I am grateful to Tina from Travels and Trifles for presenting this challenge today, as a reminder that I am quite a happy woman 🙂 Life is basically good, even thought I just last week became once again a woman of leisure, as my job ended after a short period of time. Now I find myself faced with the hassle, again, of trying to find a new job at my age, and the reality is that it feels like a daunting challenge that will not lead to success. However, I am grateful and acknowledge that I have a roof over my head and loving friends and family who support me. I have husband, three boys, four grandsons…what girl wouldn’t be happy surrounded by so many boys 😀
I live in a beautiful country that is a haven for both children and adults, allowing us to walk around freely and safely, whether in cities or nature. That reminds me to appreciate the little things. Hanging on to my positive attitude is a must, and although there are moments of doubt, I strive to remain almost happy, finding joy in the present
I live in the happiest country in the world, as recognized in the UN World Happiness Report for the 7th time. Why? Apparently, the answer is rooted in the fundamental trust present throughout Finnish society, which enables individuals to feel safe and relaxed in their daily lives. Another reason contributing to our happiness is the proximity of nature; the four seasons , the stunning landscapes, abundant forests, and serene lakes all provide a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a tranquil environment that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the simple joys of life.
However, in my opinion, our current Government is doing a huge amount of things to destroy this happy dynamic, pushing for policies that undermine social cohesion and environmental protection. It’s disheartening to witness changes that might jeopardize our well-being. Yet, despite these challenges, I still find moments of joy and connection in the everyday, almost happy… that is something to be grateful for.
And like many others in our lovely blogging community, which I am grateful for, I in a position where I can travel, meet new people, see wonderful places. Joy.
I want to thank Patti for last week’s In The Details challenge. I got bit carried away with it, but I did only link one to her beautiful original post that inspired me to go out and shoot 😀 I don’t know about you but I discovered some things that were a really nice surprise!
Finally I hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine once again leads our challenge. In the meanwhile, be happy for the things you are grateful for 🙂
PS. and who is not grateful for chocolate ❤
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
Looks like you do live in a beautiful country Ritva. Your photos capture it well. I wish you luck on your job hunt. You could always sell your photos
Alison so kind of you to say so 😀
Despite the unfortunate distrust amongst my fellow countrymen, it hasn’t been a chaotic war torn lawless place (yet) to live from immigrants, as the President elect leads people to perceive. I feel if we had another 9-11 people may lay down thier internal hatred or would they 🤔
There is that, a tragedy does unite people. But hopefully it does not happen.
I know 😒
Living in the happiest country in the world is indeed something to be grateful for, as is chocolate naturally 😀 For myself, I am grateful that blogging has introduced me to some excellent photographers such as yourself so I can enjoy seeing their work on a regular basis!
Sarah so nice of you to say so, I can you agree with you about other bloggers..
Ritva, I love your attitude!
Thanks, I try…
Finland has a mavellous reputation for happiness, at least here in the UK, so I’m sorry to read that you think that things are making a turn for the worse. But your lovely shots underline that Finland still has much to be grateful for.
Yes, lot’s of good, but things are not going in the right direction unless you are rich.
That sounds so horribly familiar.
I know , all around the same thing
Ritva, put a smile on your face each morning and find one thing to be grateful for. That’s what I intend to do for the next four or more years! In the meantime, I’m grateful that I get to see Finland through your lens.
I am working on it, at the moment failing, but I am gathering my strength to get back into the groove.
I’ve decided that my next challenge will be on resilience. You need that to live in gratitude!
❤
Wow, Ritva. This post feels very different from your usual approaches to the challenges and I love having a glimpse of another side of you. On a funny note, I only have two boys (my partner and son) and I find that more than enough… 😀 As long as there’s chocolate, I’ll be fine!
Sofia, I am frustrated at the moment,, maybe that comes across. And I don’t often share really personal stuff, maybe that is it, Boys, they are OK even in larger numbers that two…
I’m sorry for your job loss and am glad that you still find gratitude Ritva. Family, health, and nature are high on my list too. Finland and Sweden seem much better places to live than the US. I’m considering leaving.
