Today is the U.N. International Day of Happiness which is celebrated each year on March 20. Whilst we should endeavour to find happiness every day, marking today as IDOH may help us to pause a focus for a moment on what makes us happy and grateful in our own lives. I’ve been writing blog posts to celebrate this day for a number of years.
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this day recognizes the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. It aims to promote the idea that progress should be measured not only by economic indicators but also by the overall well-being and happiness of individuals. On this day, various events, activities, and campaigns are organized globally to spread happiness and encourage people to prioritize mental and emotional well-being.
This campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations.
International Day of Happiness – Happier Together Theme 2024
The U.N. International Day of Happiness theme for 2024 is ‘Happier Together’.
The Benefits of ‘Happier Together’
“Happier Together” suggests the idea of experiencing happiness in the company of others, emphasizing the importance of social connections, relationships, and shared experiences in fostering joy and well-being.
There are several benefits of sharing happiness which include:
- Shared Experiences: Happiness is often amplified when it’s shared with others. Whether it’s celebrating achievements, enjoying recreational activities, or simply spending quality time together, sharing experiences with friends, family, or community members can enhance feelings of happiness and fulfillment.
- Supportive Relationships: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships are fundamental to happiness. “Happiness Together” emphasizes the value of supportive and nurturing connections with others, where individuals feel loved, understood, and accepted for who they are.
- Collective Well-being: “Happier Together” also recognizes that the well-being of individuals is interconnected with the well-being of the community or society as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and cooperation to create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and experience happiness.
- Creating Memories: Sharing moments of joy and laughter with others helps create lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s through group outings, family gatherings, or community events, “Happiness Together” encourages creating positive memories that strengthen bonds and contribute to overall happiness.
- Supporting Each Other’s Growth: In a “HappierTogether” framework, individuals support each other’s personal growth and development. This could involve providing encouragement, offering help when needed, and celebrating each other’s successes, fostering a sense of mutual support and empowerment.
“Happier Together” embodies the idea that happiness is not just an individual pursuit but something that is enriched and shared through meaningful connections and collective experiences with others. It underscores the importance of fostering positive relationships, building supportive communities, and promoting a culture of empathy and togetherness for the greater well-being of all.
Today, I’m happy that Min from Write of the Middle is back hosting Wednesday Words & Whimsy linkup. For the last couple of weeks, Min has been having a very busy time taking care of her Mum and other matters. I was happy to work with my blogging colleague, Debbie from Deb’s World to keep the link up going and step in as co-host in Min’s absence but it is wonderful to see her back.
That is an example of a supportive relationship – helping out when you know someone really needs it. I recently wrote about the special friendships formed in the blogging community which you can read HERE.
I’d love you to pop over to Min’s post and share some happiness with her and the other bloggers linking up. I’m sure it would make her day.
Why not celebrate this International Day of Happiness (and any other day) catching up with friends and enjoying time together.
Happy International Day of Happiness everyone!
26 Comments
Hi, Sue – Thank you for the reminder of International Day of Happiness on March 20 (tomorrow for us). I 100% agree with the motto that you shared ‘Happier Together.” And this is very timely. I just finished watching a news clip with on the same theme. Well worth the watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZsME-VCto8
Hi Donna, whilst I think these International Days are a good way to at least focus on the particular topic for a day, many of them like Happiness should be a daily focus in our lives. Thanks for the News Clip x
Hi Sue – it took me a long time to realize that the key to happiness is in our own pocket, and we can’t expect others to make us happy……but….. as you say, sharing that happiness with others really is a way to enrich our lives and build relationships, and as those relationships deepen, we get to share our concerns and sorrows too (and that is a huge blessing). Happy Happiness Day. x
Thanks, Leanne. I think if we share our happiness we do reap the rewards. You are right though ‘the key to happiness is in our own pocket’ – I love xthat.
Happiness is usually a shared experience but we often think of it as something we make for ourselves. Isn’t that odd? I need to think about this more. I really like this post! Great points. The supporting each others growth is a very interesting one too….
