Difference in Happy

In my pursuit of learning what makes up a quality lifetime, I found myself comparing countries' happiness. After all, if anyone would know about happiness, it should be that particular country, right?

Last year's World Happiness Report, Finland, took the top spot with the U.S. taking 18th. Dominating the top spots of this report were the Scandinavian nations, and in looking back at previous reports, they have consistently held the top spots. The question is: what's different?

First, we must look at, and understand, how American see happiness. What we're (if you're American like me) are taught as a whole. From an early age it's instilled in us that we are the land of the free and the brave. The land where dreams come true. Words like manifest destiny, pursuit of happiness, and "making it big" are all common phrases. In summary, we're taught that our happiness comes from wealth-or from money, and material things. The problem with this concept, is that we, as people, change. What makes us happy one day, may no longer make us happy in the future. 

In regards to wealth, we all know the saying that "money cannot buy happiness". It's true, to a certain extent. Money cannot buy happiness...it can help though. Being able to afford/fill basic needs is actually an essential part of achieving happiness. Is it any wonder then, that in America, where the rich are getting richer and more people join the ranks of the poor that the U.S. fell four spots going from 14th in the World Happiness Report in 2017 to 18th in 2018? Being unable to fulfill one's basic needs can greatly impact one's happiness. 

Finland, in contrast, along with the other Scandinavian countries, they are consistently in the top ten. Unlike in American culture, they are not focused on the material. Instead, they are focused on "hygge" (pronounced HOO-guh). While there is no exact translation to English, it essentially means comfort, coziness. Even better it's the embodiment of wrapping yourself in a blanket or two, grabbing a cup of hot chocolate (with or without marshmallows, your choice) and hunkering down in front of a warm fireplace, and depending on the day, your friends can be around you too (and your drink may  be more adult-like wine). 

My friend Shannon, introduced me to hygge when she learned of my pursuit of what makes up a quality life. And while I have still not bought the book that she recommended: The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, I will be. In preparation for writing this blog, I even did some hygge. Lighting a candle (and turning on some fake tea-light sized ones), snuggled up with my pooch on my bed, grabbed a book, a hot drink, and just hunkered down and enjoyed the contentment. Is it a permanent feeling? Not at the moment. But it feels like a step in the right direction. 

Till the next time!