Are You Stuck?

You are responsible for your life. 

You can't keep blaming somebody else for your dysfunction. 

Life is really about moving on. 

~Oprah Winfrey

I have been reflecting about how some people who have unsatisfied needs are stuck, unable to satisfy and fulfill certain needs. In the process, they might become morally confused and diffused. Their integrity collapses under the burden of meeting some of their unsatisfied needs.

I remember studying Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to understand human motivation. I became fascinated with his notion of the five human needs, arranged in a hierarchical order. Below is the chart:

For Maslow, human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs, with basic needs calling for satisfaction first before one can move to self-actualizing needs. These basic needs are: physiological (survival needs such as water, air, food, sleep); safety (security in employment, heath insurance, safe neighborhood); social (belonging, love, and affection); and esteem (self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition, accomplishment). Once these needs are fulfilled, an individual can develop toward greater growth for self-actualization.

You might have some disagreements about Maslow's theory of motivation (which may not perfectly explain all of our life's goals and actions) but for now, let's focus on the first five basic needs. 

Do you know of some people who are stuck trying to fulfill their survival needs? Then their focus is the day-to-day need for food, water, sleep and other basic necessities that would ensure their survival. If these needs cannot be met, they could get stuck in this level. In the process of satisfying these needs, they may look for ethical ways to fulfill them (i.e., getting a job) or choose the easy but unethical route (i.e., steal, use people to fulfill their needs, engage in prostitution). 

In my research of older people and their motivation, there is evidence that they move towards broader attachments and connections as they age (i.e., religion and spirituality) while self-centeredness declines (Tornstam, 1999; Coleman, 2000). However, you might know of some older people who are still stuck in their survival needs, even if they are financially stable. As a result, they use unethical ways to obtain properties and money, to the extent of lying and committing forgery, to get what [they feel] they need.

Let's say a person has satisfied his survival and safety needs but his social and esteem needs are still  deficient for some reasons. Perhaps his former girlfriend left him which leads him to question his self worth. Using Maslow's theory, it is obvious that unless he is able to fulfill his social and esteem needs, he will be stuck in these levels.  In the process of satisfying his need of love, affection, and personal worth, he could become very selective (being careful not to re-experience being dumped) or may just fall for any girl that comes along. This person might even develop a dependent-obsessive personality, which in turn could turn off most girls.

Which level are you in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? 

Are you stuck in any of these levels? 

What ethical ways will you choose to meet your needs?

Don't forget to share your comments below.

Have an awesome week, dear readers!

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Sources:

Coleman, P. (2000). Aging and the satisfaction of psychological needs (Commentary). Psychological Inquiry, 11, 291-293.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from low.com/m_motivation/Hierarchy_of_Needs.asp

Tornstam, L. (1999). Transcendence in later life. Generations, 10-14.

A Peek At Integrity

In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, 

intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, 

the other two will kill you. 

~Warren Buffet 

If honesty did not exist, it would have to be invented, 

as it is the surest way of getting rich.

~Earl Nightingale

If you look at yourself in the mirror, and ask if you can be trusted with another person's life and possessions, and if, without blinking, your answer is Yes, then you are a person of integrity. 

If you are a person expecting others to have integrity, you must have it first yourself. In the words of St. Augustine, "That which you want to ignite in others has to be burning in yourself."

We are drawn to people with high moral standards. We like people we can trust. We feel safe with them. 

We desire our leaders to have integrity: citizens of any country clamor for it from their politicians; employees desire it from their managers and bosses; religious people expect it from their clergy and priests; and stockholders demand it from corporations.

We want to see integrity in our families: a truthful son, a faithful husband, a just father, an honest mother-in-law, a dependable daughter.

We expect integrity from our friends: their loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity.

What is integrity?

The word originated from late Middle English, which means "intact." In Latin, it is "integritas", which means wholeness, completeness, purity, and integratedness. The dictionary defines it as "the quality of being steadfast and honest" (New Oxford American Dictionary). It implies good character, decency, fairness, sincerity, and trustworthiness. It is a key character strength and virtue (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

Of the 555 personality-trait words (see Anderson's ratings, 1968), the two highest rated were sincere and honest, with loyal, truthful, trustworthy,  and  dependable all in the top 10. Conversely, liar and phony are the two least desirable traits, with dishonest, untruthful, dishonorable, and deceitful all in the bottom 10. 

Why is integrity important?

Personal strength. If you were to make a choice between an attractive but untrustworthy person and a plain but honest one, I am sure you will choose the plain but honest one. The honest person has personal power because this individual has set the bar high when it comes to personal values. The honest person will be sought after and will be in demand, while the dishonest one will ultimately lose family, friends, and social approval.

#1 quality in excellent leadership. A good leader says what he means and means what he says. He is consistent (i.e., fulfills promises and observes expectations he creates), coherent (i.e., acts on the basis of norms and values irrespective of the relationship in question, does not support double-standard of morality), and constant (i.e., acts the same way in similar situations, is not a chameleon; Kaptein, 2003).

Social necessity. Integrity is an important aspect of any civilized society. We go to our bank and expect that our saved money, up to the last centavo, is safe. We buy groceries and feel confident that the items we purchase are as good as the labels and expiry dates written on them, and in paying for them, we trust that we get the correct change, up to the last centavo. 

Your integrity (or lack of it) defines who you are. It specifies where you stand in in situations that call for tough decisions and responsible actions. 

Who you are will be shown in a day-to-day basis, when you have to make choices between competing values which could affect those people you love and care about.

Remember that between two values, always choose the higher value.

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This is just a peek at integrity. I am curious as to what factors lead some people to be liars, dishonest, cheaters, and deceitful. Is it their childhood environment? Is it their unmet needs? Is it the influence of others? Is it greed? Is it genetics (inheritable)?

Let me know if you have questions or if you want to suggest aspects of integrity to be discussed in my blog next week.

Thank you, dear readers, for visiting my website. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Sources:

Anderson, N. (1968). Likableness ratings of 555 personality-trait words. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 9, 272–279.

Kaptein, M. (2003). The diamond of managerial integrity. European Management Journal, 21(1), 99-108.

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M.E.P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press. 

The Happiness Advantage

The art of living does not consist in preserving and clinging 
to a particular mode of happiness, but in allowing happiness 
to change its form without being disappointed by the change; 
happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up.  
~Charles L. Morgan

Today I will write about the happiness advantage--that which fuels creativity, success, and health.

Creativity. Recall the time when you created something remarkable such as a a poem, a painting, lyrics of a song, a vase out from clay, a radio, an antenna, an innovative idea, or any work that has some kind of value. What was your mood at that time? Depressed? Sad? Happy? Angry? Relaxed?

A meta-analysis by Baas, De Dreu, and Bernard (2008) examined 25 years of research (1981-2006) on the relationship between mood and creativity. The extensive study revealed that creativity is enhanced more by positive moods (e.g., happiness) when compared to neutral moods (e.g., being relaxed);  negative moods (e.g., sadness) were not associated with creativity. The meta-analysis covered 66 reports with a total of 102 independent samples and over 7,000 participants.

Creativity involves one's ability to solve problems, generate new insights, and create new products and services. It is critical to both survival and prosperity.

Success. We have been told by parents, teachers, and friends that if we work hard, we will be successful. And once we are successful, then we will be happy.

So we think that if we can finish a degree, find a high-paying job, find the person of our dream, then happiness will follow.

Research however shows the opposite: It is happiness that fuels success, not the other way around. This was also the core message of Shawn Achor's book, The Happiness Advantage.

An extensive review of relevant literature by Lyubomirsky, King, and Diener (2005) found compelling evidence that happiness (defined as the frequent experience of positive emotions), leads to successful outcomes within all of the major life domains (i.e., work, love, health). Being successful is defined as accomplishing those things that are valued by one’s culture and flourishing in terms of the goals set forth by one’s society.

The review was documented from three classes of evidence: cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental.

When Lyubomirsky, et al. examined cross-sectional studies, they discovered strong positive relations of happiness with an array of desirable attributes, propensities, and behaviors (e.g., positive perceptions of self and other, sociability, prosocial behavior, likability, creativity, and coping, among others).

When the same researchers explored a number of longitudinal studies they found that (a) long-term happiness precedes the successful outcomes with which it correlates (e.g., thriving, fulfilling and productive work, satisfying relationships, and superior mental and physical health); and (b) both long- term happiness and short-term positive emotions precede the desirable resources and characteristics with which they are related (e.g., prosocial behavior, physical well-being, and adaptive coping).

