Andrea Pizzotti’s Reviews > The Atlas of Happiness: The Global Secrets of How to Be Happy > Status Update

Ch. 26 - Thailand
"Mai Pen Rai" or 'it is what it is' / 'it's okay' / 'don't worry'
You didn't get the job because it wasn't meant for you, you'll survive if the wifi goes out for a while, things happen - but how are you responding to them?
It isn't about dismissing responsibility, but rather being resourceful with the hand you've been dealt.

Ch. 23 - Sweden
"Smultronställe" or 'strawberry patch' - symbolic for your happy place. Usually physical in location, but incredibly remote, a place just for you.
"Lagom" or 'enough' - having exactly what you need, no matter the condition (glass half full mentality)

Ch. 21 - South Africa
"Ubuntu" or 'I am because you are'
Humanity, at its core, resembles mutual feelings amongst a community. Happy, sad, mad, etc. Experience the emotions of your neighbor, because how can you be happy if they are not?

Ch. 16 - Italy
"Dolce Far Niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing
Seldom spoken aloud, a feeling of complete relaxation. The act of 'nothing' truly being NOTHING. A nap, sit and watch the clouds, sunbathe.
On the contrary, doing nothing can also be when someone else does the thing FOR you. Go out to eat, grab a drink.

Ch. 12 - Hawaii
Aloha: kindness and harmony, humility and patience, perseverance and agreeability.
Be nice to one another, form community, connect with nature, honor the island.
Warm, welcoming, compassion.

Ch. 11 - Greece
"Meraki" - intense passion and attention to perfection / small details in tasks that bring you joy. Taking pride in what you do, doing it with care, and pushing yourself to finish in a positive way. Hobbies, jobs, and chores all included!

Ch. 9 - Finland
"Kalsarikännit" or, pants drunk.
Meaning: "drinking at home in your underwear with no intention of going out." (the ultimate Finnish pastime)
"Sisu" or persistence and determination regardless of the consequence.

Ch. 5 - China
Xingfu: "the state of being happy," not just the mood/feeling, but a way of life.
be happy with what you have, be generous and compassionate, lean into spirituality, find your meaning.

Ch. 4 - Canada
Joie de Vivre, or "joy of living" (French)
fill your life with things you enjoy, use your manners, help your neighbors.

Ch. 3 - Brazil
Saudade "sow-dah-djee"
happiness from melancholy, moments of grief that bring joy, the idea that you're sad it's gone but you're happy you had it once.
"a love letter to loss"