Creating the HAPPINESS Factory

11 Habits for developing a Lifestyle of happiness

.

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your actions.” – Dalai Lama, XIV

A few days ago I was watching this Ted Talk by Daniel Gilbert on The Surprising Science of Happiness.  He says that each one of us have psychological immune system and the innate capacity to synthesize happiness. He concludes that our longings and our worries are both to some degree overblown because we have within us the capacity to manufacture the very commodity (Happiness) we are constantly chasing for in life.

Friends, whichever part of the world you live in, whichever religion, caste, race or ethnicity you belong to, whatever language you speak, whether you have surplus material riches or not, the ultimate goal of every human being is to be happy and enjoy the few years of his spiritual journey on planet earth. Now being happy has least do with ‘achieving X goal’ because in that case happiness will be short-lived and your mind would look for ‘achieving Y goal’. As a matter of fact, happiness remains the most cherished yet elusive of all human desires even today.

I am always amazed by the way the almighty has made the human beings. We exist with a plethora of vividness- different culture, different lifestyle, different interests, different eating habits and so on.  When it comes to happiness while doing a certain thing may give happiness to one, it may feel completely awkward for the other. For example Peter may find happiness in partying with a bunch of friends while Ram finds happiness in reading in solitude. However at large and from my experiences in life over past one year (majorly spent in solitude) when I got the chance to think and research, I have come out with a list of 11 habits doing which spurs lasting-happiness in most human beings.  

1.  EXPRESSING GRATITUDE: 

Gratitude Journal

It is said that expressing gratitude is the sign of noble souls. A heart filled with gratitude is the home of pure grace and profound happiness. It is the healthiest of all human emotions and behavior. Legendary writer and speaker, Zig Ziglar says “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” So it’s not the happiness that brings us gratitude but gratitude that brings lasting happiness.

What do I do to express Gratitude? I have maintained  this one-sentence journal, a five-year record for expressing my gratitude apart from the regular journal I have and would earnestly suggest the same for you.  No matter at what stage of life you are in, whatever is your bank balance, whether you own a mansion or live in a 1 BHK rented house, there is always something to express gratitude for. So what do I write in that journal? I write something in my life that I am thankful for in such a way that I do not repeat the same thing in 30 days. For instance I write I am thankful to almighty for every breathe that I take, for my heart beating properly, for my healthy body and so on. Then some other day I thank the people I have in my life and because of which I feel so complete and secured and so on. 

2. SELFLESSLY HELPING OTHERS:

Happiness comes from helpfulness. When you help someone with a pure heart and without expecting anything in return, you will experience happiness and joy that I find difficult to express in words.  It doesn’t have to be a big thing or relating to charity. It can be as small as giving up your seats to elderly citizens or children standing in a crowded bus, donating blood, donating your old books and clothes in proper condition but not in use and so on. 

Greatest service is the service to humanity

Sharing one of my experiences, a couple of weeks ago while returning from office, I found an elderly woman struggling to move with her wheel chair near Port Authority bus stand in New York. She was stuck right in front of the entrance gate for big buses that would lead to a traffic jam if she doesn’t move fast. She was quite obese and could not stand finding hard to move on her wheel chair that had got damaged earlier in the day. I offered help to which she humbly nodded. She was going to a nearby hotel. After I helped to reach her destination, she thanked and asked if she can give something to which I politely refused. I felt so happy in my heart doing this simple stuff. As an additional perk, I got a pat on my back from a senior hotel management staff. 

3. JOURNALING:  

My Journal of last 3 years

Journaling has something special about it. Although I have been journaling for over 15 years now, it’s in last 2-3 years that I have been quite consistent about it and write almost on a daily basis.  Now apart from the obvious advantages of keeping a track of your daily activities, remembering your accomplishments and even your mistakes, meeting your goals, strengthening self-discipline, boosting your communication skills, it also helps evoke mindfulness which often has a strong connection with happiness.

