Sunday, 22 February 2009

THE DAY I FOUGHT... WITH THE WASHROOM

THE DAY I FOUGHT... WITH THE WASHROOM


Every other days, we learn new things. Things we've never known before. About circumstances. About life. About the people around us. About ourselves, even.



Tuesday the 17th was the day of the operation (Oh yeah, I've not mentioned: I had LASIK!). That morning, because I reached early, I dropped by the neighbouring mall to whale my time away. Dropped by Watson to purchase some hair conditioner, and then to an accessories shop for some, of course, accessories.

Nature called, and I went in search of the ladies. Following the ubiquitous signage, I turned right and found myself right outside the entrance of the toilet. The only deviant is a small counter at the entrance of the toilet - manned by an auntie - with a big sign stating "20cents per entry".

I have a habit of walking fast. Catching sight of the counter, I abruptly jolted to a stop. Is this for real? This is ORCHARD area, for goodness sake! I gave the counter a once-over, as though I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing. The auntie looked up, and made the verbatim request. I looked back at her, smiled and - without even so much as a fleeting thought - immediately replied with a firm "No, thanks.". Before I knew it, my legs were already walking in the opposite direction.

Even I myself was astounded by the quick, steadfast decision. Normally, my modus operandi is to try to consider from all perspectives, weigh the pros and cons, calculate the consequences, think somemore, think again, think once more, then come to a conclusion, and finally a decision. But, this time round, I didn't even stop to think. It was, like, something automatic. 20cents? No, thanks, and bye! Pronto!

I was amazed, and puzzled, by the immediate reaction. After all, it's only 20cents. Chances are, it wouldn't even be enough to buy an ice-cream cone.

On deeper thoughts, I finally concluded that the main reason behind my actions hinges on this one thing: Be it 20cents or 2cents, it just doesn't make sense to pay; there is no reason to. I've been to finer toilets where I am supplied with - instead of the usual tissues - clean, white, cotton, hand towels. Not only that, the kind auntie manning the toilet even offered and helped me to some hand moisturizers, despite my repeated rejections. And at the end of the day? I was in cloud nine because the hand moisturizer smells of lavender! And that toilet visit didn't cost me anything. I was so thoroughly humbled by the true, unconditional service.

However, on that day, faced with the 20cents charge, something in me roused and fiercely refused to bend or give in. It is not justified having to pay to visit the toilet. And this is ORCHARD, for goodness sake! The last when I was required to pay to visit the toilet was when I went to some neighbouring country! But here, smack in the heartland of good old Singapore - the bustling city of Singapore - it just doesn't fit in. Something just don't click.

Just there and then, I realized that it has absolutely nothing to do with the money. It is no longer about money, but about... Principles? It sounds silly - even to me now - to bother so much over a simple toilet, but somehow, I absolutely refused to yield or to bow down to the rules - regardless whether is it a dollar, 10cents, or 1cents. This is just a normal toilet. You're not giving me clean towels or hand moisturizers. This is Orchard. There are plenty of malls and washrooms around. I don't need to climb a mountain to find another toilet. The nearest one is just in the mall next door.

The crux of the matter is: What sets this toilet apart, and what is so special about this toilet, that I have to pay to use it?

Even if it means having to go the extra mile and walk to the next neighbouring mall for a washroom, I have no qualms doing so. And this is exactly what I did.

That day, I finally learnt something new about myself. You know how it is, people give passing comments or remarks about you, but you won't really believe it unless you've experienced it yourself. Stubborn? I always - and prefer - to think of it as perserverance and determination. But now that it has reduced to a state of struggling over the use of a washroom, it's a tad of a wakeup call.

Until now, I have no idea whether is it a good or bad thing. I guess it's good in the way that I have a clear sense of my own values and principles, and refuse to blindly yield or back down or bow down to things just because everyone else is - without reasons - doing so. Ignoring personal costs, I would try to get things done without compromising. At least, one of the things to rejoice over, I think, is that I am clear of my own stand and unflinchingly stand by it in the face of obstacles. And it's good; because it's important to have a voice of one's own. The very thing I hate is a person - regardless of gender - having a casual and "whatever" attitude; with no clear stand or a mind of his/her own. This is mediocre, wavering, indecisive, and having no clear directions or goals in life. But, I guess, one of the more obvious downsides to this is that I can get too focused and fiercely single-minded. Or being so determinedly "fixed", rigid, and "stick to the guns" that I resist the occasional need to "bend", and settle for something else.

I guess, at the end of the day, it's all still about balance. Opinionated. Determined. Single-mindedness. Big picture. Unwavering. Unflinching. Undeterred. But, above all else, be flexible. Not blindly and flippantly flexible to the extent of indecisiveness and losing focus; but being flexible without compromising on other more important areas. Balance, balance. It's all still about balance at the end of the day.

I certainly have loads more things to learn.

Life is a journey. Of learning. Of betterment.

Me? Everyday is a fresh, brand new day. Everyday, I'm starting - or at least, try to. Putting aside the destructive personal pride. Progressing. Moving forward. Tailoring. Changing. Listening. Observing. Learning from the immediate surroundings. Learning from everywhere possible. Learning. Everyday, I hope.

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