As I was scrolling through my social media feed the other day, a peculiar holiday caught my eye: National Ice Cream Day, celebrated annually on 18 July in the United States. While we don’t officially observe this day here in Malaysia, it got me thinking about the humble ice cream and the unexpected life lessons we can glean from this frozen treat.
Now, before you dismiss this as just another silly food-themed day, bear with me. There’s more to ice cream than meets the eye – or should I say, the taste bud?
First, let’s consider the fact that ice cream spends most of its time stored away in the freezer. It’s not constantly on display or in use (it melts in the open, duh), but when it’s called upon, it’s ready to deliver a burst of flavour and joy.
Personally, I think this is the best (and only) way we should approach our own talents and skills.
You see, too often, we feel pressured to be ‘on’ all the time; to constantly showcase our abilities or prove our worth. But perhaps we should be more like ice cream: stay prepared (kept frozen), and when the moment calls for your unique talents (when you’re chosen or scooped up), you give it your all.
This approach aligns well with, by now my top-most favourite, concept of ikigai, the Japanese idea of finding one’s purpose in life. Just as each flavour of ice cream has its unique role and appeal, we too have our own special blend of skills and passions. We don’t need to be everything to everyone, but we can be exactly what someone needs at the right moment.
But let’s not stop there. Ice cream doesn’t discriminate too – it’s enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. Yet, interestingly, it doesn’t try to please everyone. There are countless flavours out there, from the classic vanilla to the adventurous pizza (yes, that’s a real ice cream flavour served by Little Baby’s Ice Cream in the US), and each with its own devoted fans.
Yes, it’s definitely okay to be ourselves, and to embrace our unique ‘flavour’. We don’t need universal appeal that pleases everyone.
And thirdly, let’s talk about performance too, no matter if you’re a working adult or students. When ice cream is scooped up, it doesn’t hold back. It gives its full flavour, its complete essence. Whether it’s one scoop, two scoops, or a whole 1-litre tub, the quality and intensity of the ice cream experience remain the same. And this is exactly how we should approach our work and passions.
Too often, we save our best efforts for what we see as ‘big’ moments, neglecting the seemingly ‘small’ ones. But life is made up of exactly these small moments, and each one deserves our full attention and effort.
So, in conjunction with the National Ice Cream Day today, I challenge all of us to be more like ice cream. Let’s store our energy wisely, stay true to our unique ‘flavour’, and when called upon, let’s give it our all – whether it’s a small scoop or a whole tub of effort.
Remember, you don’t need to be everyone’s favourite, but you can be that perfect flavour for someone who needs exactly what you have to offer. And when life scoops you up, make sure you deliver your best, regardless of the size of the serving.
After all, we each have our own special flavour to offer, don’t we?
The author is an associate professor of biomedical engineering, and former Director of Corporate Communications Centre, Universiti Malaya. He may be reached at nahrizuladib@um.edu.my