My favorite response when someone tells me money won't buy me happiness is that it WILL buy me security, which helps a whole damn lot towards being able to enjoy life.

I LOVE that you went to a library to show delivery quality in governmental health! I'm a librarian and seeing you see the value of libraries to communities and happiness made ME happy! You're so much fun to watch. Thanks for talking about big issues, Keltie! I look forward to every video.

Also as a swede I find that we do have a lot of acquaintances but we only see them in specific situations (work, school, the gym etc.), we do not hang out with them outside of that. Hanging out is reserved for proper friends only.

I found on our recent holiday to Denmark that there was a lot less population we really noticed it even though I’m in the English countryside. There was no crush of people in the streets and around the tourist attractions - no litter, no graffiti and great public travel. So the environment naturally is a lot more chilled. There seems to be so much less stress all round, I can’t blame the Scandinavians being happier. ❤

I just wanted to tell you, sweet Keltie that you were so upset and worried when you took out your hair extensions and NOW look at how beautiful your hair looks!!!! Patience truly is a virtue!

I seriously love your content. It is not just about teaching realistic expectations about health and fitness but sooo much more. You dropped this incredibly smart video and I cannot be more grateful for how educational it is. Content creators should make more videos like this instead of the 10000000000th 'what I eat in a day'...

Yes! I visited family in Michigan. I walked downtown in a small town. The pavement/sidewalks stopped in certain areas. Either we walked on the road, people's front garden/yard, or go back the way we came. It was quite frustrating as we are used to walking and taking the car or bus for when necessary. We saw no one walking except from their car to the building, then back to their car.

“Sometimes we forget the chaos is fun” 😂😂😂 I feel that! I live near LA and when people turn down their noses at it I should just start saying this

I have been to Sweden, friends there, and it blows my mind, they really do have a better way of life, from UK, live in Spain....very difficult just to get by, little help from the government ❤❤❤

So funny how you illustrate the bad weather with the most beautiful winter sun images😂 I would put the high gas price on the positive list, it mirrors the actual price about it's consequences and real costs much more...

Okay I wanna go to Sweden now!! I love this vid sm❤

the population of Sweden is 10.5 mil and Canada is 38.9 mil. It is also important to note that Scandinavian countries also accept WAY fewer immigrants then North American countries.

I love the way you talk, it's so mellow and calming. Thank you ❤

It's on my bucket list to visit Europe (especially, Sweden, Great Britain, Norway and Germany)! For now I have to live vicariously through your vids which I appreciate.

Off topic but girl YOUR HAIR is absolutely stunning. 😍

Since moving to Europe I can 100% agree that the over stimulation in the US is wild! Every time I went back it was EXHAUSTING just going to a store or eating out. And the trusting aspect of others is so true. In Germany if someone drops a glove on a hike or something it picked up and placed in eye sight so hopefully the person sees it when they come back to find it. It’s something that I’m going to desperately miss

Canadian here who lived in the US for 9 years and I have to say that referring to Canada and the US as North America as if the two are very similar is not correct. Societal norms and social safety nets are very different between the two.

You are such a inspo for what I want to do! I hope to one day have your perseverance, and of course visit Sweden.

The last 2 weeks of April, Keltie!❤❤

I’m living in Sweden right now and I totally agree! It’s so fun but I do miss how warm Texas is

Your analysis is so insightful and emotionally intelligent.

I'm Swedish and the few friends part is kind of a plus and a minus for me. I have 2 super close friends who live far away from me. And the friend group I used to have in my hometown I've grown apart from. But finding a new friend group in your mid-twenties feels like a semi impossible task😬

Europe countries maybe smaller but it would help to adopt some of their lifestyle. Like urban planning. I lived int the uk for a while, everything was on the high street. Villages didn’t have Starbucks on every corner, Walmarts on 2 sides of town, a winners for every street. You wanted to go the dr, dentist, get your groceries and return your library books. You did it on the high street. I really feel if some of the suburbs adopted this, we may not be in such a housing crisis! like how many weed dispensaries does one place need?? I’m just outside of Toronto btw.

Slower paced lives focused on being present is what we’re meant for!! Unfortunately the opposite of many places.

Loved the picture of the fried breakfast when you mentioned Ireland... a great video !!!

16:25 You just described what the European Union is😂 As an Eastern European having lived in the US and now living in Spain (with a nordic boyfriend) I love hearing your thoughts and opinions on European culture!

