Sunday 23 March 2014

International Day of Happiness.

                                         


Spring brings many pleasant changes with it. It has an everlasting effect on moods of people that prevail throughout the year because of its celebrations. If we look around in the world then many festivals are celebrated by the arrival of spring , like; Hindus are enjoying their Holi , Passover a Jewish holiday ,  Nowruz identifies first day of spring celebrated in Central Asia , Semana Santa holiday observed in Catholic countries and many more festivals around the world are observed during spring. No matter which festival world is celebrating students around the globe are happy to have their spring break .


United Nations General Assembly accepted the decision of observing International Day of Happiness on 20th March every year. It acknowledges that happiness is "fundamental human goal" and asked for "a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes... happiness and well-being of all peoples". International Day of Happiness was first celebrated in 2013.

On this special day many people posted pictures on social media showing their meaning of happiness. Many programs were organized to give people a chance to be happy. Many surveys were also carried out online by different organizations to know about the choice of people , what they believe that can bring happiness for them. Majority of surveys showed that happiness and well being matters more to people than the wealth. Most of the people selected happiness and well being over wealth. Many workshops and seminars were run throughout the day in different places and institutions to emphasize the need to be happy and to aware people how they can make themselves more happier as it is profitable to individuals, organizations and ultimately for the country.

Initially Bhutan declared a day of happiness – its people are considered to be one of the happiest in the world.

Choices and criterion to be happy vary from person to person , some value their relations with family and friends , some give importance to  their religion over other things , some think that their work , appearance , possessions matter a lot for them to be happy.

All of you must have gone through all such statements and blogs for the day but what I want to discuss is , what is the need for the day and if it will come and pass like normal days for many people of the world , without any significant influence on their lives.

On this day , when many people are busy collecting pictures and participating in different events organized by committees or societies for having fun. Many throw a party gather their friends and enjoy. Media has also created hype to get best out of this day but the picture that few people from around the world show or media is depicting is far from reality in most of developing countries of the world.

Many people participate in such activities laugh for a while and think that they are happy . But once they return to their life after few hours the situation is same they are again depressed and unhappy. First we have to be sure what happiness actually means and how can one be happy. Just participating in events and having few laughs does not ensure happiness. What is Laughing in your opinion ??? Do you believe it shows  happiness????? You may have come across many around you who laugh loud and try to pretend that they are really happy , but in my part of world ( South Asia) we believe that behind loud  laughs misery and sadness is hidden somewhere . People who laugh a lot actually they try  to cover up their  sadness by laughing . But for sure it’s not the right way at all to hide their despair , pain or sorrow . People repeatedly laughing are sad and have a deep hollowness inside that seems to be killing them.

I think on such days we must not only think for ourselves and do not plan things to make us happy as going in an event playing some games having fun for few hours is not a happiness , it can give you laughs for some time but after that it’s effect will fade. Everyone around the world , no matter belonging to any religion , creed or culture , is rich or poor , young or old , surely feels happiness in life no matter it's big or small. For some just a small gesture or chirping bird out of window brings happiness .

Overall happiness can be achieved by improved quality of life , many factors are involved but most importantly it includes ; improvement in health services , improvement in economic growth.

If we see around the world and compare some statistics from online surveys than we come to know that even with large scale advancement in science and technology the condition of a common man is not improving but it is getting worse than before. If we see our ancestors than they are happier than us. They are more contented and satisfied. Everyone surviving today is under many pressures from society , family , work place. We are stressed and over burdened by the ever increasing demands. Some are after status , some after luxurious life . You cannot meet a single person who will tell you that he is happy and contented with what he has.

