If you’re happy & you know it …👏👏
In 2012 the United Nations implemented the first International Day of Happiness and went further stating that happiness is a human right and worthy of celebration. It is annually celebrated on March 20th, a week of celebrations which bring happiness, or at least that possibility, to us specifically. The ultimate goal of the day is to spread awareness that progress is not only about increasing bottom lines and encouraging economic growth, but well-being and human happiness. To give happiness as much priority as economic opportunity is an ambitious goal.
Happiness isn’t a given, it takes effort to attain, appreciate and understand one’s own happiness. Many people live very unhappy lives, and we have a responsibility to make happiness an option for them. Easier said than done.
On the third year of the international celebration Pharrell Williams gifted the world with his uplifting song “Happy” - I dare you to sit still as you listen!
In 2019 the Jerusalem challenge offered us a bit of happiness in the early days of Covid. It touched many cultures who couldn’t wait to dance…
Currently the people of the Ukraine are struggling to find comfort let alone happiness, meanwhile a 7-yr. old Ukrainian girl in a basement shelter brought joy to many by singing “Let it go” from the movie “Frozen”. Providing a moment of happiness for so many.
The Maxims of the Sisters of St Joseph ask us to:
Return happiness freely to those who dish out unhappiness #51
When you are with others, blend your serious side with joy, gentleness, and refreshing candor #45
Everything in balance: heart, humility, detachment prayer, trust, solitude, love of God and neighbour, a life joyous and free. #100
I cannot guarantee happiness to anyone but I can offer some possible options to attain their quest for happiness. For me, a further look at the Beatitudes offers hope that I can attain more happiness through specific actions and offer that same wisdom to my dear neighbour. Will you join me?
What do you do when you are happy?
What do you do to get happy?
How can you share your happiness?
-Maureen Condon
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY of HAPPINESS!
This year HAPPINESS FOR ALL, UKRAINE is the official 2022 International Day of Happiness campaign announced by HappinessDay.org, the campaign arm of UNIDO Happiness, the official home and secretariat of the United Nations International Day of Happiness. [https://happinessday.org/]
Image: Unsplash/Szilvia Basso
Header Image: Unsplash/Szilvia Basso