for a while on the boat is still floating. For if all the force a boat ride, the boat will sink. In the first hour we still have enough energy to scream if passed by a passing fishing boat. But the weather is getting dark make our efforts futile. Our presence is not visible even though only a passing motor boat about 12 yards from our boat. Not to mention the sound of passing motor boat engine as if to swallow our screams. Toward morning we are exhausted and almost asleep waves struck very hard. "Watch out now! Beware of rocks!''Cry it makes the heart froze.
We soon realized the danger waiting in a very close distance. Large waves are being herded us on the rocky hill. With the remnants of our energy trying to push the boat toward the ocean again. If you let the boat follow the flow of waves toward the reef, the same as suicide. Unimaginable our helpless body was slammed on hard corals. When it is imagined only death. After struggling for almost an hour, we managed to push the boat toward the ocean.
Moving away from the mainland reef. There is relief. But the fatigue is getting worse. One of us almost despair and let herself drift away from the boat. Most encouraging, but more of a scold. It is feared that if one of us give up, will affect the morale of others. Towards maahari we see the land of white rose in the distance.
Our spirit rose again. As if on backup power, we pushed the boat toward shore. Around 8.00 am we were already lying on the beach and fell asleep. 12 noon each one awake. Tired and hungry. We were fortunate residents stranded in coconut gardens. Coincidence that afternoon the owner was coming to see her garden. Then the meat and coconut water become our breakfast and lunch time. While in each parent's house we were rushing to do a search with the police.
Until recently I was always grateful for the event. I bersukur God has shown its power to save our wonderful evening. Since then my faith grew stronger and believe that there is incredible power beyond our power. The powers not seen but felt. So, when Andy raised the topic''Kick Escaped Death'', I would like anyone who watched the episode will realize that superior power.
The power that is felt when Sigit Suciptoyono escaped death when the host Singapore Airlines plane taking off and burn failed at Taipei Airport, Taiwan. Likewise, when the doctor Carolus Yuliana Louis and 13 colleagues adrift for 14 days in the Arafura sea before being discovered by a passing fishing boat.
In desperation, only rainwater to drink, they still believe there will be a power that will preserve and save them. That's what makes them able to survive until finally discovered. What about Amelia, a young mother, the risking of lives when having to give birth at the time of big floods hit his village in Aceh Tamiang? For some people see the events experienced by Amelia merely coincidental. A woman, who was about to give birth, the membranes have ruptured condition, was forced to delay the birth day and night because of flooding.
But when I hear a statement by a doctor who also appeared on Kick Andy then, what happened to Amelia is a miracle beyond the reasoning of medical science. Amelia and her baby should not be saved. Therefore, I am reminded of Sigit Suciptoyono answer when I asked what he believed was rescued from a plane tragedy that killed 79 passengers. According to Sigit, prayer and keiklasan mother who saved her life. While doctors believe prayer Carolus boy and his family are the main factors that saved him. While prayer is believed to be Amelia's husband which allowed him to breathe until this moment. The power of prayer, submission, keiklasan, and faith is the answer. I believe beyond our power as human beings, there is incredible power that will keep us. The power which is not visible but felt.
http://kickandy.com/corner/5/21/1089/read/Kekuatan-Yang-Tak-Terlihat
It's been seven hours we floated helplessly pushed around waves. All was silent. Occasional complaints quietly ejected. Sea water is salty slapping our faces and began stinging in the eyes. Throat feels dry. His lips began to turn blue. ''Do not fall asleep! Do not fall asleep!''There was a shout of power loss. Sound forced. Alternately, remind each other.
Days seemed very long. Since six o'clock nine of us already floating in the Pacific Ocean, at Paradise Bay, Papua. Occasionally our eyes stared at each other. Exhaustion and despair. All this happened because we ignored the warning fishermen who asked us to leave the bay before five o'clock. Passing from it, according to them, will enlarge and dangerous waves. Wisdom of our traditional fishermen opponent with arrogance.
We ignore the warning. We joke about. I remember it well, in 1977. I was sitting in class one STM Jayapura District. At that time students majoring in machine initiated the event a cruise to Paradise Bay whose beauty we can see through top on Skyland Mountain Ifar. That's where we went by boat fishermen. Traditional boat was about five feet in length with a width of one meter. On the left and right there is a balancing pole that we call the employer-employer.
