It’s a double-header kinda day on the blog. Even though I just posted happy thoughts on Spring, there’s something else I just have to tell you about today! 😀
Those of you who have been around the {blog} block long know we like to support ministry & advocacy organizations as well as humanitarian movements for good here at She Lives Free. So naturally when I discovered that today is the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness on top of today being the first day of Spring, it left me … that’s right – HAPPY!
Check out this fun video for a quick glimpse of this whole Day of Happiness deal and then I’ll tell you more about why people around the world think it’s worth designating a day for us all to focus on the good, spread happiness and choose it for ourselves!
Please know, if you find it hard to imagine being happy right now, you’re not alone. If this topic feels a little like someone telling you to be happy about being single on valentine’s day, take heart, I have been there and
I understand! But through the hard days, I have learned that we can build lasting habits that increase our resilience and improve our happiness levels over time. I have come to want to make the words my own from Paul in Phillipians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
So, despite the circumstances of our lives, can we really train ourselves to become happier? The also science says yes. Our happiness level is a result of a complex interaction of genes and behaviors. While each of us has a genetic set point for happiness in the way we do for weight, we also have the ability to offset it, which brings us to the most important takeaway from the scientific research: You have the power to take control of your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Indeed, we can even learn to be intentional about taking every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.
(2 Corinthians 2:5)
I understand! But through the hard days, I have learned that we can build lasting habits that increase our resilience and improve our happiness levels over time. I have come to want to make the words my own from Paul in Phillipians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
So, despite the circumstances of our lives, can we really train ourselves to become happier? The also science says yes. Our happiness level is a result of a complex interaction of genes and behaviors. While each of us has a genetic set point for happiness in the way we do for weight, we also have the ability to offset it, which brings us to the most important takeaway from the scientific research: You have the power to take control of your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Indeed, we can even learn to be intentional about taking every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.
(2 Corinthians 2:5)
So, now that we’ve talked about how free-ing it can be to choose happy, let’s move on to a short blurb of official verbiage to get us wannabe happy activists in the know {From the United Nations}: The International Day of Happiness is an official UN day that recognizes the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal and the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples. The United Nations invites member states, international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.
Speaking of, on to what you can do, wherever you are! This International Day of Happiness, you have a chance to be featured in Pharrell Williams‘ “Happy” music video. Find out how here. Also, watch this great example from the Philippines.
Wanna go deeper & do more?
Check out:
You can also get in on this:
Together we can flood the internet with happiness! RSVP here for Global Happy Hour +SocialGood.
Help the UN and its partners spread happiness around the globe by donating to CERF. Learn more here.
What are you doing to spread happiness in the world? How can we make the world a happier place? What makes YOU happy?
Love it! Promote happiness people!
Thanks so much! : )
I love promoting happiness. In my research I found out that on a Gallup report Panama was the happiest nation. I have to say when I visited there, it was a fun environment. Great Post!
That is so neat, thanks for sharing that Jill! : )