Lastly, they scrutinized a sizable experimental literature which offered strong evidence that short-term positive emotions cause a range of behaviors paralleling success (e.g., engagement with others and the environment, better conflict management, more flexibility and original thinking).

In short, this extensive review of related literature provides strong evidence that happiness can lead to success.

Health. If you are an unhappy person, it might be to your advantage to adapt a happy disposition or maybe learn how to be happy. An extensive review of literature by Diener and Chan (2011) indicated that subjective well-being (life satisfaction, absence of negative emotions, optimism, and positive emotions) causes better health and longevity. These researchers reviewed 160 studies to determine if subjective well-being, such as happiness, predict health and longevity.

Diener and Chan found substantial and compelling evidence that subjective well-being (i.e., being happy) was related to health and longevity while negative emotions (i.e., depression, anger) play a major role in the development of cardiovascular disease and its progression.

They have other interesting findings: optimists had a quicker post-surgical recovery among bypass patients; pessimists had higher blood pressure levels; positive emotions were related to better immune function and greater tolerance for pain.

The evidences from the studies mentioned above highlights the benefits of positive emotions such as  happiness. However, it would be unreasonable to conclude that only happiness accounts for all forms of success and thriving. There are other variables, such as intelligence, family connections, lifestyle,  and physical fitness that contribute to one's creativity, success, and health and longevity.

I wish you "chronic happiness," my readers!

Enjoy your week. Be happy!

Don't forget to leave your comments below.



References:

Baas, M.,  De Dreu, C., & Nijstad, B. A. (2008). A meta-Analysis of 25 years of mood–creativity research: Hedonic tone, activation, or regulatory focus? Psychological Bulletin, 134(6), 779 – 806.

Diener, E. & Chan, M. Y.  (2011). Happy people live longer: Subjective well-being contributes to health and longevity. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. doi:10.1111/j.1758-0854.2010.01045.x

Lyubomirsky, S.,  King, L. & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803– 855.

Are You Happy? Part II

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. 

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute 

with love, grace and gratitude.

- Denis Waitley

I will continue to synthesize the characteristics of happy people based on Henry Cloud's book, The Law of Happiness. In Part I, I discussed about happy people being givers, not being lazy about happiness, not waiting for someday, have goals to pursue, are fully engaged and connected.

Below, I have summarized the rest of the characteristics of happy people:

Happy people don't compare themselves. You are unique, with your own gifts, talents, and horsepower. To compare yourself with anyone is like comparing apples and oranges. Happy people pay less attention to how others are doing and pay more attention to their life and how to make it better. They get inspiration from other people but take ownership of their life, their looks, their talents, their genes, their chemistry, hormone levels, and personality. 

Happy people think well. Two people can have the same experience but one calls it quits and the other reaches the goal. Why? Happy people do not take rejection and failure personally but believe in the future. One of the most documented realities in psychological research is that your thinking affects your moods, anxiety levels, performance, and well-being. Every single day, happy people are thinking thoughts that help them to be happy, and unhappy people do the opposite.

Happy people are grateful. One of the most powerful findings in psychology is that people who are grateful and practice gratitude regularly have significantly different levels of happiness than those who don't. Happy people are able to transition from being devastated to thriving as a result of practicing gratitude. When we are thankful and when we express it to others, we are happier. Research show that grateful people have less emotional and psychological ailments. Also, they show more relational capacities and are less envious and less materialistic. 

Happy people have boundaries. Research indicates that if you don't allow people to control you, abuse you, or mistreat you, you will be happier (read Lyubomirsky, 2008). Having boundaries means that you set limits on what you will and will not allow in your life. In psychology, it is called "locus of control"--when you are in control of your situation and of your life. In terms of boundaries, it means you don't allow other people's control, manipulation, irresponsibility, or even abuse to be in charge of your life.

Happy people forgive. It does not mean reconciling with and trusting people again who have wronged you. Forgiveness is defined as "canceling a debt," meaning people who have hurt you no longer owe you anything, because you have let go of the offense. Evidence from research affirms that when you forgive others, you are the biggest beneficiary--you will not be walking around with a lot of resentment, anger, and a head full of negative thoughts over an event in the past or towards a person who has hurt you. Happy people have an ability to forgive and move on after being hurt, breaking the cord between them and a past hurtful event. Forgiveness only takes one person--you.

