You know Mike, my wife and I spent 6 years working in The Netherlands, near Eindhoven, and we can definitely relate to what you are saying here. The impression that was left upon me from living there, cannot be put into words. After leaving, I was homesick for years, and I easily realized that compared to most Americans I know, the Dutch are by far, Happier, Healthier, and Wealthier. Yes, by nationality, I am American, but my Soul will forever be Dutch. You are so lucky to be where you are, and if life deals me a good hand, my wife and I may be seeking Expat status there ourselves.👍🏼 Thank you for the lovely lovely videos. They warm our Hearts.💞
@@Boxer309 Thank you for your heartwarming words. I can feel your longing from afar. It is true what you say. The sense of freedom and happiness here is beyond words. It is indefinable but truly felt. I hope that you and your wife will one day find a way to come “home”. ❤️
I'm glad you and your wife had such a good time here in the Netherlands. I live near Eindhoven myself(just across the province border in Limburg, Weert) and it's a beautiful area to live. Hopefully you two will find your way back again and are able to settle down here. Warm greetings from the Netherlands. 😊🌷
So sorry to hear you had to leave while enjoying your life in our little country 😔 hopefully at one point in your life you are able to return to The Netherlands 🙏 Wishing you happy holidays and all the best for 2025 from Eindhoven ❤
@@wennyruijten8773 Thank You so much for your kind words. It is responses like this that make me love the Dutch so much. While living there, I completely lost count of the number of times that my life was touched by so many simple and honest acts of kindness. I do hope that the complexion of The Netherlands never changes.☺
@Boxer309 My family hails from Tilburg but, as my parents used to say, I was conceived in Tilburg but born in Eindhoven. School took me away from Eindhoven, work brought me back. Today I live on the border of Eindhoven and Nuenen, not likely to ever move. Just a stone's throw from where Vincent painted a watermill. Hope you can make it back 😊
Recently I found your channel and I really enjoy watching your videos. Your soothing voice, your insight in and appreciation of Dutch culture after living here so many years. It’s good to have an ‘outside’ view of our country to see how privileged we actually are despite all our complaints 😊 As a Dutch woman, I have never felt unsafe anywhere or at any time. It’s such a given, that I take this mindset with me when I go abroad even if it might not have been warranted in some places. What makes me happy here in the Netherlands? That it’s okay and even advocated to just be me, nothing more, nothing less.
I live on Dutch Saba in the Caribbean and I agree with everything you pointed out as we have that here too .... plus sunny warm weather year round. That means many mainland Dutchies come here to visit us!
@@JefftheSabaDude Gosh, Jeff, now you’re just making me envious. All the great attributes of the Netherlands AND plenty of sunny weather? 🌞 It seems you’ve found a little slice of heaven for yourself.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I am sure that if the 3 special municipalities of the Netherlands in the Caribbean (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) were big enough, the Netherlands wouldn't have a housing crisis. 😉 And there are 3 countries in the Caribbean that politically belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands which are Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Also not too bad to live in I believe. Greetings and love from Mönchengladbach, Germany, Sabine
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 It's 25-30°C here in the winter but with nice cool breezes because we live at 325-500 m above sea level and this time of year the rains mostly fall at night. Gezellig dat!
I love your positive vibe about our country and I totally agree. For me as a disabled person sitting in a wheelchair. I am very glad to live in the Netherlands. Having my own appartement who is adapted to my needs. I can also simply participate in society as an equal person. Happy (Christmas) holidays to you. ❤🧑🏻🎄
@@AdvdW Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Thank you, too, for the warm Christmas greetings. I wish you and yours a lovely holiday season. ❤️🌲🎅🏻
@@Annemie43 Thank you, Annemie. I agree with you. It is not so much WHAT we see but HOW we see. 😊 Recently, in fact, I said to a friend that I have been happy wherever I lived, and I think that has everything to do with how I choose to interpret my circumstances.💗
Never leave without goodbye. Never leave without a kiss. For if one's end is sudden nigh, the last chance has been missed. Don't walk away without a talk, ache your heart it might. What you leave behind at dawn, can have dissapeared by night. By a famous dutch poem. That sums it up
I announced on Thanksgiving Day to my family that I was going to move to the Netherlands and absolutely no one was surprised. The only surprise was that I was not moving to Germany. I was stationed in Germany when I was in the Army and it took an act of Mom to get me back to the US. Now that my mother has passed, I am leaving Dodge. I just need to sell my house.
