search
date/time
Cumbria Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
1:00 AM 20th March 2024
lifestyle

Happiness Day 2024 - 'Happier Together'

 
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Did you know that the 20th March is United Nations International Day of Happiness? This year the day is also shared with the celebration of the Spring Equinox.

The very first International Day of Happiness was in 2013 when events took place all over the world promoting happiness in communities and celebrating 'Happy Heroes'.

“International Day of Happiness has struck a chord. There were celebrations all over the world: meditation in Bhutan, happy flash mobs in London, laughter yoga in Hong Kong and screenings of the film Happy in coffee shops all over the world. The day had a trending hashtag on twitter and its own website dayofhappiness.net” - USA Today (March 2013)

Photo by Josh Felise on Unsplash
Photo by Josh Felise on Unsplash
Some Happiness quotes:

“People should find happiness in the little things, like family.” - Amanda Bynes

"Happiness depends upon ourselves." - Aristotle

“The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.” - William Saroyan

"Happiness is a direction, not a place." - Sydney J. Harris

“To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.” - Bertrand Russell


Photo by D Jonez on Unsplash
Photo by D Jonez on Unsplash
The definition of Happiness:
Happiness can be either feeling or showing, meaning that happiness is not necessarily an internal or external experience, but can be both.


Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
The theme for 2024 is 'Happier Together'
At this time of uncertainty and conflict, this year’s ‘Happier Together’ theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from feeling connected to others and being part of something bigger.

There are lots of issues in our world right now. We can’t always change what is happening, but we can choose how we respond.

According to the Day of Happiness website there are four ways we can help to build a happier and stronger community:
Give positive comments to as many people as possible today
Really listen to what people say, without judging them
Share an encouraging news story to inspire others
Reach out to a friend, family member or colleague for support


Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay
Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay
“Our relationships with others is the single biggest predictor of lifelong health and happiness. At a time of increasing polarisation and isolation, the most important thing we can do is find positive ways to overcome our divisions and connect more deeply with each other. This matters now more than ever”

Dr Mark Williamson (Action for Happiness)


For more information click here