‘Happiness’ is the greatest blessing that people can ever have in their lifetime. It is a human emotion that bears extremely positive feelings and supports the psychological well-being of a person. According to positive psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky (2007), happiness is “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.”

In the contemporary world, people are going through a maze of goals and desires, which they may see as happiness. However, at the end of all our struggled journeys, we are questioning ourselves: did we achieve the happiness we expected? Further, we are questioning what happiness actually is. Whatever it is, we all need to be happy and make our loving surroundings happy throughout our lives. So on, trying to be happy has become our lifestyle. Therefore, ‘happiness’ is a fundamental goal of everyone’s life. In support of “a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples,” the UN General Assembly acknowledges this goal. 

The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Happiness on March 20, 2012, and it aims to make the world realise the importance of happiness. “Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities” is the official theme for the 2024 International Day of Happiness. The International Day of Happiness’s primary goal is still to uplift acts of kindness and compassion while fostering world well-being. Every year on International Happiness Day, the World Happiness Report is launched.

This year, the United Nations highlights that happiness comes from the feeling of connecting to each other and being part of bigger efforts by the community. According to Dr. Mark Williamson, people’s relationships are the single biggest predictor of lifelong health and happiness. He further emphasises that, when a person feels an increasing polarisation and isolation, the most important thing that they may do is find positive ways and connect more deeply with each other. On the other hand, a stronger sense of happiness leads to better relationships, social connections, contributions to others lives and healthier physical wellbeing. A Harvard study found that spending time with others is one of the keys to a happier life. Nowadays, people all over the world require more connectivity than ever.

The contemporary world is struggling with several consequences, such as war situations, conflicts, and blackouts. They ring near the world ear and grow a number of risks and uncertainties in front of people, which may become barriers to someone’s pleasure. In such a world, ideas of humanity, inclusivity, and empathy foster the people’s responsibility towards a happier society, for which more people are positive and grateful. These ideas lead people to consider their own and others reasons to hinder happiness and find the source of negative feelings such as fear, stress, and loneliness. Further, emotions like empathy guide people to make reasons for others happiness and build the ability to be happy by seeing others smile.

Anyone can argue that happiness is something you can find within your own view of life. Yes, we can find happiness within ourselves, but happiness should not be an isolated emotion. Because you are a part of this universe, the entire world has given you happiness, and the world wants to see you happy. Therefore, make the world happy, share your tips for being happy, and make reasons for someone’s eternal joy. On this International Day of Happiness, we should remind ourselves of our responsibility to live in a happier world and the importance of valuing happiness as a fundamental right for all living beings, including ourselves.

Written by: Rtr. Keshani Weerasekara

Graphic design by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja