Well-being, happiness, mental health, sense of community - we know they're all important and there are plenty of scientific ways of measuring them all, with accompanying graphs and statistics.
I think I've found a very simple way to judge the happiness, and well-being of a place - honesty boxes.
Simple boxes and piles of something for sale, whether it's eggs, books, jam, honey or surplus vegetables - they're all displayed by the side of the road, with a hastily made sign and old tin to collect the money.
They rely on the honesty of visitors and generosity of the people who put them there, and tell a tale of a more carefree way of living, where there's plenty for everyone, and even when there isn't, there's always something that can be shared.
I know of one stretch of road in the Dales where you can buy honey, jam, books, eggs and plants, all within about two miles of each other. It's a simple way to enjoy a taste of the Dales and to put some money into the local economy, making everyone smile.
I think I've found a very simple way to judge the happiness, and well-being of a place - honesty boxes.
Simple boxes and piles of something for sale, whether it's eggs, books, jam, honey or surplus vegetables - they're all displayed by the side of the road, with a hastily made sign and old tin to collect the money.
They rely on the honesty of visitors and generosity of the people who put them there, and tell a tale of a more carefree way of living, where there's plenty for everyone, and even when there isn't, there's always something that can be shared.
I know of one stretch of road in the Dales where you can buy honey, jam, books, eggs and plants, all within about two miles of each other. It's a simple way to enjoy a taste of the Dales and to put some money into the local economy, making everyone smile.
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