SUMMER LOTUS

An amusing encounter in my search for a panacea to aging.

Summer Lotus Sep 18 · 4 min read

Recently, I received an invitation to a free beauty analysis which mentioned that a consultant would be especially engaged to give the customer more information and advice on beauty care. Little did I know that I would be in for an esteemed battering.

That fateful day, I arrived huff and puff from my office to be seated in front of the Consultant apologizing profusely for being late. She remarked that I was a visibly stressed person. I looked at her porcelain, even-toned face with fine features, and was very receptive to any make-over tips that she could offer to a woman on the physical decline.

‘We need to get some details’, the Consultant started, ‘ like your age, skincare routine and personal habits.’ I reluctantly told her my age, that my skincare routine was haphazard and that I depended on the free art of exercise to keep whatever remaining vestiges of youth intact.

Very calmly, she placed a box in front of me that was covered with a black cloth.

‘Now, put your face into the box. Keep close to the screen inside and adjust the mirror for a full view. I will be switching on some UV light and will explain to you about the findings’, she instructed.

Once inside and the UV light was switched on, I was momentarily shocked when confronted with a bluish face, eyes gleaming light purple. My face was bathed in UV light, a grim reminder of the possessed Linda Blair, who acted in the movie, The Exorcist. (dead giveaway of my age in mentioning this movie).

‘Hey, what’s this?’ I asked.

The Consultant started to elaborate,’ Now, can you see those white spots on the nose and near the eye-brows? — -those are the whiteheads. You have missed these areas during your cleansing. Next, notice these areas here on both sides of your cheeks? Your pigments are quite deep and extensive. Your skin is also very dry.’

With an eagle eye, she scanned my face further. ‘ Your face lacks moisture, your smile line is deep and that pulls on your face and results in open pores. Your eyes are also quite baggy with dark shadows beneath them.’

‘Wow, I knew that I was not young anymore but those findings caused my heart to sink and my self-esteem took a free fall.

I emerged from the black box to see reassurance that my vision would not be impaired by the UV light while listening to her explanations. That would add to my list of imperfections.

Next, the beautiful Consultant who had age on her side spread a survey form before me and proceeded to discover what led to the tragedy of her findings. In conclusion, she found that although I tried to keep relatively fit and eat quite sensibly, I suffered from a lack of adequate sleep, and was not heavily invested enough in skincare.

Hmm, something ought to be done, she hummed. Otherwise, the damage would be irreparable.

I was all ears. As a toastmaster, I knew she had made an excellent, persuasive presentation. A daily routine for skincare, night skincare, and the weekly skincare were all spelled out in sequence. If I followed religiously, I would be able to reduce or even eradicate some of the aging effects.

It all sounded so promising. However, the hurdle was that it would set me back at least $2000, and the fee was not for the whole regime but for the indispensable potions, the alchemy that only her salon possessed. The cost of the facial sessions was also not included.

Buying there and then would entitle me to a 5% discount and a gift. The pressure was on. I said that I would reply the following day after my deliberation.

I left the salon quite downcast. In my mind, I knew it was all an ancient marketing game. Create a need and you have a want. Then you get a sale. This creation of need, we see enough of it around us. Want to look young again? Well, botox away your wrinkles and create that V shape facial outline. The snag is that they do not last and require repeated doses after an interval.

Probably the most ubiquitous marketing is about boosting your physical assets that we see in newspapers, magazines, and social media. Want to feel confident, look good, and make your spouse happy? Go for it! If you feel vulnerable, there are solutions.

In all fairness, people should ride on the wave of new technology in material sciences and techniques as long as they can afford them. That is part of the enjoyment of life. Yes, I wanted to indulge in the labor and fruits of today’s scientific research. That’s how the world will continue to progress and human intelligence will never stagnate.

I went back to purchase selected items to test them in case they do not suit me. I also worked on my predisposing factors. However, I have become mindful that we all cannot escape the ravages of time. Otherwise, those aging millionairess would have soft, velvety skins which are not evident as far as I notice.

