International Day of Happiness

 

Today is the 20th of March 2014. International Day of Happiness. There's a day for nearly everything by now, so why not a day to celebrate and remind ourselves that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental goal (that was at least the intention of the UN General Assembly when they founded this special day in 2012). 

There are more than seven million people living on our planet and every one of them has their own unique definition of what happiness means to him or her. There are many, many people who believe that having a lot of money, being successful in their job or constantly climbing the ladder of success are pre-conditions to lead a happy and contended life. Another part of the world's population considers a family or at least a partner the most important things in life. For these people it is important to know that there is someone who will always be there and stand by them no matter what happens. Then there are of course other definitions of happiness related to specific living-conditions for example in the developing world or in war zones. Having something to eat and drink and living a peaceful life without war are definitely the biggest wishes for these people to lead a happy life. 

As you can see every person has his or her own definition of happiness. So do I, even though it's not that easy to describe. Having a lot of money and being rich, a state so many people long for, isn't something that truly matters to me. Of course it is easier to live a life without having to worry about how to buy food and clothes and so on, but in the end it doesn't really matter. When I went to Cuba and visited a remote village in the eastern part of the island, I saw families who were really poor compared to our standards of living. What really fascinated and touched me was the fact that these people looked so much happier than some Austrians or Europeans generally do. They were content and seemed to rejoice in the little they had. 

 

source: alifetimeofwisdom.com

I think sometimes you need a little reminder to remember that your life isn't that bad and that it could definitely be worse. I don't know why it is that way but sometimes you need to see real poverty or experience a case of illness in your near surrounding in order to be thankful for what you have. It may sound strange but when you realize that life could be worse or even over soon, you start to appreciate the smaller things. You realize that sunshine is a wonderful thing and that good friends and a family are the best part in life. I believe that happiness isn't a state of having a lot of money but a general attitude towards life.

I wish you a wonderful day! Enjoy it!