I read that this was International Happy Day. This is something I have never heard of but applaud.
I think this day was created so that we would intentionally make a point of being happy. That may sound a bit unrealistic, especially when life is crazy and you are going in too many directions to intentionally plan to be HAPPY.
In reality, happiness is always a choice, your choice, the product of the perceptions you hold about life and the people, events, and world around you.
There is no definition of HAPPY, just as there is no definition of love or beauty. Happiness is not a final destination or a finished product. It is a constantly changing state of mind, influenced by a multitude of factors that exist at any given moment.
Today, in a miserable, cold winter blast, I watched ducks swimming on the pond outside my office window. The seemed to be out, in their familiar v-formation, having a leisurely tour, perfectly at home and seemingly content. I shiver. They paddle, content. What a different perspective (if ducks are capable of perspective).
People are capable of perspective. We may be the only creatures that attach meaning to things in our world in an intellectual way. A playful kitten brings a smile and excitement to some and an angry scowl to others. Traffic sends one person into a rage and another into a state of curiousity. It is all based on how they see it.
HAPPY is a personal choice. Even in the midst of grief, loss, fear, or any stress, something beautiful can get through to us and bring that moment of feeling right, good, or pleased–a friend calling, the smell of cinnamon rolls in the oven, or maybe a starry sky.
A stranger casually holding eye contact in a friendly, appreciative way can sometimes make a moment a turning point in your day from discouraged to confident. A rainbow might bring a brief sense of wonder and delight. How you respond is the point.
HAPPY can be a brief moment or more, but if you add a lot of moments together, the day may turn out to be a good one, the week may be worth celebrating. No day is 100% happy–nor any week, month, or year. HAPPY is a state of mind in any given moment. Some find it more often, especially if they intentionally look for it.
Reflect on today and intentionally look for a moment or two or more that could be called HAPPY. As you think back over the day, did something tickle your interest, make you sing with the radio, say something nice to someone?
HAPPY is a choice. I hope you intentionally choose to find a little happiness today.
I invite you to share how you celebrated International Happy Day.
