In 1968, The Beatles released the song “I’m So Tired” from their eponymous White Album, where John Lennon sings about being utterly exasperated. In the chorus, he begs, “I’d give you everything I’ve got for a little peace of mind.” A lot of Americans are feeling just as stressed in 2026 amid political tensions, war, and an unstable economy, which raises the question: How much would the average American pay for peace of mind? According to a poll taken by TalkResearch in March of 2026, the “average American” would spend $57,000 for security and serenity. Of those polled, the average household income was $79,000 (slightly less than the U.S. median of $84,000), so they’d give up 72% of their yearly earnings just to live without worrying about whether they can make ends meet, while feeling 100% safe. Americans worry about taking care of the necessities The poll also revealed that the average American would pay $21,000 a year to never worry about necessities (groceries and medication), $19,800 for complete job security, and $16,400 to never have to be concerned about an unexpected medical bill or copay. A woman at peace. Credit: Canva “We exist in an environment defined by economic uncertainty and political instability,” Dr. Jenny Martin, PsyD and founder of Gemstone Wellness, said in a statement. “Peace of mind has become psychologically equated with control, which feels harder and harder to find. When core needs such as healthcare, employment, or transportation feel unpredictable, the nervous system remains in a state of threat. The idea of ‘paying for peace of mind’ reflects a deeper desire to secure safety and predictability—relief from chronic vigilance.” How far would you go for peace of mind? The poll shows that many Americans would go to extreme measures to move through the world feeling light and knowing everything is taken care of. It also reveals the things preventing them from achieving peace of mind…and they all seem to be financial. One wonders: if there were a magical lever someone could pull that would take 72% of their earnings but let them sleep like a baby every night for the rest of their lives, how many would actually do it? Would you trade most of your financial freedom for a worry-free existence? Man on a treadmill. Credit: Canva. The problem is that it may be impossible to become 100% worry-free. The psychological phenomenon known as the hedonic treadmill or hedonic adaptation suggests that people normalize their improvements in comfort, such as having enough money to get by or being out of a war zone, and then return to a relatively stable baseline. Once our basic needs are met, it’s human nature to find new things to become dissatisfied about, whether that’s status, identity, a sense of meaning, and so on. The unlikelihood that we can ever be permanently satisfied means we should look for comfort elsewhere. “Sustainable peace of mind is less about removing uncertainty and more about increasing our ability to handle it,” Dr. Martin says. “Research tells us that internal regulation, not external control, is the more reliable way to go.” So, to truly find peace of mind in a world where we can always find things to worry about, the best thing to do is to build it within ourselves. The post The ‘average American’ put a price tag on ‘peace of mind.’ It’s worth a lot. appeared first on Upworthy.

We all know and love the fluffy, sweet, decadent taste of French toast. But what many of us don’t know is that it’s about as authentic to French cuisine as chicken parm is to Italian cuisine. In fact, the dish predates the country entirely.  From ancient Rome to your breakfast plate The earliest known recipe goes all the way back to ancient Rome. In a fourth-/fifth-century cookbook titled Apicius, you’ll find instructions for making Aliter Dulcia (“another sweet dish”), as it was called back then, which involved soaking white bread in a milk-and-egg mixture, frying it, then covering it with honey. @tastinghistory 2,000 year old Ancient Roman French Toast #history #foodhistory #tastinghistory ♬ original sound – Max Miller According to some sources, this iteration of French toast was considered a luxury food intended for the wealthy. Only “fine white bread” with the “crusts removed” would be used.  However, fast-forward to Medieval Europe, and the dish served slightly more practical purposes. It not only revived otherwise stale and useless bread in a time when food really couldn’t go to waste, but the eggs used in the dish also provided necessary protein.  During this time period, the dish went by many names, but French toast wasn’t one of them. Germans called it “eggy bread,” the Irish called it “gypsy toast,” and the English called it “poor knights,” referring to its economical ingredients. Even the French called it pain perdu, or “lost bread.” Below, Max Miller of Tasting History recreated Suppa Dorata (often translated as “Golden Soup” or “Golden Sippets”), essentially the 15th-century Italian version of French toast, featuring a rich, crispy texture flavored with saffron and rose water rather than maple syrup or honey. The accidental birth of “French toast” Astoundingly, the term French toast actually refers to an American…an American who could have benefited from autocorrect.  As legend has it, in 1724, New York innkeeper Joseph French advertised it as “French toast” when he meant to call it “French’s toast.” A simple grammatical error became immortalized forever.  It seems, though, that French toast wouldn’t become America’s go-to name until World War I. Before then, it was called “German toast.” But when all things German became taboo, a name attributed to an Allied country seemed more befitting. Sidenote: Some might recall that in 2003, the United States was trying to rebrand French toast as “freedom toast,” similar to “freedom fries” instead of “French fries.” It did not catch on.  Breakfast, dessert, or something else entirely? Even after the name French toast stuck, people couldn’t agree on which meal it belonged to. As Miller explained, some felt it was best suited for lunch, while others thought it should be an after-dinner dessert. It wasn’t until 1866, when Godey’s Magazine (which brought us “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and that little holiday known as Thanksgiving) dubbed it an “excellent” breakfast choice, “equal to waffles.” Bold statement, indeed! Today, French toast still goes by countless other names and variations. In several countries, it’s a savory dish. In India, it’s served with spices, green chilis, onions, and even ketchup. Similarly, Italy places mozzarella between the bread slices before dipping them in eggs and frying them. Meanwhile, in places like Brazil and Spain, where it’s called “rabanadas” and “torrijas,” respectively, it’s served on special holidays like Christmas or Lent. @daenskitchen Torrijas (Spanish French toast). Full recipe over on my website! ♬ sonido original – Vibes by Ley No matter what you call it, this enduring dish is far more magical than it appears at first glance, carrying not only delicious comfort but also centuries of history in every bite. The post French toast isn’t actually French. How the ancient frugal meal got its contradictory name. appeared first on Upworthy.

