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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Me.

Letting Go.

When I was in my second year of university, dad gifted me a very nice, sleek-looking laptop. It was my very own, unlike my other gadgets that were usually used ones, handed down from my brother. I loved it like anything. It was my life, a world where I would spend hours storing photos, editing them, developing artworks, doing my homeworks, browsing the internet and listening to music from. My life was in a digital thin box.

Until i was mugged. A group of people banged my car window, and took my laptop with force. My life suddenly disappeared. My memories were gone. And my artworks, my assignments, my music database. Gone. I didn’t have a pen drive at that time, neither did I have an external hard disk. My life didn’t have any back-up.

It took me a while. But I learned. To let go. That anything I have lost, is not lost in value. Photos can rejuvenate long gone memories, but without them, I am forced to appreciate each memories in my head and in my heart. And perhaps that increases the value.

And I learned that life needs a back-up plan. To be prepared for anything unexpected, to be ready to fall deep or jump high.

Photos mean a lot to me, but I can always take new ones. Although nothing can replace the gone, I must learn to let go to enjoy the present and embrace the future.


Moving Forward.

And so I graduated. And I had a new laptop after all. I took extra care of it this time, ensuring that I do not fall into the same hole again. With my laptop, I made a lot of CVs. I used it to browse job vacancies, conduct research on company backgrounds, email them my interest, until accepting my first job offer.

My laptop accompanied me in achieving so many things in life. It took me to my first job as a market researcher, and it even took me to become a blogger. My laptop supported my 2 worlds, and I think it was happy to see me getting out the best from both. During the day, I would be browsing business news and developing charts. In the night, I would be doing a fashion post and uploading photos of my day.

Until I realized that I got carried away. With the common perception. With the sexiness of having 2 worlds. I was always afraid to admit that I love fashion, stuck in the thought that I would look smarter if I was drowned in statistical figures and chart readings. I was afraid that fashion would hurt my academical achievements and degrees, that I would appear from smart to less smart. Being and looking smart was something. And it got me wrong.

It took me a while. But I learned. To let go of unjustified perceptions, and to acknowledge the word ‘passion’. What was I doing? It has been there all the time, but it took me years to realize that ‘doing business’ is my passion. Business in the creative industry. I have been feeding my pride and people’s expectations, that success is defined by having a great career in a multinational company. But was that really it? Is it even correct?

I learned that feeding expectation is the mother of frustration. We are who we are. And there is nothing to prove to anyone.

Success means a lot to me. And for me, success is that stage of having no regrets when I die, because I know I was not wasting time with my life. That I had done what I loved, and that being happy for doing what I love has made other people happy as well.


Dear laptop,

I have learned both to let go, and to move on. And after months of thinking, I decided that it’s time for me to let go of what I had and what it had to offer, and move forward on exploring my passion. I resigned. I finally gained the courage to let go of my career, and take a new, big step towards being genuinely happy. I love fashion, and I will accept that fact wholeheartedly. I reject any perception that says office workers in suits are smarter than those doing business in t-shirts. Both are equally smart, as long as they rock their worlds respectively. Starting now, I am no longer an employee, but an entrepreneur in the fashion sphere. Wish me luck.

:)

96 comments:

michelle_ said...

WOOOHHOOOOO !
this is a really really really really really really inspiring piece of writing kak dee :)

im sooo glad that you brought up the topic as alot of people misjudge freelancers (or "tshirt" employees) as someone who just has no responsible, or worst, dumber..

I really look up to you for being the first person in indonesia to work in the fashion world from blogging !
I wish you good luck ! and your God bless you in every step and path you take :)

GBU :)

dira indira said...

woowww.. so proud of you to finally embrace the passion!

good luck on your next journey :)

hanny arianty gultom said...

Die.... gw merindingg bangett bacanya... gk boong die.. pantesan kok die, weekdays gini bisa ke radio.. hhuhu..i know Die that you have consider it like 110%..:), best wishes yah Die.. don't be afraid, rejeki dan semuanya itu ada yang ngatur..^^, hmm.. besok Die udah standby jam brapa? coz gak bisa sampai malam, ada rapat di gereja.. hehe.. ^^

Anonymous said...

The best luck for you in the fashion world. Hope by doing what you love, you'll benefit not only yourself, but others as well.
This post of yours really inspires me. I hope it does too for others.

Keep inspiring, kak Di :)

Unknown said...

good luck diana :)

muchlove said...

wow, I think that's a very brave decision and I really admire you for it :) I've only just accepted my first full time "office" job, and I do wonder how it will affect my blogging/creative life. I guess the only way to find out is to try it out, huh?
I wish you the best and look forward to seeing what your fashion adventures will bring!

Diana Rikasari said...

oh my...thank you so much for your comments, girls...you got me teary, you know? May God bless us all...always...don't be afraid to do what you love, as God will always give you a way...xoxo

:)

Mrs. Don said...

Goodluck diana..
You can do it !!
Pasti makin sukses deehh !!!

Sari said...

wooow it sounds like a BIG good news! aaaa I really proud for your decision to be a true fashionista :D sukses yaa kak, excited and can't wait for ngelyat karya2 kak Deee. God bless youu :)

eva said...

what a brave girl with super brave decision. way to go, girl!!!

Yuliana Maddi said...

YOU ROCKS!!!!

kaget bgt baca postingan kali ini kak...tapi aku yakin kak dee akan lebih sukses lg didunia baru, dunia yg kakak sukai :)

really really inspiring kak...support penuh buat kakak

GODSPEED!!!!!!

nyun said...

I envy your guts..so much!! :)
Good luck you :)

HijabRevival.. said...

hi there!
This is the first time I have seen your blog and guess what? I see my blog is named under hijab blogs!! yesss its me from hijabrevival.blogspot!!! thanx a bunch and Im loving ur style!!! il be following you now!!
kisses from Australia!!
Seyma xoxo

Michelle Cecilia said...

wow...this post really inspires me...some words just so touching. Can I quote you? Hahaha ;)
I will wait for ur product or whatever you'll do..!!
It's gonna be great for sureee..wish you the best of luck, kak dii...

Lexy said...

Very inspiring! First time visiting your blog unintentionally, then I keep coming back to see it since I love your idea, very creative. it's inspired me that We have to be optimistic in every kind of life either good or bad. I agree with you ,can't imagine living without passion . So proud that you can decide what is the best for you, that's life, it's all about choice. Good luck for you:)

;) said...

u going to have ur own clothing line?? ^^

all the best to you diana!!!

Shinta H. T. said...

very interesting story. i, myself also facing a similar problem, but its not exactly the same. sampai saat ini aku sendiri masih merasa bimbang apa jurusan di kuliah yang aku ambil sekarang ini benar" jati diri aku? is it really what i wanted to be in the future? a mass communication student, taking a broadcasting as my major? apalagi sebenarnya aku juga tertarik untuk mengambil kedokteran as my major. why? it is because i thought that to become a doctor is really a cool job. it made you look smarter. bs dibilang sperti pekerjaan yg ber"gengsi" dan hebat.

tapi setelah baca kata" kak diana yang " I reject any perception that says office workers in suits are smarter than those doing business in t-shirts. Both are equally smart, as long as they rock their worlds respectively. " , itu lgsg membuat aku merasa, what am i thinking?? semua pekerjaan akan hebat jika kita menikmatinya :)
thank you for your post, its really open my mind :)

Miss Muss said...

Good luck dear Diana!! I envy you for being so braveee!! :) I wish you all the luck in the world, may you always be happy and may GOD guide you through the path he had destined you to be insyaALLAH. :)

superumi said...

really inspiring diana :D

Skets Project said...

Congrats, Diana, welcome to the entrepreneurs' world.

-----------
sketsproject.com

Anonymous said...

i really hope you get into the right path :D

jacobian said...

I thought this post is about laptop,but well congrats on your life-changing decision then.let me know how it ends. :-)

Rebecca Clairine said...

Super inspiring :D
Best wish for u , good luck kak ! :)

Xoxo,
Rebecca
http://rebeccaclch.blogspot.com

Joyce Sandra said...

lovely! inspiring, honestly. good luck, kak ;D

Anonymous said...

OMG,
g o o d l u c k!
I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart!

y said...

Kak Diana, goodluck yaa!! :')
May God bless you in every step that you take.

Anonymous said...

Great post! I've always admired you for your consistency in doing the two worlds. but to leave the employee world and decided to pursue your passion really, really, makes me admire you more! I've always envied people who know what they like, be good at it, and make big money out of it. I have just graduated and i'm not really sure what my passion is yet. i really hope I'll find it out soon enough. or, if i find out later, i hope i'll have the guts to make big decision like you did! it's really good for you to finally come up to such life changing decision. i wish u best of luck.

Go rock the fashion industry girl! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Posting ini nendang banget, deh! :D

EN said...

you're such a brave girl, Kak! i thought it was really hard to finally made a decision like that! but i know mr.success will stay around you, Kak! don't be afraid. good luck. :)



Flickering Moonlight

miss ailema said...

Goodluck!

Shifting from careers is scary but I am sure the trade off will be amazing. I used to work for an Oil and Gas Company, was earning loads of money until I took the time off to travel and pursue another field. I was happier since.

Hats off to you for taking the leap of faith. :)

Gilbert Ganda said...

kak di! OMG inspiring writing ever! people always said that blogging is just to kill boredom. now you are the prove that who said so? blogger can be an occupation too!

goodluck kak di! you sure can make it!

xx
may Allah Bless you in all the things you do and every single steps you take!

AliceTopia said...

Dear Di,

Bravo! And welcome to the jungle! Thus, i would like to dedicate this article - that I wrote once - for you too: http://www.alicetopia.com/2010/09/courage-part-2.html#more

WIsh you all the best.

Cheers,

Alice (^_^)
www.alicetopia.com

Noni said...

love this post :) you are so wise and inspiring

Rose said...

Bests of luck!

Tara said...

Life is choice...
Gw percaya bangetttttttt kalo Diana Rikasari nantinya akan sukses di dunia Fashion. Bukannya gak mungkin kalo nanti kamu bakal diundang di acara fashion show besar di luar negeri. :D
Good Luck Diana !!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Good luck girl! :)

shea said...

oh-my-god!!
when i read ur post, i was like "i knew it!"

I knew this day would come, and you really made it happen! Being a person who does not know you personally, I am proud to say that I still can feel the passion that you have in the fashion world just by reading ur blog. Duh. (haha)

Good luck Diana!
All my prayers for your future plans :)

xx, Shea
http://www.myamethyst-shea.com/

Miy said...

Congratulation!!

Attraversiammo, indeed.. that's a big step and I know you're going to enjoy it! ;)

In fact, I just resigned my 9 to 5 job too and start pursuing my true passion.. so, I think I might understand how you feel. :)

Once again, congratulation!

Love,
The Picnic Girl

Nana said...

Kak Di... aku juga merasakan perasaan yang sama...
sekarang aku lulus kuliah dan banyak tawaran sebagai pekerja kantoran datang... tapi semuanya aku tolak karena aku lebih suka mengerjakan handycraft di rumah.... aku merasa jiwaku disini...di dunia seni.. banyak orang yang memandang sebelah mata,termasuk teman bahkan orangtuaku sendiri.., dan itu membuatku sakit hati... tapi jika kita senang,, semuanya akan terasa ringan dan rejeki akan datang dengan sendirinya... dan aku percaya,, aku pasti akan sukses sepertimu kak Di... ^^
trimakasih kak di.. very inspiring and great posting ^.^

Nini V. said...

I have to agree with the others and wish you luck and that this post was incredibly inspiring. Have fun pursuing your dreams!

@beeandcha said...

dear.. dianarikasari
i almost give up about my laptop,
i have a quite similar story with you..

especially things we got from our parents. how precious they are.
replacing the old, i bought new laptop today,
i couldnt let go
before i read your posts.
this is amazingly inspired me.

you might not know me, but i experienced worse than yours. :)
so, give thanks!

Doriyuckey said...

good luck !

t a l i s h a said...

"the only life worth living is one that you're really passionate about." -emma pillsbury.

i wish you all the best kak :)

disty said...

Congratulations ya dii...dah berhasil melewati salah satu "jembatan" yang ga semua orang mampu melewatinya...Good luck and I know you can do it girls :-)

Amelia Djamil said...

Hi Kak D, it was big movement in ur life and i feel so good read ur post, its kinda "finally..you resigned" hehe. you are gonna be something big in fashion industry!Inspiring as always you are. keep your spirit on kak D! and please keep blogging while you starting ur business. hehe :)

Anggita said...

Di, what can I say but, "CONGRATULATIONS!!!". You've made a very great decision, and it's not about working in a company or being an entrepreneur. It's about your courage to follow your heart and take a risk based on your dreams. I believe you can conquer all of this. I always inspired by you Di, believe me that great person like you will always get great things ahead :)

Anonymous said...

Go Girl!
wish I had the same guts! :)

nadhirah nasser said...

this post will inspire a lot of people Diana.... like you inspired me all these while... All the best to you!

Unknown said...

WOW!!
i've got teary reading this post..
u truly are an inspiration for me, ms. Diana..
best of luck to you..and you dreams..

love
dhika

Nop said...

I wish I had a courage like yours kak Diana and break it away.
You ever said that we should do something because we enjoy doing it, not because others. So if there are people say that doing business in T-shirt is less smarter than the office workers, it's their problem.
Wish you luck kak Diana!

denis stya said...

ku suka posting ini, ngena banget buat jd inspirasi bg orang yang terbingkai karena menjadi pegawai,.

Dewi said...

Good Luck Diana...wish you all the best...

Anonymous said...

all the best for you Di :)

cacah said...

good luck dear! :)

ratieh said...

weew..good luck ya Di!

wherever you work, whatever you do, just love your job & do it with all your heart.

do your best & let God do the rest. =)

Putri Dwiandari said...

so agree with this one diana !!
i love your thoughts and your guts to decision to follow your passion and consistent on it..

i was having the same dilemma too you know, at first i always thought i will be a successful corporate carrier woman,yes that's my dream, but as time goes by, i finally figures out what i love doin most, what my passion really is, and leave the office workers world too ;p ...

and your writings make me feel more confident about what I'm focused on right now and try harder to be more great at it.. :)

so hopefully you will make a successful carrier ahead in your field works too! ...Good luck Diana... !!

darchocoffee said...

good luck! :D
i believe living up your life in what you're passionate about is the best key to achieve happiness,
and that's what success is trying to give you right?
this is a very inspiring post,
i hope more and more people, including me, will finally know and embrace what our passion is, and live it up instead of following what the society expects us to be.

four thumbs up kak D!

shinta yanirma said...

"I learned that feeding expectation is the mother of frustration. We are who we are. And there is nothing to prove to anyone."

OMG, that's so true! i'm glad i can find a blogger like you, kak. all the best for you, do everything you have passion in it with love. goodluck!

i wish i'll have the same courage like you when i grow. :)

cindir-rela said...

wish u a very gud luck in your new career..:)

dian said...

kata anak gaoool jakartee "gw suka gaya loe...!!!" hahahaha. i love the way u are :)

Summer Heartbeat said...

WOW!!!! This is so inspiring. A BIG STEP TO SUCCESS! All the best diana, i really2 look up to u. :)

Anonymous said...

good luck D! i'm wishing you all the best! can't wait your project!

Anonymous said...

wooow nice writing!
we wish ya luck =)

Anonymous said...

wooow nice writing!
we wish ya luck =)

Shanti said...

wow! totally inspiring!
thank you :)

good luck!

ladeva said...

Goodluck Diana!

Remembering me to one quote from Rene Suhardono (carrier coach), he said: carrier is not your job. Do what your love a.k.a pursuit your passion...

Bonne chance Diana ;)

Anonymous said...

wow, dunno what to say except for good luck.

amelia said...

goodluck dear... :)

crazy cat lady said...

you are an inspiration to me. i can't say enough how brave of you to do what you did. yes, follow your heart. we only live once!
good luck diana, i will root for you.

FLoRette said...

Very brave decision...
Soooo inspiring Diana.
I wish u good luck in every step u take. Amiiin

CINTANTYA said...

love it!

http://diewiththesun.blogspot.com

alavya-shofa said...

waaahh, mudah2an semuanya lancar ya. inspiring, heee, aku juga ngalamin hal yang sama. semangkaaaa :)

auraman said...

you'r the best, i am very intresting with your fashion blog and you are the model of your blog....hahaha, however you'r the best on fashion, success for u, from auraman (newbie) ..(sory mbak klu englishnya ngawor haha)

Unknown said...

wohooo.. keep fighting kak, doing something with your passion! Kita dukung apapun kegiatan kakak yg positif, apa lagi kakak udah memberi inspirasi buat kita, pembaca setia blog kakak, we wish you luck ! :)

Tiananda said...

awwww... bener2 bikin merinding bacanya :D

what a big movement.... wishing you a great luck! dan tetap menyisakan peluang usaha buat para generasi muda kreatif Indonesia, hehehe...

sangat setujuuu ama penolakan persepsi bahwa "sukses = karir bagus di perusahaan multinasional"

sampe sekarang masih terus berusaha menghilangkan cap "belum sukses" yang muncul dari pikiran sendiri...

may Allah bless us all, amiin

Fadilla Ungaro Acsa said...

semoga emang itu yg terbaik ya dee.amiiiiiiiiin n.n

uda ga sabar ni pengen liat butik Diana Rikasari .hhe
tp jgn mahal" ya mbaaaa.gud luck!!!

xoxo
dilla n.n

Tap said...

Hey Diana,
I think this is one of your best post on your blog. I really can (and I bet most of us do) relate to your story.

I really admire your positivity and always being happy and fun in this challenging life, and I must say it is always a sheer joy to read and check out your blog, (it will always remind me to be happy hehe)

And like your other posts, after reading this it still does give a really positive vibe for me and I bet it will do the same to others as well.
You will definitely do wonders in the fashion industry, (you have already did :) I guess you are like a tenant who previously rent a house, and now owning that house for good hehe.

So here is wishing you all the best, and really looking forward for your collection! Semangat Diana!!!

-Tara, Pancanaka Clothing & Apparel
(I shared this post on FB to give inspiration to others, hope you don't mind :)

Anonymous said...

kak die..this is the very 1st time i'm posting my comment..after all these times being your "secret admirer"..you're really inspired me..to always move on and keep looking forward..
thank you for being a great motivator..best wishes for you..
Good Luck!! Chayo!!

Anonymous said...

Good information thank you closely monitor your success.

Anonymous said...

good luck always!
I only hope that your choice to resign is the most appropriate. Starting a business is not easy. But I'm sure you can do it!
Most important part of building a business is an original idea and creativity.
Keep update the fashion trends. Should never be tired to learn, you certainly succeeded!

* Just a suggestion from me, have you been to ITC Mangga Dua or ITC Kuningan or Pasar Senen?

There you can get a lot of fashion items at low prices. The key is only good at negotiating with traders.

Anonymous said...

hayyy di...pilihan berani dan menurut g itu lo banget....educational background emang penting,tapi in the end passion yang paling penting...lo bakal bs lebihhhh dari yg lo dapetin kl lo fokus di passion lo...gut luck

iraa said...

somehow i am waiting you to jump to fashion world *secara utuh* lho kak diana..
dan itu terjadi saat ini. tadinya aku pikir bakalan masih bertaun2 lagi.. woww!
i am sure, that you will be very very success in your new business. aku percaya ilmu kuliah dan pengalaman kerja kak diana akan sangat berguna di bisnis kakak itu. keep inspiring kak dianaa. loooovvveeee youuuuu

kiky_rose said...

like other people said, something become valuable when they are lost...

deluxshionist said...

oh god this is so good... 100 times better than i thought..

good luck girl...together we can, yesss

vanessa east said...

you have just put into words what i feel about not being taken seriously because well, you choose dress better/ different than the rest. this is very enlightening. ^^
thank you.
you just made my Monday ^^.

love,
vanessa

Anonymous said...

so good for you!! and what a post!

Piscalius said...

what a brave decision that u've made, dear..i couldn't do as brave as yours..gudluck and enjoy ur decision then, two thumbs up for you..Gbu ^^

stephanie

Unknown said...

wish my mom read this post and understand why I'd choose to become an interior designer...

Shoe said...

Diana, I love the positivity and optimism you always seem to have, it really shines through on this blog, and I love it.

Congrats on taking such a big step and I'm so happy for you that you're pursuing your love! All the best and you're wonderful!!!

:)

Shoe

thingididmyself.blogspot.com

jennifer said...

i've loved your blog (and ur inspiring thoughts) since a long time ago, but this is my fave post of yours amongst all. it's just really, really inspiring..

thank you for sharing it, kak dee. :)

i personally believe that we will always succeed if we go after our passion. even if we're not succes financially, we just know that we're rich spiritually.

good luck. :)

Diana Rikasari said...

thank you so much, everyone...:')

All the support, inputs & comments you all have given to me have truly contributed a lot to my life...i wish all of us success and happiness in life...God bless us all!

<3

Unknown said...

Hi diana, Im your silent reader. I really love this post! So inspiring.. Good luck!! ^^

eddie.mohammad@windowslive.com said...

Inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Dear Diana,

You will always be an inspiration to me. That alone should assure you that you are correct to follow your heart. One day, I will gain enough courage to do what you did - being true to yourself.

I wish you all the best! Can't wait to see what blessings life has in store for you. Thank you for sharing your life with us! :)


-Korina

Anonymous said...

Diana, gw kagum banget sama loe..loe bisa pilih apa yang jadi passion loe dan kukuh sama itu dan meninggalkan titel "buruh kantor"..

Gw sekarang juga lagi ngerintis karir di bidang yang sama dengan pekerjaan loe dulu. It's TOUGH! working sunday to monday, monday to sunday.. Tapi gw percaya ini pembejaran buat gw, karena nanti pun gw akan jadi self-employed, tentunya kalau gw sudah mahir..

You're such an inspiration!

Good luck all the best :)

Anonymous said...

diana, your post really resonated with me especially about the part of feeding expectations. i hope that i can also find the courage to do what i love to do. wish you all the best and good luck in the new path you're taking! :)

gwen

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