Expanding horizons is a lifetime process<\/p>\n
Pri Notowidigdo, The Amrop Hever Group, Global Executive Search,
\n(e-mail:jakarta@amrophever.com)<\/p>\n
I had the privilege of spending time with Aki Ucup recently.
\nHe stayed with my family in our home for about a week and
\nrekindled those things in life that bring meaning and
\nfulfillment.<\/p>\n
Born in West Java as Yusuf Kartadikusuma 78 years ago, he is a
\nbrother of my wife's grandmother. His warm smile and kind eyes
\nprompted us to call him Aki Ucup. I had the honor of first
\nmeeting him 15 years ago and have gotten to know him over the
\nyears during his regular visits to Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Aki Ucup's love for and connection to Indonesia has passed on
\nto his children and grandchildren. In fact, during his recent
\nvisit to Indonesia, he was accompanied by Frederika, his 12-year
\nold granddaughter.<\/p>\n
Aki Ucup's life took a radical turn when he fell in love with
\nMariana. She was a Swedish woman he had met, ironically, in
\nBeijing on an overseas posting. The meeting of hearts led to a
\nmarriage that grew over the past 49 years. Despite Aki Ucup's
\ndecision to reside permanently in Sweden, he still has deep roots
\nin Indonesia and has made many visits here.<\/p>\n
On this occasion, he had initially planned to visit Indonesia
\nalone to rekindle relationships and to perhaps seek reaffirmation
\nof those values, feelings, and experiences that have shaped him
\ninto the person he has become today It brought to mind a man on
\na pilgrimage as he traveled from afar to find spiritual
\nfulfillment.<\/p>\n
If I look at Aki Ucup, what lessons can I learn, as somebody
\n23 years younger? Can I not say that growing old brings another
\nseason of life? Many people seem to view aging as a fearful
\nevent and find ways to stay and look young. Don't we have the
\nopportunity of finding new ways to grow old gracefully? As in
\nevery stage of life, it seems that what happens to us as we age
\nmatters less than how we respond to it.<\/p>\n
Thoughts on aging often focus on economic security and
\nindependence. We certainly need something to live on but more
\nimportantly, don't we need something to live for? Isn't
\nextending life really about expanding life to a sounder, richer,
\nand fuller experience than when we were busy earning a living and
\nrearing a family? Isn't it really about the art of the possible
\nas we grow older and wiser?<\/p>\n
Aki Ucup has asserted himself in realizing the art of the
\npossible. When we don't assert ourselves, our world narrows.
\nFriends die, others move away, some become frail, or even we
\nbecome frail. We can, nevertheless, establish a bridge,
\nespecially if we have grandchildren through relationships with
\nthe very young.<\/p>\n
And through these relationships, Aki Ucup shares his wisdom.
\nWhat is wisdom? Is it knowledge? Good judgment? Seasoning? If
\nthese qualities are combined with humanity, humility and humor,
\nreal wisdom comes into being. It is the greatest asset of old
\nage.<\/p>\n
As we get older time passes faster than before. Yet Aki Ucup
\nhas managed to slow down time. He has taken time, expanded it
\nand shaped it to his dreams. He has achieved this by continually
\nintroducing some newness into his living. More challenges, more
\nunfamiliar encounters, and the surprises that bring time to a
\nstandstill. More savored moments. More noticing. More remembering
\nas well; the nourishment of nostalgia is exhilarating.<\/p>\n
The journey is not yet complete for Aki Ucup and neither for
\nus as we embrace life. Expanding horizons is a lifetime process.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/expanding-horizons-is-a-lifetime-process-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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