English may boast one of the lengthiest vocabularies in the world, but there are still entire emotional universes Merriam-Webster can’t quite encapsulate. Thankfully, other cultures can. Our ability to understand these layered, sometimes conflicting feelings proves that beneath our differences, we share the same emotional language. Here are some of the most beautifully specific emotions that have no English equivalent, grouped by the inner worlds they illuminate. Together, they show one thing: human feelings are far more connected than we might assume, 1. The many faces of love, longing, and heartache Woman in denim jacket covers face with sleeve, standing outdoors with blurred background. Photo credit: Canva Chappell Roan said it best: “love is a kaleidoscope.” One of tenderness, ache, inevitability, and memory. These words perfectly capture the emotional fine print of human connection. Saudade (Portuguese) – A deep nostalgic longing for someone or something loved and lost. The love that lingers long after the moment is gone. Tu’burni (Arabic) – “I hope I die before you,” said not morbidly but because life without the beloved would be unbearable. Onsra (Boro, India) – Loving for what you know will be the last time. Mágoa (Portuguese) – A heartbreak so profound that its traces remain visible in gestures and expressions. Sielvartas (Lithuanian) – A seemingly endless grief or emotional turmoil, often tied to loss. Toska (Russian) – Spiritual anguish with no clear cause—sometimes love-sickness, sometimes existential ache. Koi No Yokan (Japanese) – The feeling that you’re destined to fall in love with someone. Not love at first sight, but the inevitability of it. Forelsket (Norwegian) – The consuming, euphoric high of new love. Technically, we do have an English equivalent (puppy love). Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan) – A shared look between two people, both hoping the other will initiate something they both want. Gigil (Tagalog) – The irresistible urge to squeeze someone because they’re impossibly cute or beloved. Jeong (Korean) – A deep, multifaceted emotional bond encompassing love, affection, empathy, and attachment. These words prove that love cannot be reduced to a single emotion. 2. Awe, inspiration, and emotional transcendence Woman with outstretched arms in a sunlit field, enjoying the outdoors. Photo credit: Canva Some emotions lift us out of our everyday selves—through nature, art, music, or inner stillness. These words celebrate those moments when the world feels bigger, deeper, or more alive. Tarab (Arabic) – A musical ecstasy that transports you. Duende (Spanish) – The visceral, spine-tingling feeling you get from powerful art. Shinrin-yoku (Japanese) – The restorative calm from “forest-bathing.” Dadirri (Australian Aboriginal) – Deep, contemplative, respectful listening. Querencia (Spanish) – A place where your soul rests and regathers strength. Ailyak (Bulgarian) – Doing things calmly and slowly, resisting the rush of life. Ataraxia (Ancient Greek) – A serene calm that comes from acceptance and clarity. Sukha (Sanskrit) – True, lasting happiness not dependent on circumstances. Eudaimonia (Greek) – A form of human flourishing that includes joy, purpose, and even the ability to hold suffering with grace. These are the emotions that open us up to natural beauty and to the deeper parts of ourselves. 3. Yearning, wanderlust, and the emotional pull of place Lush forest with vibrant green and orange foliage in soft, misty sunlight. Photo credit: Canva These words capture the feelings that tie us to geography—whether we’re longing to leave, ecstatic to go, or transformed when we arrive somewhere new. Fernweh (German) – A longing for faraway places you haven’t visited yet. Dépaysement (French) – The disorientation (good or bad) of being somewhere entirely unfamiliar. Think of it as reverse déjà vu. Resfeber (Swedish) – The nervous excitement right before a journey begins. Vårkänsla (Swedish) – The giddy, heart-lifting feeling when spring finally returns. Iktsuarpok (Inuit) – The restless anticipation of waiting for someone to arrive. Waldeinsamkeit (German) – Also belongs here for its nature-rooted serenity. These words remind us that our surroundings shape our inner world. 4. Connection, community, and shared human vibes Friends laughing and drinking coffee at a cozy cafe table. Photo credit: Canva Some feelings only exist between people in crowds, in friendships, in shared silences, or in the subtle emotional temperature of a room. Gezelligheid (Dutch) – Cozy, heartwarming togetherness. 분위기 / Boon-wee-gi (Korean) – The overall atmosphere or vibe of a situation. Fika (Swedish) – A ritualized break to slow down and connect (usually over coffee). Mokita (Kivila) – A painful truth everyone knows but agrees not to mention. Commuovere (Italian) – Being moved to tears by someone’s story or kindness. Human life is held together by shared awareness, and these words embody some of those shared experiences. 