This Wednesday, March 20 is the International Day of Happiness. The day was declared by the UN in 2012 to recognize that happiness is a fundamental human right and to encourage nations and individuals to spread happiness and make happiness a priority.
The theme the UN has chosen this year is #HappierTogether. Here is a picture from their photo album of people from all over the world smiling, happier together.
It's such a poignant theme. As individuals and societies, we've withdrawn from human connection, partly out of necessity from COVID-19, but also self-imposed.
Technology has only exacerbated this trend. We delude ourselves into thinking we're more connected now by cell phones and technology, but these devices have somehow divided us, becoming platforms for discordant voices and viewpoints or have become something we hide behind instead of doing the real work of connecting with people in person.
Even our work lives have become more isolating with millions of workers now not even leaving their homes to experience human connection.
There are certain groups that are at higher risk of being unhappy in isolation, seniors and youth being two critical demographics.
After COVID, I blogged about "languishing" and wondering why I wasn't chomping at the bit to get out and reconnect with people again. I concluded that it wasn't because I had social anxiety and didn't miss people, I just didn't have the energy to re-enter the world.
It's time. Time for us to reach out, be kind to each other, and understand that without human connection, most of us will never truly be happy.
It's time to find the energy and make a conscious effort to be happier together.
This week's #HappyAct is to do something to be happier together. Volunteer in your community, invite a neighbour over for a drink, check in on a senior. Post a picture of you smiling this week with people who make you happy and who you enjoy spending time with.
Happy International Day of Happiness!
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