International Day of Happiness
#HappinessForAllForever
What is the International Day of Happiness?
It’s a day to be happy, of course! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.
The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.
Background
The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness, recognizing 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. It also recognised 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 resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country which recognised the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product. It also hosted a High Level Meeting on “Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly.
World Happiness Report 2019
The World Happiness Report is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness that ranks 156 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. This year’s World Happiness Report focuses on happiness and the community: how happiness has evolved over the past dozen years, with a focus on the technologies, social norms, conflicts and government policies that have driven those changes.
https://worldhappiness.report/
What is the link between Nwabisa African Art and the International Day of Happiness?
Nwabisa African Art was founded out of the aim to share te beautiful art created in Africa with people around the world, and at the same time to help the local African artists grow their footprint in the world. This is aimed at helping these artists have a sustainable source of income from their art, and through that way we aim at bringing happiness to the artists, their families, their environment and their communities.
One of the beauties of Africa is that smiles are shared abundantly, even those who, in the eyes of many, have little to no possessions often have smiled enough to share. This happiness and joy for life is something we treasure and also want to share with you.
The International Day of Happiness is a good moment to dwell on the fact that Happiness is not to be taken for granted, but very important. Just think about the many that are unhappy and what this can mean to then and the people around them.
“With all it’s sham, drudgery
And broken dreams
It is still a beautiful world
Be careful, strive to be happy”
Les Crane – Desiderata
What Is Happiness?
Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology—positive psychology—has been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.
Feeling joyful has its health perks, as well. A growing body of research also suggests that happiness can improve your physical health; feelings of positivity and fulfillment seem to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure, among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan as well as a higher quality of life and well-being.
Attaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people from every corner of the world rate happiness more important than other desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring material goods, and getting into heaven.
How to Be Happy
Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; researchers find that achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort. Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships, even your neighbors—all influence how happy you are. Or can be. So do individual ways of thinking and expressing feelings. Research shows that much of happiness is under personal control.
Regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in challenging activities, setting and meeting goals, maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose beyond oneself all increase life satisfaction. It isn’t happiness per se that promotes well-being, it’s the actual pursuit that’s key.
Signs of the Happy Person
The happy person is not enamored with fancy material goods or luxury vacations. This person is fine with the simple pleasures of life—petting a dog, sitting under a tree, enjoying a cup of tea. Here are the signs of the happiest.
- Does not feel entitled and has fewer expectations
- Is not spiteful or insulting
- Doesn’t hold grudges
- Is open to learning new things
- Is high in humility and patience
- Doesn’t register small annoyances
- Does not angst over yesterday and tomorrow
- Exercises self-care
- Smiles and laughs readily
- Goes with the flow
- Does not play games
- Practices compassion
- Gives and receives without torment
- Is not a martyr or victim
- Is always grateful
- Is not stingy with their happiness
- Enjoys healthy relationships
- Is happy for other people
- Has a healthy support network
- Lives with meaning and purpose
Are you Happy? Take the test….
On the website of Psychology today you can find a test to see if you are Happy or not, here is the link to that test:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/health/happiness-test
