Sunday, September 21, 2025

Solitude, Sweet Treats, and a Serendipitous Soundtrack: My Mall of Asia Escape

 



Sometimes, the best way to hit refresh is a quiet moment, just for yourself. And what better place to find a little peace amidst the bustle than a hidden gem within a familiar space? Today, my health and happiness booster came in the form of a delightful solo escape to Mall of Asia, and let me tell you, it was just what the doctor ordered!

My sanctuary for the afternoon? None other than Wildflour, a perennial favorite. There's something so comforting about their warm, inviting atmosphere, and today, it was the perfect backdrop for my chosen indulgences. First up, a heavenly Leche Flan Danish.

Each bite was a delicate balance of flaky pastry and that rich, creamy, unmistakably Filipino Leche Flan goodness. Pure bliss! To complement this sweet treat, a comforting mug of ginger turmeric warm tea – a soothing, healthful hug in a cup. And as a cherry on top (or rather, a lovely bonus!), I even scored a Wildflour Plus discount card for free! Talk about a happy accident.

As I savored each moment, lost in my thoughts and the gentle hum of the café, a classic old song began to play. The melody was instantly recognizable, a nostalgic echo from another era. But it was the lyrics that truly caught my ear, pulling me out of my reverie:

"One step ahead of heartbreak... One step ahead of your arms."

Wow. Those lines resonated deeply. I found myself pondering the weight of those words, the incredible difficulty of being in a situation where you're constantly trying to outrun emotional pain or the pull of a past love. It felt incredibly poignant, capturing a very universal human experience.

My curiosity piqued, I quickly pulled out my phone and googled the lyrics. And that's when I discovered something interesting! While I had a specific artist in mind when I heard it, the search revealed that the song, "One Step Ahead," was famously sung by Aretha Franklin, but also by another iconic group: Split Enz. It’s fascinating how a song can be interpreted and delivered by different artists, each adding their own layer of meaning.

This little discovery added another layer to my already perfect afternoon. It was a reminder that even in our quiet moments, inspiration and unexpected insights can find us. A delicious pastry, a warming tea, a freebie, and a classic tune that sparked a moment of reflection – these are the simple, yet profound, boosters that truly nourish the soul.

What are your favorite "health and happiness boosters"? Share them in the comments below!


In the quiet of a bustling mall, I found that the sweetest treat wasn't just on my plate, but in the solitude that allowed a forgotten melody to become a profound discovery -Ashley Goodale

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