Join the Global Movement for a Happier World
March 20th is a pretty big day – not only is it the first day of spring, it’s also International Day of Happiness! What does this mean for Canadians and nations around the world? Also know as Happiness Day, this day is set aside for celebrating, and focusing on things that make you, and others around you, happy!
Happiness: Why Does It Matter?
Happiness matters to everyone. We all want to live fulfilling lives, and we want the same for our families and friends. Happiness is about our overall satisfaction with all parts of our lives. It is influenced by many things, including our external circumstances, our attitudes, the choices we make, and our sense of purpose.
What’s it to you?
We’re a pretty happy bunch here at The Flag Shop, and we know it can only be more of a good thing to focus on happiness on March 20, and to be a part of a world movement. Happiness is different things to different people, so what’s it to you?
The Flag Shop President, Susan Braverman, said, “This is a great day to choose happiness, because it’s so important to me that my staff come to work every day, and experience happy moments. This means walking in the door happy, and leaving happy. My goal is that their sense of well-being comes from their work satisfaction, and from the connections we all make with each other – and with our clients.” She added, “I believe that at the heart of achieving happiness is doing good for others whenever you can, having an attitude of gratitude, and of course, creating balance between work, rest and play.”
The UN and the history of Happiness Day
The United Nations (UN) is the world’s largest intergovernmental organization, made up of 193 member states, each having equal representation in the UN General Assembly. Canada has been a member of the UN since November 9, 1945, and joins hands with all member countries in the universal pursuit of happiness.
It was back in July of 2011, when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution identifying happiness a basic “human goal.” The resolution called for “a balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”
The first UN Conference on Happiness was held in April of 2012. It was at the conference that the UN announced International Day of Happiness would be observed every year on March 20, with the first one in 2013.
Pharrell Williams, singer songwriter, at the General Assembly during the special event on the occasion of the International Day of Happiness in 2015. Source: UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Scientific evidence points to improved well-being and increased happiness, identifying 10 Keys to Happier Living, listed here as the Great Dream:
Giving – Do things for others
Relating – Connect with people
Exercising – Take care of your body
Awareness – Live life mindfully
Trying Out – Keep learning new things
Direction – Set goals
Resilience – Find ways to bounce back
Emotions – Look for what’s good
Acceptance – Be comfortable with who you are
Meaning – Be part of something bigger
Take action for a happier world, join the Happiness Movement and get your hands on some cool stuff, including: A World Happiness Report and a World Happiness Guidebook.
We hope you’ll agree that pursuing happiness is a great thing, and we’re here to help you get ready for the big day! Contact us at any of our locations across Canada for products including pride Happy Face buttons and Happy Face tattoos, and United Nations flags. Of course, for a different kind of happiness, you might want to look at cocktail flags, or even flags of your favourite sports team. Let us know if you’re looking for a particular item, because you never can tell what we’ll find in our warehouse!
Have a Happy Happiness Day!