Happy people have a calling. Researchers have identified three kinds of people: those who see their work as a "job," with its main purpose being to provide a living; those who see their work as a "career," with the purpose of advancement upward on a path; and those who see their work as a "calling," with the higher purpose of contributing to a larger good and for the intrinsic benefit and experience of the work itself (Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler, & Tipton, 1986). Our calling has to do with using our gifts and passions to helping others and bettering the world. Happy people go inside the treasure chest of their heart and find what they really love doing, which brings them fulfillment and enjoyment. 

Happy people have faith. Happiness researcher Sonia Lyubomirsky finds that religious people are happier, healthier, and recover better after traumas than non-religious people. Numerous other studies have shown the positive relationship of faith to physical health and longevity (Carr, 2004). Faith and seeing God as a partner in coping with life has been shown to help depression and lower suicide rates (Pargament, 2001). When we are grounded in our relationship with God, we can face whatever happens with optimism.

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Nest week, I will be writing more about happiness, in Are You Happy? Part III.

Meanwhile take care of yourself and learn how to be happier.

Leave your comments in the Comments section below.

Japan: Mending the Broken Pieces

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected 

from the storm and hidden from the sun. 

It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled 

to struggle for its existence against the winds 

and rains and the scorching sun.

~Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

I had planned to write about happiness this week. However, the events in Japan, with its untold human suffering, made me decide to write this piece. No one who has seen disaster like this remains untouched.

Today I will write about two important research findings: the mirror neurons in the brain and post-traumatic growth. The former enables us to respond to the Japanese people's experience of crisis while the latter enables the Japanese people to respond to their crisis.

Mirror neurons. In the last decade, scientists found mirror neurons in the brain-- "specialized brain cells that can actually sense and then mimic the feelings, actions, and physical sensations of another person" (Iacoboni, 2008). These neurons are responsible for our capacity to empathize with others when they experience misfortune or to feel joy with them in good times.

These mirror neurons enable us to "copy" the sufferings of the Japanese people, as if we are there, as if we are the Japanese. These brain cells make us empathize and care even for complete strangers who are experiencing crisis and tragedy.

We might go on our daily business as Japan continues to cope and grieve in the midst of the immense devastation. But a part of us is also trying to cope and grieve. A part of us wants to help. Thanks to these brain neurons, we are capable of "being with" them in their time of pain and grieving.

Post-traumatic growth.  Although we normally think of recovery as a positive outcome after a disaster, studies show that there is a positive outcome of another kind, called post-traumatic growth (PTG) . Other terms used for this positive outcome are personal transformation, thriving, resilience, positive life change, stress-related growth, and meaning reconstruction. 

Studies reveal that great suffering or trauma can actually lead to great positive change across a wide range of experience (e.i., Madrid bombings in 2004, the 9/11, illness from cancer). What kind of positive growth? Increases in spirituality, compassion for others, acceptance of life's paradoxes, and heightened existential awareness (see Gerrish, Dyke, & Marsh, 2009). The positive growth that comes from trauma is not only a "bouncing back" but also a "bouncing forward" (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007).

How can the Japanese people cope with what is happening now and after? They can bounce back if they can return to the pre-crisis conditions. Or they can bounce forward and reconstruct their lives. However, there might not be a return to normalcy in events of this magnitude--the earthquake, then the tsunami, and now, the possible radiation problem. Hence, the Japanese can choose to bounce forward (see Walsh, 2004).

Below are some of the ways the Japanese people can bounce forward:

Developing new modes of thinking: 

1. Accepting that suffering is part of the universe and that their world (and also ours) has irrevocably changed.

2. Creating new meanings out from their losses and being grateful for what are left untouched (being alive, the capacity to care and love).

3. Being open to the notion that the worst of times also brings out the best in most people (i.e., positive psychological growth). 

4. Being aware that recovery from traumatic events is not found in quick and easy solutions but in perseverance and in struggling well.

5. Being hopeful in finding new strengths, untapped potentials, and creative efforts in the re-building process. Hope, which is future-oriented, is the strongest predictor of mental health (see Raphael and Ma, 2011).

Developing new modes of acting:

1. Re-connecting with families, relatives, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Positive growth from trauma is nurtured by supportive relationships.

2. Volunteering, in whatever capacity, to ease the pain and suffering of the general population. The benefit one derives for one's self is as great as that which one gives to others, according to Dr. Sam Goldstein.

3. Asking help from other people when everything seems insurmountable. This is the time to let go of individualistic attitude in favor of collective efforts.

4. Focusing on the problems head-on, from the most urgent to the most important (i.g., identifying who need more resources and protection).

5. Turning to one's faith as a source of solace and comfort. Religious activities can moderate depression and stress, based on numerous studies. 

In a globally connected world, the suffering of the Japanese is shown in an instant. We grieve with them, in an instant. Their pain is our pain, their loss is ours.

Yet, let us not forget the innate resilience of humankind. We have survived through indescribable suffering in the past from various disasters, both man-made and natural.

The Japanese survived through World War II and earthquakes in the past. Although this recent event may be more catastrophic, they will rebuild, recover, and build a stronger nation. And although this could take time, they will get there eventually.

Japan can mend the broken pieces and become whole again.

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Note to my readers: Leave your message in the Comments box below.

Be blessed.

References:

Gerrish, N., Dyke, M. J.,  & Marsh, A. (2009). Post-traumatic growth and bereavement. Mortality, 14(3), 227-244.

Pat-Horenczyk, R., & Brom, D. (2007). The multiple faces of post-traumatic growth. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 56(3), 379-385.

Raphael, B., & Ma. H. (2011). Mass catastrophe and disaster psychiatry. Molecular Psychiatry,  16, 247-251.

Walsh, F. (2002). Bouncing forward: Resilience in the aftermath of September 11. Family Processes, 41, 34-36.

Are You Happy? Part I

Happiness is not in our circumstance but in ourselves.
It is not something we see, like a rainbow, 
or feel, like the heat of a fire.
Happiness is something we are.

John B. Sheerin

If I ask you what makes you happy, what would be your answer? 

Is it your spouse, your children, your work, your friends? Is it having money, a nice house, a new car, a Mac computer? Is it reading books, cooking a meal, planting a garden, listening to music?

Since we are unique human beings, what makes you happy might not make others happy. 

However, what makes you happy says a lot about you as a person.

If you are happy with small things (the smell of roses, the taste of brewed coffee, the sight of an herd of deer) or with simple activities (reading a good book, gardening, listening to music), then it is easy for you to be happy in life. Perhaps you are a person who feels grateful about what you already have. You count your blessings and that is a sure way to make you happy.

If you are happy with big things (having lots of money, a huge house and a new car every 3 years), chances are you have been working extremely hard  to have acquired all these. The world's top 3 billionaires (as of 2010) like Carlos Slim Helu, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett came from humble beginnings. However, they were innovators and were willing to put a lot of time, energy, and focus in their endeavors. If you are rich or on the way of becoming one, then you are a highly driven person, success-oriented, and a risk taker.

If you are happy with helping others (donating to charity, delivering meals to seniors, helping street kids) then you are a miracle worker whose goal is to make others' lives a bit easier and better. Mother Teresa exemplifies a person whose happiness is found in helping others--the poorest of the poor. If your happiness is found in helping others, then you are socially-conscious, loving, and committed to find resources for those in need. 

What do studies tell us about happy people? Dr. Henry Cloud (2011), a psychologist, enumerated the following characteristics of people who are happy, based on large studies. Below is the summary:

Happy people are givers.  Research show that people who are givers, those who serve others and are altruistic are much happier than those who are not. Neuroscientists Jorge Hall and Jordan Grafman from the National Institutes of Health discovered that the pleasure centres of the brain (the ones that respond to food and sex) also light up when people think of giving to others. However, take note that giving past your resources (i.e., emotional, financial) may lead to unhappiness.

Happy people are not lazy about happiness. There is a difference between saying, "Good morning, Lord," and "Good Lord, morning". The first greeting is a trademark of people who invest their time and resources in building a fulfilling and meaningful life. The second greeting speaks of a lazy attitude, a lack of movement, an entropy. If you are happy, you will find the time and the resources to do what you love to do and be upbeat about it.

Happy people don't wait for someday. Happy people are happy "now", not when they get their first million, or write their first book, or find that dream person. Research show that people who are experiencing the joys and pleasures of the present are less likely to be stressed and depressed. People who are skilled at capturing the joy of the present moment, hanging on to good feelings, and appreciating things in the "now" are not dependent on a "someday when things get better" frame of mind. They make things better now.

Happy people pursue goals. Many people are out of touch of their true desires. They make goals out of other people's expectations. As a result, their whole heart, mind, and soul are not in what they do. What kind of goals do happy people pursue? Not just any goal. They choose goals that are intrinsic, the ones that come from who they truly are. They grasp goals that jump out of their heart that have been there for a long time. They make goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (commonly known as SMART).

Happy people are fully engaged. Time seems to disappear when happy people are working on projects or activities they like. They experience what is called the "flow", when their emotions and mind are aligned at the task at hand. This experience is said to create spontaneous joy, even rapture.

Happy people connect. Happy people are deeply connected with family members, friends, and co-workers. They have a social support system whereby they are accepted for who they are, regardless of their mistakes and limitations. This way, happy people are not alone, not lonely, and definitely not isolated. 

Remember: Don't waste a minute being unhappy. If one window closes - run to the next window - or break down a door.

Next week, I will continue writing the rest of the characteristics of happy people, in summary form.

Meanwhile, leave your comments or questions in the Comments space below.

Have a happy week!

What I Love Most About Calgary

Today, I will digress a bit from writing about psychology and philosophy and will tell you about what I love most about Calgary, my home since December 2001. In 2009, the Toronto Board of Trade named Calgary as the best city on the planet. It has been judged in 2007 by the Mercer Human Resources as the cleanest city in the world, among 300 cities studied for their quality of living. For a map showing Calgary in the over-all Canadian landscape, click here.

I am fortunate to be in a place where the public libraries (17 branches in Calgary's 4 quadrants) are some of the best in the world. The holdings of each library boasts thousands of paper books, e-books, CDs, and DVDs. 

You can borrow up to 99 books or CDs, 30 DVDs, magazines, and 10 New & Notables at any a single time. 

You can find online the Best Sellers, Recommended Readings (books that have earned awards), the hottest title, the hottest author, and the hottest subject.

Obtaining borrowing privileges is easy. All you need is to show proof that you are a resident of Calgary, usually by showing a mailed envelope with your name and address on it and one other identification card. You are then given a library card which costs $12.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors, $6.00 for teens, and free for children. Your library card, which has a barcode for convenient borrowing, is good for one year.

You can borrow books and other items using any of the self checkout machines or by going to a human librarian who will give you a smile and a warm hello.  Loan periods are 3 weeks for most books, CDs, magazines, and e-books. You can renew books three times after your initial borrowing, with each renewal good for one week. You can return books at any of the 17 branches.

You can request for items online to be be put on hold for you and you can pick them up at the library branch of your choice. The procedure is like magic: you search for books, put them on hold, assign a library branch of your choice where you want to pick them up, and usually within a week, you will receive notification by email that your books are ready for pick-up. 

And as if that is not enough, these 17 library branches have free programs and classes tailored to all ages, from teens to seniors. The programs include authors' readings, business and development, computer literacy, reading and writing, and something for everyone.

There are also used books for sale in every branch. Some of these books are only a year old and they are sold for 50 cents or a dollar each.

Deane and I are voracious readers. It is no wonder we regularly visit the Nose Hill library on weekends, the nearest branch to our house. I usually have 20 books to read at any given time. Most of the music in my iTunes Library are imported from CDs I have borrowed from this branch. 

I like being tantalized by books that expand my mind, uplift my mood, widen my understanding, and introduce me to new things I have never known before. For instance, I learned how to make swarovski bracelets three years ago by reading books on jewelry-making and I subsequently sold some jewelry at a nearby jewelry store. I learned how to be a gardener on this side of the world where the growing season is between 80-120 days, by reading books on gardening. When I feel down on the dumps, especially during winter when there is lack of outdoor activities and sunshine for me, I read books that remind me of the things I should be grateful for and why life is always meaningful, regardless of what I feel. And yes, there's the Garfield comics and Archie comics that never fail to entertain me before I sleep at night.

The Nose Hill Library has been my constant source of inspiration and information since my arrival in Calgary. There are still so many areas to explore in this city but for now, I would rather smell the books and explore the library shelves at this library.

My next write-up is about happiness. Watch for it next week. Until then, enjoy your week. Take care.