In 2012 Bhutan initiated a resolution, accepted in the General Assembly of the United Nations, where the UN proclaimed 20 March as the International Day of Happiness.
What an interesting post. I really enjoyed reading that. I could just picture having coffee on a deck in the sun (well, technically it would have to have been tea for me, but anyway). Loved learning that Bhutan initiated World Happiness Day.
I'm lucky enough to live in one of the top three happiest countries, but you're right sometimes we forget just how lucky we are. You're asking interesting questions. I think friendship (in whichever form it might come is really important), helping others is something that gives me great happiness and also learning new things through conversations with people from around the world. If I'm allowed a fourth it would be reconneting with nature and sharing nature's beauty with others (which would connect my 2nd and 3rd points). Actually thank you for making me think about this. Was just able to add another aspect to my dream.
Thank you, Evelyne. The limitation to just three created a bit of a challenge. I could fill many pages describing what makes me happy; my top-3 could be another one every time someone would ask me.
That was a beautiful article Alex. First thing that makes me feel happy is my daughter and her health and happiness. You're right I didn't think about clean water, food and access to a toilet. But I sure would be very unhappy without those 😊.
And I definitely don't live in one of the happiest countries, although we certainly should be. Happiness here seems to always be based upon having more stuff. And honestly I've never had a lot of stuff but I feel generally I'm happier than most people I know.
Hi Alex, choosing just 3 top essentials for happiness is difficult. Like Maslow's heirarchy, once you have food, clothing and shelter (the basic needs), you can rise up to the higher levels of self actualization, etc. In truth, I think I could not live without good food, clean air and water, and trees, the sun and birds, not to mention shelter. Having those things is paramount. Love, too, one needs to live. We start off in life with the love of our mother and father and later, we know the myriad of other kinds of love. Ultimately, for me, joy comes just from being alive. It does help to be in the company of those you like and love, whether it be a furry friend or human one. True happiness is, as Lincoln said, a state of mind. But for the mind to come into that state, it needs food and water. So, my top 3 things for happiness would have to center on the environment, namely clean air, clean water, the sun + all of pristine nature (oops, that is 4). Where those are achieved, then each one of us here on Earth will have what we need. I would live in a green house or even a tree house to save the animals' habitats. Wish you a beautiful day, Alex. 🌞
Hi,Alex. Great idea to create this blog.For me, happiness begins with waking up!! I'm healthy and well. Admire nature,a coffee with friends,talk to distant friends, to know that my parents are healthy, skate ⛸⛸ or ride a bike,read a good book,listen to music.Have a nice day
I have seen documentaries about Bhutan and it seems they truly have done remarkable steps in protecting their citizens and wildlife. Happiness is truly attainable and consumerism is not the way to achieve it. Once this pandemic is over and we can be with families and friends happiness will return for many of us. Thank you for another wonderful piece.
You're welcome, Lilly, and I agree with you. It is good that you mention the pandemic. It has taken away so much happiness for so many. But, amidst all the death and misery it caused, there are a lot of silver linings. For many, working at home was nicer than in the office, and I don't expect that we will fully go back to how it was before March 11, 2020. Then, there are so many stories of kindness, sacrifice, and unsung heroes; the healthcare workers are the first to come to mind. I hope that we will someday re-evaluate who gets paid what for each job. We now know better who the essential workers are.
Reading The Planet makes me quite happy & this one especially! Thank you for this thoughtful, informative (was unaware about the Bhutan facts) & inspiring edition.
What an interesting post. I really enjoyed reading that. I could just picture having coffee on a deck in the sun (well, technically it would have to have been tea for me, but anyway). Loved learning that Bhutan initiated World Happiness Day.
I'm lucky enough to live in one of the top three happiest countries, but you're right sometimes we forget just how lucky we are. You're asking interesting questions. I think friendship (in whichever form it might come is really important), helping others is something that gives me great happiness and also learning new things through conversations with people from around the world. If I'm allowed a fourth it would be reconneting with nature and sharing nature's beauty with others (which would connect my 2nd and 3rd points). Actually thank you for making me think about this. Was just able to add another aspect to my dream.
Thank you, Evelyne. The limitation to just three created a bit of a challenge. I could fill many pages describing what makes me happy; my top-3 could be another one every time someone would ask me.
That was a beautiful article Alex. First thing that makes me feel happy is my daughter and her health and happiness. You're right I didn't think about clean water, food and access to a toilet. But I sure would be very unhappy without those 😊.
And I definitely don't live in one of the happiest countries, although we certainly should be. Happiness here seems to always be based upon having more stuff. And honestly I've never had a lot of stuff but I feel generally I'm happier than most people I know.
I tried to post but
Sorry, I do not think that the comment input box likes copy and paste.
Substack was down this morning, which may have caused it.
Hi Alex, choosing just 3 top essentials for happiness is difficult. Like Maslow's heirarchy, once you have food, clothing and shelter (the basic needs), you can rise up to the higher levels of self actualization, etc. In truth, I think I could not live without good food, clean air and water, and trees, the sun and birds, not to mention shelter. Having those things is paramount. Love, too, one needs to live. We start off in life with the love of our mother and father and later, we know the myriad of other kinds of love. Ultimately, for me, joy comes just from being alive. It does help to be in the company of those you like and love, whether it be a furry friend or human one. True happiness is, as Lincoln said, a state of mind. But for the mind to come into that state, it needs food and water. So, my top 3 things for happiness would have to center on the environment, namely clean air, clean water, the sun + all of pristine nature (oops, that is 4). Where those are achieved, then each one of us here on Earth will have what we need. I would live in a green house or even a tree house to save the animals' habitats. Wish you a beautiful day, Alex. 🌞
Hi,Alex. Great idea to create this blog.For me, happiness begins with waking up!! I'm healthy and well. Admire nature,a coffee with friends,talk to distant friends, to know that my parents are healthy, skate ⛸⛸ or ride a bike,read a good book,listen to music.Have a nice day
Thank you, it sounds like wonderful, happy wishes and things
I have seen documentaries about Bhutan and it seems they truly have done remarkable steps in protecting their citizens and wildlife. Happiness is truly attainable and consumerism is not the way to achieve it. Once this pandemic is over and we can be with families and friends happiness will return for many of us. Thank you for another wonderful piece.
You're welcome, Lilly, and I agree with you. It is good that you mention the pandemic. It has taken away so much happiness for so many. But, amidst all the death and misery it caused, there are a lot of silver linings. For many, working at home was nicer than in the office, and I don't expect that we will fully go back to how it was before March 11, 2020. Then, there are so many stories of kindness, sacrifice, and unsung heroes; the healthcare workers are the first to come to mind. I hope that we will someday re-evaluate who gets paid what for each job. We now know better who the essential workers are.
Reading The Planet makes me quite happy & this one especially! Thank you for this thoughtful, informative (was unaware about the Bhutan facts) & inspiring edition.
I wish you happiness every day!
Thank you, Lizzie, for these kind words.