I have to agree with you, there are so many things better here than in the US, but there is good everywhere. even at this political turmoil there is good people there , this too will hopefully pass.
Thank you for the encouragement Ritva. I hope it gets better, but I’m doubtful. We’ve been moving away from democracy and freedom for many years toward corporatism.
I hear you, I follow what happens there as I used to live there for a while and I can say that I am happy I am not there now.
If I could handle cold better, I might move to your part of the world. I routinely see good things online about quality of life, happiness, education, health care, etc.
Ritva, your post brought back memories of my own family. My mom had four sons, and she was as happy as you to be surrounded by boys. The photos you shared are beautiful. You may me want to live there — but not in winter.
yes, you deal with what you get 🙂 Boys are good. Many good things here, winter not the best of them for me, but I know people who wholeheartedly enjoy it
Wonderful shots of the youngsters, at rest and play! Talking to my son, even for a little while each week, always cheers me up. I would struggle with your winters but you have beauty there aplenty, Ritva.
I agree beauty is there, you need to be in a mood to see it. Sometimes it is hard to see it, but mostly yes, even winter has its moments. Family ❤
LOL Ritva, first I am DEFINITELY grateful for chocolate 😊. Second I loved your post. That snowscape is especially spectacular. You are so right about living in a free country and the natural beauty that surrounds you. Like you we are in for a bit of a rough political ride where our ecology is concerned but somehow we will find a way to power through. Thank you for the lovely, thoughtful response
Tina your countries ride ripples to mine unfortunately, but hopefully it will not be as bad as one thinks. We live next to Russia and that is a sad reality. But I am grateful for so many things – your topic was a great reminder
Yes, CHOCOLATE!!! For which we give thanks. Many other fine thoughts and photos herein also. Well done, as always. 👏
Much appreciated John, as you know food – or sweet are a joy
Beautiful photos of your beautiful place 😀
Thanks Brian
You shared photos of your beautiful family and place you live with love
Nora I appreciate my country – mostly – winters I couldn’t mind skipping
We truly live in tumultuous times, Ritva, but you’ve shared what is most important, a family that loves, and a safe environment. A thoughtful post, and good luck on the job hunt.
Thanks John, it is a hunt, not that I will be catching anyting…
Yes, the happiest country is Finland! I can see why! Lovely photography as always, and the four seasons are important, so important. Today it seems we will shrink down to three only where I live. Winter gets shorter and shorter. We struggle with our new government, that has left the path to a greener and more environmentally positive future for an economical one. We were proud of trying to steer in the right direction, and now we are ashamed of the people in charge. Many young people are extremely disappointed – it is their future at stake.
Loved your positive and beautiful post – and good luck with finding a new job!
That is what is happening here too, so well said, I am also ashamed of our government, mad at it also. It’s what it is. Thanks for your lovely words
♥
Such beautiful pictures! And yes, I love that you included chocolate;)!!! This also shows a deep sense of humor, which can be helpful while dealing with all the unpleasant things we have no power or influence over to change. Though we should have in so-called democracies. – I feel the same when it comes to the environment, or all those important old values that seem to be slowly (or rapidly) being destroyed. I see it every day in almost every destination, and it’s heartbreaking. I can also relate to your job challenges, as I exclusively survive from week to week with little writing gigs. – The job market is unpredictable, but this also means that things can quickly change for the better and there will be an opening. – I wish you all the luck in the world to find a new position that fits you just fine! – Thanks for showing us how much there is to be grateful for in spite of the negative developments around us, Ritva!
Thanks you so much for your kind words 🙂
I don’t think your government is alone there, I think it seems to be a problem with so many countries in the rest of the world. Sadly I think sad times are ahead and I think my children’s lives will be worse than mine. I think being happy now is great and I’m happy for you too Ritva, I’m sure you will find another job soon. Take care.
That is so true, One would have thought people would learn from history. You need to try shut down the distraction noises, not easy, and appreciate the things you have,