Reflections on Life, Simplicity, and Contentment.

I’m having a couple of days off from work this holiday season-ample time to pause and reflect. Life often feels like a race, moving from one milestone to the next, chasing goals, and planning for the future. But in doing so, we can easily overlook the moments that truly matter.

As I sit here blessed with the gift of time to reflect and as I enjoy the sweet aroma coming from the kitchen, I’m reminded of how fleeting life is and how often we let the present slip through our fingers in pursuit of the next big thing.

Lessons from Mad Men

Years ago, when I had more time for television, I became extremely captivated by the TV series Mad Men. Set in the high-stakes world of 1960s advertising, it featured Don Draper, a genius ad man with a flawed humanity that emanates from his past. Throughout the series, Don grapples with his identity, relationships, and a deep sense of existential dissatisfaction. He changes his name, hides his past as Dick Whitman, and constructs a life of success and glamour, but this facade often leaves him feeling unfulfilled.

His repeated attempts to find happiness through work, romantic relationships, alcohol, and material success ultimately reveal a pattern of fleeting satisfaction rather than lasting contentment. Nonetheless, Don Draper is razor-sharp in his insights and notorious in dropping lines that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. I definitely recommend watching Mad Men if you haven’t already. It’s a superbly well written script.

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One of Draper’s insights has stayed with me: “Happiness is the moment before you need more happiness.”

This line struck a chord because it reflects the cycle many of us live in today-briefly enjoying happiness before yearning for the next achievement or possession. It’s a profound reminder of how transient happiness can be, especially when tied to external factors.

The Joy of Meaningful Conversations

If there’s one thing I cherish most in life, it’s a meaningful conversation. Few things are as fulfilling as connecting deeply with someone and gaining fresh perspectives on life.

Recently, I had one such conversation with Marianne, a cherished colleague and one of the kindest people I know. She shared her experiences growing up in 1960s Finland, painting a vivid picture of a challenging yet resilient time.

Back then, families often shared small apartments, sometimes with two or three households living together. There was no running water, no hot showers, and privacy was a luxury. Communal saunas served as the place for bathing.

Despite these hardships, Marianne spoke of a profound sense of community, where people leaned on each other for support and found joy in simple, shared experiences. Her stories were a humbling reminder of how much has changed and how happiness can flourish even in adversity.

Reflections on Change and Balance

Marianne’s stories took me back to my own journey. Born and raised in Kenya, I’ve always been deeply aware of life’s contrasts. My pursuit of better opportunities eventually led me to leave my homeland-a decision fueled by ambition and the hope for a better future.

Yet, Marianne's reflections made me pause. They reminded me that while ambition drives us forward, true happiness often lies in striking a balance: appreciating what we have while striving for more. Not always easy.

It’s often much more easier to fall into the trap of thinking that happiness is tied to achieving the next big thing. But, learning from Marianne's experiences, there’s a better way.

Finland’s Secret to Happiness

Today, Finnish families do not have to share apartments. In fact, Finland is one of the wealthiest nations in the world and has been ranked the happiest country globally for seven consecutive years. According to Nordea Bank’s autumn 2024 housing market review, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area now experiences an oversupply of rental housing-a stark contrast to the 1960s.

Yet Finland’s happiness isn’t rooted in economic growth alone. It’s built on societal trust, equity, and access to education and healthcare. These factors ensure that people’s happiness isn’t dependent solely on material wealth.

What's more, studies consistently show that after basic needs are met, additional wealth has diminishing returns on happiness. True contentment often comes from intangible factors: strong relationships, a sense of purpose, connection to nature, and the ability to live in the moment.

A Christmas Thought

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly matters. Happiness isn’t found in the gifts we exchange but in the laughter, love, and connection we share.

Marianne's stories and Finland’s example remind us that happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being present, grateful, and kind.

This Christmas, let us pause to savour the beauty of the moment and appreciate the abundance we already have. After all, happiness often begins with recognizing that we have everything we need right now.