Be Happy Monday

March 20th was the 1st ever U.N. Int. Happiness Day

My friend Michael recently brought to my attention that March 20th was International Day of Happiness. I later discovered that this global day of celebrating feeling good was designated by the UN only this past June.

That makes 2013 the first year for this jolly jubilation.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution #A/RES/66/281, or The Jolly Jubilation Resolution as I now call it, states:

"... the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal."

"Recognizing also the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples, 

Decides to proclaim 20 March the International Day of Happiness, and

Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities."

Celebrate

I recommend observing this newly designated day (or any day for that matter) by:

• laughing to tears, preferably with someone else, and possibly at someone else (appropriately of course).
• telling jokes and humorous anecdotes.
• watching comedies.
• and doing whatever else makes you feel good.

One could also take this opportunity to meditate on general practices that are proven to lead to a happy life.

Proven Practices To Be Happy

• Think good thoughts. We create our reality with out thoughts, therefore should be very careful about how we are thinking about ourselves and others.
• Don't hold grudges - practice forgiveness. The Buddha reminded us that,  "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." 
• Expect less, and cultivate gratefulness for what you have. Just being alive provides us with a rich experience that we should not take for granted. If our basic needs are being met, we already have more than billions of people on our planet.
• Don't compare yourself to others. Each of us is a special, unique part of the whole.
• Give and share your time. It feels good to help others, and to share our special gifts in the name of supporting and contributing to the larger community.
• Don't worry. Trust that everything happens for a reason, and is unfolding as it should.
• Dream big. Practice regular brainstorming with no limits. Think of the best case scenario for you right now. This is the first step toward manifesting your needs and desires.
• Live simply. Cicero said, "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."

Happy day to you, and remember to mark March 20th, 2014 on your computer calendar - the second global 'be happy' day.

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again
 and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein