An Argentinian waiter reminded me to embrace the moment

“He said work! Look, I work in paradise,” pointing his hand to the sea… and the beautiful location he was working in. A stunning terrace surrounded by trees. He said in winter he’s in Egypt; in summer, in Spain.

Back then I was in the corporate world, and for the first time I dared to see things from a different perspective. This waiter was so relaxed. Calm. Peaceful.

We had to wait a bit longer. However, he reminded me that living in paradise doesn’t always mean doing things fast or being stressed.

So many people complain about being stressed these days, but that man reminded me how stress is caused by ourselves, and it doesn’t vanish unless we choose to slow down. That’s what he sought to remind me of in that holiday: to slow down. Even if things don't move as quickly, it's important to slow down.

The night turned out to be full of pleasant conversations with my mum, surrounded by a calm atmosphere, big palms, overlooking the calm Mediterranean Sea on a lousy summer night. We ordered a second glass of white wine (at that time, I was still consuming wine). Then the laughter and conversations rolled between my mother and me. The food was delicious.

Sooner than later, we didn’t even realize how fast our second glass of wine was empty. (It must have evaporated. 🙃😉😅)

Then the Argentinian waiter passed by and, seeing our empty glasses, apologized, “Ohh, you didn’t get the second glass of wine yet?”

We were somewhat amused and replied, "Erm, no, it’s already the second glass that’s empty.”

He asked, “Do you want another one?”

And for a moment my mum and I looked at each other, “3rd glass of white wine??” The doubt kicked in. The hesitation. It was the "good girl, behave" syndrome that took hold.

We were expressing our concerns about whether it was appropriate to have a third glass of wine. In that moment he went like, “Why not????” with a charming if not cheezy smile.

In that moment, that sentence changed everything. Yeah, indeed. “Why not???”

Why behave? Why try to be good’? Why doubt so much?

Why not allow yourself the pleasure or do what feels good now? Regardless of the circumstances, it's important to embrace the moment.

We decided to order a third glass of white wine. When it came, my mother and I cheered to it; we cheered to life. And we both looked at each other, clinking our glasses, saying simultaneously, “Yeah, why not?” which had both of us giggling.

This event took place a couple of years ago. I still think of this waiter whenever I’m doubtful. Just recently I passed down an ice cream parlor, and I went like, “Shall I get an ice cream?” Then I thought of his sentence, “Why not?” And it instantly put a smile on my face.

Occasionally my mum and I still joke about it!

“Why not?” It became our sentence to simply allow pleasure whenever we’re doubtful or simply not allowing ourselves some pleasure in daily life.

So next time you’re doubtful whether you can really treat yourself to something, ask yourself, “Why not?” lol

Then just do it. Order a glass of wine. Get the ice cream. Go for that visit. Here’s where the fun begins.

And in our case… the warm, cozy positive vibe continued that night.

Today I was passing by a store in Bali, saying, “Why not?” 

I got the impulse to write about it, and for a moment I was hesitant. Does anyone want to read this? Is that not too cheesy to share?

And that sentence, "Why not?" popped up and reminded me to do so!

If the impulse is there, then why not act on it? It's important to act before doubts begin to creep in.

And for some of you, that sentence could help you too! It certainly proved beneficial to me. It clearly showed me how we constantly remind each other what’s truly important in life. So, this is the reminder today to make the most out of every moment.

If you’re doubting whether you can achieve your dreams or treat yourself, ask yourself:

“Why not?”