Fascinating! What happened in 2020 was… I shrunk my life. I expanded my personal space, moving from an urban high-rise apartment to a country house (initially for two weeks “to flatten the curve,” and ended up falling in love with #countrylife), but the person-per-square-kilometer drastically went down. My daughters and I live in a small hamlet where people leave bread, eggs, sauce, and gardening tools on other people’s porch to welcome them; we go into each other’s houses; we have community gatherings… there is neighborly trust. And this has made all the difference! I’m surprised they don’t include the divorce rate in the happiness rating. On the other hand, I’m happier divorced than I was married. In any case, I used to be more of an activist, and got a lot happier when I shrunk my focus to my own home and hearth. I had to do this to save my nervous system. We’re pretty happy in our bubble.
Three times, I tried writing an answer to this, and deleted! I tend to be a yes, but personality these days. Catastrophizing about when the other shoe will drop, etc. However, like Michelle, I choose to be happy in my bubble--a safe, small town, a monthly check that meets our needs (so far!), good health in spite of my age and laziness, life skills that will get us through whatever craziness there is, faith in a Power that guides us toward the good, and friends-though many have left the area to be with their families. So far, no fires, floods, earthquakes... I no longer have the energy to be an activist, and the current energies are exhausting. Yes, I can whine about this and that, but comparing my life to those who are suffering so, seems to be a sacrilege. So I'll stop there and be generous where I can. As far as being happy with the the world?! OMG. I withdraw into my little space here. I cheer when I read about the protests and pushbacks. I weep and worry about those whose lives are being ignored and threatened. I can only do so much and it has to be right here in my community. And my vote. And trust that others are taking care of those who are in their own constellations. I know, as an old lady, that the pendulum will swing back eventually. We have to take care of ourselves and each other in the meantime. It's swinging pretty dang far right now!
Yes, you're right Nancy--tough to be an activist at this age. But you're still thinking and writing so you haven't buried your head. I just keep reading, learning, and writing which is the best I can do. Thanks as always for reading and commenting. I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Good to hear Matt, especially regarding the issues of trust--we have slipped a lot in this country in our trust for one another. The top scores in Happiness--the Nordic countries have to rely on one another which in turn builds trust and makes them happier. I wonder how Maine would rate up against other states in trust? I'm thinking it might be higher because of that spirit of working together. Be an interesting study.
Once again the Nordic countries rate the highest on happiness -- even though they pay steep taxes. Could there be a connection? As for me, on Q1: I'm personally quite happy with my life these days, but deeply unhappy with what's happening to the collective. As for Q2, that's becoming trickier. I used to be much more trusting. Now I'm more of the "trust but verify" attitude.
I agree Jan, it's getting harder and harder to be more trusting. That scares me in and of itself. You're right, the Nordic countries always score high on Happiness--partly because they've learned to count on one another to survive. (Building trust in one another)
Fascinating! What happened in 2020 was… I shrunk my life. I expanded my personal space, moving from an urban high-rise apartment to a country house (initially for two weeks “to flatten the curve,” and ended up falling in love with #countrylife), but the person-per-square-kilometer drastically went down. My daughters and I live in a small hamlet where people leave bread, eggs, sauce, and gardening tools on other people’s porch to welcome them; we go into each other’s houses; we have community gatherings… there is neighborly trust. And this has made all the difference! I’m surprised they don’t include the divorce rate in the happiness rating. On the other hand, I’m happier divorced than I was married. In any case, I used to be more of an activist, and got a lot happier when I shrunk my focus to my own home and hearth. I had to do this to save my nervous system. We’re pretty happy in our bubble.
This is so affirming Michelle, thank you for this uplifting comment.
Three times, I tried writing an answer to this, and deleted! I tend to be a yes, but personality these days. Catastrophizing about when the other shoe will drop, etc. However, like Michelle, I choose to be happy in my bubble--a safe, small town, a monthly check that meets our needs (so far!), good health in spite of my age and laziness, life skills that will get us through whatever craziness there is, faith in a Power that guides us toward the good, and friends-though many have left the area to be with their families. So far, no fires, floods, earthquakes... I no longer have the energy to be an activist, and the current energies are exhausting. Yes, I can whine about this and that, but comparing my life to those who are suffering so, seems to be a sacrilege. So I'll stop there and be generous where I can. As far as being happy with the the world?! OMG. I withdraw into my little space here. I cheer when I read about the protests and pushbacks. I weep and worry about those whose lives are being ignored and threatened. I can only do so much and it has to be right here in my community. And my vote. And trust that others are taking care of those who are in their own constellations. I know, as an old lady, that the pendulum will swing back eventually. We have to take care of ourselves and each other in the meantime. It's swinging pretty dang far right now!
Yes, you're right Nancy--tough to be an activist at this age. But you're still thinking and writing so you haven't buried your head. I just keep reading, learning, and writing which is the best I can do. Thanks as always for reading and commenting. I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Great post! I'm #8 Q1 and #7 Q2. A lot of dialog around these questions this morning with my wife Nicole.
Good to hear Matt, especially regarding the issues of trust--we have slipped a lot in this country in our trust for one another. The top scores in Happiness--the Nordic countries have to rely on one another which in turn builds trust and makes them happier. I wonder how Maine would rate up against other states in trust? I'm thinking it might be higher because of that spirit of working together. Be an interesting study.
Once again the Nordic countries rate the highest on happiness -- even though they pay steep taxes. Could there be a connection? As for me, on Q1: I'm personally quite happy with my life these days, but deeply unhappy with what's happening to the collective. As for Q2, that's becoming trickier. I used to be much more trusting. Now I'm more of the "trust but verify" attitude.
I agree Jan, it's getting harder and harder to be more trusting. That scares me in and of itself. You're right, the Nordic countries always score high on Happiness--partly because they've learned to count on one another to survive. (Building trust in one another)
Interesting...
For me: Q1 I'd say 7. (Things are going well on a personal level, I'm knocking off 3 points bc I am very nervous and concerned about our country)
Q2: I'd say 5
Right--were you surprised by the 5 in #2? I was on the low side also and I have always been cautiously trustful (oxymoron?) Hmmmm...