A “Gas Station” is my metaphor for something, someone, somewhere, somehow or somewhat where one can rejuvenate his/her tired soul, sanity and energy level.
After a long journey, when you find the gas tank indicator in your car (your body) almost depleted. it’s always a welcome sight to see a gas station in the distance. I am writing this from the perspective of having spent countless road trips in USA, as a curious and energetic young, unshaven dean’s-list College Hobo. Back then, the three things that I truly appreciated – a full tank of gas, a clean motel bed and great songs on the FM radio. Things were simpler then. These days I am, fortunately, still unshaven.
My weathered US Florida license plate (above image). I mentioned earlier that things were simpler then and as for these current times? My sentiments exactly (refer above battle-scarred license plate).
At the welcoming gas station, you can fill up gas (leaded, unleaded, diesel), unload some excessive body fluids, inflate tyres, top-up motor oils, fill up radiator water, buy some soda, newspapers, magazines, medicines, electronic devices, lottery tickets, fridge magnets, sun-glasses, caps, and snacks, and even have a revitalising jovial chat with the gas station attendant.
Same in Life, we need our occasional (or even frequent ) physical, emotional and spiritual “fix” to get a-moving again. To put back the bounce in our steps.
Every week, I try to do something fun. eat something fun, be with someone fun. All instances lubricated by Laughter – the happy lotion of spiritual emotion.
As I said before, Laughter does not cause cancer. Laugh more, much more!
I always try to meet new young, creative and fun friends every week.
On Sundays, I go to a spiritual “gas station” (church), where I get a fresh, full tank of spiritual nourishment and encouragement.
Just this week, I was a guest at a prominent Talk Show, hung out the next day with a local banking icon, and attended a movie premier (Predator: Badlands).
My Personal Serene “Gas Station” (above image). I bought this miniature Japanese retail hut as it reminded of my fondness of intentionally getting lost in the streets of Tokyo and encountering interesting eating places and cool retail shops. Assembled by my talented daughter, I feel serene just by looking at this soul-rejuvenating hut, prominently displayed in the living room of my home.
Do read my “Retyred Byways: Tallahassee & The Fine Art Of Intentionally Getting Lost” blog.
This week I appeared in a prominent Talk Show (above image). 2 November, Sunday. Left-brain stuff.
Do read my “Temasek Talk Show” blog.
Me with the effable Talk Show emcee Suhaimi Yusof (above image). 2 November, Sunday. Left-brain stuff. That’s my music icon buddies, Blondie, on the backdrop screen.
The day after my Talk Show I hung out with a local banking icon, Piyush Gupta (above image). 3 November, Monday. Left-brain stuff. In my Levi’s hickory jacket, I don’t look like a 9-5 kind of guy.
As a former industry captain, I still love attending high level talks on the state of the economy and what the future holds. Grateful to still get the invites. I can straddle comfortably between balance sheets (corporate) and contact sheets (photography).
Tonight I have been invited to and will attend a movie premier, Predator: Badlands. I will meet my crazy, movie-loving like-minded buddies and make new friends. 5 November, Wesnesday. Right-brain stuff.
I love being with fun people. In a crowd setting, when I look at people, I am always reminded that, yes, things could better BUT then things could also be lot worse. Be thankful where you are, there is a divine reason for that. You are where you need to be.
Last night (4 November, Tuesday), I treated my buddy, Eugene Wong, who kindly attended my Talk Show, to a delicious herbal chicken dinner. Eugene had told me before hand that he’ll be attending my talk show. And he ACTUALLY did! So we celebrated with a nice dinner. He surprised me with a reciprocal gift – a Grade-A chilled bottle of Japanese sake!
Eugene kindly took this pix of me on stage, as a paid Talk Show attendee (above image). Thanks, Eugene!
May we appreciate and never neglect the revitalising “gas stations” in our Lives.
