In 2011 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 65/309 which recognizes that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental goal” and calls for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and well-being of all peoples.”
In 2012 the UN General Assembly convened its first ever UN conference on Happiness and adopted a resolution calling for March 20 to be known as the International Day of Happiness. Past years’ themes have included Happy Heroes (2013), Reclaim Happiness (2014), and Climate Action for a Happy Planet (2016).
The 2018 theme for the International Day of Happiness is SHARE HAPPINESS. I love that this is a holiday that is shared around the globe, and one in which adults and children alike can participate. It carries the simple but important message that happiness can be found around us every day, and even the smallest gestures like smiles can spread happiness.
Does that mean that every person is happy every day? No. Does that mean that we stifle our moments of sadness and pretend that everything is okay when it really isn’t? Definitely no. Mindfulness means being aware of all of your feelings, even feelings of sadness, frustration, anger, or fear. It is okay to be sad, and it is okay to cry. Mindfulness gives us the moment of pause that we need to keep from being overpowered by our emotions–to believe that even in our moments of great sadness, that we will find contentment again.
That is what the International Day of Happiness is all about–finding contentment and joy in every day experiences. You don’t need to skip work or school and spend the day riding roller coasters to be happy. Here are some simple pleasures we can take any time to bring happiness to ourselves and to SHARE HAPPINESS with others:
Thank someone you see every day for what they add to your life.
Play a board game or card game in the evening instead of using electronics.
Walk/ride/drive a more scenic route home from work or school. Get some fresh air and enjoy the view.
Call a friend or family member just to catch up.
Pick up trash in your neighborhood streets or park.
Dance along to music while you make a meal in your kitchen.
Forgive someone for a grudge or resentment.
Leave a kind post-it note on the desk of a co-worker or classmate.
Cook for someone who needs a healthy meal or someone who could just use a break.
Spend quality time with a pet and/or a child.
Take a long walk or ride your bike around your neighborhood. Wave to your neighbors.
Enjoy your 2018 International Day of Happiness and remember to SHARE HAPPINESS!
For more information please check out the fantastic resources at http://www.dayofhappiness.net and www.actionforhappiness.org.
You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf — Jon Kabat-Zinn
Anchor Mindful Teaching 