Unhappy Again!

I just made a trip to Saskatchewan. That means 4 hours of listening to the radio. I sing along with the songs, and I catch up on the news. The bit of news that stuck with me was the fact that Manitoba is the second lowest province for being happy. This is not the first time we have been low on the happiness scale. PEI was the lowest and is ranked the unhappiest province in Canada.  

Right now, in Manitoba, we have many fires burning. In total 297 fires have started this year. The wind blows relentlessly, we are frequently in an air quality alert because of smoke, and it is extremely dry. The temperature goes up and down the thermometer like a roller coaster. So many people have been evacuated and are unsure of their new place to live or what they may be returning to. I guess those things could create unhappiness. 

I understand our unhappiness, but PEI, really!!! I've been to their province it is beautiful. They are surrounded by water how perfect is that. At one point this year they were the only province that didn't have a forest fire. What makes them so unhappy? 

Let's think about this, who are the people that complete the surveys? Have you ever been asked "are you happy in your province?". Perhaps it is those phone calls asking you to do a survey that determines the numbers. I never do a phone survey or any kind of survey for that matter. Clearly, others in the province feel that way and only the unhappy people are completing them. 

I did find out that the results came from a survey in which 40,000 Canadians took an online survey. Our population is 41,500,000, so not a great response. The survey stated that women are happier than men. Canada ranks 18th out of 147 countries for being happy. 

Here are the provincial results of happiness in our country: 

1. Quebec

2. New Brunswick

3. Newfoundland and Labrador

4. Saskatchewan

5. Nova Scotia

6. Alberta

7. British Columbia

8. Ontario

9. Manitoba

10. Prince Edward Island

I think why Saskatchewan ranks in fourth place is because of two things. The first is the neat little Farm Stand that is set up in my small community. The owner of the greenhouse made this little stand for local people to sell their goods. It is a simple process of being an "Honest John". It is such an amazing little place and has really taken off in the community. It made me so happy to visit it.  

The other reason for Saskatchewan happiness, is when you eat at the local restaurant, someone will buy your lunch. My mom, sister and I joined a group of my mom's friends for lunch. There were six of us in total. Before we even were finished our main course, the waitress announced that our lunch was paid for. Yes, some young man that works for a well know company paid for everything. I was reminded in that moment how generous small communities are. The local restaurant is a popular place to eat and being a large oil community, it is busy for lunch. It is a common practice to buy someone lunch. It makes people happy to be on the receiving end of a gesture like that.   

I am not sure why Saskatchewan is fourth and Manitoba is ninth on the happiness scale. Not to mention why is Quebec so happy. PEI seems to be ticked off about something, coming in last. 

How on earth would someone be able to make an entire province happy? On a daily basis we have to face our own happiness and decide how the day is going to roll out. I do believe for me, if I have plans for the day, I am happier. If I have to make plans for something in the future, I am also happy. Although, looking at a day free on my calendar usually brings me some joy. As we all know being happy comes from within. In closing, I just want you to enjoy your day, try your best to make it a happy one.