It helps you connect with your consciousness and thus multiply your levels of happiness. When you pen down your doubts, your fears, moments of distress and self-pity, it is as if you talk to them and take back the power that you had given over to all your negative emotions.  Scientific evidences support the health benefits of journaling as it removes the mental blocks and allows all of your brain power to better understand yourself, others and the world around you. 

Narendra, how to get started with journaling?

It’s simple. First of all, I would recommend maintaining a dedicated diary or a notebook for journaling (as you see in the pic here) because over a period of time you get to read and analyze your state of mind, the progress you have made, what worked and what not and so on. Now, what to write in your journal?  Reflect over your life, ask yourself are you really happy? What is it that is keeping you from being happy? Then write what things you feel can do to become happy and also what habits you should give up. Slowly and gradually start doing the things.

Apart from this on a daily basis for 20-30 minutes in the morning or evening time before going to bed (whatever works best for you) you may write the goals for the day, reflections for the day which includes your experiences, memorable moments, and even the forgettable ones, write about what went well and what could be improved upon. You may even write your state of mind, your doubts, your fears, and your anxiety. Also you must write about the things you are thankful for on a daily basis. I personally maintain a dedicated Gratitude journal as mentioned earlier. 

4. WALKING IN THE WOODS:  

A walk in the woods

Walking in the woods (or a park or any place which has lesser traffic and noise) has magical powers. Walking is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that’s most easy to do and suitable for people of all age-groups. Walking by all means is good for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and growth.  When you walk in solitude, you think, you observe things and people, especially the children, you see their innocence and truthfulness, you listen to the beautiful birds chirping and singing, you feel Mother Nature and its beauty, you sense the ripples formed in nearby water bodies and eventually you connect to your consciousness. All this triggers the happiness cells in your body and you feel happier and most pleasant.

Almost addicted to walking as mentioned in my one of my previous blog, I have categorized my walks into three types which I perform based on my levels of energy and state of mind:  

1.   Brisk Walk:  I usually do brisk walking for long distances and when I am high on energy. On a personal record I have walked as long as 11 Kms in one stretch with a 5 minute break in-between. When you walk briskly, within 5-10 minutes you start sweating profusely and as a result there is sudden rush of endorphins, the hormones which makes you feel exhilarated and happy blocking any feeling of pain, and serotonin, hormones responsible for happiness, healthy appetite and a restful sleep.

2.  Moderate Walk: Sunrise and Sunset times are ideal for this kind of walk when you feel moderate levels of energy. As the name suggests, you walk at a moderate speed. This category of walk is good for distance ranging from 3-5 kms. You feel energized and happy after a moderate walk.

3.  Slow Walk (Strolling): I do slow walk when I want to relax, reflect, introspect and feel the nature. You may do it after a long tiresome day and preferably after your dinner in solitude or with loved ones. You go to Parks and spend some time there among the trees and children playing. Slow walk is fitted for distance ranging from 1-3 kms. You feel refreshed and at peace of mind after a good slow walk.

  

5.  PRINTING PICTURES OF LOVED ONES AND MAKING AN ALBUM OF MEMORIES:

My Picture Printer

Yes, I am quite particular about printing (hard-copies) the pictures and making an album of memories. In the digital age where technology has an edge, while the number of moments we capture with our cellphone camera or digicam has increased compared to traditional camera roll with films, the time we take to cherish those moments has decreased substantially.  While it is good that we capture more and more moments but the irony is that most of the pictures taken sit in some corner of our compute hard-disk or memory devices. We rarely bother to enjoy and relive those moments which also generates happiness.

Book of Memories

When you assemble those moments with printed copies in an album, it is like an album or a book of happiness. Whenever you see the printed copies of your cherished moments, it brings smiles on your faces, no matter what state of mind you are in. The joy you feel when you see those moments with all your loved ones is inexpressible. Well, softcopies in digital age is obvious but when it comes to true happiness, in cherishing and reliving those moments it is the hard-copies. I have bought a picture printer for me which prints moments more valuable than money, my happiness. Would you bargain your happiness with anything? Friends, please go get a picture printer and multiply your levels of happiness. 

