Where Does Inspiration Come From?

According to dictionary.com in World English Dictionary, inspiration is:

1. stimulation or arousal of mind, feeling, etc, to special or unusual activity or creativity
2. the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused
3. someone or something that cause this state
4. an idea or action resulting from such a state
5. the act or process of inhaling;  breathing in

When we talk about inspiration, we often talks about idea, imagination, dream, person, or story.

Inspiration comes in many ways and forms.

But then the question asked where it comes from? How to get inspiration?

Well based on my experience I would like to share where to find inspiration in your life.

You must know what I'm talking about, just take it as reminder.

Sometimes what you truly need is not far away from you. Just look around.

~Wilson Wijaya,Lee/4 July 2012~

1.  Dream and Imagination

I know you will say,"I KNOW THAT!" but the question is DID YOU REALIZE IT?

Most of the time what or where do you want is just as far as dream and imagination. When we truly want to have something, our brain somehow manages to tell us. Dream more than just a flower, nice thought, or imagination.

Everything great we had now started from a simple dream and imagination. Imagine if Wright brothers didn't dream that human can fly, there will be no air plane. It's so simple to the point people tend to ignore it. Unfortunately children are forced not to dream big. Before you make it, you have to dream it, imagine it, want it. Don't let people make you down. Have faith and give your very best.

My experience:

When I was in secondary school, I imagined to study abroad. I even dreamed to enter Harvard or Oxford (I know you will tell me it's too BIG for a dream). But that's point, dream BIG enough till people tell you it's impossible. Although I didn't attend neither of them, I ended up at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. It's BIG enough for me to be able to graduate from there.

Starting from a small town, Baturaja (even Indonesian didn't know where it is - 4 hours from Palembang), I went to an international hub city, Singapore. I learned new thins and gained new knowledge. It's such a blessing for me and it started from a DREAM. Till today I still dream to attend Harvard and on the way to make it happen.

2. Creations

Anything that people make or create can be inspiration. Not just things made by human but also things that came by itself (or created by GOD if you believe). Music, film, poem, picture, painting, song, drama, theater, and so on, you name it.

Al these things can be inspiration in human life and they intended to be one.

Nature, sea, mountain, flower, rain, and even disaster. Tsunami became inspiration for human race to be one and united. Love became inspiration for film, drama, song, etc. They try to persuade us into some values or philosophies. So look around yourself, there are so many creation. What is the creation that  inspired you the most?

My experience:

I was so inspired by  so many songs, drama, films, and arts. Indeed I will say it proudly I was so inspired by Korean and Japan lifestyle. I go insane about Japanese life and tradition (HONESTLY). In one or other way, they have shaped me to be who I am now. Hollywood has been my inspiration for a whole life. Their movies has been my friend for better and worse. My mood can change easily by watching movie and drama. Here are some lists of drama/movie that has change my way of thinking (please check by yourself if you have time and like it):

1. The Bucket List (film)
2. 49 Days (Korean drama)
3. Scent of Woman (Korean drama)
4. Departure (Japanese film)
5. Doraemon (Japanese anime/manga)
6. Detective Conan (Japanese manga)

3. Past Experience

When I said experience, it's not just your but others also. Sharing, teaching, discussion are ways to get inspired by others. Think moment in the past that really inspired you to move on and stand strong. It could be the day when your parent passed away. Or the day when people looked down on you and your family. Or the day when you won your very first medal. Make them your motivation to walk your life now.

Actually it's hard to inspire and motivate people.

Don't think being a motivator is easy, you can just talk about good thing. No, you are wrong. It's hard to motivate people since only you that can motivate yourself. Motivator just remind or let you know about the motivation you have. At the end you are the judge which one to be your motivation. Coming to seminar of great and successful person is useless if you are not ready. You first have to be ready to be motivated, to learn, to hear, and get inspired. So if you are ready, talk to great people, share with others, and inspire you and others.

My experience:

I have met so many people that inspired my life.

Starting from my family, my mother is such an excellent example.

You have heard about her story from my past entry (read this).

Then moving on to superstar, political figures, and teachers.

They have shaped my thinking and the way I see the world.

Thanks to them I become the man who now are trying to motivate people.

Well I don't like to be called motivator, I prefer to say it as SHARING.

Through this blog, twitter, Facebook, etc I shared my thinking, story, and inspiration.

That are some inspiration sources for me and I'm sure you may have more.

The point is remember to look around yourself where you can find an inspiration.

Walk on the pathway in the afternoon, breath slowly, enjoy the moment and view.

There you may find such a wonderful "lamp" above your head.

The key to get the inspiration is LET YOURSELF BE INSPIRED.

I think there is no other way  to get inspired other than let yourself to be one.

Don't thin too much or find it far way in difficult place.

Look deep down yourself and soul to find the answer.

Besides that, I would like to remind you NOT TO LET OTHER DISTURB YOU.

As I said you are the key, filter of what you want inside you.

If you let people word inspire you, you will get it and be motivated.

If you let people word discourage you, you plan to fail yourself.

Hence it's become a sword with two edges.

It can become a strong weapon to conquer the world.

Or it can become a poison that kill you.

Before you get inspired, let yourself first to be inspired. Then the inspiration can become motivation to push you forward.

Dare to dream big. If you shoot the moon, you may end up shooting the star.

The one that can dream is the one that conquers the world.

Imagination is the door to the new world of fantasy and creativity.

~Wilson Wijaya,Lee/5 July 2012~

Words about WORKING

"Working Quotes"

Here some interesting speeches/quotes that I found very true.
I like to share it with my friends around the world.
Hope you guys can learn something from the inspiring words.

1. Bryan Dyson, Former CEO of Coca Cola

2. Unknown

Exam/Relax = Stress

Some of you may be surprised to find the title of the note.
Some of you may find this is ridiculous that I write a note just 24 hours before my first exam.
Well, let me clear the air.
This note is dedicated to all of us (having exam or not) who are facing stress in our life.
I feel pity to some of us who are troubled to control their degree of stress.
It includes me in the list.

I believe most of us know the meaning of stress.
Everyone has their own meaning of stress.
Some of us can take higher degree of stress as normal level,
while the others can't do that.
Hence I will not talk much about the stress itself.
In fact I'll talk more about the before and after effect of it.

During this exam period, I know the "kiasu" level increases exponentially.
And the relaxation/entertainment decreases in same way or more extreme.
(Well for some it isn't effected)
Hence the stress-meter tells us that we are at the level of almost break down.
Furthermore, the force to ourselves to get good grade (GPA) 5 makes it worse.
The combination of these make body as boiling machine that almost explodes due to the pressure.

The simple formula of for stress/pressure:
Pressure = Force / Area

In this case, pressure is our stress, force is our workload, and area is our body, mind, and mental.
As we know our workload is a constant.
Well you can't say that you only want to take one from seven examinations.
In addition the ECA, feeling, and relationship make the force bigger.
The area is a variable but under control.
You can't change it as you wish to a very large amount.
(Well you can't make your brain bigger).

Hence if we substitute the value to our formula we get:
Stress= (Exam+ECA+Feeling+Relation

ship) / (Body+Mind+Mental)

From this we can derive that:
1. If we don't have exam/ECA/feeling/relationship, our stress will decrease or better 0.
2. If we have bigger mind/mental/brain/body, our stress will decrease.

Is it possible to achieve the ideal condition? It's not theory calculation. It's experimental.

From my experience and observation, I suggest some of my idea:

1. Reduce the force/workload
Well it doesn't mean you have to take lesser subject (21->19). Yes, you can if you want.
What I suggest that you make your own study strategy. Don't copy others.
Please do you think if you follow A+ student so you'll become like them?
Our brain is a wonderful safety box. It can keep a huge number of memory.
But be careful that the memory is not kept in short term memory.
Make your own schedule/agenda. Plan well.