Ooh, Italy! I took my mom there in September and I loved it. The view from Volterra, in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen in my life. The road driving there was one of the craziest, full of hairpin turns

Men can also take paternal leave in Canada…but we def don’t get as many days/$

Great video! And yes the size comparison is most definitely valid and often gets forgotten. As a Swiss with a second home in Sweden I can tell you that we are completely different and even within Switzerland there are vast differences in how people vote just from city to countryside. However, the statistical reasons why the Nordics are always on the top of the Happiness lists are also valid because there are just a lot of systemic issues that other countries (including my own) need to work on. I used to live in the US and hope to move back next year so I've seen all the different sides and wish that those people judging so hard would too

Glad Vegas was fun!!! I couldn't agree more about money, it is such a stressful topic, and definitely a stressor towards mental health ❤

I think the bad weather thing is BS to the max. I lives in Portland for 10 years. I was miserable because of the horrible gloomy and misty rain that is 8-9 months of the year. It's unrelenting. And no, 3 months of summer isn't enough to make up for it. I finally moved to a place with 300 days of sun and it's made a world of difference in my mood and baseline happiness. And as far as paid leave. It's not free. They did pay for it through their astronomical taxes. It's basically the same as if we put aside a precent of our income each month into a high interest savings account and used it to fund out time off to have kids. Except most people in the states aren't disciplined enough to do that.

I’m obsessed with your videos on Swedish life, Keltie! I have to admit I’ve looked into flights on more than a few occasions; I would love to visit! I love the health first lifestyle over there and the sense of community you describe most of all. I will say though, it’s not to the same extent, but you do get some of these qualities living in the Midwest US as well. I’m a born and raised Midwesterner (Milwaukee, WI) and I would say you’re probably more likely to get your wallet returned to you here than in any other part of the US because of the “Midwest friendliness” aspect a lot of people have here. People here also enjoy the winter to some extent and we look forward to spring/summer the whole time, which does make it that much sweeter. But that’s about where the similarities end I guess. 😅 Also a great point about the US and Canada being like a bunch of small countries jammed into one and expected to get along with each other. A great video all around! Thanks for doing what you do. 😊

I’m glad I waited to listen the whole video. I would have had egg on my face writing things you eventually address towards the end. I appreciate those things you said or mentioned that show the other aspects to this rosy picture of Sweden. You talked about the welfare state and while you kinda touched on it on the edges you didn’t fully discuss the price tag to all this “free” stuff and all the work benefits they get. The tax system in Sweden is a very unprogressive system. Most of the burden is on the middle to lower class because as you mentioned elsewhere there really is no wealthy class as there may be here in the US. So you mentioned gas prices. That’s correct just like in California where gas is insane. Why? Because they have things to pay for. It’s why businesses are leaving California. I’m glad you talked about the size/scale factor. Sweden is monolithic but you didn’t mention the controversial issue of how it’s monolithic. It’s racially monolithic. They don’t have mass immigration like the US or even other European countries like the UK or Germany. It’s easy when you’re that small and racially monolithic to have less social divisions and upheavals. We see what’s happening in the UK and Germany much less here in the US. Progressives want us to welcome everyone and their uncle, literally, but that also comes at a price. It puts a strain on the economy and society in general. Norway has in some ways started to feel this. I like what you said about the concept of happiness in Sweden. I think you’re correct. Happiness may mean to the Swedes more like relief from the worries of the consequences of certain risks. That’s what happens when government takes care of things for you. You are relieved of the consequences of risks but at the same time you won’t enjoy the rewards of taking risks. As you said, sometimes we could use the chaos. Freedom means government shouldn’t always be there to bail you out otherwise the welfare state is the nanny state taking care we never make mistakes. That may come with the price of fewer freedoms. I think the problem is that people here in the US are just not appreciative of what they have because they don’t know what they could lose by going to other countries. They think they have it bad because they don’t know anything else.

It makes sense that the megahouses we have in north america aren't common there- they are such displays of frivolousness. No one needs that big of a home, it's just to show off and stick out and display exorbitant wealth. In a society that likes conformity and cares for it's citizens, that would be an obvious sign of negligence to others and trying to say "I'm better than the average person". I honestly look at homes with 5+ bedrooms with a lot of distaste now. When I think about the electricity cost, the amount of land used, the amount of rooms unused or not necessary to the person living there, and the amount of resources it takes to make that sized home AND maintain it, it makes me feel a little ill. I hope we will be able to live to see our communities start to care about each other and be a little less individualistic and show boaty. I think we would all be happier for it.

MA in Political Science here and you explained the government stuff very well ESPECIALLY the gendered pay discrimination and how paternity leave can curb this effect. & Yes governments are absolutely to scale, but also the structure of government in how the laws are proposed and passed is also different so you are correct in assuming what is applicable in Sweden does not necessarily translate to the US/CAN both in terms of scale but actual legal structure and precedent as well.