6. EATING TOGETHER WITH LOVED ONES: 

Eating together with loved ones

There is an old saying that the family that eats together stays together.  A family is anyone’s and everyone’s greatest treasure.  When I was growing up in the steel city of Bokaro, India, as a family we used to have at least one meal together each day with every member of the family sitting cross-legged on the floor of our apartment. I used to eat in the same plate along with my Papa (Father) which continued until I was in 5^th Grade. As a result of this family ritual while the meal was gratifying, it was also filled with moments of laughter and happiness.

When you eat together with your loved ones while the bonding between family members increases, room for doubt or misunderstanding reduces considerably.  Your relationship with each member strengthens and you feel a strong sense of self-approval. As a result you are happier and even more productive in your professional pursuits.

7. MEDITATION:  

Meditate for 20 minutes a day

In my previous blog on meditation, I had discussed the benefits of meditation and why meditation is so essential for well-being of the humans. Meditation and happiness are closely related. Through meditation we learn to manage our emotions better. With its constant practice we are able to reduce our negative emotions like anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, and complaining. Meditation multiplies your levels of happiness as you learn to detach yourself from all these negative emotions instead of being consumed by them.  Moreover consistent practice of meditation fosters sound health which in turn lead to causeless happiness. 

8. EXERCISE: 

Exercise lead to Happiness 

Everyone know the fact that regular exercise leads to a better physical and mental well-being.  I personally realized the importance of exercise and the impact it has on changing our negative state of minds to positive one in 2008 during my early days of professional life.  At a time when I was going emotional turmoil due to loss of my crush (not love) interest. I had least control over my emotions and I was literally depressed. One fine day, I decided to go to gym and things changed for the good. My mood, my levels of energy, my perspective, my productivity, and even my communication improved tremendously. That time I didn’t realize how it all happened but today with better awareness and after having read so many articles and a book called Spark by John J Ratey and Eric Hagerman,, I can tell you that Exercise is a healthy medicine for your health and happiness. During gym or intense exercise sessions, hormones like endorphins, estrogen, growth-factors, serotonin and dopamine get generated which results in the change of our moods, happiness and well-being. 

9.  LAUGH A LOT AND LAUGH OUT LOUD:

Always Keep Smiling

Want instant happiness, Laugh and laugh out loud for no reason and within seconds you will feel happier.  Laughter has several health benefits. While it relaxes the whole body, it also boosts up the immune system. Laughter increases blood flow which helps us protect against cardiovascular problems. It is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. In addition to all this, laughter has social benefits. Laughter is contagious and people are drawn towards a happy, ever smiling person.  It enhances team work, helps defuse conflict, and even promotes group bonding.  Laughter makes you feel good and the feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even when the laughter subsides.  Overall I would say that laughter is the shortest route to happiness. 

10. READING: 

Love for Reading

The habit of Reading is one of the most precious gifts you could give to yourself.  Books are like boxes of treasure (wisdom) which are accessible only when you start reading it. While books provide you knowledge about civilizations, culture, history, people, and places, it also enhances your imagination and creativity powers.  Reading helps elevate your mood and even inspires you to be stronger in trying times. Through reading you begin to understand the world in a better way with increased levels of awareness.  Reading the right books often taps to your consciousness and invokes heightened self-awareness. All these things together incite happiness. 

11. SHARING:

Mother Teresa once said “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other”.  Sharing is a powerful way to bring happiness. Be it the knowledge or the happiness, it only grows by sharing. While sharing brings us joy, it also teaches us to care for others. Sharing triggers other positive emotions like kindness, compassion and helpfulness which in turn makes you even more happier and fulfilled person. 

THE GREATEST SECRET THAT IS KEEPING YOU FROM BEING HAPPY

Okay, it’s time to reveal the greatest secret of happiness in the world: ‘Do anything and everything selflessly with absolutely zero expectation’.  Never ever look for anything, absolutely anything in return. If it comes on its own, it’s okay to except but never ever look for anything in return.