At the stern mounted outboard motor brands Jhonson. All day we spent on the white sandy Gulf Cenderawasih. From morning until evening. Under the agreement, the owner of the boat is only willing to wait until four o'clock in the afternoon. Moreover, they said, the waves would swell and hinder us to go back to the beach Hamadi, Jayapura, where we went. There are about four traditional boats that we rent. Towards four o'clock, three boats returned to the mainland Jayapura transporting students and teachers. While one boat waiting for us, seven male and two female students, who remain engrossed in play sand on a sloping beach.
Time and again we remind boat owners to leave the bay, but many times we do not care. We just laughed, chuckled tekekeh look on his face boat owners who persuaded us to immediately leave the bay. He worried the waves began to swell. Through five hours we finally left the bay. But, too late. New half-hour across the sea, waves trigger the dreaded facing. No more than ten minutes our boat mounting the waves pushed around.
Efforts to drain the water into the boat in vain. The boat then sank and floated like a coconut husk. So that the boat can stay afloat, all the passengers jumped into the sea. We then get by with bepegangan on the sides of the boat. In order to keep the ship afloat, behind the outboard motor had to be removed and the boat lost at sea a blue suit. Our luggage, backpacks, shoes, also had lost direlakan brought current.
Just who is tired may rest for a while on the boat is still floating. For if all the force a boat ride, the boat will sink. In the first hour we still have enough energy to scream if passed by a passing fishing boat. But the weather is getting dark make our efforts futile. Our presence is not visible even though only a passing motor boat about 12 yards from our boat. Not to mention the sound of passing motor boat engine as if to swallow our screams. Toward morning we are exhausted and almost asleep waves struck very hard. "Watch out now! Beware of rocks!''Cry it makes the heart froze.
We soon realized the danger waiting in a very close distance. Large waves are being herded us on the rocky hill. With the remnants of our energy trying to push the boat toward the ocean again. If you let the boat follow the flow of waves toward the reef, the same as suicide. Unimaginable our helpless body was slammed on hard corals. When it is imagined only death. After struggling for almost an hour, we managed to push the boat toward the ocean.
Moving away from the mainland reef. There is relief. But the fatigue is getting worse. One of us almost despair and let herself drift away from the boat. Most encouraging, but more of a scold. It is feared that if one of us give up, will affect the morale of others. Towards maahari we see the land of white rose in the distance.
Our spirit rose again. As if on backup power, we pushed the boat toward shore. Around 8.00 am we were already lying on the beach and fell asleep. 12 noon each one awake. Tired and hungry. We were fortunate residents stranded in coconut gardens. Coincidence that afternoon the owner was coming to see her garden. Then the meat and coconut water become our breakfast and lunch time. While in each parent's house we were rushing to do a search with the police.
Until recently I was always grateful for the event. I bersukur God has shown its power to save our wonderful evening. Since then my faith grew stronger and believe that there is incredible power beyond our power. The powers not seen but felt. So, when Andy raised the topic''Kick Escaped Death'', I would like anyone who watched the episode will realize that superior power.
The power that is felt when Sigit Suciptoyono escaped death when the host Singapore Airlines plane taking off and burn failed at Taipei Airport, Taiwan. Likewise, when the doctor Carolus Yuliana Louis and 13 colleagues adrift for 14 days in the Arafura sea before being discovered by a passing fishing boat.
In desperation, only rainwater to drink, they still believe there will be a power that will preserve and save them. That's what makes them able to survive until finally discovered. What about Amelia, a young mother, the risking of lives when having to give birth at the time of big floods hit his village in Aceh Tamiang? For some people see the events experienced by Amelia merely coincidental. A woman, who was about to give birth, the membranes have ruptured condition, was forced to delay the birth day and night because of flooding.
But when I hear a statement by a doctor who also appeared on Kick Andy then, what happened to Amelia is a miracle beyond the reasoning of medical science. Amelia and her baby should not be saved. Therefore, I am reminded of Sigit Suciptoyono answer when I asked what he believed was rescued from a plane tragedy that killed 79 passengers. According to Sigit, prayer and keiklasan mother who saved her life. While doctors believe prayer Carolus boy and his family are the main factors that saved him. While prayer is believed to be Amelia's husband which allowed him to breathe until this moment. The power of prayer, submission, keiklasan, and faith is the answer. I believe beyond our power as human beings, there is incredible power that will keep us. The power which is not visible but felt.
http://kickandy.com/corner/5/21/1089/read/Kekuatan-Yang-Tak-Terlihat
My name Selamet Bagio
His face reminds me of the late Bokir, from Betawi comedian who used to often appear on the show lenong on TVRI. Likewise, his skinny body. Very similar. He always worked in silence. Not much to say and do not ask for attention. Sometimes me and my colleagues in the office forgot that he was among us.
His name Selamet Bagio. Gardeners in the office of Rolling Stone magazine. In the courtyard behind the office area of the page there are three thousand square meters. There is a large stage that stands firmly in the corner of the page. That's where a number of musicians and the band never performed. Among others, God Bless, Greenhouse Effect, Naif, Andy Lau and his friends, Koes Plus, Nidji, Samson, Ahmad Dani, Glen Fredly, Endah & Reza, and much more.
But that's not what I want to tell. Because if you ever come to the musical events held at the offices of Rolling Stone's backyard, you will feel something different. In the yard was filled with various plants and trees. Beautiful and wonderful. All that ever came always praised. Like in Bali.
From behind the window of the workspace on the second floor, I could freely see Bagio work. With a uniform gray typical, plus rubber boots, every morning until the afternoon Bagio look busy. Somehow, seeing Bagio work, my spirits always rise. Spread the positive energy that he was deeply felt.
Therefore, as a ritual, before starting work I always spend a few minutes to observe Bagio at work. At first I always wondered who the real man aged about 35 years? Why he was always enthusiastic about work? Is not he "only" the gardener?
Observing Bagio worked in silence, makes me think of a movie. I forgot the title. The film is about a girl who works at a giant company. Her job just deliver letters and documents from one table to another table in the office. Frenzied atmosphere of the office. But no one cares for her presence. What is the importance of the role of a mail carrier? She is between being and not. In the crowd, she was lonely.
Until one day, the whole office panicked. Letters and documents are not distributed. Everyone that day dizzy. Their work is so messy. At the moment it all felt something was wrong: the regular girl on duty took the letters did not come to work. Only then are all aware how important the role of the girl. But it was too late. The girl who feels lonely because "not considered" in the office, had committed suicide because of depression.
Indeed excessive, Bagio equate with the girl in the film. But the movie taught me that everyone in a company have an important role. No matter no matter how small his role. No matter how he "only" office boy or a cleaning service. All have an important role.
Because it also was not because I was afraid Bagio suicide if I often took time to come and say hello to this man smiling. I always could not help but thank him for his work is beautiful. Without him, the back page of Rolling Stone's office will not be as beautiful now.
Deeply felt how Bagio so passionate and enthusiastic when told about the plant. Asked one question, he's already answered a thousand. From his tone and his eyes lit up, I could immediately feel how Bagio proud and loves his work. Therefore, from conversations with Bagio, I am the one who always get the benefit. Conversing with Bagio always make my spirit grow again.
But, what about the views of his wife and family in the profession of a gardener? "At first my wife was embarrassed. We lived in the complex housing an average of the husbands worked in an office, "said Bagio. "But now she's not shy anymore. I've explained that I am happy and proud to be a gardener, "he added. Then how the views of children? "My son was one, but it was dead. Until now I have not blessed with children again. "
His passion on the job, its honest and positive outlook, making Bagio special in my eyes. Moreover, he always appear confident. One day, the company held a halal bihalal in the office. All employees gather for lunch together. At that point, I asked Bagio "speech". Without the awkward, in front of all employees, Bagio began speaking. Its contents, in my opinion, incredible.
In simple language he says grateful for his life. Grateful for the work God has given him. He admits he loves his job imprisoned. He even openly said that if human life is only chasing a salary, then he will never be satisfied. "If the goal is only chasing a salary, will never be enough. We can be frustrating, "he said of laughter greeted the whole office. The words seemed to insinuate Bagio us all. Including me.
In the course of my work, I often feel not satisfied with the salary that the company provides. Likewise, in the course of a career. I often feel "nothing" when reading the success stories of world figures and leaders of Indonesia. I sometimes envy the young people who are successful in office, employment, and wealth. They were successful in such a young age. That day speech Bagio strikes my heart.
On one occasion, when I chatted with him in the backyard, unstoppable desire Bagio me to ask if he's really happy working as a gardener? "I am happy, Mr. Andy. I am grateful to be working as a gardener. Especially if my work appreciated, "he said with a smile.
When I saw his face still full of question marks, he then laughed. "My name is Selamet Bagiyo. My life has been safe and happy, "he said trying to convince me.
http://kickandy.com/corner/5/21/1866/read/Nama-Saya-Selamet-Bagio
His name Selamet Bagio. Gardeners in the office of Rolling Stone magazine. In the courtyard behind the office area of the page there are three thousand square meters. There is a large stage that stands firmly in the corner of the page. That's where a number of musicians and the band never performed. Among others, God Bless, Greenhouse Effect, Naif, Andy Lau and his friends, Koes Plus, Nidji, Samson, Ahmad Dani, Glen Fredly, Endah & Reza, and much more.
But that's not what I want to tell. Because if you ever come to the musical events held at the offices of Rolling Stone's backyard, you will feel something different. In the yard was filled with various plants and trees. Beautiful and wonderful. All that ever came always praised. Like in Bali.
From behind the window of the workspace on the second floor, I could freely see Bagio work. With a uniform gray typical, plus rubber boots, every morning until the afternoon Bagio look busy. Somehow, seeing Bagio work, my spirits always rise. Spread the positive energy that he was deeply felt.
Therefore, as a ritual, before starting work I always spend a few minutes to observe Bagio at work. At first I always wondered who the real man aged about 35 years? Why he was always enthusiastic about work? Is not he "only" the gardener?
Observing Bagio worked in silence, makes me think of a movie. I forgot the title. The film is about a girl who works at a giant company. Her job just deliver letters and documents from one table to another table in the office. Frenzied atmosphere of the office. But no one cares for her presence. What is the importance of the role of a mail carrier? She is between being and not. In the crowd, she was lonely.
Until one day, the whole office panicked. Letters and documents are not distributed. Everyone that day dizzy. Their work is so messy. At the moment it all felt something was wrong: the regular girl on duty took the letters did not come to work. Only then are all aware how important the role of the girl. But it was too late. The girl who feels lonely because "not considered" in the office, had committed suicide because of depression.
Indeed excessive, Bagio equate with the girl in the film. But the movie taught me that everyone in a company have an important role. No matter no matter how small his role. No matter how he "only" office boy or a cleaning service. All have an important role.
Because it also was not because I was afraid Bagio suicide if I often took time to come and say hello to this man smiling. I always could not help but thank him for his work is beautiful. Without him, the back page of Rolling Stone's office will not be as beautiful now.
Deeply felt how Bagio so passionate and enthusiastic when told about the plant. Asked one question, he's already answered a thousand. From his tone and his eyes lit up, I could immediately feel how Bagio proud and loves his work. Therefore, from conversations with Bagio, I am the one who always get the benefit. Conversing with Bagio always make my spirit grow again.
But, what about the views of his wife and family in the profession of a gardener? "At first my wife was embarrassed. We lived in the complex housing an average of the husbands worked in an office, "said Bagio. "But now she's not shy anymore. I've explained that I am happy and proud to be a gardener, "he added. Then how the views of children? "My son was one, but it was dead. Until now I have not blessed with children again. "
His passion on the job, its honest and positive outlook, making Bagio special in my eyes. Moreover, he always appear confident. One day, the company held a halal bihalal in the office. All employees gather for lunch together. At that point, I asked Bagio "speech". Without the awkward, in front of all employees, Bagio began speaking. Its contents, in my opinion, incredible.
In simple language he says grateful for his life. Grateful for the work God has given him. He admits he loves his job imprisoned. He even openly said that if human life is only chasing a salary, then he will never be satisfied. "If the goal is only chasing a salary, will never be enough. We can be frustrating, "he said of laughter greeted the whole office. The words seemed to insinuate Bagio us all. Including me.
In the course of my work, I often feel not satisfied with the salary that the company provides. Likewise, in the course of a career. I often feel "nothing" when reading the success stories of world figures and leaders of Indonesia. I sometimes envy the young people who are successful in office, employment, and wealth. They were successful in such a young age. That day speech Bagio strikes my heart.
On one occasion, when I chatted with him in the backyard, unstoppable desire Bagio me to ask if he's really happy working as a gardener? "I am happy, Mr. Andy. I am grateful to be working as a gardener. Especially if my work appreciated, "he said with a smile.
When I saw his face still full of question marks, he then laughed. "My name is Selamet Bagiyo. My life has been safe and happy, "he said trying to convince me.
http://kickandy.com/corner/5/21/1866/read/Nama-Saya-Selamet-Bagio
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Free Tips "How To Choose The Best Online Business"
Author: JacquiB
Article:
Tired of spending Time and Money on bogus Internet Businesses? I
am soooooooooooooo over forking out money for web businesses
that just dont work or dont turn out the results they first
promised.
I have spent years, 100's of hours on the computer and money
looking for a reputable internet business so that I can work
from home and make mega bucks.
I have put together a list of things that helped me sniff out
the goodies. Through my travels I have come across some
companies that have delivered what was promised and am currently
making money using there methods today :) I have made a list of
these below. Please note that there may be some advertisements
on my page that have not been posted by me.....my suggestions
are added at the end of this tutorial :)
Hope they can help you too.........:)
1ST TIP READ THE ADD IN ITS ENTIRETY: There are allsorts of
programs out there offering one thing and somewhere down the
line you find yourself signing up for a whole lot more or
something entirely different. If it doesn't make sense to you
after reading the add , it may not be the one for you. In
conclusion to the introduction ask yourself, "Is this what I
want to do"?
2ND TIP IS IT OF INTEREST TO YOU: Choose something of interest
to you. Sometimes there is a lot involved re: learning and
perseverance. You may not last the duration of the set up stage
if it does not hold your interest. If the prospects of this
business don't excite you in some way then it may not be the one
for you (I personally get excited by challenges and learning new
methods to make money, so I could be going forever) :-)
3RD TIP IS ANYONE THERE: Find out what support is available.
Especially if you are a first timer. Some companies offer forums
and FAQs but you want to choose a business that can offer one on
one email and contact phone no.s in case of urgent queries
through out your set up stage. EXTRA TIP: Contact the company
offering the opportunity, there should be a "contact us" button.
See how long it takes to get a response, the quality of the
response and whether or not it's personalised.
4TH TIP HOW MUCH WILL IT COST YOU: Take the time....Make some
comparisons! If you find an online business that is of interest
to you...then use your search engine to find similar businesses
doing the same thing. Sometimes you can find a similar offer
that has less sign up fess or one off fees with the same
support. Always check for money back guarantees and the terms in
case you require a refund if this is of importance to you.
5TH TIP Stay on Track Quality online business packages are set
up so that buy the your end of tutorials etc you will have full
knowledge of what is required to get started in that business.
Many also have links throughout for you to study and become
familiar with. You may be tempted to go off on a tangent and try
other things before you have finshed the initial business you
started with. Let me tell you from experience. It will take you
so much longer to finish what you have started if you dont stay
on track. Dont get side tracked. Finish what you started. If you
find something of interest that you want to try....bookmark it
and go back later.
6TH TIP DONT PACK IT IN: Don't throw in the towel because it
starts getting confusing. Use your site tools and resources
provided by the online business and contact them
personally...don't be scared to tell them that you're
overwhelmed and give them an idea as to why, so they can help.
Sometimes when I get stuck, going through a eBooks or manuals, I
walk away for a couple hours. You will be surprised what you
missed and what makes more sense with a clearer head.
Note: You may have an exciting idea that is somewhat of a
passion. When building a business especially online, you will
find that there is so much more you need to learn in order to
get it off the ground. Embrace the education......more knowledge
helps you make knowledgeable choices. With time and effort and
the right frame of mind....you 'will' become as successfull as
many of other web business entrepenuers, they all started here
too.
About the author:
Hi There :-) I am really enjoying my journey through out the
internet and am delighted with what resources I have found in
order to better myself financially and academically. I am
excited about what the future holds for me and am relieved that
I have finally found my niche. Which is learning and becoming
successful in something I love.
http://bitofacutie.blogspot.com/ or
http://www.squidoo.com/choosingonlinebusinesses
Article:
Tired of spending Time and Money on bogus Internet Businesses? I
am soooooooooooooo over forking out money for web businesses
that just dont work or dont turn out the results they first
promised.
I have spent years, 100's of hours on the computer and money
looking for a reputable internet business so that I can work
from home and make mega bucks.
I have put together a list of things that helped me sniff out
the goodies. Through my travels I have come across some
companies that have delivered what was promised and am currently
making money using there methods today :) I have made a list of
these below. Please note that there may be some advertisements
on my page that have not been posted by me.....my suggestions
are added at the end of this tutorial :)
Hope they can help you too.........:)
1ST TIP READ THE ADD IN ITS ENTIRETY: There are allsorts of
programs out there offering one thing and somewhere down the
line you find yourself signing up for a whole lot more or
something entirely different. If it doesn't make sense to you
after reading the add , it may not be the one for you. In
conclusion to the introduction ask yourself, "Is this what I
want to do"?
2ND TIP IS IT OF INTEREST TO YOU: Choose something of interest
to you. Sometimes there is a lot involved re: learning and
perseverance. You may not last the duration of the set up stage
if it does not hold your interest. If the prospects of this
business don't excite you in some way then it may not be the one
for you (I personally get excited by challenges and learning new
methods to make money, so I could be going forever) :-)
3RD TIP IS ANYONE THERE: Find out what support is available.
Especially if you are a first timer. Some companies offer forums
and FAQs but you want to choose a business that can offer one on
one email and contact phone no.s in case of urgent queries
through out your set up stage. EXTRA TIP: Contact the company
offering the opportunity, there should be a "contact us" button.
See how long it takes to get a response, the quality of the
response and whether or not it's personalised.
4TH TIP HOW MUCH WILL IT COST YOU: Take the time....Make some
comparisons! If you find an online business that is of interest
to you...then use your search engine to find similar businesses
doing the same thing. Sometimes you can find a similar offer
that has less sign up fess or one off fees with the same
support. Always check for money back guarantees and the terms in
case you require a refund if this is of importance to you.
5TH TIP Stay on Track Quality online business packages are set
up so that buy the your end of tutorials etc you will have full
knowledge of what is required to get started in that business.
Many also have links throughout for you to study and become
familiar with. You may be tempted to go off on a tangent and try
other things before you have finshed the initial business you
started with. Let me tell you from experience. It will take you
so much longer to finish what you have started if you dont stay
on track. Dont get side tracked. Finish what you started. If you
find something of interest that you want to try....bookmark it
and go back later.
6TH TIP DONT PACK IT IN: Don't throw in the towel because it
starts getting confusing. Use your site tools and resources
provided by the online business and contact them
personally...don't be scared to tell them that you're
overwhelmed and give them an idea as to why, so they can help.
Sometimes when I get stuck, going through a eBooks or manuals, I
walk away for a couple hours. You will be surprised what you
missed and what makes more sense with a clearer head.
Note: You may have an exciting idea that is somewhat of a
passion. When building a business especially online, you will
find that there is so much more you need to learn in order to
get it off the ground. Embrace the education......more knowledge
helps you make knowledgeable choices. With time and effort and
the right frame of mind....you 'will' become as successfull as
many of other web business entrepenuers, they all started here
too.
About the author:
Hi There :-) I am really enjoying my journey through out the
internet and am delighted with what resources I have found in
order to better myself financially and academically. I am
excited about what the future holds for me and am relieved that
I have finally found my niche. Which is learning and becoming
successful in something I love.
http://bitofacutie.blogspot.com/ or
http://www.squidoo.com/choosingonlinebusinesses
Selling Effectively - Increase Your Chances of Closing Each
Author: Andrew Carter
Article:
The Author of the most practical business book - Secrets To
Retail Riches - provides the following article on the most
effective way sell to sell to customers in your business.
SELLING
Through effective advertising and marketing, you have brought
customers to your store in a state ready to purchase from you.
Many businesses loose the sale at this point, because they are
not aware of the basic techniques of selling.
Humans are predisposed to avoid pain and receive pleasure and
this drives everything we do. Customers buy products or services
to give them pleasure or avoid pain. The reason they don't buy
everything they can is because of some perceived pain they want
to avoid in the buying process.
They are only happy if the purchase is worth the benefit. For
these people to buy, the perceived pleasure must be greater than
the perceived pain.
Salesmanship
Selling is about a relationship - not the goods or the service.
It is about understanding the customer, developing emotion in
the customer to buy. To do this you need to adapt and adjust
your rate of speech and body language.
First sell yourself, the company, the product or service, then
the price.
The better your marketing and advertising are, the easier it is
to sell, as many of the steps required to sell have been covered.
The sales process should start with -
- marketing and attracting interest and leads, then -
communicating with the prospect, then - qualifying the prospect,
- addressing the needs of the prospect - closing the sale and
then - asking for referrals
The goods or services offered by your business are constantly
being evaluated by potential customers. Depending on your type
of operation and location, you may be phoned or visited and
asked just a question, or a series of in depth questions. Or
your advertising or web page may be scrutinized for more
information. It is how you handle these enquirers and
information gatherers that will determine if you will sell to
them.
88% of sales are based upon emotion not price - but remember too
high a price can trigger an emotion of fear or pain
Ask any store owner and I am sure they will tell you the most
frustrating thing about dealing with the public, is that most
walk in and if you ask them "Can I help you at all?" and they
say "No thanks - just looking" and leave shortly after without
purchasing anything.