And it's that easy. You just pack up and go. I wish Americans were just as comfortable with others moving to their country as they are with deciding when and where they move to. I vet there won't be a Homan to round you up. Be welcome. 🙋🏾
Since a few months I'm watching YT video like yours and getting to hear the good things but also the negative things from the Netherlands, my home country. I work internationally and can relate to a lot of what is said over our beatiful country in comparison to others. I always said "if we are able to complain so much about the weather it must be a great country to live in". These videos just proof that over and over again. I fully agree with helping others without expectation to get something in return is so rewarding. I feel very lucky being born here. Thanks for doing these videos.
@@LittlePapaJohn Thank you LittlePapaJohn. I appreciate your good words. We are, indeed, so very fortunate to call this country home. What you say about the weather is true. If that’s our biggest complaint, we sure do have it good. 😊
Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them a lot! I’ve never thought about why other people are happy or unhappy. I just live my life, enjoy as much as I can, barely worry, barely have stress, and if I see someone who I might be able to help, I will. I don’t chase money, I don’t chase possessions, I don’t care about much other than what is needed. And since I have all that, I am happy. Happy in the US, where many aren’t that happy. I think a lot of that has to do with money. Many think that if you are rich, you are successful, and if you’re successful, you must be happy. People who become rich find out, that they are still not happy. They are literally looking to buy happiness. To me it’s what I feel, not what others (might) think of me.
@@davidc.w.2908 I love your comment David. It is clear that you have discovered a few golden keys to happiness. In the US, reference is often made to the “pursuit of happiness”. In my opinion, that just chases it away. Happiness cannot be found; it is here all along, readily available should we CHOOSE to cultivate it. Money definitely doesn’t buy happiness. A friend of mine used to say, “there’s a box of tissues in the back of every limousine” (i.e. even the rich are not immune to suffering). ❤️
Hey Mike goeiemorgen, I've been coming across your videos for a while now and I keep coming back to them, so that's when I know it's time to subscribe. 😉 Thank you for sharing your perspective, I'm glad that you feel happy here and content. 😊🌷
Hoi Mike, Net je YT kanaal ontdekt. Wat een geweldige stem heb je! Een charismatische man, die ons land zo goed in kaart brengt. Wat maakt mij gelukkig? Ik kan zijn wie ik ben. De gelijkwaardigheid tussen man en vrouw en de veiligheid in Nederland staan hoog in het vaandel. Mijn Engels is niet perfect, dus het verhaal in het Nederlands:) Ik hoop nog veel mooie streams van je te zien!
Sunshine. With so much grey and shitty weather the sun immediately boosts moods. (Unless it's there for longer than a week. Never fear: we'll complain!)
I think what also contributes to the happiness of the Dutch, they are happy when they have found something cheap, it does not have to be more expensive, flashier etc. than that of the neighbors. Less envy because of that and more contentment, I think.
@@truebluewonderful1139 Absolutely, and there is no reason that you should live in the streets because of a health crisis. Mercifully, you live in a truly humane country like the Netherlands. ❤️
I just subscribed. Just curious, living here for 22 years, how is your Dutch? Would love to see a Dutch welcome and on ending a Dutch goodbye...doeii 😊
Thank you Mike for the kudos, they are spot on. My frequent visits to the US over the years have tought me a lot about my country. We tend to take our blessings for granted, we shouldn't 🤔
My two cents: the Dutch like to complain about the weather, traffic, crowds etc. to blow off steam and as an topic starter. Nobody likes people who complain all the time about everything and are allways the victim. "Niet klagen, maar dragen"
Complaining is healthy for the soul. I think positivity is forced so much globally, even here in the Netherlands. But all that means is that you are not being authentic. Positivity and negativity are two sides of the same coin.
Tulsa but people in America are doing that now. I wonder if the people doing it now are of Dutch descent because all it leads to is people misleading others. People will seem so cool that you'll think they'll be friends with you then they never will in actuality. I can't stand that fake and bake stuff coming from someone transgender with Italian American descent and poor. I am in a bad mood often and cynical. It's as if they give the impression that they'll let you into their world by putting all these socially free things out there but its just in a general sense only. Individually nobody will probably wanna get to know you though. Sorta like it is in the NW.
