SISU PART 2

 

The World Happiness Report is an annual publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. In July 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 65/309 Happiness: Towards a Holistic Definition of Development inviting member countries to measure the happiness of their people and to use the data to help guide public policy.

As of March 2020, Finland was ranked the happiest country in the world three times in a row.

I wondered why?

I got an answer which should be an eye opener to many.It lay in Finnish Art Of Life called ‘sisu’.Way back in January of 1940, the opening paragraph of a full-spread piece in the New York Times headline read, “Sisu: A word that explains Finland.”

Etymologically, “sisu” comes from a Finnish root word that implies “inner” or “inside.” This is one reason it is sometimes translated as “guts” or “inner strength.”

It can refer to “stoic determination, hardiness, courage, bravery, willpower, tenacity and resilience.” It’s “an action-oriented mindset.” You don’t brag about having sisu; you just “let your actions do the talking.” [Joanna Nylund  Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage (2018, UK: Gaia; USA: Running Press).]

It comes into play when you tackle challenges such as fighting a war in the cold of winter, which is exactly what Finland was doing when the Times published its article, but it can also help you confront more common obstacles.

The Nylund book includes, at regular intervals, tips for how to incorporate a sisu-like attitude into your own life:

“Top tips to help you recharge:

1. Truly disconnect,

 2. Embrace the silence,

 3. Schedule alone time.”

To me,in a single word ,sisu is about RESILIENCE in the face of mightiest odds.

A great way to tackle and win life.