INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS

International Day of Happiness is an annual and global campaign by United Nation. They would like to remind us that it's not only about celebration but an opportunity to connect and care about other people and ourselves. It is celebrated every 20th day of March.

But...is it really easy to be happy? No. Some of us are more predisposed to negative emotions than positive emotions. A 2013 study by the University of British Columbia revealed that there's a genetic component to the tendency to see life through the negative lens. With that being said, people perceive similar situations differently because sometimes we are wired to see things as they are. Fortunately, we can effectively manage it but it takes time. 

In my humble opinion, the world will be a better place if we remind ourselves not to fake happiness just for the sake of any celebrations. No, you don't need to be suddenly caring today or to smile big time! It doesn't work that way. I guess it will work if most of us will recognize what we truly feel first and if we live at the moment. If you are not in a good mood today, don't force yourself to be tremendously happy. Negative emotions can actually help us. We need it some time. We can't be happy all the time, if that's the case then we will be living our lives in a lie!

Some find happiness by finding their sense of meaning or purpose which requires a bit of hard work and time but it's possible. So, for now, you can actually start by doing whatever you love, you can just eat a piece of chocolate, talk to someone who will listen to you, or watch your favorite series. It's not happiness but it's something that might help you relax a bit and might lead you to happiness because happiness is not only a feeling but it's also doing. 

For those who are lonely today, here's my hug! Have a great day!

References and Suggested Readings:

Bonior, A. (2018, March 17) 5 questions to help you find your sense of purpose. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/friendship-20/201803/5-questions-help-you-find-your-sense-purpose

Fletcher, B. (2014, February 14). Happiness is not a feeling - it is doing. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/do-something-different/201402/happiness-is-not-feeling-it-is-doing

Gruber, J. (2012, May 3). Four ways happiness can hurt you. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_happiness_can_hurt_you.

Waugh, B. (2013 October 13). Genes predispose people to focus on the negative. Retrieved from http://news.ubc.ca/2013/10/10/genes-predispose-some-people-to-focus-on-the-negative/