3 Ways the Happiest Countries Live Better Than We Do

October 11, 2026October 12, 2026Posted by Steve BlaisingLeave a comment

The world’s happiest countries have something to teach us.

Finland ranks No. 1 again in the 2026 World Happiness Report.

The United States? No. 23.

But look at No. 4.

Costa Rica.

Happy family sharing dinner — Happiness is better when shared. Photo: DisobeyArt / Adobe Stock.

It’s not one of the world’s richest countries.

But its people rate their lives higher than people in…

Sweden
Norway
Netherlands
Luxembourg
Switzerland

Why?

Here are their three treasures for a happier life.

1. The happiest people never forsake family

The 2025 World Happiness Report notes the strong family bonds in Latin American countries.

Family isn’t someone you belong to.

They’re the ones who show up for you in any situation. Think of family like a choir.

happiest countries, stronger connections — The happiest lives are often built around the people we share them with.

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Tags: Faith, family, Happiest Countries, Happiness, joy, relationships, Simple Living, World Happiness Report

How to Find Joy When the World Feels Apocalyptic

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026Posted by Steve Blaising2 Comments

Chaos is multiplying faster than a hummingbird’s wings.

Finding joy through nectar — Searching for joy among the trumpet flowers / Amaury Laporte / CC BY 2.0

We see…

wars grinding on around the world.
extreme heat, wildfires, and catastrophic floods.
warnings that artificial intelligence could outrun our ability to control it.

Plenty of news to be down.

But one of God’s tiny creatures shows us how to choose joy.

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Tags: awareness, finding joy, hummingbirds, joy

3 Beaver Secrets to Beat the Summer Heat and Live Happier

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026Posted by Steve BlaisingLeave a comment

Want to beat the summer heat? Beavers may know more about staying cool than we do.

Their secret isn’t air conditioning. It’s planning.

A beaver lodge offers three surprisingly useful lessons for surviving a scorching summer, much less a scorching life.

Build in the right place, use what you have wisely, protect your family, and think beyond today.

Beaver lodge summer heat — A beaver lodge on Lake Athens offers three surprising lessons for beating the summer heat. Photo by Steve Blaising.

So what can a beaver teach us about surviving the heat and building a happier life?

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Tags: Beavers, Happiness, Planning, Summer

What America’s 250th Anniversary Can Teach Us About Happiness

June 28, 2026August 13, 2026Posted by Steve BlaisingLeave a comment

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, imagine being free from the hate, cynicism, and anger choking our nation.

Are you open-minded to a fresh revelation from the Declaration of Independence?

Millions of people are reflecting on what has made this nation unique. Political opinions differ. Cultural views differ. Yet one phrase from the Declaration of Independence continues to unite Americans across generations: the pursuit of happiness.

America's 250th anniversary Declaration — America’s 250th anniversary and the Declaration of Independence. Andrea Izzotti/Getty Images

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Tags: Happiness

Grab three beach treasures for lifelong happiness

April 27, 2026April 27, 2026Posted by Steve BlaisingLeave a comment

The beach teaches us simple habits that lead to lasting happiness.

Beach happiness resort view — Beach moments that remind us what happiness looks like

Umbrellas. Pools. Tides. Footprints. Sun. Wind. Water. Sand. Dolphins.

What can the beach teach us about happiness?
Here are three lessons you can carry into everyday life.

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Tags: Happiness