The United Nations has declared March 20 as International Day of Happiness.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has declared “On this first International Day of Happiness, let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.”
I can certainly get behind an observation that promotes happiness, and asks us to step up our efforts to make it a planetary reality and not just wishful thinking. That’s a charge I think we can all take to heart.
The particular date was chosen as it’s the equinox and it evokes the idea of balance which also strikes me as brilliant.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can celebrate this day, both on a personal level and as a global citizen. The personal part will be easy. I LOVE the Spring Equinox, not the least because I chose to get married on that day and have enjoyed celebrating that decision each year since. And the equinox is important to me for many other reasons as well, including the fact it feels like the true astrological beginning of the year for me. I’m filled with all kinds of hopeful, anticipatory, seed energy that’s ready to move into forward motion now. So I feel like I’ve got the personal celebration aspect well covered.
For my planetary contribution I’ve decided I’ll start with some donations to causes that I believe make a difference and can bring at least a small measure of happiness to those impacted, and that bring happiness to my heart as well. I think that’s an important consideration as we figure out how we want to navigate in our global experience – looking for ways that truly are win-win because we so clearly recognize how we’re all connected.
Today, the day before International Day of Happiness, happens to be the first observation of Artysville’s new weekly challenge – Glue It Tuesday. Doesn’t that sound like fun? I know paper and glue always fill my heart with happiness!
So my contribution today is the journal spread pictured above. The flowers are pressed from last year’s garden and are my encouragement to this year’s seeds. And as with lots of my journal pages there are obvious pockets and some hidden ones as well. I like leaving messages tucked in different places.
I’d love it if you’d leave me a message here in the comments. What are you happy about? What would you envision for a celebration for International Day of Happiness? Have you glued anything lately? Do tell – it really does make me happy when you share.
I celebrated International Day of Happiness at work today. I heard it on the radio on the way to work and I made sure I told everyone I saw. Some of them are grumble bums so early in the morning but they seemed happier after I enlightened them. I think they were amused I was so happy their was a day devoted to happiness. 🙂 I love your collage and the thought behind it. May your seeds flourish and bring great happiness to your heart.
Yay for being the bearer of happiness news to your work! It’s always so interesting to me how one person’s attitude can really shift things, so the incentive is pretty powerful to keep it positive. I appreciate your kind wishes. Even though the official day has passed for you, I’m sending a dose of happiness wishes to you today from the northern hemisphere. 😉
I love your collage…gorgeous! Here’s to the International Day of Happiness…and thank you for telling us about it!
Lynn
Sending you best wishes for a day filled with happiness Lynn. Thanks for stopping by. And I imagine we’ll have some glue connections over the upcoming Tuesdays. Fun!
Thank you for the information about the day of Happiness. I have some students who are not happy. It is so hard to see someone young and in grief. I remember those days. They were so dark. What is there about pain and sorrow at that age that is so intense? I hope today to lighten some of that.
Navigating the world as a young person can be such a challenge. Sending an energetic dose of love to each and every one! And to you as well Sheila. Teaching is such an extraordinary responsibility, but one I hope brings you much happiness as well.
I’m glad the UN is getting involved in happiness. Goodness knows, the whole world needs more smiles and less guns. I’ve contributed too, to Glue it Tuesday, and I’ll contribute tonight to a dinner for my sister in law, that I don’t see a lot. Maybe a (bought) pie… {:-Deb
Yes I think we should all take up the mantle of Happiness Ambassadors. I bet we could create some pretty amazing costume-uniforms.
And I like your plan. Wishing you a most happy day!
I can totally get behind an international day of happiness! Love the collage & I’m so glad you joined us!
Happiness for ALL! And I’m so delighted you put out the Glue It invitation Aimee – what fun.
My little class of 4 and 5 year olds were certainly happy this morning when we made tulips out of egg cartons. I don’t mind artistic messes when we create, so you can imagine our paint, glue, tissue paper, and beads everywhere! It is always amazing to me to watch little hands learning to create, design, undo, redo… That is one real happiness to me!
Oh what a joy Ruth! Happiness sparkles all over the place.
I celebrated by realizing it WAS the first day of Spring and spent the day…and now the night…with my two little granddaughters and I’m VERY happy about that!
How perfect!
Deborah, How fun! I didn’t know about the International Day of Happiness, but I’m glad to join in “retroactively.” I love your collage & I’m intrigued by Artsyville’s glue-it challenge. I am turning a small goauche painting into a larger art quilt, experimenting with freezer paper as an intermediate step for putting the pieces together, sorta glue-y. And so colorful and joyful! Makes me happy . . .
Your “quilt” project sounds wonderful Janet. It’s so fun to experiment with new techniques that pull your work into expansion isn’t it? And it’s way fun when you’re on the joy/happiness trail!
Thank you for introducing me to the International Day of Happiness…I had not heard of it. And I fully support its connection to the first day of spring. Now if only the weather would get the word! 🙂
Lovely collage…how meaningful to include pressed flowers from your garden. And the colors of the papers are gorgeous.
I am always happy for an opportunity to cut and paste…always a worthwhile exercise in creativity in my book!
LOL – yes Andria, if only the weather would get the memo that it’s Spring! I’m looking forward to plenty of cutting and pasting and seeing what you’re up to as well.
you’re so right–it really does feel like the year is finally getting started! I love your collage, especially the pressed flowers. so pretty. yay for spring!
Yay for Spring indeed – and the new beginnings! Thanks for stopping by Anika.
Deborh, I just love that you added the dried flowers, what a terrific touch.
Your post was great as well!
Fran T
Thanks Fran. I’m always glad when I remember to press flowers.
This collage is so lovely. Very springish and happy. I missed the happy day. I may have to do a do-over this week. 🙂
Oh yes Tricia – do-overs are the best! You get to keep doing until you get it perfect.