A man gets lost trying to dodge a freeway traffic jam and finds the
Meaning of Life in a remote café. It could happen to you. If I thought it was
going to happen to me I’d stay on the freeway. John P Streckley is a
motivational speaker who has "positively impacted the lives of millions of
people." Some have provided plaudits for this book. One ordered ten copies
before finishing reading it. Another bought 500 copies to give to his clients.
I got mine free and I’m grateful for that.

The book is written autobiographically.
"John" is at the point of desperation when he spots the sign to The
Why Café. Out of gas and out of luck he calls in to eat, and finds something
akin to a secular Pentecostal diner. The menu contains enigmatic questions:
"Why are you here?", "Do you fear death?", "Are you
fulfilled?". For some reason John finds these questions disturbing and
puzzling, rather than inane. That’s where Casey comes in. She used to be an ad
executive until she saw the light. Friendly and comely, Casey understands. So
does Mike, the chef. And the customers. Seems it’s only John who doesn’t Know.
But that’s about to change. All you need is an enormous amount of food and a
low threshold for suggestion. John is stunned. Then he’s shocked. Then he’s
stunned again.

Strange how time flies when you’re having a good time. Before John
knows it it’s 5am and there’s still some strawberry and rhubarb pie. By this
time John’s learnt: we control each moment of our lives; each person should do
whatever they want; anyone can be a millionaire. Phew! It helps to know your
PFE (Purpose for Existing) but that’s easy. Just figure out what you want. Then
spend every day of your life doing exactly what you like. And don’t read junk
mail.

There you have it. So what are you waiting for? 

©
2006 Tony, O’Brien

Tony O’Brien, M Phil, is a lecturer in mental health nursing at the
University of Auckland, New Zealand:
a.obrien@auckland.ac.nz

Categories: General, SelfHelp