However, I would look inward and seek my peace and well-being through my connection with Providence and do good in life. One must continue to strive and discipline ourselves regularly to develop self-confidence and steadfastness. This is by continuous learning to keep abreast of changes around us and imbibe new, useful knowledge. Learning public speaking, reading and writing, meaningful social interaction, and developing new hobbies to excel are just a few ways.

So, if the skincare finally fails, these qualities that would make me shine could still carry me well into my grave and inspire others at the same time.

Become happier by your new version

Summer Lotus Sep 17 · 6 min read

By this age, I have experienced the highs and lows of life. From cradle to senior status, I have survived turmoils and turbulence in events and emotions. I concede that my troubles are nothing compared to many all over the world who are facing doom, impending death, and suffering.

I am speaking about the events that spring up every day and it may erupt anytime, anywhere just when you least expect it. I refer to the daily annoyances of working and private life. The usual reactions were being utterly upset, shocked, saddened, and greatly frustrated.

If you were to look back, most events and incidents die down or become alleviated because some actions were taken or some decisions were made. But in the interim, the unhappiness, the uproar, the disharmony that resulted were all futile. It need not have to be that way.

These days, I go about my life trying not to be ruffled by anything. It may be hard because some people or events are just provocative but does it help to scream and shout the problems away? Most troubles are caused by people themselves or even self-created and only you can assuage your supposed problems.

Taking the following steps would help.

1. Change of perspective

When an unhappy thing happens, I always look for the silver lining in the grey cloud. Something as mundane as choosing a color for your room and decorating the way you want may be highjacked by your family member because he or she is domineering and thinks that is the best option for you. It happened to a friend and many quarrels ensued.

Her pride had been trampled on, her choice disregarded and her sense of respect robbed. After much sharing, I proposed that she sees it as a gift of love and concern from her partner who cares enough to crack his head over her room. Otherwise, why would he go to that length? Decorating a room requires time, effort, and creativity and my friend agrees that she has none of these elements.

After the advice, she went about doing something else for her room such as looking for some decorative pieces and bathroom accessories which themselves are time-consuming activities.

Problem solved. Sometime later, when the opportunity avails, she could always have the room repainted.

In such times, retrenchment has become the by-word. A friend was so visibly upset when she was laid-off that she bordered on a breakdown. After much analysis, she conceded that she had been complacent and sitting on her laurels, not upskilling herself. Her contemporaries who stayed had the extra edge over her. While she was passing each day unremarkably, her colleagues have been displaying new skills and gaining new knowledge pertinent to the survival of the company.

The only way is to see it as a lesson as no amount of hollering would help. She grabbed the next job even at a severe pay cut, doing two jobs if necessary. Meanwhile, she upped the ante and used the government grants to upskill in some relevant courses. Out of necessity, her passion for work grew.

At the next interview, she shone and snared the job with a more decent pay. Because she viewed her predicament as a lesson, she was able to take positive action and came out stronger.

2 Control your emotions

Expressing emotions is the most human thing to do. But emotions when extreme can be destructive. I prefer a sort of temperance that allows your mind to be calm and steady which also affects your stance and behavior and most important your rationale.

As a dentist, my job can be fraught with uncertainties. Patients of all kinds come to my clinic. Some have had bad experiences and most do not like the dentists and would give the dental clinic a miss if they can help it. To deal with an angry or demanding patient requires another master’s degree to put it mildly.

My principle in handling these cases is never to fight fire with fire. I go soft when they go loud. I let patients vent first whether they are complaining about their previous dentists or unreasonable bosses or the damn pain. Even when I know that the next patient had booked for a difficult wisdom tooth operation and I am pressed for time.

Once the patients have said their peace, they usually felt better. Though under the stress of the daily schedule, I would do what is necessary and that is to diagnose accurately and alleviate the pain first. Comprehensive treatment planning may be dispensed and provided on another appointment when the patient is more receptive. In the next appointment, I find the patient highly manageable.

Once, during a difficult operation, where the tooth root was impossible to extract because of a dense bone condition, I would immediately decide on a small surgical option where some bone was removed so that the tooth root was accessible. There was no sense of feeling frustrated.

Short rest in between made the patient more relaxed and everything always turned out fine. I have always communicated the possibility of a surgical option even a referral if necessary and obtain the informed consent.

During such unprecedented times, one may view many aggressive videos of people fighting over the slightest issues. The restrictions of quarantine and Covid-19 consequences have caused people to rear their ugly heads.

Humans retrogressed into their basic animal instincts — fight or flee over the smallest issues. Anger, pride, greed, and envy overtook them and it is all for oneself and none for others. The slightest provocation and the negative emotions run amok.

Controlling your emotions is the panacea. Visualize the undesirable consequences that may result and look at the alternative way to respond rather than react will do well for everyone.

Take the time to catch your breath, let not the events of the world sweep you off your feet, meditate, pray, and think. Control what you can, let go of anything beyond your control. Retreat for a while, be still, trust yourself to come up with an idea. It may take time but everything works out in the end.

3 Clarification

Many incidents stemmed from misunderstandings. In today’s hectic world, people do not listen well and jump to their conclusions. When things go wrong, they are quick to point their fingers at others.

To this end, I believe that when a task is given to somebody, there should be clear leads and goals. In the company, colleagues turn foes when the project is upended. It would do well to apologize when the mistake is clearly on your side. The magic words, “ I am truly sorry” and followed by “ It will not happen again” heals all ugly incidents.

Communication is paramount for success to be achieved. Be succinct in what you say and do. Reasons for not carrying out as promised should be given. When matters are clarified, there is no rationale for ill feelings. The other important phrase is, “ Thank you very much” and “ I appreciate that” are music to anyone’s ears.

Listen more, talk less and you become the most sought after buddy anyone can have. When you run into a problem, your friends would be all ears for you too. These basic principles should also be carried back home to your spouses and your family members and you will be surprised that the home can truly become a haven or sanctuary.

As I journal, I practice these steps daily. I must say that I am a happier person because I am reaping the benefits of these habits. I hope that you would give them a try too. It is natural to lapse into our instincts or unawareness now and then but persist and you will be amazed at the new, happier you.

Back in the 80s, life was very different.

Summer Lotus Sep 13 · 6 min read

I was brought up with the saying that “An idle mind is a dangerous mind”. I am of the Hakka dialect and this particular group of people who originated from China is known to be laborious and hardy.

From a background of workaholics or perfectionists or so I believe, I used to watch my father who was a teacher working long hours. He taught in school and marked books in the evening and then prepared work for the following day. After that, he would work on his calligraphy assignments until mid-night. These projects were converted into signboards for shops and companies for a fee. These jobs served to bring food on the table for seven children.

My mum was a home-maker, involved in the drudgery of daily house chores, and balanced the acts of providing food for us on a tight budget and ensuring that we could meet our school fees. She would keep tabs on my growing siblings and this was no mean feat.

I was the youngest child. The flat was small with two bedrooms which consisted of a living room, a small kitchen, and an attached toilet. It was adequate for all of us. Four of my older siblings occupied two double-deckers in one room, and two brothers slept on the floors in the living room. I slept between my parents which accounted for me being the last, accidental child. I was the natural contraceptive in the 50s.

For many years on, I would struggle through school waiting for the ultimate day of liberation. I thought that day to be on graduation day as a full-fledged dentist until I went into the working world and found out that life was not a straight path.

In my supposedly eight years of the study bond with the government to serve as a dentist in the public sector, I was retrenched while working for only two years due to the recession of the mid-80s. I strongly believed that it was my pregnancy that ended my career in the civil service. I had asked for a transfer to a clinic nearer my home so that I could seek some rest during lunchtime since I was heavily pregnant and felt uncomfortable.

The next thing I knew, I received a letter stating that I would be required to serve the rest of my bond in the private sector in Singapore. I was then seven months pregnant with twins. It meant a savings of two months of salary and two months of maternity leave. I guessed it was the most expedient thing to do when the institution needed to cut costs. After all, the person in charge had the onerous duty of improving the bottom line. Not that I minded in retrospect, for everything turned out good.

I found myself a stint with a private dental group who very frankly mentioned that they had checked up my records with my lecturers and professors. Though I was no high flying student, I was clean and no thorn in anyone’s flesh. I faithfully worked where work was given and also managed to secure some dental contracts for the group.

Donna Summer’s song “ She works hard for the money” was always playing in my mind. Work was then a euphemism for paid slavery as my time and work schedules were dictated by the clinic. Today, as my boss, work is a joy and a necessity for meaningful living.

After two years with the group practice, I had wanted to achieve a long term goal of freedom. I decided to work hard for myself. I decided that if I would rather struggle more and die by my sword. I started my dental practice in October 1987, also known as the Crash of the Dow Jones. The recession had already reared its ugly head.

Landlords were begging for tenants. Empty shops and offices abounded. Rentals went as low as S$1 per square foot. I snared what I thought was a wonderful deal at $1.90 per square foot in an office building in the heart of the city, for three good years and then embarked on my ‘publicity’ campaign.

One big mistake was that my clinic was located on the sixth floor of the building(had since been demolished in Singapore) and there was no visibility. I could perish in there without anyone’s knowledge!

The introvert in me suddenly needed to become extroverted. I met people, attended functions, joined classes, and became sociable. I made myself known by introducing myself professionally to my neighbors in my building. They were receptive fortunately and supported me. After that, I had my sights set on other buildings where there were innumerable companies. The world was my oyster.

Socially, no one was spared my name cards even people I met at funerals, save one. Surprisingly, people were quite supportive and luck was on my side too. I was never in the red from the first month.

It was at such trying times when you realized how kind people were by giving young entrepreneurs chances. I treated my patients with great care and asked them to refer more patients and they did. Word of mouth was still the best recommendation for business.

Life was hectic as I balanced my work by raising two active kids and improving my knowledge and skills along the way. Time flew by but I had not wasted any time complaining.

One of the best decisions in my life was learning public speaking in Toastmasters Club. The ability to communicate better allowed me to build better relationships with patients and friends. It all stemmed from an incident when a director of one company wanted to introduce myself and the doctor next door at a board meeting so that we could secure some company contracts.

Fearful of having to speak up in front of these big-wigs, we excused ourselves before the boardroom meeting to go to the loos. I still remembered washing my hands for quite a while. When we emerged at the same time, apparently he must be taking his time in the loo too. The director was dismayed and said that the meeting had ended and he had just wanted us to show up for him to formally introduce us. What a blunder and missed opportunity!

That was when I made the Public Speaking course an important interest to pursue and to build my self-confidence. Over the years, I learned to articulate clearly whether with patients or strangers. I stopped stuttering by reading aloud every day. My communication has become crystal-clear and that has helped business as any doubts by the patients are clarified.

More than thirty years later, I would say that what had kept me afloat was my persistence to keep up with the changes in Dentistry as it evolved and I continued to exploit the advances of its Sciences and Technology for patients’ benefits and mine.

In hindsight, I was very fortunate to be a young adult trying to make it in Singapore. Singapore has always been progressing with the times and our access to education and resources were also forthcoming.

As a young adult, I had the sense to balance work and play and did not incline towards work only. My work enabled me to pursue other interests — in Sports like Scuba-diving, Skiing, traveling, joining dental mission trips, volunteer work, writing on Medium, and participating in public speaking clubs like Toastmasters clubs.

My philosophy of work is that earning money is good but spending it well is better. So much importance is attached to work that one may forget the true value of work: that is to free oneself to do what one loves. Even if it is just to look at the birds at the end of a hard day.

In a bustling city like Singapore that is ever more pressure-cooked today than thirty years ago, work has become paramount and essential. For the young entrepreneurs of today, I would suggest that they work hard and smart, keep abreast of changes which are everpresent, know your weaknesses, and work on them. However, remember to seek some time for yourself to refresh and rejuvenate whether in sports or other hobbies.

Seek the source of contentment amidst work and then return to the toil from which contentment springs. Life in the 80s as a young adult was a memorable one and I am grateful for this journey thus far.

If you like this article, you may like to read ‘ Childhood Days In Old Singapore’

And keep your job in these difficult times

Summer Lotus Sep 12 · 4 min read

In these pandemic times when retrenchment is rife, it behooves the employees to perform well at work and prove himself or herself to be invaluable.

Sadly, people who were axed might be those with a wealth of experiences but they were also drawing high pay. Releasing them was likely to be a cost-cutting strategy.

Over the years, I have watched bad times come and go. Those who have survived retrenchment had good reasons. It is never too late to be aware of the pitfalls of being an employee. Employers are just trying to stay afloat too.

If you still have work, feel blessed but don’t stay contented. Life was never meant to be easy-going. So, make yourself a valued staff in your company and you are unlikely to be released anytime soon.

The following ways may be helpful;

1 Do well in your field of work

a) Be detailed – As they say, “God is in the details”. If a project or task is well done, it is because some people have painstakingly done their homework and put in their best effort. Nothing impresses and amazes others more than an exceedingly excellent piece of work noticed by your boss and colleagues.

It is the highest form of regard and respect for the company and self that you would push yourself to become a star performer.

It keeps morale high and inspires others to draw out their talents too.

b) Be humble and seek counsel from your experienced colleagues who are willing to mentor you. Some seniors may be somewhat brash but a thick hide in this instance is in your favor.

The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more — Jonas Salk

2 Be proactive

This increases your value to the company and allows you to advance.

A Chinese saying goes, “He who labors his mind governs others”.

The brain triumphs over brawn.

Think more critically to be efficient and effective. Undertake a piece of a job with the aim of not just accomplishing it but achieving an extra goal as well.

This involves reading more about the tasks at hand, researching tested ways, and adding new ideas to the standard method of doing things.

What does a proactive person do?

a) Prepare and plan ahead and early. Write down exactly what your goals are and the steps to let you get closer to the goals.

It could be obtaining the numbers of the relevant people ready so that you can network effectively.

It may be prioritizing to make sure important tasks are finished first.

A checklist is often used to list items to do for the day and will prove useful.

b) Set a realistic deadline.

He is mindful of Parkinson’s Law, which indicates that activities will consume as much time as you have available for them.

By setting a time frame, you eradicate procrastination and tardiness.

He feels more satisfied as he pushes himself along. The inertia is often the hardest part but once momentum is set, it becomes much easier.

He would also plan Long-range. That is called vision.

c) Stay positive and expects good results. If things did not turn out, he would review and analyze the reasons and make sure that mistakes are not repeated.

The best way to create your future is to create it — Steven Covey

3 Be irreplaceable

There is a unique trait adopted by the smart worker. In the following ways:

a) Study others’ mistakes. By doing that, your own experiences can be increased multiple folds and make you the wise one among your colleagues. More people will come to you for advice which means you always need to be at the forefront of events and information.

b) Develop interests outside your field of work.

They may seem unlinked but new perspectives surface and may give you a different approach to problem-solving. People like to hang around those who have more ideas and provide solutions to their problems. Do not be an also-ran.

In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different — Coco Chanel

4 Have a sense of responsibility

When mistakes are made, admit, and improve on them. Take responsibility for all personal hiccups and that would win your superior over due to your honesty.

Volunteer to take on tasks that people shun because of difficulty or poor knowledge but make sure you give your best shot. Or at least learn from it and offer your help again the next time. Sincerity will shine through.

Responsible people are highly valued and dependable. They are the ones whom customers would turn to for information and seal that final transaction.

The price of greatness is responsibility — -Winston Churchill

Life goes on. Crises come and go. It is during this difficult period that you need to show your mettle to stay afloat and survive.

Soldier on. Do your best in all the ways listed will ensure a bright future.

Some points I have gleaned from observing others.

Summer Lotus Aug 30 · 6 min read

Growing old is naturally frightening to most people with all its negative connotations. However, one does not need to age the expected way; grow old, slow down, retreat, and then fade away.

Life is never easy. Most of us get bashed around by incidents and events as we move along in life.

The truly victorious still emerged vibrant and inspiring. Not that their lives are any easier but that they can bend with the stormy winds of life like the proverbial bamboo tree. They also have a positive mindset that helps them to cope with whatever life throws at them. The world is full of successful older people who dictate their own lives.

I watched with keen observation and interest why some people continue to enthrall others even as they grow older. The following are what I would be mindful of to be an interesting and happy elder.

1 Be pragmatic.

Don’t take life too seriously. We are all from different backgrounds and our views are bound to clash. Instead of insisting that your way is the only way, listen to others and go ahead and do what you think is correct. The results speak for themselves.

Stop digging graves together fighting an issue. Go on your way and find like-minded people. Older people have less time so to speak, to fritter away precious time on inconsequential issues are the most frivolous things to do.

If you are open-minded, you may find others quite amusing and they may just convince you of their good ideas which you could adopt. Don’t be a hard-nose prick.

As we grow older, we need social interaction. Giving more than you take always brings you more friends and fun.

2 “Cut the Long breath” This is a Chinese saying to mean “Stop being Long-winded”

A chat with a younger friend revealed she was trapped in a one-way monologue as her senior regaled her about his story from cradle to near grave.

Out of respect, she listened, longing to escape, and finally, it ended after three hours. You can be sure the next time he speaks, others would flee with the slightest excuse.

This happens because the Chinese have a saying, “I have eaten more salt than you eat rice “. As a result, an older person often feels that he has a wealth of experiences to share and ‘gold nuggets’ to dispense. But pray, be mindful. Is the opposite party interested?

The older we get, the more stories we will have under our belt. It is a cumulative life. Don’t become a prospect of fear for others when you grow older.

Learn to tell a short relevant story with a good message and you will be greatly appreciated by your friends and acquaintances. Perhaps, Toastmasters club provides a good training ground as all projects have allotted time or you get buzzed off!

3 Have a sense of humor

As we grow older, one has seen enough life and knows what is good, bad, or evil. We may laugh at the young’s folly but if you reflect on how you were at that age, you probably have done something ridiculous too.

Hence, I feel that it is always better to be forgiving if we come across younger people who have done or said something wrong or outrageous. They will be enlightened if they are willing. If not, one day they will realize it or live to regret it.

As they say, “Youth is wasted on the Young” but some older people continue to waste whatever vestiges of life left too. By having no empathy, sympathy, or humor. They make life tough for others and would be shunned at all costs.

Hence, laugh it off and comfort him or her who was foolish and share your folly. You would make a very dear friend.

“You can lose your teeth and your hair but don’t lose your sense of humor”

4 Engage the young

The world will always belong to the young. We have had our time so if you want to be integrated into the new world and enjoy fully, get to know the young. They hold the key to new concepts and life hacks faster and smarter than you.

I particularly appreciate young people with their own set of values and thinking. As long as they do no harm.

They bring with them ornate ideas and unique skills of the times acquired by their current knowledge, interest, and changes that are ever-present.

The young people are a breath of fresh air to me. I try to engage them by showing interest in what they are keen on, not to display what I am proud of which they may feel are my archaic ideas. Unless they are interested to know more about me. Otherwise, it is all about them.

In this way, I have the good fortune to make many young friends who have indulged in my requests to fix problems or share knowledge not known to my era.

