International Day of Happiness

In 2012 The United Nations declared March 20 to be observed as the International Day of Happiness.  Aimed at recognizing that happiness is a fundamental human goal, it calls upon countries around the world to approach public policies in ways that improve the well being of all peoples.

   That’s my abbreviated take on the intent.  I’ll decline the notion of inclusive economic growth, equitable and balances that sustain development and alleviates poverty; too many contributors to be encompassed simply.

And frankly, happy is a personal emotional assessment.

  I do know current trends accept that happiness exists on two scales; that of hedonic (relating to characterized hedonism a doctrine that pleasure is the sole or chief good in life; along with avoiding pain and extending satisfaction) and the scale of what is considered global aspects of happiness, as in longer period of time, referred to as eudaimonic happiness; (distilled to mean well being).

  So yes, our happiness has short and long term directions and interest; the hot fudge Sunday of the moment, as well as the sense of a lifetime being loved by friends and family.  I’d say, with those extremes certainly everyone can find something to be happy about.  And if it doesn’t stick, it’s still worthy of being happy.

  Now I’d like to add a perspective as well. It strikes me that we could be seen separating qualities of life into two piles.  When I was a boy, I use to just toss all my toys into a box my dad had made for me.  When I wanted to play ‘Army’ I had to dig all of the little bits out of the box and separate them into what I was going to use and what wasn’t part of the play.  I’m beginning to appreciate moments of disappointment as just that; no longer where my hopes and dreams are denied, but rather just moved from the moment I want to play with ‘these’ while treasuring others present for another time.  That may be self deception and rationalizing that I don’t miss out on any of my wishes.  I’ll accept it might be a personal art form to avoid pain.  But on the other hand, and this is the one I’m prone to follow, the ideal of happiness has little to do with factuality; it encompasses my interpretation.  A perspective of lack will persist in all situations of abundance, because my attitude deems my situation unfulfilled.  

I’ve seen it in others, and was amazed to see such discontent in the presence of such obvious wealth; there’s was a pensive disdain for an imperfect present.  Perhaps then it will never be a case of obtaining, as in ‘getting’ happy, but in acceptance and thereby deflect judgment or punishment in misfortune or peril. Yes, even in adversity we can be of a happy spirit.  In the moment to moment construction of a quality life, it’s our task to identify how we value, and not so much why.

Have a really happy time; I’ll join you in a moment.