@@climbersisyphus Good question. For what it’s worth, I found this online: “Israel's position as one of the happiest countries in the world is a complex interplay of social cohesion, purpose, community engagement, and resilience. The nation's ability to maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging times, stems from its strong familial and communal bonds.” Thanks for watching, and thank you for your comment.
You know Mike, my wife and I spent 6 years working in The Netherlands, near Eindhoven, and we can definitely relate to what you are saying here. The impression that was left upon me from living there, cannot be put into words. After leaving, I was homesick for years, and I easily realized that compared to most Americans I know, the Dutch are by far, Happier, Healthier, and Wealthier. Yes, by nationality, I am American, but my Soul will forever be Dutch. You are so lucky to be where you are, and if life deals me a good hand, my wife and I may be seeking Expat status there ourselves.👍🏼
Thank you for the lovely lovely videos. They warm our Hearts.💞
@@Boxer309 Thank you for your heartwarming words. I can feel your longing from afar. It is true what you say. The sense of freedom and happiness here is beyond words. It is indefinable but truly felt. I hope that you and your wife will one day find a way to come “home”. ❤️
I'm glad you and your wife had such a good time here in the Netherlands.
I live near Eindhoven myself(just across the province border in Limburg, Weert) and it's a beautiful area to live.
Hopefully you two will find your way back again and are able to settle down here.
Warm greetings from the Netherlands. 😊🌷
So sorry to hear you had to leave while enjoying your life in our little country 😔 hopefully at one point in your life you are able to return to The Netherlands 🙏
Wishing you happy holidays and all the best for 2025 from Eindhoven ❤
@@wennyruijten8773 Thank You so much for your kind words. It is responses like this that make me love the Dutch so much. While living there, I completely lost count of the number of times that my life was touched by so many simple and honest acts of kindness. I do hope that the complexion of The Netherlands never changes.☺
@Boxer309 My family hails from Tilburg but, as my parents used to say, I was conceived in Tilburg but born in Eindhoven. School took me away from Eindhoven, work brought me back. Today I live on the border of Eindhoven and Nuenen, not likely to ever move. Just a stone's throw from where Vincent painted a watermill.
Hope you can make it back 😊
Recently I found your channel and I really enjoy watching your videos. Your soothing voice, your insight in and appreciation of Dutch culture after living here so many years. It’s good to have an ‘outside’ view of our country to see how privileged we actually are despite all our complaints 😊
As a Dutch woman, I have never felt unsafe anywhere or at any time. It’s such a given, that I take this mindset with me when I go abroad even if it might not have been warranted in some places.
What makes me happy here in the Netherlands? That it’s okay and even advocated to just be me, nothing more, nothing less.
@@anouk6644 Thank you for your kind words.😊 I love that you are free to be as you are. That is beautiful. ❤️
I live on Dutch Saba in the Caribbean and I agree with everything you pointed out as we have that here too .... plus sunny warm weather year round. That means many mainland Dutchies come here to visit us!
@@JefftheSabaDude Gosh, Jeff, now you’re just making me envious. All the great attributes of the Netherlands AND plenty of sunny weather? 🌞 It seems you’ve found a little slice of heaven for yourself.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 I am sure that if the 3 special municipalities of the Netherlands in the Caribbean (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) were big enough, the Netherlands wouldn't have a housing crisis. 😉 And there are 3 countries in the Caribbean that politically belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands which are Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Also not too bad to live in I believe. Greetings and love from Mönchengladbach, Germany, Sabine
@ Greetings and love to you, too, Sabine. ❤️ Any of those destinations would do me a world of good. I could use a sun injection ☀️ right about now.
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 It's 25-30°C here in the winter but with nice cool breezes because we live at 325-500 m above sea level and this time of year the rains mostly fall at night. Gezellig dat!
@ Sounds heavenly, Jeff. What an idyllic life you lead.
