Lens-Artists Challenge #325 – Gratitude

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 ❤