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This is the day to think about what makes one happy. As you read this, the planet is celebrating International Day of Happiness.
Editorial: counting the blessings of dwelling in Estonia
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As revealed by fresh Eurostat data, in Europe Estonia comes among the bottom third regarding said feeling. On a scale of 10, nations in EU averaged 7.1. We Estonians were at 6.5. Ahead, though, of the people in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Portugal and Croatia. But, despite the data, we have done very well considering the complex past.
Some reasons to feel down are understandable – nor by health neither by income are we where we would wish to be. On the other hand, perhaps it’s the overly great expectations we conjured up while in boom times – unable to keep it up, we got grumpy.
Alas, contentment is never all by itself – always, it is linked to expectations and comparison with others. While comparison was provided by the open EU labour market, expectations-wise we cannot but point the finger to the political power party promises. There came a time when the much-criticised «among five richest states» narrative begun to live a life of its own, doing exactly what narratives do: becoming the main measure whereby to evaluate fulfilment of desires and thus the satisfaction. The danger is obvious. By offering a model of happiness defined by economic wellbeing only, disappointment is a good as guaranteed.
But let’s think if the goal had been worded different. Like: Estonia is a place where everybody’s inner potential – whatever it is – will be brought forth and utilised. Or that, like Astrid Lindgren’s «Bullerby Children», Estonia is a place for the happiest childhood. Neither of these examples is random.
Due to smallness of population, Estonia is a land where every person is noticed more than in many other countries. Therefore, Estonia is a rare place where the majority of talents are noticed and recognised. And this same way, Estonia could have all that it takes to become Europe’s most children friendly country – for people to want to come here and raise their children in pure nature and safe community. Both goals would feel warmer than just stressing the economic wellbeing.
This very week, in Postimees, Rein Veidemann proposed that Estonia celebrate Thanksgiving, once a year. He thinks this might be a day to remember the heroes of culture. Why not take a step further: perhaps we would all need a day to think about what to be happy about. And, hmm... such stuff quite abounds.