Friends, it’s plain and simple, yet we do not seem to realize in our life. The act of selflessness creates happiness for your life. It is the selfishness that is the root cause of many problems. Whenever there is even a speck of expectation, it has pain associated with it. For instance whenever you do something for someone, you expect a ‘Thank you’ from that person. Now when the person does not say a ‘Thank you’ in return for your help, you often say ‘how rude of him, doesn’t have common etiquette’. This very feeling in you loses the joy and happiness of helping that person.  I have experienced it many a times. Whenever I share my learning through my blogs, I often visit the analytic to see how many people have read my post and when the number doesn’t crosses a thousand margin, I feel sad for a moment or two. By this very act I am losing the joy, the happiness of sharing. Well, It’s hard to maintain this habit of zero expectation, but certainly possible. On personal front, today I declare on this platform that I will not check any of my blog’s analytic or even any social media page for 2 days after sharing my blog posts. And that’s a commitment J

Practising these 11 habits will create the happiness factory for your Life where happiness is manufactured every single moment. Zero expectation and staying away from the evil triplets of jealousy, envy and people pleasing habits will further help you stay even more happier. Friends, Happiness is contagious. Happy people make others happy. Be happy for ever. 

Wishing you all a life-style of happiness. God bless humanity. 

One Life!

Narendra Gupta 

My interview with Anthony Olszewski, Founder of Jersey City Free books

Real Life Heroes Changing the world

I have always been fascinated by the real life heroes vs reel life heroes. It feels quite awkward (rather sickening!) when I see people and media talking and hyping the tv and big screen so called celebrities more than required when they are just doing their job for a living like billions of other human beings. Their common acts like the food they eat, the clothes they wear, or even their personal lives occupy sections of magazines and newspapers and sometimes become a topic of debate among the young generation. Isn't that the waste of human energy and time? Isn't that in-appropriate and ir-responsible usage of technology? I strongly opine that people who are doing the real stuff for betterment of society, who are contributing day-by-day, silently, and most humbly to make this human experience of fellow human beings heavenly should be celebrated more often. 

My dear friends, today I present to you insights from one of the most generous, kind, compassionate, ever giving, pure-hearted soul Anthony Olszewski, founder of Jersey City Free books.  Jersey City Free books located at 297 Griffith Street, Jersey City is a community book exchange that provides books to read absolutely free of cost, without any obligation, registration or any sort of indoctrination. And please don’t get caught by the word ‘exchange’, you don’t have to give some to get some, you simply have to go, select the book of your choice from available books and take it with you, there is absolutely no obligation of returning or penalty as you have in libraries. You may keep it for your future reference or share it with friends and family for their benefit.

Anthony Olszewski, Founder of Jersey City Free Books

Since times immemorial, books have changed the world. Be it the likes of Bhagvad Geeta, the holy Bible, the holy Quran, or the Republic by Plato (written in the 4^th century BCE) or even the Meditations by Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius (written in 161-180 CE) had a lasting impact on the people across several centuries. Books undeniably play a critical role in the upliftment of society. Through this easy availability of books to one and all without any prejudice, Jersey City free books is doing an awesome service to the society. Be it the Mothers who come seeking children’s books (and even the cookbook), elderly citizens looking out for their favorite mysteries, philosophical genre books, or the teenagers and students who flock searching for romance, fiction, and fantasies books, thousands of people have benefited from this charitable, big-hearted initiative from Anthony. 

Recently I got the opportunity to spend some time with Anthony at Jersey City Free Books. Here is the excerpts from the interview:

Narendra Gupta (NG):  I would like to say a big and a heartfelt thank you for what you are doing to this community and for your act of selfless living and giving.  Sir, please tell me something about your life?

Anthony Olszewski (AO):  I was born in Margaret Hague Maternity hospital, Jersey City in the year 1956. I have lived almost my entire life in Jersey City, in fact a few blocks away from the shop. Jersey City in the world has changed a lot since then, in many ways for the better and in some ways for not. People are a lot more educated but they do not seem to think as deeply and empathetically as people used to, even those with very little education.

NG: What is your vision for life? How would you describe your mission for life?

AO:  For my life, I like to think at the end of every day that something is being accomplished. Every day is being productive and worthwhile. That's as far as I see.

