Share Some Happy!

Share Some Happy!

Today is International Happiness Day. Until I heard it on Good Morning America, I had no idea it even existed. Be sure to check out the incredible website dedicated to all things happy!

Here in Virginia, it’s a blustery, drizzly, not-so-happy-weather-day, so it’s going to take a little more effort, at least on my part, to get out and share some sunshine with others.

Sometimes happiness looks like cupcakes.

A couple days ago, I met my mom and sister for lunch. Near the end of our time, I mentioned my mom’s upcoming birthday.

“Do you want to got to Williamsburg? We’ve been talking about Mad About Chocolate for quite a while. That might be a fun place to celebrate,” I asked.

“Well, I don’t know. Maybe…” she said.

“Ok, what about The Green Bean Cafe? That could be fun and Susan (my sister) hasn’t been there?” I once again asked.

“Well, that is a nice place,” she half-heartedly smiled.

A few breaths later, she suggests, “How about we just get some cupcakes, you know with little bunnies or a few jelly beans on top. You know I love Easter. We can have some cupcakes with everyone…you know, after dinner? We don’t need to go out or anything. Just stay in and celebrate.”

This time I took a few breaths.

I persisted, as I am known to do, because I would rather take her out so we can spend quality time with her. I didn’t really want to share her with the residents she lives with. I know…pretty selfish, ay? We did that last year. It was really nice, but this year I thought it might be nice to do something different.

Please note: I thought.

“Ok. If that is what you want,” I said. “But, I really like having you to ourselves for your birthday.”

“Well, I think it’d be fun to have cupcakes with everyone,” she said.

Happiness isn’t always “about me,” but is very often “about we.”

I’m pretty certain you can tell how that conversation ended.

We’re having cupcakes with everyone. It is, after all, my mother’s birthday, not mine.

The latest happiness research is very clear. Check it out for yourself: Action for Happiness.

This study offers ten keys for finding happiness. The first five talk about how we interact with the outside world and the second five talk about how we interact with our inner world. At the top of the list is caring for others. Giving to others. Relating to others. Connecting with others.

Relationships are the most important overall contributor to happiness. People with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. Broader networks bring a sense of belonging. So taking action to strengthen our relationships and create new connections is essential for happiness. “

Share your happy.

I’m not sure who said, “Happiness shared is happiness doubled,” but I’ve found it to be incredibly true.

Who can you share your happy with today? Make someone’s day. Go ahead. Just do it! Join the movement worldwide today and share your thoughts: #InternationalDayofHappiness