March 20 is the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness. It’s a day to recognize the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives. On a personal level it means recognizing that happiness and wellness are predicated on more than your income. It means being mentally and physically healthy, being able to breathe the air, having friends and the time to pursue the interests that make you who you are. It means advocating for the rights of everyone to have those: access to health care, safe work, a clean environment, community supports, art!
In honour of the International Day of Happiness. Here’s a personal short list of some of the things that make me happy.
- My kids: my daughter’s toothless grin and my son’s silly jokes
- Knowing that someone loves me no matter what
- Making a difference in my community – either in my kids school, promoting kindness or leadership
- Work that really matters and that stands the test of time
- Learning new things like flip turns at swimming or skiing this year
- Working with people who challenge me and who are generous with their knowledge
- Childhood friends
- The women in my book club and the conversations we have
- Sunshine after such a brutal winter
- Books, music, wine and any combination thereof
- Belting out show tunes
- Holidays that involve gift-giving
- Holding babies or giggling babies
- Birthday celebrations that last for weeks
- Sleeping in
- Blogging and rich online conversations
- Really great dessert
- Surprises
- Anticipating holidays
- Twinkle lights
- Looking at pictures of happy times
- 0hhhh I could go on…..
Doesn’t everyone deserve happiness? What makes you happy? What could you change in your workplace to boost happiness? If you could change one law in your community or country to help enhance overall happiness or well-being, what would it be?
If you’re stuck for ideas, the Canadian Index of Wellbeing provides extensive research and sound policy recommendations. An article in this week’s New York Times titled Income Gap meet the Longevity Gap also shows the impact of well-being in communities.
It makes me happy to know that you stopped in to read this post. It would make me even happier if you would share your thoughts.
Wishing you every happiness, Dominique
Accolade Communications 
As someone who is passionate about musical theater, I can identify with belting out show tunes… Looking at pictures of happy times also resonates within me. However, what makes me happy is a sense that I am growing in knowledge, wisdom, and an awareness of the earth’s wonderful possibilities for exploration and discovery, and the desire to share this growth and awareness with others.
Having you as a friend makes me very happy 🙂
Likewise Glo! Smart women, interesting conversation, great friends… that’s happiness 🙂