September headline from The Telegraph: “These are the happiest states in America. See where your state ranks.” The list is published annually by a company called WalletHub, which I’m guessing makes wallets for husbands. Their wallets may be exceptional, but I’m skeptical of their happiness rankings. Here are some thoughts on the first 18, which gets us to Georgia.  

WalletHub started off splendidly by putting Hawaii at the top. Happiness should be overflowing in a land of cascading waterfalls and pristine beaches, an island paradise where hula dancers sway to the soothing music of steel guitars.   

My confidence in the rankings plummeted, however, when I saw second place. I’ve never heard anyone say, “My dream is to someday live in New Jersey.” 

Number three Utah was another surprise. It must be the singing. I don’t understand the Mormon brand of faith, but they do have a fine choir. 

Idaho’s fourth place is probably potato related. I’ve had a lot of happy moments eating potato chips, French fries, and creamed potatoes. On a sidenote, a gentleman from Idaho attended our September Brotherhood breakfast at Vienna First Baptist. At 81 he tasted grits that morning for the first time. Life without grits seems incomplete, but maybe Idaho compensates with hash browns.

Maryland, Nebraska, Connecticut, and Minnesota were ranked fifth through eighth. I’m wondering if some of the rankings were drawn from a hat.

California’s ninth place seems way too high. I will always be grateful, however, for their role in sending Ronald Reagan to The White House. Even those who disliked his politics liked the man. More importantly they respected him. I miss the days when the leader of the free world conducted himself in a gentlemanly fashion.

New Hampshire was ranked tenth. Perhaps they brought a lot of happy ideas with them from Old Hampshire.

New York at number 11 must be based on their lovely rural areas. New York City doesn’t strike me as a happy place. Admittedly, however, my bias for country living runs deep.      

North Dakota seems too frigid to rank 12th. Perhaps their happiness comes from the real estate market. Decades ago I knew a Georgia man who bought a house in North Dakota for $2000. A dying town was trying to bring life to vacant properties. I don’t know how the story ended, but it was an interesting approach.

Massachusetts may have been a good choice for number thirteen. History shows that Boston can throw a great tea party.

North Carolina came in at 14, South Carolina 15, and Virginia 16. Southern charm and temperate weather is a winning combination. I would rank them higher.

Arizona edged out Georgia for 17th place, probably because it’s a dry heat. Sunshine without humidity is loved by many, a notable exception being their lonely allergists.

Georgia should rank higher than 18th. We have mountains, beaches, and all that’s between, plus friendly folks and peach ice cream. Honestly though, gnats could keep us out of the top spot. 

I don’t know about the accuracy of WalletHub’s ratings or the quality of their wallets, but here’s what I can say with certainty. No matter the place or name of the state, happiness is a choice we make. The happiest state we’ll ever find is found in a happy state of mind.