Late yesterday evening, for reasons I’ll spare you, I was in a funk. Complicated by a complete inability to fall asleep, I found myself on the couch, alone, at 12:45 AM, looking for something to stream on Netflix until I was tired enough to sleep. At first, I was thinking romantic comedy, something to take the edge off my earlier decision to read a book about human trafficking, and then I stumbled across this wonderful little gem:
I clicked thinking, alright, this is probably going to be cheesy or annoying, especially since I’m grumpy, but it was actually amazingly uplifting, following the science of happiness and positive psychology around the world. Multiple times throughout the film I actually caught myself smiling and laughing at the pure displays of happiness expressed by people from different cultures, which included everything from runners in gorilla suits in San Francisco to dancing 100-year-old women in Japan.
Best of all, I went to sleep happy. The film explains how 40% of our happiness is completely within our control and not dependent on external triggers like wealth or status. Heck, if a poor family living in what I would consider to be squalor in India can be happy, then I can too. It also reminded me that I am happy most of the time and that when I’m not, it’s within my power to change my mood through exercise, novel activities, relationships with friends and family, and helping others.
Long story short, watch this film. It made me want to move to Denmark, or at least live differently. I highly recommend it.
oliviaobryon 
Omg soul sister, I literally watched this last night! And was thinking about you during it! Crazy!
L-O-V-E! (And, also loved how it featured some of the books you’ve given me throughout the years, thanks for being such a wonderful, encouraging friend!)
Real authentic happiness is contagious, isn’t it?
I must tell you that in my blog niche of home decor, I do not read too many blogs outside of that circle but I am really enjoying the honest but simple writing you share. Food for thought in a beautiful chunk of a blog post. You are a gifted writer and I am enjoying getting to know you through your posts!
Thank you so much for the encouraging words Ashley! I really enjoy your blog and beautiful photography as well! 🙂
Living differently may be more practical and cost effective than moving to Denmark, but then Sometimes it’s nice to not be practical. 🙂
Yes, I wouldn’t even know where to start in moving to Denmark 😉 But, a little impracticality sounds appealing!
“Netflix not available in your country” Mmmmmm … now I’m sad! Anyway, your post was very instructive. Thanks.
Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed you couldn’t access Netflix… Is there some Spanish equivalent for streaming tv/movies on your television from the internet?
I think Netflix is available in UK and Ireland, but not in the rest of Eu. There are some options (not interesting). On the other hand, TED is available (conferences) and it’s great for my English and for my general knowledge of the world. They have some interesting talks about happiness, the brain, etc.
Love TED talks! I predict Netflix will reach you soon… We also use Hulu Plus, which I’m guessing isn’t there either? Has completely replaced our need for cable tv since we can stream everything through the internet onto our tv.
Netflix, Hulu etc will come here soon, no doubt. Meanwhile TED keeps me very well entertained … Thanks!
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.
I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back down the road.
I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it!