~ Source

“If you like it, don't seek validation.” — I love that thought. Clearly this applies to not just cars, but to everything in life. If you like something, that should be enough for you. Don't ruin it by seeking validation for what you already like.

Seeking validation from others is like any other drug, there's a temporary high, but once it wears out you just need more of it just to get back to your baseline—and that's simply unsustainable. ~ Source

Exactly. It's unsustainable. This is that same vicious cycle that I talked about in this post.

I wasn’t happy and staring at that yellow lemon in my garage just made it hurt. That car helped me grow. It doesn’t matter how much hp you have, no matter how usable or unusable it is. It doesn’t matter how cool your car looks or sounds. Cars won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself. ~ Source

Let's read that again. “Cars won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.”

Now let's switch the word “Cars” for some other hobby or earthly goods/values that we normally obsess with:

• Phones won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• Shoes won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• Designer bags and clothing won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• A house won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• Wealth won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• Power won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• Honor won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.
• Fame and recognition won’t make you happy until you’re satisfied with what you have and you’re satisfied with yourself.

I can go on and on, but I believe you see the point I'm trying to make. Nothing in this life can truly give us contentment, unless we are satisfied with ourselves and what we already have.

And finally my last takeaway.

This applies to literally everything in life. There will always, always be someone who – at least in perception – has more than you do. A better house, car, lifestyle, job. The less we compare ourselves to others the better life is. Period.

I test drove a pre-owned dream car this week. Loved it. Then realized the 2021 version has updated head and tail lights, and felt my excitement for the car I drove fade. Back of my mind, I was less excited about a car I genuinely enjoy because someone might notice it’s not a current-year car. What a fucking dumb way to think. But it’s actually hard to break out of it. ~ Source

I once ran into a quote that said something like, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Ain't that what's on full display here? The guys on this Reddit thread are right. If you want to be happy and content, stop seeking external validation and stop comparing yourselves to others.

If you made it this far, I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. This is most likely my last post for the year, in which case, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tags: #Bookmarks #Contentment #Detachment #GearsAndGasoline

While I've enjoyed watching road trip episodes from Top Gear, I always felt like they were out of reach. Like the cars were out of reach, the people doing the road trips were out of reach. Those were big budget production episodes and it felt that way.

This one though is different. While these guys were sponsored, this one still feels relatable. This feels like seeing a couple of car enthusiast friends film their road trip. It feels down to earth. It feels like something a regular joe, like you and me, can do.

As the title states, it's a road trip across 48 states in two Mazda FD RX-7s. One is still running a rotary engine, while the other has a K-swapped Honda engine. Interesting, right?

It's also very nicely shot. The cinematography, if that is the right word, is beautiful. The choice of background music is beautiful. I've never thought seeing somebody wash a car would illicit an emotional response from me, but it did. Then there's the numerous clips showing a Mazda FD RX-7 in motion. It's like watching poetry in motion. Just stunning to see a red and yellow Mazda FD RX-7 cruising on the highway. It's a sight that I'll probably never get tired of seeing. I consider the Mazda FD RX-7, one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Anyway, I've run out of words and time. I hope you enjoy watching these as much as I did. And to the car enthusiasts out there, enjoy driving your fun to drive cars. It won't be long before our stick shift enthusiasts cars will be replaced by self-driving electric cars.

Episode 1

Episode 3

Tags: #Cars #Mazda #RX7 #GearsAndGasoline