December 16, 2022

What Gets You Up in the Morning?—A Reprise



I am updating this year-end blog post on "well-being" from 2017 because the last six years have been a difficult time for people throughout the world.

In 2022 we have encountered the war in Ukraine, the threat of nuclear confrontation, shootings in schools and public venues, the continuing threat of Covid-19, natural disasters caused by climate change, the global rise of authoritarianism along with attacks on human rights, inflation, food and housing insecurity, and an increase in stress and mental health issues. 

Berlin—The Wall

Because it’s the holiday season it might be time to take a break, consider the little things in life that give us contentment and think about Piglet’s conundrum, “What gets you up in the morning?”

In Denmark its Hygge, a concept originating in the 18th Century that revers the small things in life, emphasizes experiences over possessions, and encourages a sense of community. 

Similar forms of this philosophy can also be found in many cultures throughout the world:  it’s Lagom in Swedish, Gemütlichkeit in German, Fargin in Yiddish, Jugaad in Hindi, Ikigai in Japanese, Mbuki-Mvuki in Bantu, and Xìngfú in Chinese.


Berlin—Hornblower

So on to 2023 with a hot cup of tea, a warm blanket
and thoughts of a few positive things that happened in 2022: 


•The Covid-19 vaccine reached 1-billion worldwide doses. 
•At the UN Climate Conference more than 25 countries pledged to 
end deforestation and 82% pledged to decarbonize by 2030.
• The Inflation Reduction Act lowered health care premiums and will reduce 
carbon emissions by 40% in the US by 2030. 
• A bipartisan vote of Congress passed gun legislation that includes 
some restrictions on who can buy guns.



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