I had set plenty of goals for myself and I accomplished most of them. I graduated, bought a house on the block, I put myself in school raising cage birds believe it or not, and years ago I published many articles on that subject (canaries in particular) including a chapter on genetics in veterinary textbooks, I have been involved with many projects – like I was a website editor, even worked on political campaigns – some of them were successful and some not.

NG: What are your top values for life?

AO: I try to have a set of rules that I go by. Just a small thing, a few years ago, I was opening up the shop here and there was a wallet out front. Somebody had dropped his wallet.  It had $300 some dollars. I had to go through the wallet to find the identity. There was a set of phone numbers and I called them all, Somehow I found that the guy was getting a haircut in a saloon nearby. The guy was offering me $20 but I refused that. I was mentioning this to people and most people said why didn't I keep the wallet, and a few people said why didn't I take those $20 dollars. I knew that wasn't my money and this is what I should do. I don't see why I should be paid for something that I was supposed to do, or even get a tip for something that I was supposed to do as a human being.

I try to think what I am responsible for. Small thing, when there is snowfall, I just make sure that I get out and wipe the snow outside the shop, on the road and nearby area. These are some of the common things that nobody thinks of but just strikes to me. So many people are having inconvenience but no one thinks about it.

NG: Sir, What is it that concerns you?

AO: One thing that is striking me more and more is that people in general are prone to distractions and confusion. Going back to when I was growing up, it was a common thing that many of the adults especially during times of depression had dropped off from the grammar school. They didn't have enough money to feed their family so they opted to go out to work. But the same people at the time of election, they thought about the candidates on the right parameters, I remember them talking what did that particular candidate do when he was in senate, what was his position on labor and so on, I mean these are the people who had very little education but they thought, but today even the people with all kinds of education and advanced degrees, when elections are around keep complaining for example they say things like - they don't like the candidate because they don't like the way his wife dresses. They will talk about the movie stars. People are increasingly becoming distracted and confused; I think they are not reading is also one of the big causes.

NG: Sir, do you feel inappropriate usage of technology has played a role in those distractions?

AO: Yes, I do. There is obviously tremendous advantage (due) to technology.  It is very much like the difference between walking, riding a bicycle and driving a car. These things have an effect on the person himself.  If somebody walks or even rides a bicycle 5 miles a day, he is going to be a very different person than someone who drives a car 5 miles a day.

Of course the experience is going to be different if somebody is walking 5 miles a day, they are thinking, they are seeing what's going on around them, experiencing the nature and people where as the person driving the car, all they see is the car in front of them if not texting and driving at the same time.

NG: How did the idea of free books store came to your mind?

AO: There was a bagel store at Central Avenue and in 2007 unrelated to the books there was a fire. Late in 2007 the store was closed for a long time. Late in 2007 new owners took over. They decided not to continue with the free rack of books they had in the store there. Early in 2008 I started it. For many years 5 years or so there was just a single shelf here. I don't know exactly why but 3 years ago, a lot of people started bringing in a lot of books and this way the store expanded.

NG: Did it ever occur to you that you should charge some bare minimum amount for a book? (Because you are spending so much time and energy doing and maintaining all stuff)?

AO:  No. The whole point of this is to reach to as many people as I could.  There are plenty of generous people out there who have really donated. These are the people who have actually made the place possible and whom we should thank. They bring books for whatever reason like they are moving or have limited space at home and so on. There are a number of people who regularly bring books, they are regular readers but live in small apartments with limited book shelves. They bring the books here so that other people can use them.

Many reasons books become available for other people to use. You know there are all sorts of book in the garage, underneath the bed, some people have book in their trunks, they are not doing anybody good but when they come here they do good to a lot of people. There is no way I should think about charging. Some people get perks that they may not be able to afford these books at all. The mystery thrillers, romance, these books are not cheap anymore, these books cost 5,6,7,8 dollars, I don’t know how many senior citizens come here and pick up one or two or more of the books that these people could not afford every week. Well some people say they could go to the library, certainly they could go to library; library is very good, but it's not the same thing. I have hundreds of different titles, yes they read but they don't have to worry about bringing it back. They can even give it to their friends or to other residents.

