What is your baseline? Some thoughts for 2023…

Lots of words get “batted” around when a new year begins. How do we find “happiness”? What is our “purpose”? How do we keep ourselves on track for our goals, our vision, our relationships? I am personally not fond of the word “happiness”. Happiness, to me, is like an ice cream cone on a hot day – here and gone. Joy to me is deeper. It is fulfillment, purpose, focus and it is steady. So, what is my baseline for joy in my life? I have recently been thinking a lot about that. Joy is the thing that, even when waves “rock your boat” and they do…you keep on rowing toward the sun. You know their is a lagoon ahead and sometimes it takes awhile but, you get a short reprieve. Joy is knowing that even when you are rowing with all your might, there is joy to be had in being in the boat with the person you love. Even when things are really rocky, you can share a glass of wine or read a good book or take a friend out for coffee, take a walk in nature – life can be both joy and sorrow at the same time. I don’t think I ever understood this completely until we lived, for almost a year, waiting for surgery for cancer for Charles. You can’t be in perpetual sadness and you can’t be in perpetual worry – you have to find a baseline for joy and you have to be able to find your baseline in the midst of anything that life throws at you.

In a recent article that both Charles and I read about why Finland is the happiest country in the world (published January 5, 2023 by Frank Martela, he talks about your “quality of life” or maybe, as I see it, your wellness and ability to maintain a baseline of joy that handles life’s ups and downs by balancing out the good with the bad and coming to terms with the co-existance of terrible and wonderful.

In this article, it says “don’t compare or brag about your happiness”. Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on what brings you fulfillment and less on looking successful (status). Set your own standards and don’t compare yourself to anyone.
It also says to get out in nature because it supports peace of mind, energy and relaxation. It increases our vitality, well-being and gives us a sense of personal growth.
Finally, Finnish communities value honesty and trust about all else. You can drop your wallet or leave your laptop on the train and be assured you will get it back. How do you show up for the people in your circle? How can you build honesty and trust into your connections with the people around you?

Life is not easy but, finding meaning in life is simpler than you might think. When your focus is on making the world around you a better place and giving back, or making a contribution, I think a baseline of joy is definitely within reach. Forget status and do your best, every. single. day.

Written by Pam

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