Wallowing in the warmth of a precious puppy cuddling closely to your chest.
Gently smiling to the contagiously gleeful giggling of a precious baby.
Smelling the sweet aroma of a fresh batch of gooey, chocolate-chip cookies baking in the oven.
Walking barefoot along the silky sand of the seaside with the wind whisking through your hair as you listen to the soothing sound of waves tumbling onto the shore.
There are many experiences that we encounter in our everyday lives that make us happy.
International Day of Happiness is all about appreciating the happiness that is already present in our lives that is often taken for granted, as well as highlighting the impact and significance of happiness to the human experience.
What is International Day of Happiness, and Why do We Celebrate it?
International Day of Happiness, created by the United Nations and coordinated by the non-profit organisation Action for Happiness, is a global recognition of the importance of human happiness, as well as a celebration of the happiness that already exists in our lives.
As the world has progressed, so have we as humans. We no longer spend our entire lives in survival mode fending off saber tooth tigers—Rather, we seek to lead fulfilling lives with purpose.
In this day and age, “people are recognising that ‘progress’ should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy.”
This concept of prioritising happiness led to the UN General Assembly adopting a resolution in 2011 that “recognised happiness as a ‘fundamental human goal’ and called for ‘a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”
The following year, in 2012, the first-ever UN conference on happiness was held.
It was at this conference that the UN General Assembly decided to officially adopt the observation of International Day of Happiness and set a date.
When is International Day of Happiness 2023?
International Day of Happiness is on 20 March every year. This year, in 2023, International Day of Happiness falls on a Monday.
In What Year was International Day of Happiness Officially Established?
International Day of Happiness was officially established in 2012 at the UN conference on happiness. However, the first official International Day of Happiness was celebrated in 2013.
What is the Theme for International Day of Happiness 2023?
The theme for International Day of Happiness 2023 is: “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.”
This theme represents a simple 3-step process that you can practise to “give yourself a boost and build your compassion for others:”
1. Be Mindful
Being mindful is the building block for becoming a kind and compassionate person who shines light into the lives of others.
During this step, it is important to ask yourself:
How am I feeling right now?
When we are aware of our thought patterns and emotions, we can avoid taking our negative feelings such as anger, stress, and sadness out on others.
If you are feeling negative emotions, take deep breaths and try to calm your mind and body.
If you are feeling happy or peaceful, take a moment to appreciate these experiences. It is easy to take these positive times for granted because we tend to only remember or focus on the negative moments of our lives instead.
2. Be Grateful
Gratitude is the key to happiness.
Oftentimes in life, we get so caught up in what we don’t have that, rather than being grateful for what we do have.
Regardless of whether you are going through a particularly difficult time in your life or are floating on cloud nine, there is always something that you can be grateful for.
During this step, take a moment to ask yourself:
What am I thankful for in my life?
Do you have access to food? Clothes on your back? A bed to sleep in? People who love you?
Our lives may not be perfect or even close, but there are countless things in life to be grateful for if you take the time to notice them.
3. Be Kind
When we are grateful for what we have and aware of our emotions and how they affect others, it is much easier to be kind to others.
During this step, ask yourself:
Who do I want to send love to, and how can I share kindness and happiness with others?
It doesn’t matter whether you choose to perform a random act of kindness like paying for a stranger’s groceries or you call up your best friend to remind them how much you love them.
When we adopt simple, daily practices in our lives, we can create a happier and kinder world together.
“By tuning in to your feelings, looking for what’s good and sharing kindness you can nurture yourself and help make things better day by day.”
Inspirational International Day of Happiness Quotes
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
"I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives."
Have a Happy International Day of Happiness!
