We all want our children to grow up happy, healthy, intelligent, confident, and well-adjusted. While parenting profoundly influences these outcomes, the society children grow up in also plays a significant role. So where in the world are children the most satisfied with their lives, and what can we learn from these places?
We all want our children to grow up happy, healthy, intelligent, confident, and well-adjusted. While parenting profoundly influences these outcomes, the society children grow up in also plays a significant role. So where in the world are children the most satisfied with their lives, and what can we learn from these places?
According to the 2023 World Happiness Report released on
Monday, Finland once again leads the ranking of the world's happiest countries consecutively,
for the sixth year. Even though its score (7.80) is considerably higher than the
rest of the countries, a significant portion of the top ten roundup are also
Nordic, with Denmark in second place (7.59), Iceland in third (7.53), Sweden in
sixth (7.40) and Norway in seventh (7.32).

What is happiness? When can one say that they are happy? Some people believe that having enough money to fulfill all your needs is happiness whereas, for some happiness is when you are in a lovable relationship with someone.
However, in reality, happiness is way more than being financially stable and feel loved. It also depends on social freedom, government and business perceptions, self-love and care, etc. Who in the world is currently happy? The infographic below shows happiness scores from 149 different countries around the world that are marked the most and the least happy.
According to the chart, in North America, the happiest country is Canada. Despite its decline in the global ranking, the country remains the region’s happiest place. In 2019, it secured 9th position in the global ranking which dropped to 11th in 2020 and dropped even further to 14th in 2021. Haiti is unfortunately the least happy state in the region.

According to the infographic, Scandinavia remains the happiest place in the world with its three countries including Finland, Iceland, and Denmark resting at the top 3 positions by an index value. When the entire world was locked down and extremely worried after the Covid-19 breakout, the index value for these happiest countries remained the same.
According to Instagram, 1 million memes are shared on a
daily by users on its platform. In a blog post, the company said that memes are
what brought people closer together this year, thanks to creators who were
able to bring smiles to our faces in the stressful time of the pandemic.
Instagram further shared its 5 top-most trending memes that
have been shared on its platform in this past year. These included the meme made
by Dolly Parton which was a combination of 4 of her photographs in different
attires and poses, from her 74th birthday. Instagram mentioned the
meme as its top favorite one.
A small act of kindness goes a long way. This is a phrase
most of us may have heard from time to time. The fact of the matter is, this is
completely true. A simple smile to your friends, colleagues and coworkers can
make their day. You don’t know how bad someone’s day has been but you know you
can make it much better with a simple act of kindness.
This is especially true in a work environment due to all the
stress everyone is under. Workplace stress is a problem for many people. In fact,
79 percent of people have reported that they suffer from stress at their
workplace. Moreover, the stress doesn’t necessarily mean that it is because of
the workload but it can be more complicated than that. There are thousands of
things going on in everyone’s life and they can affect their work and
productivity.
Fortunately, there are actions can do and habits you can develop that can make positive emotions more plentiful and consistent in your life. Some require dedication such as quality sleep and exercise, while others are quick and easy boosters such as gazing at flowers, taking a deep breath, basking in sunshine, or sipping coffee, petting a dog or cat, giving a hug, watching a cat video, smelling lavender, or eating some chocolate. These mood-enhancing tips are backed by scientific research, surveys, and studies from around the world.
The idea of a shorter workweek is alluring to many people. After all, having enough time for the things we love can be difficult. Is it fair then to start working less in our search for happiness? Advocates would agree on a shorter workweek, but these policies have yet to be widely adopted.
Today's chart plots data from the 2019 World Happiness Report and the OECD to determine whether there's any correlation between the happiness of a country and the average hours per person worked.The unhealthy side effects of long working hours are well founded. However, in extreme cases symptoms may extend beyond the usual stress and tiredness.
For example, when working for more than 10 hours a day for a decade or more, the American Heart Association found that people under the age of 50 had a greater risk of stroke. Another study conducted across 14 countries concluded that people who worked long hours were more likely to become excessive drinkers by 12 per cent.
Forgiveness is a staple of the Christian faith. We know that Christ died so we can receive forgiveness, and we know we’re called to forgive others. But sometimes we might not fully grasp the necessity and power of true forgiveness due to a lack of knowledge, or feelings of bitterness we haven’t dealt with.
I would hold such grudges, before knowing God. Especially if I felt myself or others had been unfairly treated. But when I got saved, everything changed, including my ability to let offenses go, and forgive more easily. When we realize the magnitude of a perfect God knowing every one of our ugly, selfish, even horrible acts and thoughts, and still choosing to love and forgive us, it’s so much easier to show mercy and forgiveness towards others. Because when you know God, your perspective, and the very way you view life changes.
Every problem, issue, annoyance and offense seems to hold little weight in the light of eternity. It’s hard carrying a grudge when you’re communicating daily with the God who gave his son for you. “Thanks for the eternal life and freedom, Lord, but I just can’t forgive my sister for refusing to watch my kids.” It just doesn’t work. So if April, my old college roommate reads this, I forgive you for ruining half my wardrobe without asking…and I’m sorry for hiding your car keys that time. Okay both times.







