Did you know that March 20th, 2013 was the first International Day of Happiness? Neither did I.
In July 2012, the United Nations Assembly adopted a resolution that decreed that the International Day of Happiness would be observed every year on March 20th.
Since I missed the memo, I am celebrating today. In the spirit of, “it’s never a bad time for a do-over.”
Apparently after centuries of measuring society’s progress based on economic growth and industrial progress, some really important people with big titles and long names have realized that our planet’s true progress “should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy at all costs.”
You can find that quote and all the details on how the International Day of Happiness came to be here.
One of the leaders of this campaign for happiness (sounds so official!), is an organization called “Action for Happiness.”
They have identified 10 Keys for Happier Living:
Outside: Our Daily Activities
Giving – Doing things for others
Relating – Connect with people
Exercising – Take care of your body
Appreciating – Notice the world around
Trying Out – Keep learning new things
Inside: Our Attitude to Life
Direction- Have goals to look forward to
Resilience – Find ways to bounce back
Emotion – Take a positive approach
Acceptance – Be comfortable with who you are
Meaning – Be part of something bigger
Yes it spells out “Great Dream.” No I am not making this up. Click here to see for yourself.
There are so many things I love about this, I could write a 2,000 word blog post. But I won’t.
I will focus on my favorite part – these fabulous leaders, researchers and government officials came up with a list of actions for each area, here are some highlights:
Action 6 – Look for the good in those around you
This means you, right now think one good thing about someone you love. Now. Don’t you feel better already? I know I sure do!
Action 17 – Make sure you get enough sleep
I think they were talking to me with that one!
Action 28 – Detox your negative thinking patterns
You think they consulted any life coaches for this project?
Action 32 – Write down your dreams for the future
I love making lists!
And finally for today, Action 45 – Enhance your relationship with your partner
Oooooohhhhhhh I love these Happiness Activists people!
You really can make the world a better place by saying something nice to your hubby or buying flowers for your wife. Or putting down the toilet seat, or leaving it up if that’s your preference.
You can find the whole list of actions here.
So to celebrate the First International Day of Happiness, I am embracing two actions:
Action 5 – Thank the people you are grateful to
I will be thanking some people in person today, but in the meantime, I electronically THANK YOU for spending some time with me every week via this magical electronic web that connects us and for your desire to live a better life and love the marriage you are creating – I honor and acknowledge you with deepest gratitude and greatest joy.
Action 15 – Make something happen for a good cause
I am totally in love with Pencils of Promise – they build schools and help communities support those schools once they are built. I sent them a little $$ and guess what? It did make me happier! I am still feeling the “I-helped-build-a-school- today-after-glow.”
And now for the challenge – choose an action (or two!) from the above or make up your own. Do it. Today. Now if you can. Remember – you are following a decree by the United Nations. You are contributing to world peace. It’s your sacred duty to be a little happier today.
Remember something as simple as giving someone a hug or saying good morning to yourself in the mirror – and to your colleagues when you get to work can make you happier.
What is your favorite key for happier living? What action can you take towards being happier today? Please share in the comments.
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