I love your videos!!! I've lived in Stockholm and I want to go back so bad so this video is really motivating :D

Very interesting reflection. Also, your hair and skin looks amazing. Whatever you are doing, you are doing it right. 👍

I live in the US and my husband works for Google now, and on our fourth baby we both have the absolute best jobs now, and on our fourth baby he has really good paid paternal leave and I'm actually getting paid for maternity leave this time. I'm expecting it's going to be a lot less stressful than the last couple times we had kids and craptastic jobs

Bring on that Vancouver video ASAP! Please! 😊

In my opinion, most European countries have a better understanding of health and well-being than the United States.

your hair looks AMAZING in this video!

I think an interesting comparison would be North America and Australia in some ways. Geographically, the US and Australia are effectively the same size, but population-wise, are very, very different, with the US sitting around 300M and Australia sitting around 26-27M. Culturally, there are a lot of similarities between Canada and Australia, especially with the monarchy and to a lesser degree, Australia and the US. Weather-wise, Australia is fairly diverse, like most of the US, although, not quite that diverse (we have snow in some places but not that much snow). Australia has been frequently on these happiness lists but I’ve noticed this wasn’t on the list on your phone (NZ was though). Australia is going through a housing crisis at the moment and this is causing a lot of discrepancies in the wealth divide which I suspect would be causing issues with how people rate their happiness.

Its 1% that can work too money rich... happieness in the small things🎉 love the nature

When I say I love you more, I don't mean I love you more than you love me.

When you mentioned the governmental quality it made so much sense... I live in Portugal and I keep hearing tourists and digital nomads loving the country while the locals only dream of immigration and a big part is the government. While it might not be as bad as the US, the corruption, the immense amount of taxes paired with long work hours and low incomes (compared with other countries in Europe) makes it so hard for Portuguese people to actually be happy

A video on your utility trip and what Italians do to be happy , I think itlaians are all very chilled and enjoy life and would love your opinion on it 🎉

As a Swede the “there is no bad weather just bad clothes” still gives me nightmares

the "oh May summer is here" and I think, it's still spring

Kim Stanley Robinson’s Bibliography makes for some entertaining background reading. I Just Finished The Ministry for the Future, It lands differently because I already enjoyed New York 2140 & The Martian Romance Trilogy.

Hehe we have the same saying about clothes and bad weather in Germany. And if someone doesn’t want to go outside in bad weather we ask if they are made out of sugar😅😅

Off topic but Kellie your hair is looking amazingly healthy!!

The wallet situation getting stolen twice in Canada may be a Vancouver attitude vs. Canadian attitude too. North of Vancouver in BC people are so friendly and would likely return a wallet same as this old couple did, as I'm sure on the prairies or east coast. There's "good" people and "bad" people everywhere in the world. Cool video and insight into Swedish culture though- I agree that the culture of healthiness, and healthiness conformity, creates a healthier (and thereby happier) population overall.

So true, Swedes love that self-loathing & living here for almost a decade I still cannot get used to that. I don't understand how they manage to sell anything - especially living right next to the Danes that market themselves so well. A typical Swede will nearly always mention sth negative about the product/service or their own country in the conversation with a client from abroad. I think they think this will build credibility and trust, sth to do with humbleness as well but I get really uncomfortable when this happens because they often forget to add some positive aspects as well to top it op. I find it really cringe! 😅

In Lithuania you get 2 years maternal/paternal leave!!

Money doesn't buy happiness, but in a capitalistic society money does buy security and security leads to happiness. Loved this video and all the nuance that you provided!

Im also Born and raised in dead-monton!

I agree, the size of the country is a big part of the reason. ❤ Also, Italy is great, but things do get stolen in Naples… my phone was taken right out my hand while i was on it, by some guy cycling… so… there’s that…

Keltie: US Is like asking spain italy switzerland sweden and ireland to agree on political things Me: You mean as they do in the EU? (Yes I know switzerland is not part of the EU)

I laugh in Texan when I hear the quote, "no bad weather, just bad clothes..." I'll remember that during the thunderstorms and tornadoes.😂😂😂

I was in Copenhagen and was so surprised to see so many bikes unlocked! I live in Scotland, but am from Canada and both places have major issues with bike theft!

Is this a new video? I could have sworn you’ve made this video before or am I goofing? I still love it and will thumbs it I just need to know if I’m crazy 🙃.

yeah, in Europe in general the fields as Schools, Healthcare, Social insurance or some government coverage are waaay better than in the US. With taking into mind, that also no country in Europe is the same, and none of them has the same government or budget, so it can differ based on this. But in general, yes, we have benefits, that are not common in the US. But than there are other struggles, especially - political, social etc. where we have to have heads up like polarizations of the society, migration, with migration connected rasisms to certain groups of people, populism, extremism etc. Everything has its pros and cons.