In west the condition of people is much better than the east . In west one is not stressed about many such issues that are faced by people in east. People in west have healthy life and best medical facilities , the economic condition of countries is much better than East. I want to talk about South Asia , where  people have financial , health , accommodation , transportation problems. The ratio of crimes is ever increasing day by day. Many people living under the poverty line could not even earn to feed their families. Due to education west have controlled their population and is proportional to their resources but in east the sword of increased population is hanging on head on nation. People are not aware of their rights , they have no health services , purified drinking water is not available in many areas and people are drinking contaminated water causing many fatal diseases . Governments do not have resources to provide people with basic necessities of life…

If you have a look around you in world there are many people who do not know the meaning of happiness as they are stressed and starving , they are hungry and dying because of lack of food. They do not have any place to live and sleeping in streets or on footpaths or parks. Some do not have resources for income and females sell themselves for few loafs of bread. Children are being sold and killed because parents are afraid as their children will starve to death.  Many small children are sold for camel race in middle east , just to have few pieces of paper that will help parent to be alive. People are selling kidneys just to bring food for their families.  Some are being killed and some participate in negative activities like suicide bombing just to keep their families alive. No choice is left for them. They are deprived of basic necessities of life. Their life is bitter and no special day can bring any change to their lives. They do not take part in any activity going around in rich circles of the cities to celebrate the day of happiness and well being.  If I start counting upon the miseries of people in poor areas of South Asia then It will take years and even then I suspect some will remain unlisted or even unnoticed.

I always wonder , what a world we live in …. People are being killed and many are killers.  There are many who waste a lot of money on luxuries of life , they are in quest of having latest model car , latest technology at their palaces. On the other hand there are people who are going from door to door begging for a penny , some are killing themselves and their loved ones as they cannot afford a single loaf of bread.

Few days back I came across a news in which a lady killed her three children as she told to media she could not afford food for them to keep them alive , they were hungry from couple of days and she was not left with any other option. As a mother I can understand how much tough it is for specially a mother to take such step.

Why I am talking about all such things under happiness day topic . I just want to tell that we take so many things as for granted and do not even think of people around the world who are suffering. What difference it will make if I do not have iPhone  5 or precious stones are not engraved in my hand bags or jewelry . Buying such thing can never bring happiness and well being. Real happiness can be achieved if we try to save and go and help such deprived ones. Your each and every saved drop of water can bring life for them , your each and every loaf of bread saved for being wasted and thrown out can save them from starvation , your each penny saved  can save their lives .

We are living in world where we can help each other grow .  Dozens of studied in every field like psychology, economy, education etc reveals that happiness can be easily achieved and happy society is more profitable.

There are a uncountable benefits of the happiness to the society and individual. Take a moment and decide that you have to drive things around you towards a better future. Make a goal to achieve ultimate happiness by helping and saving for those who are needy. It must not be limited to yourself try to engage your family , friends , colleagues with you in this quest.  Try to motivate each and everyone around you to think about those who do not have access to basic necessities of life. It will take a lot of time and effort but once you came in charge then you can surely turn the things around and you will be heading towards a real happiness. It will not be limited for a day or will no longer dependent on one day celebration.

It is never too late so make a plan and mark a clear strategy for next World Happiness Day celebration , try to spread your message to others that you do not want to enjoy your day by forgetting others but want others to join hands in hands and celebrate together. Let others know that you want them to get their part of happiness , use your social media , take help from family , friends and colleague to make a change on next year Happiness day by working for well being of people. Make a resolution by selecting any action that can help bringing your happiness and help others as well. Make your life a beautiful struggle helping others and comforting them it will bring real happiness your way. By doing so you will be washed with a perfect peace of your mind and soul.

                           March Equinox also fall upon 20th of March.

 Have you ever thought that does it make any difference in lives of others by celebrating a day???

So what is your resolution of the day, what action you will choose for yourself to help in bringing happiness your way that can also bring a positive influence in other’s lives.

Thank you for stopping by and taking time to read the voice of poor from across the world.

I will be happy to if you will share your thoughts with me.

Images used from:
http://peterasspan.wordpress.com/2012/01/
http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-7405401776
wikipedia.org 

41 comments:

  1. You are correct when you say that to achieve happiness the quality of life has to be improved. as humans we will gladly take the small piece of happiness pie that is giving to us because it will allow us to forget about the unhappy life that we are goin back to. Happiness can not be found is material things but needs to be found within yourself. thanks for sharing

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    1. Hello Jay

      Yes , we are always in quest of finding happiness outside , but it lies inside us.. we need to plunge in our soul and try to know what we actually want to be happy ... happiness never comes with wealth ,,, I know many people who are rich and most unhappy.... It comes with helping others and appreciating good deeds and actions... Thank you for stopping here

      Delete
  2. Happiness, I verily believe it prolongs ones life.. In the mist of your problem you are where you are suppose to naturally throw happiness and be over serious or sad still would not solve the problem, so why don't we put up that happy life as we solve problems in our lives....it is good to bear in mind that Inner peace is gotten from having a personal peace with GOD our maker through Jesus Christ of Nazareth !!

