International Day of Happiness

[Celyn]

As our calendar states, today is International Day of Happiness!

I admit, I hadn't heard of it before so I did a bit of digging and discovered that it was established in 2012 by the United Nations as it was recognised the importance of happiness and wellbeing and how this is impacted by factors such as poverty or a noninclusive society. You can find out more about the UN's adoption of 20th March as International Day of Happiness, here.

It got me thinking though. Many of us have been through trauma, loss and other stresses and difficulties that life can bring. The ongoing covid-19/coronavirus pandemic, in particular, has taken it's toll on people and communities worldwide. While it's important to recognise what we've been through, have our voices heard, and to have our feelings validated, I think it's also important to look for the things that bring us happiness too.

For me, my family makes me happy (something I thought I would never say growing up!). We always have a laugh about something silly. I realise I'm lucky in that not everyone has family they can count on to get them through life.

So, what makes you happy? If you haven't felt happy in a while, what used to bring you happiness? Or, what makes you feel even just a little bit happier or more positive about life?

[Rivière]

My friend makes me happy. Despite him living all the way in California, he's my longest known friend. We've quite literally spoken every single day. We still do. We're that comfortable with each other we just share absolutely everything. Even down to nasty toilet habits and all sorts.

I can safely say he's the greatest friend I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. If I could, I would visit him. He's always so supportive. Listens to me. Sometimes I wonder how he manages to put up with me. He never says anything bad about me and always makes me feel better.

I've known him since I was 17 years old. This April it'll be 13 years.

[Sprite-1]

Happiness for me is having Ted back in my life. Also that my family has got larger, and Leonardo will be setting up his chambers in Monaco, thus expanding his legal business. And that he has also become an important part of my family.

I am also very happy because we are going to have a new dog. The previous one came from a rescue home, but had psychological problems causing aggression so it had to be returned. Instead, we are buying a beautiful male dog that is a cross between a Husky and a shaggy German Shepherd.

What is so attracting us is this little rascal looks like a wolf. It has the most expressive blue eyes. We think its eyes came the Husky side.

Ted and I have always had a deep feeling for wolves. It's hard to say why, exactly. Maybe it's because there is something almost - mystical about, wolves.

We will be getting it at the end of next week, really only for reasons of time. It's exciting, but also bringing Ted and I, great happiness.

[Everglow.]

My friends bring me happiness because we laugh at things most other people wouldn't find funny. We all have the same sense of humour and always find a way to have fun even when we can't meet up or see each other. One friend in particular I have been friends with since I was 5/6 years old, and I'm very happy to still be friends 20 years on.

My family also make me happy. They're really supportive people who I know I can rely on, and we always find a way to laugh even when things aren't all good.

This is a great post!