Love the intro!!! ❤❤

As a Finn, I completely disagree about the crappy weather thing. It was just snowing here yesterday. It is almost May, and we have snow on the ground. This is not making me happy. In fact, I am actively miserable because it's so cold.

Great video Keltie! You should make a video on how to stay disciplined!

Love Keltie o'connor ❤️

I have to disagree a little bit on the wallet part. I had that one experience where I had a little too much to drink at a bar in Calgary and ended up both throwing up in front of everyone and loosing my wallet. Went back the next day when I realized it was gone and was super embarrassed about the whole situation and they gave me back my wallet and where super sweet about it asking me how I was feeling etc. I also one left my card in the ATM in Regina and got it back. Never lost anything in Sweden so I can't really compare but but I just wanted to point out how awesome Canadians are lol.

I think France is similar but they get that chaos is fun so ....strikes!

Awww New Zealand used to be higher on that list 🥺

Where’s your pink tank from it’s so cute! Love your vids! 💕

What are the best athletes bodycare products when you have to shower 1-2 times per day?

Yesss come to Italy!🎉

Wow. I finally get to use my history degree for this comment lol. First time since graduating! Basically what you said is 100% correct. Scandinavian style welfare states won’t work in North America because of the size. New York and California do not have the same set of problems and that’s why they have to be governed separately from each other to a certain degree. That is why the US implemented the electoral college system and separated from the UK because they understood that the government in England couldn’t fully grasp the nuances of the issues faced by the colonies an ocean away. Hence the saying “ tyranny by the majority” Great insight!

as a Ukrainian, I can say that sometimes for happiness it is enough to have adequate neighboring countries 🤝 Thanks for this video ❤

You should do a video on cross country skiing 😃😃

i just want to say that sweden is great on paper but it falling apart also in many ways! {not to be negative) about the homes it depends where you live from beginning if you live in the "programs" that we call "the million programs" im there from and when i see the expensive houses i feel like you explained it that you in canada or US do. it all depends on were you go in sweden, the programs always is outside of the citys and you often d ont see them if someone would visit sweden its accounted for that. the programs wwaws built 1960s were the goverment spend millions to build high buildings for low incomes all high buildings look same and hasnt been renovated since then basically and about the high horse you maybe is right but i think it is because our goverment has destroyed something that was working and was very good for a long time

La Jolla/San Diego or maybe like which college gas the happiest students?.... But maybe thats too many colleges so maybe like which UC or something lol.... I think it would be cool to do avideo about living healthy while in college and maybe you can like interview students about how they manage it!

Well, based on this information, I belong in Sweden! I feel like my personality fits it so much better than the US.

I’m really considering moving to Sweden to go back to school next year once I get an EU passport. You’re only reinforcing that!

Visit Finland and Norway? ❤

The taste of AG1 is really strange to me; I don't enjoy it at all but I still drink it :D

The pencil thin eyebrows on Swedens bill is so on trend

Sweden?

love the texas mention LOL I live in houston and the wealth gap is INSANE

It’s the old Janet law thing. “You shouldn’t believe that your are better than others” so we don’t stand out and we don’t talk about what’s good about Sweden.

You haven't sold me on cold weather, I'll stay on my topical island thanks

How come American women don’t drive Ford sedans?

RE standing out is Sweden a comfortable place to be for people of colour?

I am educated in this. You did good!

Cashless is not a good idea

A Swede here and since I almost never use cash in Sweden I feel like even our cash feels like Monopoly money 😂 especially after they changed the people on the different bills and their colours 😅

How’s the public transportation in Sweden? 🚌

Do a vid from Gotland

As a swede, growing up we regularly got told to be happy for what we have. Our very left-wing state has really worked here. Right now we have huge problems tho

I would think it would depend on population numbers - regarding happiness and quality of life

That saying "there's no weather just bad clothes" is very common in Germany as well. Still looking for the "science based" reasons though :/

3:25 Isn't Ian Somerhalder the man with the hat? #VampireDiariesFanClub😂

It is funny because swedish people are really good at saying everything is bad until people from other countries tell them how it is in theirs country, i love sweden is great, nothing is perfect but it works for mer.

When it comes to the govt welfare state I have to say look at the societal beliefs. Govt assistance in some countries as a means is temporary such in Europeans countries. Where as in America the system is completely abused. People get better pay from collecting welfare than doing work. Unemployment should be for a specified time not a forever paycheck or a step before living on welfare. Too much self entitlement happens here in the US. People need to take pride in whatever work they do. Japan would be an interesting country to look at and compare. Blessings, Linda

LOLed at the fact that every country puts country leaders or royals on their cash whereas Sweden goes: hey - what people do we like? Zlatan? Astrid Lindgren? Sure.