As soon as you start charging, there are places where people raise money. Yes, they raise money to do something good however in terms of reading; but in terms of the reader, the person who doesn't have that money has no access to reading that book.  Even if you are selling the book for a quarter, somebody who has to pay his electric and gas bill at the end of the month has no money they can't get that book where as someone who has money has a bargain now. There are a plenty of people who don't have even a quarter, like people with small kids, they may not want to spend on even a quarter because they have to spend on clothes, shoes and many other essentials. They may not want to spend on books.

NG:  Sir, Do you have any plans to extend free books store to other parts of city or country

AO: Well it’s something that I might do but don’t have any immediate plans.

NG: How do you feel when you see people benefiting from your services?

AO: I am very glad, there was a gentleman stopping by here and getting books for his little daughter every week. One day he came along with his daughter and happily informed she had gotten an award for the best reader in class. He stopped by to say a Thank you. He thanked me saying that a source of free books made the little student’s achievement possible.

There are many people who just would not have books at all. When I was growing up in Jersey City, believe it or not there was a tropical fish magazine and published here in New Jersey just by chance. In almost every issue there were articles about people traveling to different parts of the world, collecting tropical fish out in the jungle. I just hope to some degree that it gives chance to everybody to think, to imagine that things can be different.

NG: Sir, please share one of the most enduring moments of your life?

AO: There are a number of different things. I was bitten by a bat with rabies when I was only in the 3rd grade. Doctors had told my Parents that I was going to die. Well no one told me anything, so I fooled them all.

Onetime I almost drowned. Irresponsibly I went out to a beach early in the morning before the life guards were on duty and got pulled out by a current. Luckily somebody who is a good swimmer heard me yelling and came to rescue me but I came very close to drowning.  Anyhow I hesitate, I don't like taking chances, I try to think what is the risk involved, For example  I see people putting something that may slip, they say I am putting only for a second, and I say don’t put even for a second, put it over here.

NG:  Sir, What is the happiest moment you recall in your life?

AO: O'boy there are plenty. That would be hard to say. You know many times things, the projects I worked on, at one time they were very successful and at another point they failed. I have to look everything. There are highs and there are lows, you can't take either of them seriously.

NG:  Sir, what makes you angry and sad?

AO: Couple of years ago I was regularly riding bicycle on the Washington bridge. It's one of the most amazing views in the world, when you look down you see the whole New York City and on the right, you see the Jersey City palisades. It’s somewhat dangerous especially when you are riding on a bicycle; on the right hand side you have got the draft of the river and on the left hand side there is a plenty of traffic, and also it is not very wide. So somebody who is coming on a bicycle from two different directions actually has to be very careful. 

Anyhow one day I was riding, a guy was coming from another direction on the George Washington Bridge, walking and texting. It is just thoughtlessness.  Now this is one of the most amazing places in the world and this guy is looking at this small screen. Also he is putting his own life at risk, my life at risk. That thoughtlessness is something that makes me angry.

Another common thing I just see, people crossing the street, either would be not looking at all, how no body is killed on this corner alone, I have seen cars riding into the people, luckily no person is being hit. Another time, when people are crossing street, someone driving the car would intentionally keep coming towards them to get them move, to scare them. Pure irresponsibility and thoughtlessness! When I was growing up there were people who were not nice at all but they used to think, they wouldn’t do something like this.

Climate change is another big thing that I am concerned about. 

NG: What makes you hopeful and happy?

AO:  There many big advances in healthcare. The level of healthcare that anybody has access to as compared to when I was growing up has developed a lot. In those times even the wealthy people who would have heart attacks, would just die or would cripple for the whole of their lives. But now there are all sorts of treatments and transplants.  The germs have been basically conquered. We have antibiotics; we have vaccines getting to the rest of the world.

The economic conditions have also improved, in earlier times people used to have at most a TV and a refrigerator in house but now there are many gadgets now. Technological advances and economic progress is something I cheer about. 

NG:  Sir, You are already changing the world in one way, but if you could get some additional power to change the world what would you do?

AO: I look at the things with a very limited perspective; I wish I would have a wider perspective.  Two things that I complain to the city about is: I have been bicycling since I was in 2^nd grade, in the street I complained about people riding bicycle on the side of the walking trail, right after pedestrians. The other thing is the litter. Why we have litter here? These are two minor, actually silly things. Because they are minor things that could be easily done. 

NG:  What actions do you think would best cause the change you envision?

AO: The old IBM says 'Think'. The point of that isn’t just sit at someplace and do not do anything, the point isn’t just sit and imagine the chess moves;  the point of that is consider the consequences of your actions, of your moves. Think because of your move what is going to happen next.

We have got many problems with people eating very poorly, if they consider the consequences of their actions, tomorrow, next week, forty years from now, not just immediately.  If I am drinking a big bottle of soda, what’s going to happen tomorrow, the day after, in a month’s time. People should also think on these lines and for themselves.

NG: What changes do you believe would make the world a beautiful place?

AO:  Right here in Jersey City people don't think the consequences of their action, people here in the boulevard drive playing the radio loud, I don't care what kind of music you like; most people may have a different taste, why can't people use their headphones.

Litter is another thing here. May be, it all comes down to people don't think much of themselves, they are not going to think about anybody that much, they are holding at a very low standard.

NG: What is SUCCESS for you?  

AO:  O’ boy again, I wish I actually had a wider perspective. I see at the end of everyday what went good and what not so good, what could be improved.

Every single person falls asleep at night and wakes up in the morning. I don't think somebody owning 5 Rolls-Royces, I don’ think their experience is different; everybody has to die one day. Steve Jobs left the world defining success in a different way.  There is some degree of physical and mental inter-dependence.

Bernard Madoff (former stockbroker, investment advisor and financier), the person who conned people around the world and he is in jail for life.  He took the definitions of success that’s most common. He owned homes all around the world. It nice to travel around the world. It’s okay having home in a couple of locations, but why in the world someone wants to have a dozen (of) mansions across the world? You have to worry about getting it painted or you have to pay somebody to take care of the house.

NG: What is your perspective on birth and death? Are you afraid of death?

AO:  You have to be. I mean you don't want to be foolhardy. Many people I grow up with actually they were not afraid of death and they are gone. The point is, I hope at that moment I could think I did accomplish something before i die.

Any number of their ancestors who did carry water during the drought, who did go out there and plough that field, who did get up in the morning early and feed the animals, in the human history people couldn't waste their lives, Life is so precious and should be used for a worthwhile purpose. 

NG: What legacy you want to leave to this world?

AO: You look history how many people from thousand, two-thousand, three-thousand years are remembered.  Every single person on the planet has to have ancestors who experienced something remarkable. You think that the families couldn't forget these things. One of our ancestors who was actually a laborer worked for building up this city. Not many are remembered. I am not really worried about being remembered.

NG: Amazing perspective. Thank you so much for your precious time and sharing your pearls of wisdom.

AO: You are most welcome and thank you for coming. 

**********

A selfie with Anthony Sir

Giving is like a flowing river, you can only gain from its clean water.  Anthony Olszewski is an epitome of giving. I salute Anthony and all such human beings for their selfless acts of Living and Giving. If you are living in near by New York and Jersey City area please do benefit from the store located at 297 Griffith Street, Jersey City. 

For more information please visit http://www.jerseycityfreebooks.com/

For personal responses, you can write to Anthony at:

JerseyCityFreeBooks@gmail.com or 

anthony.olszewski@gmail.com

And yes, please don't forget like the facebook community page at: https://www.facebook.com/JerseyCityFreeBooks

How did you like today's post? Did it inspire you to do something good in society? Whatever and how small it may be like planting a tree, driving with caution, thinking about other's safety and well-being, donating blood, helping an elderly citizen in crossing street, passing a warm smile to a stranger, I don't know whatever it may be, just keep doing things that you can in your capacity because good things come in small packages. My Best Wishes, God Bless Humanity. 

One Life!

Narendra Gupta