Thanks so much Lydia for your lovely comment. Support each others growth is a way to give to others rather than being jealous of their achievements. We can be their cheerleaders and feel excited for them. x
Happy International Day of Happiness, Sue! It also happens to be my little brother’s birthday so I’ll be calling him later to warble “Happy Birthday” to him. I have to say supporting each other was key to surviving the pandemic for me. I cannot imagine what people did who had no one. My youngest is not married and had just broken up with his girlfriend. Luckily, his friend had an outdoor area where everyone could get together yet still be safely away. As I think about my trip this summer to Scotland and Ireland with a friend, I’m saddened to know I won’t be sharing that with my husband. I’ll still have a wonderful time, I know, but it will be different. After all, we’ve been traveling together for over 50 years now!
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Hi Marsha, I hear you in that you torn between taking a longed for trip to Scotland and Ireland (can I come too?) with a friend when you would really love it to be your husband. I’m sure he would want you to enjoy yourself but having travelled together for over 50 years it will feel strange. I know when I go interstate to visit my cousin even for a few days I feel like something (or someone, my husband) is missing. x
Being connected in ways which have meaning are so important and I am glad we have done some of that recently as a family. Your post is very true and I send my best to you and M. Denyse x
Moving back closer to your family must certainly be one of the best and happiest decisions you and Mr. B have made, Denyse. xx
I didn’t realise it was the International Day of Happiness – what a lovely theme of happier together. Reminds me of attending a pōwhiri’s (welcome ceremony) on Monday at the drama college, Toi Whakaari. It was very much a coming together, with joy and positive energy. It was a very happy occasion.
Yes, the theme is very timely with the way the world is at the moment, Barbara. We do need to pull together and find happiness together. What a lovely way for you to start your week, with joy and positive energy from the welcome ceremony. x
I love the Happier Together theme for this years International Day of Happiness Sue. That’s a lovely photo of you both and shows the happiness in your hearts. These days I’m very content and happiness shows up in my life every day. It’s good to stop and recognise that.
Thank you for your kind words, Jennifer and yes, I do think our happiness in our hearts shows in the photo. We are comfortable together but that doesn’t mean boring. Enjoy the rest of your week xx
A very happy post, Sue – I agree, happiness definitely comes from within, and it’s so lovely to see you both looking so happy in each other’s company.
Thanks so much, Toni and it is lovely to see you finding happiness over the last few years too. x
A lovely happy post Sue celebrating what happiness is all about – being together, having supportive friends and looking for the happiness in every day! Great photo of you both too :). I’m so glad we were able to help Min out and thanks for being such an happy person to be around. x #wwwhimsy
Hi Deb, the photo was a quick shot after Mike had finished being photographer for a Fella Hamilton fashion shoot. I know you bring happiness into my life so I thank you for that as a always. x
Hi Sue, I had no idea it was the International Day of Happiness today. I must admit I’ve not been feeling very happy of late. However, I know that I do have lots to be grateful for. Thank you for being happy that I’m back hosting #WWWhimsy – I’m happy that you and Deb generously guest hosted for 3 weeks when I needed a break away. Thanks for linking up today for my first day back and I hope you’ve had a happy day today! xo
Lots of happiness in this comment, Min! I know life has been very difficult for you and will be for a time to come. It is lovely that you are back hosting again as we all missed you. x
What a happy post! While I do think we are responsible for our own happiness, I think connection, supporting and sharing together is an important part of that. It reminds me of that song magic penny – love (or in this case, happiness) is something if you give it away, you end up having more.
Hi Sammie, I haven’t heard of the song magic penny but how apt are the words? I must look it up. Have a lovely week and thanks for stopping by x
I definitely find I am much happier with other around– well close friends and family members anyway!
Yes, me too, Joanne. Our family and friends bring joy and can lift us up when we are feeling down as we do for them when the roles are reversed. x
Yes, Sue! I couldn’t agree more that happiness is a group effort. Of course, we are each ultimately responsible for our own happiness, but the people in my life are a big part of that happiness…the people directly related to me and those in the broader community. Here’s to our interconnected happiness! #WWWhimsy
Thanks, Christie. Happiness can be a two-way street can’t it? We can help others to find happiness and receive happiness to enhance our lives. x