TIME IS “NOT” MONEY

What’s the matter with people who keep on saying, “Time is Money”, throughout their lives? Unexpectedly, I received enlightenment about this at a marketing seminar. An old man who is an expert of Guerrilla Marketing named Jay Conrad Levinson finally told something that caught my attention.

He said one of the biggest mistakes that we have learned from our parents is, “Time is Money”. If we keep on saying this, we will never be happy for the rest of our lives. Make sense though.

Time is Life, “not” Money. When we run out of money, doesn’t mean that we run out of time. But if we run out of time, our life will surely end, no matter how much money you have. That’s why doctors only tell how much time that dying people have before death.

Be happy if you still have time, because you can still live.

So the future lesson for your kids is, “Time is Life”.

(Picture is taken from Omega Watch).

Ivan the Freelancer

THE HERO INSIDE

When we are weak, someone has to carry us around.
When we fall, someone has to pick us up.
That “someone” is our hero.

But

When a hero is weak, he will try to carry himself around.
When a hero falls, he will learn to pick himself up again.
Heroes also need help, but a hero will always try to help himself first.

There is a hero inside of everyone, for a hero comes from the inside.

A hero doesn’t have to possess super strength.

For we become a hero not because of what we are, but because of what we do.

Ivan the Freelancer

MAKE IT SIMPLE

Lately my butterfly and I have been enthusiastic in making preparations for our wedding. Though sadly we have very limited budget, so we have to be very creative and persistent in hunting and preparing. One day I called two of my friends through Yahoo Messenger to ask for a reference about restaurants, make up and hand bouquet. I know they might know something because one of them likes to hunt for food, and the other one runs a flower business.

Both of them congratulate and wish me good luck for the wedding preparations, but when I ask them about their relationships, they replied with the same answer, “It’s complicated.” One of them doesn’t want to talk about it, while the other one told a complete story about the never-ending long distance relationship. Guess what, I didn’t get anything about the restaurant, make up and hand bouquet because our conversations got too “complicated”.

Next week, I searched, collected, and called only friends who are happily married. Guess what, I got all the information and references that I need only in one day. They are not complicated and the conversation went smooth and simple. Because we have the same objectives and purposes, the conversation went to the same direction.

Too often shit happens, and we let them piled up for too long until it explodes. Sometimes things can get complicated because we assume so, and let it become complicated. Sometimes we focused too much on the problems, but not on the solutions. Sometimes we got stuck in hot debate, instead of having warm discussion. Sometimes we don’t even know where we are going.

I hope we can simplify all things. I wish we all can have healthy fights and arguments because good relationships come from healthy fights and meaningful arguments. Fights and arguments are necessary to form an even stronger relationship. I also hope we all can always have warm conversations and discussions – conversations where two people can freely express their hearts until they can understand each other.

Easier said than done, but we all have to try our best.

Ivan the Freelancer

THE BEST SERVICE IS SELF-SERVICE

Have you ever been to a place like stores, restaurants or hotels, where the waitresses and attendants frequently follow you around anywhere you go? Not only that, they also constantly ask whether they can help you with anything. One of my friends said, they even follow him to the toilet, like they thought he didn’t know how to use “it”. I have “tasted” many restaurants where the waitresses always ask whether they can pick up your “unfinished” meals and drinks, over and over again.
The outcome of those kinds of “hospitality” is really annoying. Plus what’s more annoying is that when you “do” need the waitresses and attendants, they are nowhere to be found. Too often, they ask whether they can help you, but the truth is they cannot help you with anything. I find many employees at supermarkets who cannot locate even the most general or simple products at their own workplace.

Hospitality or service doesn’t always have to be shown. Sometimes the best service is something that is “not shown but can be found or experienced” by the customers. Self-service is one of the best methods for service excellence. Not only this service can give freedom and make the customer feels like home, it also educates the customers to become independent and knowledgeable.

I will ask you a simple question, “If you are dining, would you prefer to pick the sugar and pour it into your drinks yourself as you desire, or have the waitress do it for you? Some restaurants or café even let the customers make their own drinks or meals. It is about time we learn to provide a “Self-Service Friendly Environment” to create service excellence.

Service is not to offer, but to deliver. Hospitality has to be real and not fake. Service excellence is an unforgettable experience.

Ivan the Freelancer

(Images are taken from Canadore College, Comtecusa, and Insidesocal).

VALUE OF A MAN

There is really a thin line between pride and arrogance. If someone has a strong value or principle in life, there can only be one outcome of it – pride or arrogance. We all must be proud of ourselves and what we stand for. But that pride must not turn into arrogance. This principle is true in all aspects of life, whether in religions, cultures, values, careers, titles, you name it.

Ip Man speaks in the name of Wing Chun. He respects Wing Chun and proud to apply it as his value in his life. But whenever his opponents were defeated and admitted, “Your Kung Fu is better than mine”, Ip Man replied, “It is not about whose Kung Fu is better. The real problem is you”.

Proud men are those who hold their values, but always remain open and respect toward others. Proud man is always willing to learn from others.

On the other hand, arrogant men are those who always think that their values are better than others. Arrogance always speak that they and their values are the best and everybody should become like them.





No matter what we stand for, arrogance is not an option.

Pride is not arrogance.

Be proud of yourself, but don’t let that pride turn into arrogance.

It is not about which kung fu, religions, cultures, values are the best. The real problem is you… and your ego…

Ivan the Freelancer

PATHS TO REDEMPTION

They said, “There are many paths to redemption. Not all of them peaceful”. I certainly agree. But that is not a reason to banish someone from a church. That is definitely not an excuse to banish people from their church. As redemption is the right for every man, and so every church should serve as place to help those in need.

Solomon Kane who did terrible things in the past was banished from a church. When he wanted to redeem himself and tried his best to become “A man of peace”, the church sent him away. The church may have left him, but God never leave His people, no matter how bad they are.




God led Solomon to another church – a true church in a form of families who helped him with sincerity. That family helped him even after they knew how “evil” Solomon was in the past. The family treated Solomon like one of their own and he finally became a much better man than before. A true church is not inside a building. A true church resides in your heart and in the hearts of people around you.
But the world didn’t always responds like the way we wanted. Solomon tried his best not to get in the fight and avoid violence at all cost, even if he was hit, beaten up, and robbed by others. But by the time the evil took the lives of people who had helped him, he was forced to once again unleash what he always did best in the past, fighting and killing.

Solomon once again became a killing machine, but this time he was fighting for a noble cause. When no one dared to stand against evil, he was forced to once again swing his sword and guns in order to banish the evils that claimed his land. God never leave Solomon as He never leaves us if we are fighting for a noble cause.

A true church does not always reside inside the buildings. A true church is inside your heart and in the hearts of other people. God is always with us.

Prayers are not always in the form of words as faith itself is not words. Faith is fulfilled with sincere actions and deeds.

Many people hide their true faces behind religions. Few people dare to stand against evil, inside or outside them.

Ivan the Freelancer

LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW

It was between reality and dream, as I walked under the heat of the sun. “Funny, I used to remember there are supposed to be buildings and people around here. Where is everybody?”

Then a man came and walked beside me. He asked me where I was going.

“To work”. I replied.

“Work for what?” He asked again.

“For tomorrow”. I said.

“But what if there is no tomorrow?” He insisted.

“Then I will live like there is no tomorrow”. I replied.

The man shook my hand, “My name is “Laziness”, but you can call me “Surrender”. Sorry to bother you”. Soon after saying that, he vanished.

Maybe this world will change. Maybe it won’t. But surrender is not an option. There is no fate but what we make. We can never see tomorrow, but we can thank God by giving our best today.

Walk like there is no tomorrow.

Fight like there is no tomorrow.

Pray like there is no tomorrow.

Live like there is no tomorrow.

Ivan the Freelancer

EVEN AFTER DEATH

For most people, waiting is the most annoying and tiring job in the world. Maybe that’s why they often say, “I’m tired of waiting”. How long are you willing to wait for someone you love? 5 minutes, 1 day, 1 month, or 1 year? How about 10 years? Most people couldn’t stand to wait even for an hour or two.




I was wondering what’s dwelling inside Hachi’s head that gave him the patience and dedication of 10 years waiting for his master’s return, everyday, always in the same place and at the same time.





Maybe he didn’t realize that his master had passed away and hoped that one day he will see his master again, walking towards him from the door in Shibuya Train Station.

Maybe he knew that his master had passed away, but continued to wait anyway, just to respect his deceased master.

Maybe he just wants to show the people around him, how much he loves his master.

Maybe his master’s soul came by to Hachi and whispered, “Wait for me there, and when the time comes, I will take you with me”.

Maybe God told Hachi to wait there, so that we humans can learn the true meaning of “loyalty”.

Only God knows…

We humans only knew the oath or vow of “Until Death Do Us Part”. Apparently for Hachi, he took the oath to a greater limit, “Even after Death Do Us Part”.

Don’t let the meaning of loyalty died with Hachi.

Ivan the Freelancer

FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY

Feels like it’s only yesterday, I remember meeting you at the airport.

“Someone once told me an important formula to create a nice weekend. Do you know what that is?” I sipped the cool-creamy-green tea drink with my butterfly dressed in black sitting next to me.

“No, what is it?” She looked curious.

“A pretty girl, lot’s of money, and a nice drink”.

“Oh.” She smiled with mocha around her lips.

“I’m glad that I have them all.” I said. “Especially you.”

Celebrating one year journey towards happiness with you, Butterfly”.



Ivan the Freelancer

YEAR OF TIGER, HIDDEN VALENTINE

What would happen if Chinese New Year was combined with Valentine and weekend? The answer was a flight on a jet plane to a place where families gathered with lots of red and pink ornaments. Gong Xi Fa Cai.

The Batavia’s bird of steel took me and my butterfly to a city called Batam. The trip through the clouds brought us to a city where my butterfly’s family resides. Batam welcomed us with sunny but windy weather and quiet roadways. I was wondering if Jakarta can be this quiet and peaceful.

I always dream of having my own house that I can call home, but this trip reminds me of the old saying, “Home is where the heart is”. Realize that no matter where we are, the place will always be homey if we share and bring our hearts along – because hearts don’t always have to reside only in your own house.

Many places to go, but only one heart to share. So make yourself at home, anywhere, as long as you bring your heart with you. And when two hearts become one, it is even better. Happy Valentine My Butterfly.

Ivan the Freelancer

LET IT RAIN

I can barely remember when was the last time I can enjoy the rain without asking it to stop. Since the flood often washed away the happiness in our house, I often wished I would never had to hear the rain again.

I almost forgot how it feels to be able to enjoy every drops of water when it rains, until the time I walked away from my house and took myself higher from the ground. I’m now homeless, but I’m happy.

Now whenever the sky gets cloudy, I can smile again. Whenever it drizzles, I can let it drop on my skin. And whenever it rains heavily, I just need to open an umbrella. It is good to be free. But I realize, there are so many other people who still suffer when it rains.

Wish the rain will never cause anymore flood. But then again, the rain is not the one to blame. We are the victim of our own act. Nature is fair because it will always return what we have given them. Like I said, if we destroy it, it will destroy us. Don’t say I never warn you.

Ivan the Freelancer

TINY SPARKLING GREEN TREE

“Do you know what is the best thing about this Christmas tree?” I asked my butterfly while standing near a small fan. “It wiggles when hit by the wind.”

The sparkling green and golden colored leaves are so “compatible”… a perfect match. She laughed while watching the tiny tree wiggled on my hand.

“But something is missing about this tree.” She said. “We should find a beautiful star to be put on top of it.”

“Right, that would be perfect.” I replied.

Mal to mal, places by places, we traveled. Through many trees we looked.

But pity… Up until New Year we still have not found the right star for our Christmas tree.

But one day…

I just realized that a star may appeared on a place we had never expected. There is our shining star, between our new-green-Polo-couple-shirt.

Anyway, we may not always find or get what we are looking for. But if you try hard enough with faith and good intention, God will always give you something in return – and a lot better too.

Ivan the Freelancer

A CHAT WITH SANTA

Last Christmas, it was snowing in Taman Anggrek. There were bears dancing with Merry Christmas music on a small cottage surrounded by ponds, lakes and fountains. There was a big poster saying “Please adopt us. We need new home. You can adopt us in Santa’s house.” So those cute dancing bears were looking for someone to adopt them.

“It would be nice if we can adopt one or two bears and bring them home, wouldn’t it? I said to my butterfly.

“It must be very expensive.” She smiled. A few snowflakes dropped on our head.











“You maybe right. But let’s look for Santa’s house anyway.” I held her hand and walked passing crowds of people.

Walking around, we stumbled on Santa’s house. Santa’s house was in a form of a big dark brown boots. I looked around for its doors and finally found it. There was a note attached to the door, “Adopt the bears for only 275.000 rupiahs each.”

“You are right. It’s too expensive.” I said with a sad look.

“Let’s take a picture near the Christmas trees instead.” She pulled my hand towards the trees.


A few days later…


I was about to wash my hands in my butterfly’s place, when I spotted a short red robed figure leaning on the stairway.

“Santa, is that you?” I asked.

“Well hello, yes, I am Santa.” He answered with a very tired voice.

“What in the world are you doing here?” I asked again.

“Oh, I’m very tired after delivering those heavy Christmas presents for kids all over the world. You don’t mind if I take a rest here for a while do you?” Santa replied while showing his eyes and big round nose.

“Oh, not at all. Take your time Santa. Would you like something to drink?” I offered him a glass of hot tea that my butterfly had made for me. “My girlfriend made this. Very warm and sweet. Here, drink some.”

“Thanks a lot.” Santa took a few sip of my butterfly’s warm tea.

Suddenly, I remembered Santa’s house and those dancing bears that we wanted to adopt at Taman Anggrek. So, I told Santa everything about how expensive it was to adopt them.

“Oh no, that was not my house. You must’ve had the wrong address.” Santa replied.

“So, that was not your house, and those were not your bears?” I asked.

“No, it was not my house, but those bears are my true friends.” Santa looked deeply into my eyes. “My friend, you will never have to pay in order to receive a gift from Santa. A gift from Santa is always FREE.”

“I see… But those poor bears had danced all day and they had no home.” I said.

“Don’t worry, they were there, because they were meant to be there. They are waiting for you and your butterfly so the two of you can have a great and Merry Christmas.” Santa explained. “I thank you for taking your butterfly to see my bear friends dancing. They really appreciate it.”

“Well, thank you Santa. I really enjoy being with my butterfly accompanied by your bear friends.” I shook Santa’s hand. “Please send them my regards.”

“No problem.” Santa walked out of the house with a wide smile.

It’s funny… I was wondering how did Santa get in to the house? We had no chimneys… Hahahaaa… Merry Christmas everyone… Ho Ho Ho…!!!

Ivan the Freelancer