Bounce

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.

— Omar Khayyam

Americans are happier than ever, according to Gallup.

In fact, 6 of 10 (59%) are "thriving," the pollster says—a record number since it launched the National Health and Wellbeing Index in 2008.

That number is up nearly 13 points since the appearance of Covid-19 last year, when the number of happy Americans plunged to 46% (tying the record low, reached during the Great Recession).

Gallup divvies Americans into three buckets it calls "thriving," "struggling" and "suffering." 

"Thriving" Americans rate their lives 7 or higher on a 10-point scale. Over 59% currently do so.

Not that you'd know it from news coverage and social media, but only 38% of Americans currently are "struggling;" and only 3%, "suffering."

That's far too many in my book; but, still, it's a minority. 

Gallup also measures worry.

Worry gripped 6 of 10 Americans during the pandemic.

It grips many fewer now—only 4 in 10.

Instead, most Americans—7 in 10—are enjoying their lives every day.

Less than 3 in 10 are ever bored.

Gallup claims the bounce is due to the availability of the Covid-19 vaccine, the reopening of in-person events, and the recovery of the economy.

I would add to those causes last November's exorcism of the incubus Trump. No doubt about it. Ding dong.

Although, as Gallup warns, the Delta variant of Covid-19 could again crimp our happiness, it's clear, altogether, we're a pretty happy bunch, even if we don't deserve our happiness.

"What is happiness?" Friedrich Nietzsche asked. 

"The feeling that power increases—that resistance is overcome."

So if you're feeling blue, get with the program: feel the power.

And put on a happy face.

NOTE: Be sure to click the embedded links above. They're guaranteed to make you happy.