The world could sure use of dose of Vitamin H. Seems like every day we are barraged with news of violence, poverty, death and destruction, Earth changes, fear mongering, hatred. It takes its toll on us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Even seemingly perpetually positive people in my life are feelin’ it and wondering what two by four knocked them on their butts. Sometimes I’m right there with them, shaking my way out of the slump.
Enter the United Nations International Day of Happiness. According to the website:
“In July 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a groundbreaking resolution which recognised happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes… happiness and well-being of all peoples”.
In April 2012 the first ever UN conference on Happiness took place in New York and in July 2012 the UN General Assembly adopted a further resolution which decreed that the International Day of Happiness was to be observed every year on 20 March. It was celebrated for the first time in 2013.
To celebrate, the organizers are asking that people world wide, take action to increase their personal happiness quotient, making it about wellbeing rather than wealth. So often, we are taught that happiness comes from acquiring possessions, but the truth is, they are transient. What is eternal is love and connection. My contention is that happy people are a greater force for good in the world, since the well from which we dip to pull up the sweet water is deeper.
How can you get involved?
Spend time engaged in joy-filled activities.
Make a happiness list of things that float your boat.
Listen to uplifting music.
Plant a garden.
Sing.
Dance.
Pray.
Create.
Spend time in nature.
Be with people you love.
Do something that is of service to the planet.
Forgive.
Laugh and smile more, even if you aren’t much feeling like it…all the more reason.
Count your blessings with an attytood of grattytood.
Hug.
According to the folks at Action For Happiness….Get involved! Share a photo… You can support the day and help to Reclaim Happiness by sharing a photo of something that makes you happy, using the #happinessday hashtag (e.g. via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook etc). Hundreds of inspiring images have already been shared and can be seen on our happiness wall.
Even Pharrell Williams is getting into the act, asking that people videotape themselves dancing to his hit ‘Happy’ !
I posted the Valentines’ Day Weekend FREE HUGS Flash Mob video as part of my formula for happiness.
The original Hugmobsters~ 2/15/14 at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, PA
To learn more, go to www.dayofhappiness.net
Photo credit: Action For Happiness
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