Finland has been declared the world’s happiest country for the sixth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report. But what can we learn from the Finns that we can apply to our own lives? Dr. Frank Martela, a psychology researcher and lecturer at Aalto University, has identified three things that Finns never do to maintain a high quality of life.
Firstly, Finns don’t compare themselves to their neighbours. The Bible teaches us that we should not covet our neighbour’s possessions, but instead be content with what we have. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul writes that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, whether he has plenty or is in need. We should focus on what makes us happy and not worry about keeping up with others.
Secondly, Finns don’t ignore nature’s benefits. The Bible tells us that God created the earth and all its natural beauty. In Psalm 104:24, it says, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Spending time in nature can help us feel closer to God and give us a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Lastly, Finns don’t break the circle of trust within their communities. In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbours as ourselves. In Mark 12:31, he says, “Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Building trust within our communities through acts of kindness and honesty is an important part of living a fulfilling life.
So what can we do to apply these lessons to our own lives? We can start by being content with what we have and not comparing ourselves to others. We can also spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. And we can build trust within our communities by showing love and kindness to our neighbours.
Let us remember the words of Proverbs 16:20, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” By following these simple principles, we can live happier, more fulfilling lives and trust in the Lord to guide us on our journey.
If you’re struggling to find happiness in your life, seeking individual counseling can be a powerful tool to help you overcome your challenges. A counselor can provide you with support, guidance, and strategies to help you identify the underlying causes of your unhappiness and develop the skills to overcome them. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – counseling can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and happiness.
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