Unlocking 8 Billion Stories: What if Your "Normal" Isn't Everyone's?

 In a world teeming with over 8 billion unique individuals, have you ever stopped to consider the sheer magnitude of stories waiting to be told? Each person, from their first breath to their latest challenge, holds a narrative unlike any other. Think about it How they were raised, Their moments of pure joy, The triumphs over adversity we prefer "challenges"!

Every single life path diverges, creating an intricate tapestry of human experience. If we were to capture these 8 billion stories, we'd discover an endless source of inspiration, lessons, and perhaps even guidance for those navigating their own struggles.

Why Your Story Matters Even if You're Not Gandhi

"Are you Gandhi?" I sometimes hear when people learn I write about my life. I just smile and tell them to mind their own business! For me, writing isn't about fame; it's my stress-buster, my passion, my joy.

There's a curious phenomenon at play in our minds. From childhood, our brains are "programmed" by our surroundings. This programming shapes our perception of "normal." And while ingrained, it's not immutable.

Let's illustrate with a simple example: beaches.

 A person raised in Goa might not bat an eyelid at someone in a bikini. It's commonplace. See a nude person? That's rare, even there.

Travel to Punta del Este, Uruguay's Portezuelo Bay, and nude bathing is perfectly natural.

Now imagine a woman in a bikini on Chavakkad Beach in India. It could draw a huge crowd, even public opposition.

Why the difference? It's all about what we've been exposed to, what our brains consider "normal" from a young age. So, is nude bathing a crime in Chavakkad? For someone raised there, seeing such activity for the first time, it might feel that way. Yet for a Portezuelo local, it's just another day at the beach. And if our Chavakkad friend reacts dramatically in Portezuelo? Well, they might just get a mouthful of sand!

The "Normal" You Don't See: From Food to Freedom

The concept of "normal" extends far beyond beach attire. Consider dietary habits:

In South Korea or China, eating dog or cat meat is a cultural norm.

For most people in the Indian subcontinent, the idea is a resounding "no."

Again, it's what's been ingrained since childhood. What's perfectly acceptable in one part of the world can be completely unthinkable in another.

This isn't to generalize extreme situations like cruelty. Some acts are universally wrong. But for countless everyday actions, what you haven't experienced might be completely normal for someone else, somewhere else.

Mind Your Own Business: The Art of Living Your Best Life

It baffles me why some people are so intensely invested in others' lives. Especially in my own surroundings. Why not focus on your own journey? On building a life that's Stable, Happy, Interesting

Instead, some seem to delight in peeking into others' affairs, asking intrusive questions, or even creating discord. If someone genuinely needs help, offer it. But if they're capable, let them navigate their own path.

Cultivate a positive atmosphere, starting with your own family. It's not easy; our brains are often wired to say "no" first. But every uncertainty isn't a roadblock; it's a challenge, a puzzle to solve. And when you solve one? Celebrate that victory!

Redefining Success: Beyond the Bank Account

Success isn't solely defined by a hefty bank balance. While money is a necessity for survival, true happiness rarely comes from it alone. What I've learned is that happiness is about how you utilize your own resources and benefits to increase your joy and radiate positive vibes.

Let me share a story. When I was learning to drive an auto-rickshaw, my instructor, Mr. George, and I would often share a smoke and a cup of tea. Knowing his modest salary, I once asked him about his future plans – a new job, moving abroad?

His reply was profound. Mr. George and his wife had a young daughter. Every Sunday after church, they'd go to a nearby park, pack a meal, and watch their daughter play. "Where will I get this happiness if I leave?" he asked. "Will my wife, my daughter, and I truly be happier if I'm away making more money?"

This, to me, is true happiness. It's not about stagnating; a growth mindset is crucial. But a person who is both growing and genuinely happy with their current situation? That's a successful person in my book.

The Jams Café Philosophy: Stories and Happiness on Tap

I love connecting with people. It's the main reason I started Jams Café Grills and Restaurant. There, I'd sit and listen to countless stories from my customers – a diverse tapestry of human personalities. I treated every single one the same.

And it's rare that someone I meet twice doesn't open their heart to me. Happiness is an inside job; it's generated from within. Sad times will come, but like a bouncing ball, you must bounce back to happiness.

I remember when I sent my family back home from Abu Dhabi to focus on Jams Café. We had to close it for reasons I'll share another time. I then took a job, but my ultimate goal was to travel home and be with my family, no matter the ticket price. My wife, my kids, my parents – their presence is my happiness.

My ultimate aim is my own happiness, regardless of external circumstances. Remember the movie Autograph, and Sneha's character, a happy lady battling cancer, singing "Ovvaru Pokalume"? That's it.

Yes, I work to make money. But I refuse to sacrifice my happiness until I have millions in my bank account. Some people might say, "Oh, you're coming home every couple of months, you must be a millionaire!" To be honest, I am a millionaire in my mind. And God willing, I will be one day. But I refuse to let money dictate my joy.

At the end of the day, no millionaire has carried their money to the grave. We see pharaohs' treasures in museums, but they didn't take them with them. I might be the only one among my friends who doesn't own a car in India. I used to rent, now I borrow from family, or I'm perfectly happy with public transport.

The Gray Areas: Your Choices, Your Life

Every human has a good side and a bad side. What's "good" for one might be "bad" for another, and vice versa. My only advice is this: Do good or bad, but never, ever hurt others. The rest? That's entirely your choice.

What's your "normal" that might surprise someone else? Share your thoughts in the comments below!