Creating A Happy World That Serves All People

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Have you ever wondered what makes a happy home, town, city, or country? I have discovered some common elements that the happiest places on earth share.

There are countries that are rated the happiest year after year in the World Happiness Report. Finland has been the #1 happy place for eight years! The others in the top five include Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. What are these countries getting right?

These countries have a work-life balance with easy access to nature, parks, forests, lakes, or other bodies of water. This allows people to relax and unwind often and as a part of their daily lives.

In Iceland, children are encouraged to play outside unsupervised, coming home only for dinner or curfew at the end of the day. Since children do not need as much supervision, they are able to observe many unique and varied species of animals in the wild.

Iceland has diverse wildlife including Icelandic Sheep and horses, reindeer, many species of whales, foxes, puffins, eagles, and seals.

The happy countries also offer top-notch affordable healthcare for all residents. Newcomers can receive a health care card after 3- 6 months. This allows everyone to have top medical attention.

They offer a safe, affordable place to raise a family. These countries have low crime rates which also allows children to safely explore on their own.

Another attribute of the happiest places is trust in their leadership and government. The education systems are excellent and affordable, if not free, including higher education. Public transportation is widely available, allowing many families to not require a car.

The happiest countries have freedom of expression. LGBTQ+ communities are welcome and safe from bigotry. The happy places embrace diversity, inclusion, and multi-culturalism.

The happy places have pay and gender equality, and strong social protections. These countries boast sustainable energy policies and wildlife protections. Iceland has 100% sustainable energy with clean air and water for everyone.

What I know is these are the attributes I would like to live around. I want to live in a place where all these values are the norm. I want to put people and the environment over profit. I want everyone to feel safe and secure in their schools and workplaces, wherever they may happen to live. I try to honor these values in my own life, in my own home.

 I believe this can bring about a new earth, where we will have more happy places, freely living our full potential. Let’s have a shared purpose for a better life, a better country, a better world.