Today is the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness.
The occasion is being celebrated in different ways by different organizations. For example, UK-based charity Action For Happiness is asking people around the world to share a genuine vision of happiness by taking a picture of something they love and using the hashtag #happinessday.
Here’s my #happinessday photo:
Nothing fills my heart with more happiness than sharing a fabulous meal with my loving husband and four amazing sons. I took this photo recently at a restaurant in Washington, DC, and I will always remember looking around the table, counting my blessings and wanting to capture that deeply soul-satisfying feeling forever. The gang was less than thrilled when I asked them to squish together so I could take a picture, but I insisted and I’m overjoyed to relive such a special moment whenever I look at it.
In another commemoration of the day, Pharrell has teamed up with the U.N. to promote international happiness. His new website, 24HoursOfHappy.com, encourages visitors from all over the world to share their own moments of joy by uploading videos to YouTube and Instagram, as well as to donate to the U.N.’s Central Emergency Fund. I never tire of the original song…clap along if you feel that’s what you wanna do.
Finally, Happify, one of my favorite happiness sites, posted an outstanding infographic today showing that happiness, music and dance is truly contagious—and worth celebrating.
However you choose to honor the day, I hope it’s a HAPPY one!