The other annoyance is having people call you for a price, only
to get it and hang up and ring somewhere else looking for
something cheaper.
In each instance, you have to engage the prospect in
conversation, to establish some key points to take them to a
level where they will buy from you, not because you are the
cheapest, but because you built a relationship with them and
showed them the value of the goods or services being offered and
the value in buying from you.
What is the difference between a Lead and a prospect?
You need to know where this person stands in the buying cycle.
Are they -
A Lead - a person whom you have reached through one of your
marketing methods discussed in chapter 4. A lead has become
interested enough to enquire more to see if what you are
offering meets their need or solves their problem.
or
A prospect - is a lead that believes what your business offers
should meet his needs or solves his problems and he has the
resources available to make a purchase.
Only through conversation can you establish which one of these
you are dealing with and bring them to a level where they will
buy. As with most everything else discussed in this book, this
will require a system. One that any of your staff who deal with
the public (face to face or over the phone) can use.
This system is to be used to determine what needs your leads and
prospects have and to address those needs, BEFORE giving them a
firm price on anything.
The 6 Steps to the selling System
Selling is a step by step process and if each of the steps is
taken in that process, at the end of it, the customer has no
reason not to buy from you.
The steps are -
1. Establish report and build trust 2. Qualify - listen and
understand 3. Create desire for the solution to their problem or
need 4. Build value in your solution 5. Overcome objections 6.
Take the order.
Always think of your business from your customers point of view.
This is best done by thinking What's in it for me? - because
that's what your customer is always thinking.
I can help you with this and every aspect of your business
through my step by step, hand holding mentoring program. I can
lay out far more detail on how to teh six steps to selling and
how to convert that to an over 90% close rate.
At this site you can access over $2,000 of bonuses for FREE to
help you and your business.
© Andrew Carter 2008 - not to be reproduced without including
the Authors Bio with the article.
About the author:
Andrew Carter - the Author of the business book Secrets To
Retail Riches, is a Business building and marketing specialist
who shows retail businesses how to recession proof their
Business, with proven techniques that are easy to implement and
highly effective and generate more income for less effort.
http://usahakecil.info/Latest/selling-effectively.html
Article:
The Author of the most practical business book - Secrets To
Retail Riches - provides the following article on the most
effective way sell to sell to customers in your business.
SELLING
Through effective advertising and marketing, you have brought
customers to your store in a state ready to purchase from you.
Many businesses loose the sale at this point, because they are
not aware of the basic techniques of selling.
Humans are predisposed to avoid pain and receive pleasure and
this drives everything we do. Customers buy products or services
to give them pleasure or avoid pain. The reason they don't buy
everything they can is because of some perceived pain they want
to avoid in the buying process.
They are only happy if the purchase is worth the benefit. For
these people to buy, the perceived pleasure must be greater than
the perceived pain.
Salesmanship
Selling is about a relationship - not the goods or the service.
It is about understanding the customer, developing emotion in
the customer to buy. To do this you need to adapt and adjust
your rate of speech and body language.
First sell yourself, the company, the product or service, then
the price.
The better your marketing and advertising are, the easier it is
to sell, as many of the steps required to sell have been covered.
The sales process should start with -
- marketing and attracting interest and leads, then -
communicating with the prospect, then - qualifying the prospect,
- addressing the needs of the prospect - closing the sale and
then - asking for referrals
The goods or services offered by your business are constantly
being evaluated by potential customers. Depending on your type
of operation and location, you may be phoned or visited and
asked just a question, or a series of in depth questions. Or
your advertising or web page may be scrutinized for more
information. It is how you handle these enquirers and
information gatherers that will determine if you will sell to
them.
88% of sales are based upon emotion not price - but remember too
high a price can trigger an emotion of fear or pain
Ask any store owner and I am sure they will tell you the most
frustrating thing about dealing with the public, is that most
walk in and if you ask them "Can I help you at all?" and they
say "No thanks - just looking" and leave shortly after without
purchasing anything.
The other annoyance is having people call you for a price, only
to get it and hang up and ring somewhere else looking for
something cheaper.
In each instance, you have to engage the prospect in
conversation, to establish some key points to take them to a
level where they will buy from you, not because you are the
cheapest, but because you built a relationship with them and
showed them the value of the goods or services being offered and
the value in buying from you.