I love your positive vibe about our country and I totally agree. For me as a disabled person sitting in a wheelchair. I am very glad to live in the Netherlands. Having my own appartement who is adapted to my needs. I can also simply participate in society as an equal person. Happy (Christmas) holidays to you. ❤🧑🏻🎄
@@AdvdW Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Thank you, too, for the warm Christmas greetings. I wish you and yours a lovely holiday season. ❤️🌲🎅🏻
This is an other nice piece of work Mike. Like it. I think you are able to be happy anywhere just because of your positive mindset.
@@Annemie43 Thank you, Annemie. I agree with you. It is not so much WHAT we see but HOW we see. 😊 Recently, in fact, I said to a friend that I have been happy wherever I lived, and I think that has everything to do with how I choose to interpret my circumstances.💗
Jij happy, ik happy 🤗
@oorebeek1 Thank you. I love that. ❤️
Never leave without goodbye.
Never leave without a kiss.
For if one's end is sudden nigh,
the last chance has been missed.
Don't walk away without a talk,
ache your heart it might.
What you leave behind at dawn,
can have dissapeared by night. By a famous dutch poem. That sums it up
@@CarpeDiem-gi3yz That’s beautiful. What a touching poem. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
I announced on Thanksgiving Day to my family that I was going to move to the Netherlands and absolutely no one was surprised. The only surprise was that I was not moving to Germany. I was stationed in Germany when I was in the Army and it took an act of Mom to get me back to the US. Now that my mother has passed, I am leaving Dodge. I just need to sell my house.
That’s exciting news. I am rooting for you. What made you choose the Netherlands over Germany?
And it's that easy. You just pack up and go. I wish Americans were just as comfortable with others moving to their country as they are with deciding when and where they move to. I vet there won't be a Homan to round you up. Be welcome. 🙋🏾
@@BetterTogether-UnIr1 My son really. He wants to study in the Netherlands, and I love being near water and being able to actually ride my bike.
@@Heartburn1220 The Netherlands would be a wonderful place for your son to study. Make it so. 😊
Dream less , act gently , dont talk loud .
Since a few months I'm watching YT video like yours and getting to hear the good things but also the negative things from the Netherlands, my home country. I work internationally and can relate to a lot of what is said over our beatiful country in comparison to others. I always said "if we are able to complain so much about the weather it must be a great country to live in". These videos just proof that over and over again. I fully agree with helping others without expectation to get something in return is so rewarding. I feel very lucky being born here. Thanks for doing these videos.
@@LittlePapaJohn Thank you LittlePapaJohn. I appreciate your good words. We are, indeed, so very fortunate to call this country home. What you say about the weather is true. If that’s our biggest complaint, we sure do have it good. 😊
Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them a lot! I’ve never thought about why other people are happy or unhappy. I just live my life, enjoy as much as I can, barely worry, barely have stress, and if I see someone who I might be able to help, I will. I don’t chase money, I don’t chase possessions, I don’t care about much other than what is needed. And since I have all that, I am happy. Happy in the US, where many aren’t that happy. I think a lot of that has to do with money. Many think that if you are rich, you are successful, and if you’re successful, you must be happy. People who become rich find out, that they are still not happy. They are literally looking to buy happiness. To me it’s what I feel, not what others (might) think of me.
@@davidc.w.2908 I love your comment David. It is clear that you have discovered a few golden keys to happiness. In the US, reference is often made to the “pursuit of happiness”. In my opinion, that just chases it away. Happiness cannot be found; it is here all along, readily available should we CHOOSE to cultivate it. Money definitely doesn’t buy happiness. A friend of mine used to say, “there’s a box of tissues in the back of every limousine” (i.e. even the rich are not immune to suffering). ❤️
Hey Mike goeiemorgen, I've been coming across your videos for a while now and I keep coming back to them, so that's when I know it's time to subscribe. 😉
Thank you for sharing your perspective, I'm glad that you feel happy here and content. 😊🌷
@@BabzV Thank you so much! I appreciate all your comments and support. Thank you for joining me on my journey. ❤️
...heb net nieuwe banden op m,n fiets, daar wordt ik gelukkig van..
@@eddyblommaert5676 That is lovely, Eddy. Simple pleasures. ❤️
@@eddyblommaert5676 ik ook :D
Hoi Mike,
Net je YT kanaal ontdekt. Wat een geweldige stem heb je! Een charismatische man, die ons land zo goed in kaart brengt. Wat maakt mij gelukkig? Ik kan zijn wie ik ben. De gelijkwaardigheid tussen man en vrouw en de veiligheid in Nederland staan hoog in het vaandel. Mijn Engels is niet perfect, dus het verhaal in het Nederlands:) Ik hoop nog veel mooie streams van je te zien!