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    1. Hello Dok

      You are right in saying that ... Happiness really prolong one's life....
      This is the reason that or ancestors had longer lives than ours.
      It is also matter of choice , some people do not want to choose to be happy ... and cover them with thick heavy blanket of sadness and get severe depression...
      happiness comes with a strong relation to our Creator... yo are right about that... He may guide us best.
      thank you.

      Delete
  3. Hi Andleeb
    First, you need to be content and happy, then you must share that with others. If you're not happy, you have nothing to share.
    Your posts always make people think.
    Lenie

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    1. Hello Lenie
      I really appreciate your kind words.
      You are true in saying that... and happiness increases with sharing.

      Thank you for your visit.

      Delete
  4. It is always important to be grateful for what we have. You bring out so many good points, some laughing even though good for us is not a sustained happiness. For everyone to take a moment and remember there are always those that have no where near what we have and are still content is a good practice. Find joy where you can and share it with others in the same way a smile is infectious.

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    1. Hello Rebeccs

      This is the main thing that we are forgetting , if we are contented with what we have , we are truly happy.
      Yes laughing is good , but it should be from heart.

      Thank you for your time.

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  5. Don't complain about the thorns on the rose hop bushes. Instead enjoy the beauty of the sweet flowers on it

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    1. Yes I believe this is natural balance..... Thorns with Roses....
      But surely one who will be hurt ... will complain .... It is again nature
      As I am hurt so .....

      Delete
  6. Hi, Anna...
    On this day of happiness, I agree that we also need to think about the many unhappy issues that affect us globally.... and to make a commitment to doing something--however small--that could lead to change.

    Thank you for your thoughtful comment on my blog! Sara Kate MacFarland

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    1. Thank you for visiting Sara

      You know no matter our effort is small for us but you never know it turned something big to someone.. So we must always keep on practicing good things and try to help no matter small

      Delete
  7. Hi Anna
    I just love the way you relate things! You are right when you said that we take lot of things for granted! Actually when we get things very easily, we do not realize the value of those things! Since we have got a lot of things even without asking, we should help the unfortunate ones who are deprived of the basic necessities of life!

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    1. Thank you Tuhin
      you are right about that.... We must remember the hardships of our ancestors who sacrifice their happiness and peace for us ...

      Delete
  8. Lovely post! If everyone made an effort to share a smile, a good word or deed every day - I'm sure the results would be nothing short of amazing. Happiness should be a reality for every living thing. Thank you, for visiting my blog!

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    1. If all of us share a small smile or moment of happiness ... whole world be happy

      thank you for your time..

      Delete
  9. I try to live in gratitude and to find the happiness and joy in the little things.
    People all over the world live in such dire conditions and are confronted with such horror. It feels like there is little we can do, but maybe just by seeking joy and sharing love those around you will follow suit, and those around them etc.
    Make it not about a day, but a way of life.

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    1. Thank you Becc

      I really liked your last sentence ... this is what actually lacking ... because of that we are suffering.

      Delete
  10. It is unfortunate that we need a specific day to be happy. Why only 20th March? And who is UN General Assembly to decide my happiness? Are we not entitled to be happy every moment? Same thing applies to Mother's day, Father's day.... Should we not care and love our parents every day? Why give a chance for some one else to create an occasion?......

    One suggestion regarding your posts: Please try to keep it short, as people may not have much time to go through it. Any how, all the best.

    http://kmurthy608.blogspot.in/ (Write stuff)

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    1. Hello Krishna
      Thank you for advice
      Yes that is my problem and I am working on this....
      If you compare this post with those I posted in start , it is much shorter but I will try to shrink more in coming... ( hope so)
      Yes you are right , we must not look towards others (UN ) to be happy or love or parents ....

