Trust myself.

What skills or lessons have you learned recently?

The delayed gratification of not trusting myself on the spot—that very second—is my awareness. This awareness stems from realizing I haven’t yet reached the peak of mindfulness. I want to better understand how someone’s energy, or aura, enters my space, especially when they step into my car. I need to be more conscious of what’s happening around me.

Last night, I had an unsettling experience with a customer. He couldn’t believe someone like me was willing to take him to a rural area outside Kuala Lumpur. Before he left, he placed an old five-cent coin underneath my seat. I noticed he also shifted from sitting on the right side to the left during the ride. He paid the fare and left, but his insecurities lingered in my mind. It seemed he couldn’t understand how I managed to arrive so quickly or drive so flawlessly.

What struck me as strange was the coin he left behind. Coupled with his timing—after 9 PM—and a rust-like stench emanating from his body, I couldn’t shake the feeling something was off. It felt as if he was trying to uncover my vulnerabilities. But while he was in the car, I started to feel uneasy and began praying silently for protection. His calm demeanor was betrayed by a sly smile and the strange, unpleasant aura around him.

The route itself was unnerving—dark, rural, and surrounded by palm trees, with no streetlights and only a narrow, seemingly endless road. There were no clear ways in or out. It felt like a test of my boldness and resolve. Despite the unease, I kept singing prayers all the way from Point A to Point B, focusing on driving safely.

During the night, I also gave a ride to a group of women who were amazed by my courage to navigate these treacherous roads. I reached a point where I asked them which route they preferred. These highways, though wide, were full of potholes and completely unlit.

At one point, I stopped at a petrol station. That’s when things took a strange turn. The customer from earlier called me, asking me to buy items for him. Initially, I thought it was a way to earn extra money, but the request felt odd—he had my personal number, which isn’t typical. Normally, all communication is done through the app’s chat feature for transparency and security. His call came from a foreign number, and he was insistent.

Feeling suspicious, I showed the message to the petrol station cashier. She read it aloud and immediately recognized it as a scam. She explained that another driver had recently fallen victim to a similar ploy. She advised me to wait and see if he called again within two minutes. Sure enough, he did.

This time, I answered with confidence. I told him that if he needed anything from the petrol station, he should have bought it at Point A. I also mentioned that I’d report his actions to the police (polisi). The moment I said this, he hung up.

I felt immense gratitude for the staff at the petrol station. They had helped me avoid falling into a trap. I canceled the booking and left, but my mind was racing. The entire experience highlighted how quickly doubt and ill intent could erode mental clarity.

I must continue tuning  to my audiobook to regain focus and mindfulness, reminding myself to stay positive. After completing more rides in rural areas, I parked in a safe waiting area and rested for two hours. Even as I sat in the dark, I reflected on the events, feeling a mix of relief and disbelief at the close call.

This morning, I checked my car thoroughly. As expected, I found the old, rusted five-cent coin left by the customer. It felt like confirmation of the unease I’d sensed. Despite the oddities of the night, I trusted myself enough to pray, stay focused, and navigate the situation safely.

This experience taught me to refine my instincts and increase my awareness of my surroundings. Whenever doubt creeps into my mind, I now ask myself: How is this thought helping me? Has this scenario truly happened, or is it just a projection? These questions help dissolve unnecessary fears, allowing clarity and positive thoughts to emerge.

Calling the app’s support center later, I reported the incident and expressed frustration at their earlier lack of assistance when I was at the petrol station. However, canceling the ride was the right choice for my safety and peace of mind.

Ultimately, this experience underscored the importance of trusting myself, honing my awareness, and staying mindful in every situation. The lessons I learned that night will continue to guide me, ensuring that I navigate future challenges with courage and clarity.