A short article titled “If you’re happy and you know it, you’re probably in Finland” caught my eye in this morning’s newspaper. According to the World Happiness Report 2025, America didn’t make it in the top 10 happiest nations, but Mexico and Costa Rica did for the first time. We didn’t even make it into the top 20, but Canada, Ireland, and the Czech Republic did.
Now, I’ll just bet you a Tickle Me Elmo doll that some of you will say, “Well, that report is some liberal mumbo jumbo,” or a few will declare, “Well, all those unhappy folks need to move to Finland!”
We are the wealthiest country in the world, yet our happiness needs to go into rehab. If my grandmother were here today, she would say, “It goes to show you money isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!”
What good is gold if our hearts are made of cold steel?
Our distrust, division, and desire for revenge are diminishing our happiness. Our need to be “right” leads us away from God’s righteousness and from caring for those who are less fortunate or different from our idealized vision of American life. Racism and antisemitism are raising their ugly heads in our backyards.
And we wonder why we aren’t happy.
The happiest people are those who give the most of what they have. They share their time and resources without expecting anything in return.
Is it truly uplifting to foster distrust, mock others, bully, engage in name-calling, and pass judgment on people we don’t know? How does that spread joy?
We must unite to set aside what is tearing us apart and focus on caring for one another. Our biases should be discarded, as history has repeatedly shown they lead to destruction based on hatred.
Jesus never demanded we worship him; instead, he called us to follow him. He taught us to love as he loved and to live by his instructions, for it is in doing so that we find true contentment. We are encouraged to give to the poor, love the outcast, heal the sick, and free the oppressed. He gave us one commandment that can rejuvenate our happiness if we put it into practice: “Love thy neighbor.” This commandment has no exceptions.
Years ago, I won a cute little bear at the fair. I was an adult, but sometimes, things like stuffed bears and winning a prize bring me delight. I walked around the fairgrounds, hugging the pretty pink bear, when I noticed a child tugging on her mother’s hand. The girl pointed toward me, captivated by the bear. She couldn’t take her eyes off it. As she passed by, I glanced back and saw her looking at me with longing eyes, wishing for that little bear.
I turned and ran toward her, handing her my toy. Her smile was the best prize I could ever win. That is happiness.
The happiest people are those who give the most of what they have. They share their time and resources without expecting anything in return. They care for the lonely and comfort the sick, and their conversations focus on uplifting people, not tearing them down.
I may not be an expert on how to make our nation happier, but it starts within each of us. Each person should evaluate their own life and explore ways to elevate their spirit so that we can foster a kinder society. We need to reflect on our habits and consider making some changes.
Is it more beneficial to be blinded by grievances or open our eyes to the beauty surrounding us? Is it better to hoard our gold or use it to help those who are struggling? Is it more valuable to cling to our own happiness or spread joy to others?