      Delete
  11. Hello andleeb; I did not notice any celebrations of or news stories about happiness day in the u s. you definitely have the right idea. happiness can only come when everyone is raised up from poverty disease and oppression. I work for basic needs and some comforts for my family but am not one of those you mention seeking a lavish life style. keep up the great work, Max

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    1. Hello Max
      As General assembly have decided to observe the day , I have written in that context ...
      I am happy that people in US do not let others decide their fate ( UN Gen. assembly)
      You are right that tre happiness will be when collectively we will try to eradicate poverty and diseases .... I am very happy to know that you work for welfare , I wish that Creator give you more guidance and help in your endeavor... your efforts will bring peace.

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  12. congratulation, and that good moment to share and celebrate to others

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  13. Happiness isn't as elusive as we may think. Often, it's right under our noses. Sometimes we just need to look a little harder to find what's hiding in plain sight.

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    1. You are true in saying that .... sometimes we are searching for happiness where we do not need to...
      Thank you for your support

      Delete
  14. This is beautifully written and I do believe happiness is in helping others and having compassion for the less unfortunate. My husband went to Uganda, Africa last summer for a mission trip. He was there to help out the children and build a home. He came back with deep gratitude and compassion for their country. I was afraid to go but I want to go someday. Thanks for your article. =)

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    1. Thank you Ross
      I hope you will also visit some day ...
      Last summer my friends went to an African country for voluntary work and on their return they too were very happy to help poor and needy. This brings satisfaction and happiness.
      thank you for your time

      Delete
  15. What a lovely post, and yes I too celebrate spring and all its glory. Happiness is achieved when we understand we are in control of how we feel. It so easy to slip into the thought or fretting over what don't have instead of being grateful for what we do have. Just my thoughts. :-)

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    1. Hi Susan
      Thank you for sharing your opinion.
      You are 100% right . If we are contented with what we have and try to see the people who are less fortunate and help them in every way possible. This will bring happiness in our way.

      Delete
  16. I'm the first to admit I create many barriers to my own happiness. Learning how to overcome that tendency is certainly a life long process.

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    1. Hello JeriWB
      All of us have barriers , some from themselves some from society or religion.
      Some people overcome them and some can not. Surely it is a long process and always success brings happiness.
      I wish you best of luck.

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  17. This is the first I have heard of World Happiness Day, and you're right, many people in the world hae little to be happy about. I feel grateful every day for the life I have been allowed to have---most of it due to the luck of where and when I was born. In the U.S., we have a movement to "Pay it Forward" -- that is, to take one's good fortune and do something positive for someone less fortunate. Some of us get overwhelmed and depressed when we think of all the unhappiness and, indeed, suffering in the world. But, if everyone who is fortunate paid it forward to help even one person, we'd be in a better place --- maybe.

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    1. Hello Suzanne
      I loved when you have written " everyone who is fortunate paid it forward to help even one person, we'd be in a better place --- maybe. "
      This is exactly what we lack today. I think if we forward our happiness and share our success then world will be a better place to live.

      Thank you.

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  18. Why should it take someone to say we are going to have one day of happiness. We should all try to have some happiness everyday. We make our own happiness and delegating a day for this seems silly. It was interesting reading this blog and thank you for sharing it with us.

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    1. Hello Cygnusll

      Yes we must try to have and share happiness everyday . World will be much different.
      Thank you.

      Delete
  19. One issue that comes up in talking about happiness is how to deal with sadness and anger and still be happy. I really think it is important to work through all one's feelings and not deny them. Otherwise, one cannot achieve true happiness because there is an internal burden.

    Since some group decided to declare a day of happiness, one can at least ask questions about what happiness means to me.

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    1. Hello Leora
      It is very necessary that one should identify what are the factors that make him/her sad. If one can understand the factors than he can easily control them. But satisfaction and peace comes with sharing , caring.
      I appreciate your thoughts.

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  20. Beautiful post! As someone who deals with depression, I will admit I was very unhappy & needed to give in, so to speak, to medical help to get me back to my usual happy self. Since that ordeal 2 years ago, I have at last been much happier again & on darker days, that's when I find myself searching to be extra helpful & kind to others; giving out what I need truly does work, when others are happy, I am, too :) (I hope I make sense! lol)

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    1. Yes, you surely make sense. I am happy that dark days have ended now... Enjoy the brightness and happiness around you.
      Thank you for your visit on my post.

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