Happy World Happiness Day!
Did you know that happiness has its own holiday?
Five years ago, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed March 20 to be the International Day of Happiness.
You might be wondering why on earth do we need a day to celebrate happiness? Isn't it quite hokey and mushy for a world organization like the UN to talk about a personal and emotional concept such as happiness?
It turns out that personal happiness has a significant impact on the larger society.
Research shows that happy people are healthier; they get sick less often and live longer. Happy people are more likely to get married and have fulfilling marriages, and they have more friends. They make more money and are more productive at work.
Based on decades of research, therefore, it has become clear that happiness is not just a personal issue; it's a matter of public health, global economics, and national well-being.
In light of this, it is not surprising that governments and national organizations are taking personal wellbeing quite seriously, especially since improved economic indicators do not automatically convert to improvements in life satisfaction and happiness. (The UAE now has a minister of happiness – how cool is that?)
Recent research by respected academics such as Sonja Lyubomirsky and others has demonstrated that just as improving physical health takes effort and intentionality, similarly improving mental and emotional health requires making some permanent changes that require effort and commitment every day of your life. "Pursuing happiness takes work, says Lyubomirsky, "but consider that this 'happiness work' may be the most rewarding work you'll ever do."
For the next several sessions, we will explore the concept of happiness, what it is and how we can nurture our own happiness, not just for our good but as a public service :)
– if we are happier, the people around us are better off and society also functions better.
Before we begin though, who are the two or three people you know who could use a boost to their emotional wellbeing? Can you please pass on this link to them, and encourage them to sign up for the Daily Wisdoms so that they can also take this journey with us?
https://www.familyconnectionsacademy.com/p/dailywisdoms
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