Saturday evening with friends

It has not yet been a year in Singapore, and I realise how privileged I am to have met nice people whose company embellishes some of our weekends. People that I have come to like and respect in a surprisingly short period of time. For a person who is reticent and takes a while getting comfortable with human beings, I consider myself lucky to have found good company in a new country. And now that we have been meeting periodically, I find that our evenings have taken on a distinct character...they almost have a pattern to them. Here is how they generally flow:

...there is the meet and greet. Warm hugs and smiles all around. Pleasantries exchanged. Ladies resplendent in their elegant dresses. Men dapper and relaxed.
...quickly settling into the primary business of the day. Which usually means sampling of a new bottle of single malt or occasionally a highly recommended wine. Yes, we have simple tastes! Yesterday it was the Auchentoshan. Opened by excited fingers, followed by the customary ritual involving nose and mouth...and then joy as the golden liquid spreads its goodness from the palette and fills into our beings. Pure bliss!
...the starters and finger food. Duly appreciated and consumed
...and then the conversation begins!

These conversations, which have become a mainstay of our gatherings. We talk about work. We discuss the economy, the recent doom and the gloom. And the grim outlook ahead. We share perspectives on where the world is heading. Recent events are commented upon. A newly released movie critiqued. At times, practical issues surface and get addressed with people offering advice and help. At other times we discuss life and what it means to each of us. Often we make plans - to get together for a short vacation or indulge in sport. Few of which see the light of day the following morning as we nurse a hangover, though I suspect our track record is finally threatening to improve! There is plenty of friendly banter and jokes...and some vociferous debates. In this short span of time, we seem to have coalesced and become comfortable as a group, appreciative of each others perspectives. And in our own way, I am quite certain we look forward to these evenings and the conversations, which often carry on till early hours of the morning.

Yesterday was about how we see ourselves in the future...what would define us as individuals, what we would like to do, and what we would like to be. Excellent conversation. Interrupted several times, digressing wildly at moments, and swinging from the philosophical to the comic. But despite the twists and turns, some of us delved deep and shared ideas of our vision, aspirations and desires.

One of us wants to be able to achieve greater balance in coming years. To be able to excel at the workplace, but also expend energy in bringing goodness and well being to people beyond the immediate proximity. Like helping those with less means attain financial independence. An existence that would be productive, comfortable and meaningful to more people than just those attached to the self.

Another friend was candid in admitting that the future vision was as yet unclear. There was a strong desire to make this life count, and that in the near term it needed to be about attaining wealth of a vastly different magnitude. Equally there was a feeling that this was only part of the story. A strong desire to mentor and share knowledge with upcoming generations was palpable. Surely, there is a lot yet to come from this talented young person!

One friend has been doing a remarkable job of raising two young children as a single parent and sole provider. Having known the person from my college years I marvel at the transformation, the steely resolve and singularity of purpose. Another has taken a career break to explore creative pursuits.

When asked the same question, I had a short answer...expressing a desire to work with youth in my country and to make this life matter for a greater proportion of humanity than it does currently. Those who now know me felt some of my past actions and inclinations pointed in that direction. And gave me their insights on paths to consider. Which I am grateful for and have taken on board for further consideration.

Within our small little ecosystem, it feels wonderful to hear about dreams and desires of people we know. These interactions leave me with a pleasant aftertaste. I come away energised by the emotion and the inherent desire of my friends wanting to make a difference...to create and to excel. To strive. To leave a legacy. It strengthens my conviction in the talent of people, in their unique perspectives and distinctive abilities. Each one of us wants to make this life count. The paths vary, the goals are divergent, yet there is a strong positive undercurrent within. I feel proud that in a very small way, and to a very limited extent, even in these social gatherings we are able to create a forum for such expression. One of us felt, rightly so, that these conversations are great, but what next? How will we translate these lofty thoughts into action? A very sincere and genuine concern. And my response was that if we take away something from here which we can internalise and reflect upon - thoughts that may lead us to act, in a big or small way, so be it! That in itself, would provide greater purpose and meaning to our lives. What may have been latent desires thus far, covered under the veil of our daily existence and self-preoccupation, have now found expression among friends in an environment of trust and respect. Thus giving rise to a new opportunity to bring forth our energy and talent.

Great evening! A word of gratitude to our hosts. The single malt has done its magic, as has the delicious food prepared lovingly by the lady of the house. May these evenings continue for times to come. May there be laughter, geity and camaraderie. And may wonderful thoughts and ideas emerge and propel us forward into action!