C.R.’s emotional health strong despite flood

Here we are, still plugging away at flood recovery, and along comes a 2009 Gallup poll saying Cedar Rapids ranks first out of 185 metro areas in emotional health.

It should do our community heart good to know people here are confident about their emotional resiliency.

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index defines emotional health by measuring daily experiences, including laughter, happiness, worry, anger and stress.

I'm also fascinated by the “Happiest Country” ratings. Denmark consistently ranks at or near the top of that list. Here are some of the reasons they give. A Danish word, “tryghed,” means “tucked in” - like a snug child. They say they feel that way. They have a cozy social life and an amazing level of trust in each other. Vegetable stands run on the honor system, bicycles are unlocked.

Danes also have an attitude of “jante-lov” which essentially says, “You're no better than anybody else.” I like to think we embrace that notion here in Iowa, too.

Here are a few questions from the Happiest Country survey:

Did you enjoy something yesterday? Were you proud of something you did yesterday? Did you learn something yesterday? Were you treated with respect yesterday?

All questions worth examining daily.

I'm surprised but delighted that Cedar Rapids ranks at the top of Gallup's emotional health index and see it as a sign that our can-do spirit is thriving. Cheers!

Marlyce Heidt

Cedar Rapids