Happiness
Do you want to move to Finland where, in spite of its long, dark, winters, it’s once again been ranked the happiest country in the world, easily beating out the UK in 20th place and the US in 23rd?
Last week, my mother and our grandson celebrated their birthday on the same day (eighty-five years apart). Inevitably, we celebrated by singing “Happy Birthday”. One of the many pleasures of living with a talented singer is that “Happy Birthday” no longer takes on the strains of a monotonous dirge. Chris adds harmonies, twirly bits, and high notes that make us all smile and feel happy.
I don’t know about you, but I’m often so absorbed in pursuing happiness that I don’t often pause to reflect if I am actually happy. Not so last weekend, when both my brother and son were visiting. I walked eighteen holes as my son displayed his considerable golfing talents. The air was crisp, the sky clear blue, trees wafted in the breeze. We laughed as we walked, remarking on the light aircraft coming in to land at the small airport nearby, enjoying the satisfying woosh as Alex hit a long drive, or the little plink as he chipped a shot onto the green and, naturally, the satisfying clunk as his ball rolled into the cup. It wasn’t his best round but, no matter, it was fun and we were happy together.
Another time, we took a boat trip to an adjacent island. The boat swayed gently in the gathering waves, my hair streamed behind me in the wind, and dolphins arced in the ocean. I was in my element, outdoors with people I love, surrounded by nature, looking out to tempting horizons. I smiled and half laughed with the joy of it. I was in the moment, and happy.
A large wave rocked the boat and drenched my companions to starboard. They shrieked and hurriedly evacuated, dropping baby bottles, wipes, and toys in their wake. As the boat rolled and tossed so did the baby accoutrements, the pacifier slipping into the sucking sea. It began to rain, my British brother, having discarded his habitual raincoat, began to shiver. The captain, abruptly ending his narration, made full speed for the marina. It was enough to thrill but not dampen our spirits as, with slightly shaky sea legs, we walked through the town and headed home.
We cheerfully encountered the literal storm, yet I couldn’t help wondering if we were faring as well with the metaphorical storms of our lives, especially in the current political situation. The people of Finland find their happiness through the security of a good education, assured healthcare, an expectation of the kindness of others, and a steady trust in governmental institutions. I think it’s sad to say we can’t do the same.
HAPPINESS.
End Notes
Reading
Picture Perfect
Jodi Picoult
Listening
Northern Sky
Nick Drake
Happy
Pharrell Williams
Viewing
Toxic Town
Poetry
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