5. Strength, resilience, and grit Woman with curly hair in sunlight, eyes closed, wearing a purple top. Photo credit: Canva These words show that courage and resourcefulness take many forms. Sisu (Finnish) – Deep perseverance and courage in adversity. Orenda (Huron) – The human will’s power to shape the world despite fate. Jijivisha (Hindi) – A zest for life; desire to live fully and vibrantly. 加油 / Jiā yóu (Chinese) – “Add oil!” A cheer of encouragement and solidarity. Desenrascanço (Portuguese) – Cleverly untangling yourself from trouble using creativity. Pihentagyú (Hungarian) – A relaxed-brain quick-wittedness; clever mental play. Some emotions are fuel to keep us going. 6. Humor, embarrassment, and the awkwardness of existence Man smiling with hand over face, standing outdoors against a blue sky background. Photo credit: Canva Humans are messy. These words capture the cringiness that makes us lovable. Jayus (Indonesian) – A joke so bad it’s good. Age-otori (Japanese) – When your haircut makes you look worse. Litost (Czech) – The sting of suddenly realizing your own misery—often with a dash of revenge fantasy. Lebensmüde (German) – “Life tiredness” that sometimes explains reckless behavior. They celebrate the ways we laugh our way through being human. 7. Serenity, fulfillment, and slower ways of living Hand painting a still life on canvas with blue and orange tones. Photo credit: Canva These words name feelings we desperately need more English words for—the grounded peace that comes from completing something meaningful or living at a human pace. Yuan bei (Chinese) – Perfect, satisfying accomplishment. Ailyak (Bulgarian) – Calm, unhurried living. Meraki (Greek) – Pouring your soul, passion, and creativity into what you do. Querencia (Spanish) – A place of inner refuge and strength. Ataraxia (Greek) – Acceptance-based tranquility. These words are all about the intrinsic fullness that comes from finishing something well, doing things with heart, and letting yourself breathe. 8. The hard-to-define emotional in-betweens Woman sitting on a chair in the water, writing in a notebook at sunset. Photo credit: Canva Some feelings sit in liminal spaces, hard to define but unmistakably human. Torschlusspanik (German) – The fear that the door of opportunity is closing as you age. Desbundar (Portuguese) – Letting loose and shedding your inhibitions. Dadirri (Aboriginal) – Quiet, contemplative inner listening. Dépaysement (French) – Emotional disorientation abroad (also fits here). “Bittersweet” is an English word that comes to mind, but how nice to have even more words to choose from. Why these words matter more than ever Maybe the real beauty of these untranslatable emotions isn’t that other languages have them and English doesn’t. It’s that humans everywhere feel them, even if we don’t always know how to say them out loud. So the next time you experience something too complicated to explain, take heart: there’s probably a word for it somewhere in the world…and someone who’s felt it, too. Sources: Berlitz, BBC, Thought Catalog, Collective Hub This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated. The post 50 emotions that don’t exist in the English language, but we all have experienced appeared first on Upworthy.

Kelly Clarkson fans may be grieving the end of The Kelly Clarkson Show, but she’s not leaving the small screen for good. The Grammy-winner is heading back to coach The Voice for another season. NBC announced the news on Thursday, May 7th, saying “Team Kelly has RE-entered the chat. Kelly Clarkson returns as a Coach this fall on The Voice! on NBC and streaming on Peacock.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBC's The Voice (@nbcthevoice) Kelly has been with The Voice on and off since 2018. She did her first stint from season 14 through season 21. Then she returned for seasons 23 and 29. She’s currently holding the record for most wins by a female coach with four wins. Blake Shelton, who left the show in 2023, has the most overall wins with nine. Kelly Clarkson is returning with Adam Levine this fall. So far, they are the only two confirmed coaches. Kelly Clarkson is Stepping Away From ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ to ‘Prioritize’ Her Kids and Her Music The big news comes only three months after Kelly announced the end of her Emmy-winning talk show. After “seven incredible years,” she decided to redirect her attention to what matters most—family and music. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) “This isn’t goodbye,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “I’ll still be making music, playing shows here and there and you may catch me on The Voice from time to time … you never know where I might show up next.” Kelly Clarkson also wants to be present for her daughter, River Rose, 11, and her son, Remington, 9, following the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away from cancer in 2025. You can find this story’s featured image here.

After crossing the finish line of a challenging triathlon, one woman was met with an even bigger surprise. Her boyfriend proposed moments later, turning an incredible achievement into an unforgettable celebration of love.