Hartelijk dank voor uw vriendelijke woorden. Ik ben blij dat je de video leuk vond. ❤️
Sunshine. With so much grey and shitty weather the sun immediately boosts moods. (Unless it's there for longer than a week. Never fear: we'll complain!)
@@bastonor You are right. It’s the rain that helps us truly appreciate the sunshine. ☀️
I think what also contributes to the happiness of the Dutch, they are happy when they have found something cheap, it does not have to be more expensive, flashier etc. than that of the neighbors. Less envy because of that and more contentment, I think.
@@Vuchel Yes, I think you are right. In fact, I mention it in this video: th-cam.com/video/Hita-hyUHuU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZZvzWpxvhpon8_2u
For me, the social safety net gives me a sense of security that keeps me happy.
I can imagine. It really does remove any sense of urgency or insecurity. 😊
Thank you
@@patp8526 My pleasure. Thank you for your comment. ❤️
Happiness is being free of anxiety and stress.
Hallelujah! Thanks for your comment. 😊
Wonderful. They way you put it I feel like a Hobbit; all content and happy :)
Haha. That is just what I was aiming for. ❤️
I had jobs for 20 years, then I became ill. I'm happy that I don't have to live in the streets!
@@truebluewonderful1139 Absolutely, and there is no reason that you should live in the streets because of a health crisis. Mercifully, you live in a truly humane country like the Netherlands. ❤️
I hope your health will get better. 💜🙏
I just subscribed. Just curious, living here for 22 years, how is your Dutch? Would love to see a Dutch welcome and on ending a Dutch goodbye...doeii 😊
@@MartinWebNatures Thanks for subscribing. So glad you joined me for the journey. I like your idea of a Dutch hello/goodbye. Tot ziens! 😊
Thank you Mike for the kudos, they are spot on. My frequent visits to the US over the years have tought me a lot about my country. We tend to take our blessings for granted, we shouldn't 🤔
I give this video like and hope you will run ads to promote your nice channel
@@patriciaalvarado1275 Thank you Patricia.
My two cents: the Dutch like to complain about the weather, traffic, crowds etc. to blow off steam and as an topic starter. Nobody likes people who complain all the time about everything and are allways the victim. "Niet klagen, maar dragen"
@@dutchmaestro731 Thank you for sharing your two cents. “Niet klagen, maar dragen” are words to live by. 👍
Complaining is healthy for the soul. I think positivity is forced so much globally, even here in the Netherlands.
But all that means is that you are not being authentic.
Positivity and negativity are two sides of the same coin.
Wise words. Authenticity is everything, isn’t it? Thanks for your comment. 👍
I do agree, living in Holland, I know the always happy thing is so far from the truth and very YTbe.
Tulsa but people in America are doing that now. I wonder if the people doing it now are of Dutch descent because all it leads to is people misleading others. People will seem so cool that you'll think they'll be friends with you then they never will in actuality. I can't stand that fake and bake stuff coming from someone transgender with Italian American descent and poor. I am in a bad mood often and cynical.
It's as if they give the impression that they'll let you into their world by putting all these socially free things out there but its just in a general sense only. Individually nobody will probably wanna get to know you though. Sorta like it is in the NW.
Cycling and chocolate sprinkles on your bread.
@@tarquinmidwinter2056 Absolutely. Ideally at the same time! 😆
How is Israel in the top happiest countries in the world
@@climbersisyphus Good question. For what it’s worth, I found this online: “Israel's position as one of the happiest countries in the world is a complex interplay of social cohesion, purpose, community engagement, and resilience. The nation's ability to maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging times, stems from its strong familial and communal bonds.” Thanks for watching, and thank you for your comment.
De vrijheid niet naar deze onzin te hoeven kijken, daar word ik gelukkig van 😝
@@JoshuaGroot-r6t I love it! To each his own…all the way! 👍
Ganja😂
@@GabberPinda Ah, the ganja, man! Of course. How could I forget. 😂 💨
Great Video. Thanx Mike!
Thank you, Hank. I appreciate your good words. 😊