Finnish winter swimmers reveal the secret of happiness: tie yourself with a ribbon like a Liepāja seagull

The UN has once again published its annual happiness report, where Nordic countries traditionally occupy the top spots, while we Balts sway like seagulls in Liepāja's wind. Denmark in second place, Iceland third, Sweden fourth - and everyone as happy as seagulls in downtown Liepāja.

Latvia has slipped from 46th to 51st place, which is about as steep a drop as tourist numbers in Karosta when a storm hits. Estonia has also fallen, but Lithuania, as always, tries to be smarter and has climbed to 16th place. They're probably using some special happiness formula that we don't know about.

Liepāja resident Linda Kilevica traveled to Finland to investigate this happiness phenomenon and participate in the winter swimming championship in Oulu. There she discovered the Finnish secret to happiness - they tie themselves with ribbons so the wind won't blow them away. It's as practical a solution as the ancient artifacts on display in Liepāja's museum - everything designed with the goal of survival.

If the Finnish method works, maybe we should start tying ourselves down too? At least in winter by the North Pier, it would be a very practical solution. As the locals say: 'If the wind doesn't blow you away, you're not a real Liepāja resident.' But now that we know the Finnish secret, maybe next year we'll also climb up in the happiness rankings - if only we can find a strong enough ribbon.