I would gladly shut up, listen, and learn.

4 Continuous learning

So many times, I hear older people say that the world has changed and is changing too fast for them. Then they just retreat and do what they are familiar with. Well, the gap or disconnect will just get bigger, and very soon, you will be asking everyone about managing minor tasks as simple as seeing a doctor in the Covid-19 era.

Recently, a relative of mine panicked because she had to bring her dementia spouse for some medical check-up but was worried about any possible incident as he was not predictable in public. The hospital had suggested using Zoom to engage him and prescribe any necessary medicine. She did not know how to and I am glad to be able to step in and offer some help for the appointment day.

I believe strongly in continuous learning. There is so much to learn. For example, Payment modes by Paynow, Paylah is now getting popular and is very fast and convenient. One can get things done without leaving the house and that requires us to learn the technology apps. It is not as difficult as it seems but you need to get started on learning.

Read about people who are successful and emulate their points. Pick up a skill and computer skills are most relevant in today’s world that allows you to stay connected, relevant, and express your creativity. Younger people like to hang around older folks who are that sassy.

5 Change of attitude

One common scenario as a person grows older is that he or she is likely to consume less. I know of some seniors who stopped shopping except for food. They stopped shopping for clothes as they have heaps of them, they said. They stopped reading as they fear their eye-sights would deteriorate faster and stopped traveling as they did not like the hassle.

Yet, some seniors would keep up with the times, seeing the world as an ever-evolving place with new knowledge and technology that better their lives. They shop for products that give them more comfort and make them look and feel better. This, in turn, builds self-esteem and self-confidence that encourages them to stay engaged with others.

Keep busy, get creative. Some people realize their geniuses only after retirement when they had more time. This is a more useful use of time than thinking about what was done in the past and what’s in store in the future. Make full use of today’s available knowledge to advance your new interests.

In conclusion, embark on these ways as we grow older only to make your life better, not bitter. Look at everything through rose-tinted glasses and the world will always remain beautiful. After all, what is a better choice? Think of the legacy you would live behind — inspiring others through what you do and making this world a much happier place.

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” — -George Bernard Shaw

An Ode To Real Dark Chocolate Cake

Summer Lotus Aug 28 · 2 min read

I have been thinking about it for the last few hours.

Should I just go to buy and eat it to my heart’s content?

Or should I just show some power of resisting this temptation?

I came up with a myriad of reasons;

• Life is short, just enjoy it.
• I will be a happier person
• What a nice way to end the workday.
• I will be inspired by the cake and maybe learn to make it.
• I should be more kind to myself.
• I am a saver, so this cake that cost like a meal shouldn’t break my bank.
• This cake is worth it!
• It helps me to think better.
• I am going to write and what better way than to eat a cake first.
• I am healthy enough to eat cakes.
• I am a dentist so sweet stuff will not hurt me.
• I should just treasure this opportunity!

Finally, I made this onerous decision. I bought a slice of the real dark chocolate cake to be eaten in the cafeteria. Along with my Green Rooibos tea, it was an awesome combination. I had a truly delectable time.

The cake was so moist and I feasted my eyes on the brown shiny crumbs held so well together, encased by the velvety chocolatey cream.

The neat cake slice stood tall and firm like an elegant model as I sliced through it, my mouth watering simultaneously.

When its richness reached my mouth, my taste buds tingled and my mind rang out ‘fabulous’!

This led to more deft strokes from my knife and the fork as I devoured the dainty brown maiden, at the same time feeling sad that it would be finally vanquished.

The Rooibos tea warmed me up and I felt comfortable as the cake had good company at least, traversing the long gullet of the journey to be assimilated and disseminated with the purpose of energizing the body. I have ascended to food heaven and I am ready…to live life with more vigor.

It’s nightfall, work was done and I am ready for any challenges.

Real Dark Chocolate Cake.

This is a good temptation and I surrender to it.

“Make Life Happen With A Slice of Real Chocolate Cake”!