The International Day of Happiness was introduced by the General Assembly of the United Nations during 2012 and was celebrated for the first time in 2013. Through seminars and educational tips and tools, the aim is to educate and increase public awareness of the benefits of happiness.
Ever since 2011, the UN has requested “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples” pegged to Monday’s celebration, according to its website.
The original idea came from the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayan region of Asia. There, the population is thought by many to be among the happiest in the world due to the holistic approach to life and the amount of importance which is placed on the well being of people and communities, as much as material wealth.
For everyone, the day is a useful reminder that in general happiness does not necessarily come from buying and consuming, or from being famous or glamorous – but often from friends, family and emotional well being.
Here are a few positive quotes to get you started:
“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” — Roy T. Bennett
“To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.” — Albert Camus
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss
“Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” — Roald Dahl
“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” — Aeschylus
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
“For every minute you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” — Dalai Lama XIV
“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow. It only saps today of its joy.” — Leo Buscaglia
“Happiness is the secret to all beauty. There is no beauty without happiness.” — Christian Dior
“Happiness is a warm puppy.” — Charles M. Schulz
“Your work is discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” — Buddha
“I don’t know what good it is to know so much and be smart as whips and all if it doesn’t make you happy.” — J.D. Salinger
“Life will bring you pain all by itself. Your responsibility is to create joy.” — Milton Erickson
“Happiness is found in doing, not merely possessing.” — Napoleon Hill
“If you want to find happiness, find gratitude.” — Steve Maraboli
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