2. Improve your Body, Mental, and Mind
How to improve? You are the one that can answer it.
You know yourself better than others, don't you?
Exercise, do sport but don't over do it.
Keep positive thinking, if you already said to yourself that you're stupid, useless, and failure,
you'll be what you said. Hypnotize yourself with good and encouraging words.
Yes you can! Fighting! Be positive! I can make it!
Take time to relax and do stuffs that you like; games, facebook, singing, reading, dancing, etc.

It sounds repetitive and classic but it's TRUE.
As I said in my earlier note, BALANCING is the important aspect in life.
When you can balance everything, you life will mostly perfect. (I don't dare to say perfect).
This what we tend to forget. Balance your life well.
So it' doesn't mean that you study like crazy.
And also it doesn't mean that you play like crazy.
Remember BALANCE.

From the art of war, know yourself before the enemy.
Conquer yourself to conquer others.
It's true and applicable from times to times.
What is your strength? What is your weakness?
How does your strength help you in exam?
How does your weakness pull you down in exam?
What can you do to make your weakness be your strength?

Now let's share your experiences and ideas.
How do you handle your stress?
How do we make our life to be balance?
Leave comment as references for others.

Departure to NEW Beginning

While watching Departure (Japanese movie), I make this note; 4.26 am.

I remember I made status note on facebook, stating:

"Nothing is last for forever, treasure every moment you have, cherish every time you get together, hold tight every thing you have NOW."

After watching the movie, it becomes clearer what it means to me.
Every human at one point will pass away and rest from all world things.
We're tired from all the problems, projects, tasks, and maybe life.
We want to sleep at peace and put everything behind.

Often we hear people say that death is beginning of a new journey.
It's not an end but a new starting point.
Like birth, death is also a turning point.
Death and life is like a piece of paper.
Side by side, face to face, both always walk together.

Isn't it funny?
When you die people will take care of you.
Other will decide the coffin, the burial place and ceremony, everything will be prepared for you.
When you die, you will not bring anything.
Just like you came to the world without bringing anything,
you will go back with the same way.
Do they spend hundreds or even thousands for the coffin?
Do they spend hundreds or even thousands for the burial?
Do they spend hundreds or even thousands for the grave?

Can you imagine when somebody leave you forever?
You can't touch, talk, hear, or even look him/her.
Let's say your mother, father, sister, brother, husband, or wife.
Until today, at this moment, I can't imagine I lose my special persons.
Even I know someday they will go and rest in peace.
I still need them all.

How about I leave them first?
Can they face it? Can I accept this fate?
Which one is the easiest choice, be the left one or be the person who leaves?
Can we choose? Do we know the answer?
Do we have any choice?

I think it'll be nice if I can be encoffineer.
I make sure my loved one grant eternal beauty.
I make sure my loved one get eternal rest peacefully.
I make sure my loved one give last memory to me.

Death is life.
Life is death.
When you live, live to the fullest.
Don't hold any regrets.
After you're tired, rest peacefully.
Your new beginning will start very soon after you wake up.

Emansipasi, Wanita=Pria?

"Ibu kita Kartini, putri sejati
putri Indonesia, harum namanya

Ibu kita Kartini, pendekar bangsa
pendekar kaumnya untuk merdeka

Wahai ibu kita Kartini
putri yang mulia
sungguh besar cita-citanya
bagi Indonesia"
Setiap tanggal 21 April, bangsa Indonesia merayakan Hari Kartini.
Hari kartini memperingati kelahiran Raden Ayu Kartini, salah satu "wonder women" Indonesia.
Kontribusinya sangat besr bagi kemajuan penyetaraan gender.
Siapa yang tidak kenal Beliau.

Masih ingat dulu waktu SD, tanggal 21 April diadakan upacara bendera.
Setiap siswa diminta untuk memakai baju daerah dan foto Kartini dipampang di tengah lapangan.
Lomba-lomba dan pagelaran seni juga ikut memeriahkan hari jadi Beliau.
Terus-menerus diingatkan bahwa Kartini adalah pencetus emansipasi wanita di Indonesia.
Wanita kedudukanya sama dengan pria. Mereka setara dengan kita, kaum pria.

Dari tahun 1879 (tahun kelahiran Kartini) sampai 2009 banyak perubahan terjadi di Indonesia.
Kaum wanita juga mulai unjuk gigi di ranah umum.
Prestasi yang membanggakan mungkin adalah ketika Ibu Megawati menjadi presiden wanita pertama.
Walau sebelumnya dia diganjal dan tidak dibolehkan menjadi presiden karena masalah gender.

Apakah ini menandakan Indonesia sudah benar-benar terbuka bagi kaum wanita?
Apakah kedudukan mereka sudah setara dengan kaum laki-laki?
Apakah wanita sama dengan laki-laki?

Opini pribadi saya, Indonesia masih belajar menghargai wanita.
Memang benar sudah banyak kaum wanita yang "go public", tetapi banyak juga kaum wanita yang masih ditekan oleh kaum adam.
Ambil contoh TKI, PSK, pembantu rumah tangga.

Masih banyak TKI kita yang mungkin akan mendapat kemalangan di negri orang ditipu oleh orang sendiri.
Jauh menjadi TKI, mereka malah dijual menjadi penghibur dan pemuas nafsu laki-laki.
Dengan iming-iming gaji besar, mereka dibawa ke kota besar dari desa untuk dididik oleh "mami".
Miris melihat wanita bercita-cita untuk sekolah tinggi, tetapi harus putus sekolah karena masalah ekonomi dan gender.
Masih banyak generasi lama yang menganut laki-laki harus maju lebih dahulu dari perempuan.
Saya teringat pernyataan Ibu Megawati ketika berjumpa dengan ibu-ibu di sebuah pasar di Jawa:

"Mana yang dipilih untuk disekolahkan, anak laki-laki yang biasa-biasa saja atau anak perempuan yang lebih pintar? Tentu saja anak laki-laki toh?"

Sekali lagi, masalah ekonomi menjadi penghalang bagi emansipasi

Sama seperti kaum Tionghoa, anak laki-laki adalah putra mahkota di keluarga.
Mengapa tidak, mereka yang akan meneruskan nama keluarga.
Ketika menikah wanita diwajibkan untuk mengikuti nama keluarga suami.
Hal yang wajar bagi masyarakat dengan sistem patrealisme.
Jadi, lebih untung menginvestasikan dana ke anak laki-laki daripada perempuan.
Toh akhirnya anak perempuan akan diambil oelh keluarga orang.

Masyarakat tidak mungkin berubah pandangan dalam waktu semalam.
Semua ini membutuhkan proses yang panjang dan pasti akan menghadapai kendala.
Tidak hanya di Indonesia, di negara lain pun penyetaraan gender masih menjadi masalah.
Tetapi, adanya usaha dan perjuangan tanpa henti untuk mengusahakan penyetaraan gender sudah baik.
Perlunya penekanan akan kesadaran pria dan wanita kedudukannya sama dan diciptakan untuk saling melengkapi bukan saling menjajah atau menguasai.

Jadi, tidak benar bila pria menjajah perempuan.
Lebih tidak benar lagi wanita menjajah pria.
Istilah suami takut istri dan istri takut suamin seharusnya tidak ada di kamus kita.
Perlu diingatkan wanita tidak sama dan tidak akan pernah sama dengan pria.
Adanya rasa saling mengerti dan menghormati adalah mutlak dalam hubungan pria dan wanita.
Memang benar sekarang wanita bisa melakukan pekerjaan pria dan sebaliknya, tetapi fungsi utama dan pertama setiap gender tidak akan bisa digantikan.

Wanita tidak akan pernah bisa menhasilkan sperma untuk membuahi ovum.
Laki-laki tidak akan pernah bisa melahairkan tanpa ovarium dan kelenjar susu.
Wanita diciptkan dari tulang rusuk laki-laki,
bukan dari tulang tengkorak untuk memerintah laki-laki
bukan dari tulang kaki untuk menjadi budak laki-laki.
Wanita diciptakan sejajar dengan pria agar kita saling menhormati dan menghargai serta melengkapi satu sama lain.

Happy Katini's Day 2009

Four Boyfriends in Our Life

 

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confident and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.' Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend.. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die. Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others. Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day: