30 Years Old Olivia

10 years fast forward, I guess I am just the person I have always envisioned.

30 years old Olivia:

• Master degree (even double masters) from a reputable university abroad with a full scholarship
• Traveled around the world (40 + countries)
• In a stable relationship with a man of my dream
• My book on my travel journo just published by the biggest publisher in Indonesia
• I worked in a development sector with an International NGO, fulfilling job & traveling around Indonesia
• I live in one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bali.
• Two tiny apartments and a house under my name (with no debt)

And then I realize to keep staying alive I have to keep going. I have to invent other dreams and I have to ensure I can be useful for other people. Be kind and compassionate.

It is too early to feel enough. There are so many beautiful things out there.

I am ready to explore and see

Me doing field trip

Love,

Olivia

EXCITING NEW PERSONAL WEBSITE

Dear Readers,

I am migrating my blog to www.oliviadianina.com,

I think it is good to have a more redefine website where my activities could be categorized into a more specific sections.

Go check the website and subscribe if you like to hear more from me.

And I promise I will post more on traveling.


Love,


Olivia

Letting Go

We should never be together on the firsthand

When two broken souls are still trying to mend down previous sorrows

They said I should be happy on my own company

But I like it with yours



But when you take me to swim in the ocean of uncertainty

I knew that I should pull myself from this temporary excitement

It is unreal and my heart starts beating too fast again

We both know that you are still yet to do discover many things in life

And I ought to fix my ‘state in mind’

That none of us are ready



So I think it is once again applicable that things happen for a reason

In this case, for the betterment



Denpasar, 19 October 2017

Olivia

I Choose To Be Strong

I have been dealing with my anxiety for the past few years. I think the first time I notice the symptom was in 2011 when everything about life was uncertain. However, it became more obvious in 2013 when I was diagnosed with a non-life treating illness that postponed my graduate study for 6 months. The past three years I spent in Australia, I realise it was an anxiety all these time that I am having.

Having moved to Bali and recently broken up (again), I thought everything was just ok until my short romance collapsed and I started having panic attact during our stressful conversation. It was not even too stressful. I was just worried too much.

But you know what, I would not let my anxiety paralyses me! I will stay strong.  I will keep my performance up for my work, contribute to the society and try my best to inspire other people.

I have some strategy to cope with this that I will practise and go through. I will be fine. I choose to be strong!

Love,

Olivia

Why My Instagram is For Public

I’ve been thinking these days if should keep my Instagram private or if I should unveil it for public.


I have a few considerations:

First, I want to indulge my private moments with my loved ones, my friends and my family. As I do not enjoy getting distracted by people who get attached by their smart phone so much, I do not want to be one of those people. I am afraid I will be more aware on things I publish online instead of the quality time that I share with people around me.


Second, I am a bit anxious of people judgment. I want to be myself. I love myself the way I am. I don’t want to change a bit to fit the society's expectations. I want to publish things around me to my inner circle without hiding my real self and only showing people want they want to see.


Third, I am trying to keep my mental wellbeing. After a few soul crushing and heartache moments the past few years, I realize how important it is to be mindful. I have been practicing mindfulness meditation since early 2015. I am afraid that if I keep my Instagram public, I would focus more on posting the things online instead of being in present moment (related to point 1). And as you might knew already social media is full of things unpredicted. You never know what people could do with your picture postings in the future.


Nonetheless, after talking to my good friend, Zeva, while I was on duty in Jakarta last time, I realize I could utilize social media for a positive purpose that inline with my life goal. Zeva herself for instance is a devoted Muslim and she aims to utilize her Instagram to inspire other young women that those who wear hijab could accomplish things beyond make up tutorials. She is a brilliant and career driven person who happens to be good at cooking and make up as well. She is definitely such an inspiration.


For my side, I want to inspire other ordinary young Indonesian women that you could achieve more than you can imagine! Many times in my life people ask me If I come from a rich family or If I am after a rich husband? The truth is that I have traveled to more than 35 countries, obtained my double master degrees from the best university in Australia and have a few investment properties of my own at my late 20ish is because of I have brain and I work hard to get what I want! I know what I am after and I follow my dreams (with the support of my family and close friends).


There is nothing special about my upbringing and my background of family. I was born in a middle class family, raised in a small yet beautiful town in a highland of Sumatra with only 4000 residents. My parents never push me to be anything, they just want me to be happy and to be a useful person in the society (which hopefully what I am going through now). Although my parents are education oriented, no one in my immediate family has a master degree, not to mention double.


I might be far from perfect. I achieve less than so many people out there. However, I just want to inspire young women out there that they could achieve what they want if they work hard for it. I am not saying that women should not rely on men but I just want to emphasize that women could achieve things and it would be great if their partner support that too. In the world of gender equality, mutual support from each other is something essential.

I am not even sure if I am good at posting pictures on Instagram. I will just give it a try. Instagram is a happening social media medium (at least in Indonesia now) that we all could use for a positive change. I will post more about being a female globetrotter and environmental stuff contents out there. So hereby I declare that I am officially open my Instagram account for public. Lets see how it goes...




Love,



Olivia

10 Simple Ways to Be An Environmentalist

I repost this article from World Watch Institute, and I think I would share to my reader this very simple way of being green and making earth a better place (for human) to live:

1. Save energy to save money

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. In the case of tropical country, keep your AC just around 22 degree c. 
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.

2. Save water to save money

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. 

3. Less gas = more money (and better health!)

• Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
• Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
• Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

4. Eat smart

• If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
• Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
• Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
• Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood. Eat seafood in the area that produce seafood. 

5. Skip the bottled water

• Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
• Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

6. Think before you buy

• Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
• Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
• Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.

7. Borrow instead of buying

• Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
• Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

8. Buy smart

• Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
• Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
• Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

9. Keep electronics out of the trash

• Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
• Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
• Recycle your cell phone.
• Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

10. Make your own cleaning supplies

• The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
• Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality. 

Those are pretty simple action so far. I hope we could all be an environmentalist. ;)

Love,

Olivia

On Living in Bali

If you wonder how does it feel to live in Bali? I love it! I really do. After living in a country capital of Australia, Canberra, for the pass three years, I am so happy that I settle in Bali. I did not think it would be this good as I thought that I would experience a lot of reverse culture shock. Conversely,  I am enjoying it a lot! I love the blend of Western and Easter values in Bali.

Here is a few best things about living in Bali:

1.     Food, food, food… and food!

You can find any sort of food here. Traditional warung, street food, fancy Indonesian restarutant to 5 star Western style of dining.

2.     Party places

Starting from low budget backpacker styles to a fancy rooftop garden with hi level of security not to mention a lot of options of pool bars next to the beach

3.     Nature

Beach, mountain, lake, everything you want! You are literally very close to it.

4.     People

People are super friendly, honest, nice and content. People practise Hinduism in Bali as you might know already. Its just balance philosophy between nature, people and the universe.

5.     Art

Beautiful artsy streets, crafty gates, sculptures, nicely decorated restaurants and café, full of colours and creative design.

6.     Social

A lot of tourist who travel alone or Indonesian who move to Bali for work. Its just a melting point and its easy to make friends with

 In short, I am enjoying my life in Bali a lot. I think its suitable for my life style. The plus side is I also enjoy my work and people at my work a lot.

Leaving Australia for Good after 3 Years

I am back to Sumatra now, leaving Australia for good after a solid 3 years experience and with my double masters in hand. It’s been a roller coaster living in Australia and I am glad I made my way out alive. There is a lot of mixed feeling on getting back to live in Indonesia.

First, happy

I am home early for my sister’s wedding with the love of her life after just dating for less than a year. At the age of 23 she is still considered young to get married (even for an Indonesian).

I am excited for her new chapter in life and I am sure she will have an amazing life journey with her partner.

Another reason why I am happy is because I can eat delicious Indonesian food with cheap price anytime I want and that I could meet my parents and my family often.

Second, sorrow

While my sister is getting married, I am still repenting my failed relationship with my ex bf.

After being a good friend for more than year, we decided to be together almost at the same timing when my sister met her future husband.

A relationship that I though could lead into something more meaningful just vanishes in vain. My ex was supposed to come to Sumatra with me for my sister’s wedding, but instead he dropped me to Sydney airport and waving goodbye just before I entered the immigration control.

I can’t believe I am listening to this Tove Lo’s song again (last time was when I broke up with my previous bf before this)

Third, excited

I am excited for a new role that I am taking in an NGO based in Bali.

I will move to Bali by the end of July after doing a 3 weeks of Europe trip.

I am excited on my new chapter of life, people I will encounter and what the Universe has designed for my future.

Fourth, relieve

I have this love and hate relationship with Canberra (in fact more the hate side than love). I am sorry Canberra’s residence but really that just doesn't fit me right.  Although I was born and grew up in a small town myself (with only 40.000 population) but I am a big city person in heart. I love people, I love trying new food and new restaurants/bars/cafes, I love exploring the sneaky small alleys just to find a new hidden bar exists there, I just love cites! The only reason that keeps me going in Canberra was my university, The Australian National University, which is the best for studying policy as well as my good friends (who almost all have already moved to other cities or other countries). I guess Melbourne or Sydney would have fit me better.

Its not the end. I am pretty sure I will be back to Australia. I have that feeling.

Thank you so much for every party who invested in me for my skills and knowledge enhancement and for believing in me, my dreams and my capacity.

But for now on, let me focus my time and energy to contribute to my people and my beloved country.

Love, 

Olivia

Taking Care of My Mental Wellbeing

I was wondering about life lately.
There is no particular reasons I have to be upset about.
28: Healthy life, lovely family, loyal friends, 3 properties of my own, double master degrees.
But everything could just vanish in a second.
Because life is full of unpredictable factors.
It could be flipped upside down anytime.
That is why I think it is important to focus on the present moment
To live your life for the moment, being mindful.
Instead of doing a never ending planning about future.

That is also the reason why these days I am trying to train myself to be emotionally strong.
I have been focusing on mental well being for the past weeks.
I exercise, practise yoga, meditate, pray, listen to good vibrant sounds (chanting and mantras).
Instead of searching for achievements and gratitude from other people, I am trying to find inner happiness.
To be loving myself and to spread the joy of happiness to other people.
It is important to have a meaningful life.
To make your life useful of others.
At the same time, I think it is also important to build a positive character and to be emotionally mature
So when life hits you, you could rebound quickly and learn from it.


Canberra, 10 April 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017 FROM SUMATRA, INDONESIA!

IT'S A WRAP! 2017 will be the number that we all need to write often in official documents for the next 365 days of so. This new year, I decided to celebrate it in my hometown in Sumatra with my family. Instead of staying at home, I went for the celebration in a rooftop restaurant with my sister and her fiance. The Sirroco restaurant & Bistro is located at the top of Hermes Medan Hotel. Since it is located in the city center, it has a spectacular view of Medan city with fireworks from all corners of the city during NYE. My sister and I even went to the stage to dance with the performance while my sister's fiance sang a few songs just before the countdown to entertain the quite boring audience 😜. 

Sirroco restaurant view on NYE 2017

Me, my sister and her fiance.

Sirocco Restaurant
Address : Hermes Palace Hotel 14th Floor Medan
Phone : 08192151666


After the celebration, we went to a cafe that has a very artistic decoration. The Kito Art Cafe has a very lovely decoration, good price and quite tasty foods. I was impressed! I ordered a Thai Tea and a Chilly Fried Noodle, a very typical Asian combination. The DJ was still playing the mix until 2.30 am in the morning although there was not so many crowd. Overall we had a good time and a great conversation!

These are photos taken in the Kito Cafe, look how beautiful the decoration!

Kito Art Cafe
Address : Jalan Wahid Hasyim No 31 Medan Babura
Phone : 061-80512135
Open : 11.00 am - 03.00 am (everyday)

On other note, I just revived my facebook page on traveling. I decided I will just publish everything about travel in that page instead of my personal facebook page. You will find photos, my journal, tips, inspiration, articles and some videos too. Like the page and stay in touch with me! Here is the link www.facebook.com/popshie

Stories of Popshie Facebook page

Last but not least, check this video I dedicate for my blog readers and my fellow travelers!

Lots of love,

Olivia

Christmas 2016 at Home in Sumatra

Christmas, home, family, classy. I have been home for almost three weeks now. By home I mean Sumatra, the place where I was born and where my family lives. Its been great here. I have been spending a lot of my time eating delicious Indonesian foods (the best part of it), reunion with old friends, playing around with my dogs, doing spa, saloon and skin care (because its so expensive in Australia to pamper myself) and working from distance. I decided to be home for my sista’s engagement and spend xmas with family as for the past two years I spent it somewhere in a far away land (Nepal and Colombia)

2016 has been good! I did not achieve much this year but I would say I am happier this year. One definitions of happiness is the ability to overcome storms in life. I managed to put together pieces of me from last year despairs. I also feel more content this year. A great part of it is my relationship with my good friend. I have been dating my good friend since May this year. I am a person who is driven by achievement. I always crave for the feeling of satisfaction every time I reach my goals. However, being with someone who is simple like him has transformed me into a better person. I become a more grateful person and less ambitious person. I also focus more on for what is in front of me instead of chasing the never-ending dreams. Although I still think a good balance of it is important: be ambitious and contentment. I am still working on it.

I also grew up as a person this year. I realise what matters for me more and what are not. I tried different things. It helps me to reshape my goals in life and understand myself better.  As a travel addict, I move to different places every time I could.  People said I am trying to avoid something. But it is not true. I just like to discover. However, after I returned from my globe-trotting trip early this year (where I traveled to five continents), I decided to slow down my path. And I did. It was a good decision as I could focus more on my long-term career goal and spending time with my love ones.

Coming up in the next post, more details on 2016 reflection.

Daniel and I in Hyams Beach, NSW, Australia November 2016

Lots of love,

Olivia