By Dr Bibiana Chan
Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years (Forbes, 2025). This got me thinking about a question I first asked as a 12-year-old starting high school in Hong Kong: What is happiness? What makes you happy? Even at that young age, I was drawn to these philosophical questions, perhaps because deep inside, I wasn’t a happy child. I longed for a shortcut to happiness.
Half a century later, I believe I’ve found joy and contentment—two distinct but deeply connected states. Joy is a positive emotion, a spark that lifts us up in moments of delight. Contentment, on the other hand, is a steady state of being, where we find peace with our circumstances, whether they bring positive or negative emotions. For me, faith in God and running a charity that gives my life meaning have been the foundation of both.
But what makes Finland so consistently happy as a nation? Here are five key aspects:
1. Embrace Simplicity
In a world obsessed with consumerism, minimalism offers a refreshing perspective. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, pioneers of the minimalist movement, once realized that material success—big houses, luxury cars—didn’t bring them happiness. Instead, it led to stress and dissatisfaction (Forbes, 2017).
I learned this lesson firsthand while hiking in New Zealand’s South Island, carrying just an 8kg backpack—the most my 50kg frame could comfortably handle. That experience shaped how I travel, even for long trips. On my recent 2.5-week family reunion in Canada, I packed just 12kg in a small suitcase, far below my 23kg allowance.
2. Build Trust in Your Community
Finland is known for its high levels of trust—people trust their institutions, their neighbours, even strangers. Children walk to school alone, and unattended strollers outside cafes are a common sight. But trust is fragile. The rise of fake news and scams erodes community trust, making it harder for people to feel safe and connected.
I was reminded of this at a Harmony Week Pop-up Stall when a passerby asked if she could take a rose and follow CFS on social media later when she got her phone. I trusted her—and she kept her promise, even purchasing plants from our stall. However, I also had a less positive experience when I gave someone a $25 plant as a Mother’s Day gift on the condition that she would transfer the payment later. The money never arrived.
Did she forget? Was it intentional? I chose to count it as part of CFS’s Petal-it-Forward campaign, hoping her mother-in-law enjoyed the gift. Yet, these small moments illustrate a larger reality: trust is a two-way street. When it’s broken, even in small ways, it chips away at our collective well-being.
3. Prioritize Time in Nature
CFS once ran a Bushwalk of the Month program, and I saw firsthand how nature transforms our perspective. Surrounded by trees, birds, and fresh air, our worries shrink, and a sense of connection grows. When I walked through the rainforests of New Zealand, the word that came to mind was magical. I hope one day you, too, will experience that magic.
4. Normalize Rest and Relaxation
At CFS, we emphasize Creative Mindfulness and Laughter Yoga. Taking time to rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. My five R’s? Rest, Relax, Renew, Revive, Recover. Prioritizing these has made a world of difference in my own well-being.
5. Invest in Lifelong Learning
A growth mindset keeps us young at heart. Each year, I challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new. At the 2024 Social Enterprise Festival, I met Fiona Maria, a social entrepreneur who helps people Find Their Voice through singing workshops (Instagram). Singing is something I’ve always wanted to explore, and I hope to take her class soon.
Happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. It’s built through small, intentional choices: simplifying our lives, building trust, spending time in nature, resting, and continuing to learn. But these ideas are just a starting point.
What does happiness mean to you? Have you ever experienced a moment of trust that restored your faith in humanity? Or a simple practice that brought you unexpected joy? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your story (no more than 300 words) for our Subscriber’s Corner by emailing communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com Let’s inspire each other on this journey toward happiness and contentment!
Additional References:
Rubin, Gretchen. The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. New York: Harper, 2009.
The Happiness Project with Gretchen Rubin at Happiness & Its Causes 2015
Additional references:
30 Tips I use to make myself happier right now (Nov 1 2018)
Start Your Own Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (August 27, 2021)
Tips to put down your phone (May 4, 2023)