What is the difference between a Lead and a prospect?
You need to know where this person stands in the buying cycle.
Are they -
A Lead - a person whom you have reached through one of your
marketing methods discussed in chapter 4. A lead has become
interested enough to enquire more to see if what you are
offering meets their need or solves their problem.
or
A prospect - is a lead that believes what your business offers
should meet his needs or solves his problems and he has the
resources available to make a purchase.
Only through conversation can you establish which one of these
you are dealing with and bring them to a level where they will
buy. As with most everything else discussed in this book, this
will require a system. One that any of your staff who deal with
the public (face to face or over the phone) can use.
This system is to be used to determine what needs your leads and
prospects have and to address those needs, BEFORE giving them a
firm price on anything.
The 6 Steps to the selling System
Selling is a step by step process and if each of the steps is
taken in that process, at the end of it, the customer has no
reason not to buy from you.
The steps are -
1. Establish report and build trust 2. Qualify - listen and
understand 3. Create desire for the solution to their problem or
need 4. Build value in your solution 5. Overcome objections 6.
Take the order.
Always think of your business from your customers point of view.
This is best done by thinking What's in it for me? - because
that's what your customer is always thinking.
I can help you with this and every aspect of your business
through my step by step, hand holding mentoring program. I can
lay out far more detail on how to teh six steps to selling and
how to convert that to an over 90% close rate.
At this site you can access over $2,000 of bonuses for FREE to
help you and your business.
© Andrew Carter 2008 - not to be reproduced without including
the Authors Bio with the article.
About the author:
Andrew Carter - the Author of the business book Secrets To
Retail Riches, is a Business building and marketing specialist
who shows retail businesses how to recession proof their
Business, with proven techniques that are easy to implement and
highly effective and generate more income for less effort.
http://usahakecil.info/Latest/selling-effectively.html
How to Trade Forex Smart
| Trading is a business, it can be played like a game but it really is a business .I you do it well, trading can potentially outstrip any conventional business in terms of monetary returns. But you should know this already, that's why you are reading this in the first place. What you probably don't know at the moment is how to trade Forex smart so that you will be a top earner and not a top loser. The definition of top earner I'll leave that to you to define and find out, as each person differs in their profit expectations. But we can define a top loser as someone who has their account wiped out by more than 70% in 6 months time. We certainly want to avoid being in that situation! Now most traders never really see great profit growth because of some factors and these factors are: • Lack of discipline both mental and emotional • Under funded account • Over Leveraged account • No or money management plan The above mentioned are by no means exhaustive they are the most common factors but there are others that do cause failure as well. 1. Lack of discipline. This is a big issue and one that many traders cannot overcome easily. Having discipline is also the most important and fastest way to grow your account. I would suggest that you keep a trading journal, write your thoughts and your emotions you experience before, during and after the trade. After a week of entries reflect on each entry. You will build discipline and learn a lot about yourself this way. 2. Under funded account. If you wish to remain in the Forex game, then you must have the financial means to do so. If you take the money for your daily expenses to trade, that is foolish and will lead to you making emotional decisions that are risky\ and most likely lead to an account wipe. Try to start your trading account with at least $500 and no less, the optimal starting amount would be $1,000 and at regular periods of time try to pump in some funds. For example, you start out with $1,000 and every month you increase your capital by $200, so by the end of 12 months you would have $1,000 +$2,400=$3,600 as your trading capital. Of course the profits you earn by your trading will only cause your account to swell even further. 3. Over Leveraged Account. A good leverage for starters to take is no more than 1:100. Even if the brokers offer you leverages of 1:500 it doesn't mean that you have to take such a large amount. Remember the higher your leverage, the more you have to pay out when you make a losing trade. Losing trades are so common that after a while with an over leveraged account you will be faced with an account wipe! 4. No or lousy money management plan. This is your holy grail to trading, money management coupled with tight discipline will give to a trader consistent profits. With consistent profits you will experience the power of compounding. That is what really grows an account. Money management is defensive, you seek to protect your account before anything else, focus on your account on not on your possible profits. When you have guarded your account then look to making profits. Keep in mind the above points when you next trade, at the onset it may seem a little difficult. Grit your teeth and push on, build your discipline and always trade with money management rules at the top of your head. You will see your just rewards at the end of the day! About the author: Dr. Joshua Geralds is a successful investment specialist with over twenty years experience increasing the income of people world wide. http://usahakecil.info/Latest/forex-smart.html |
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