Happier Together

Today, March 20, marks the UN International Day of Happiness. This year’s theme is Happier Together reminding us that “lasting happiness comes from feeling connected and being a part of something bigger.”

I feel more grateful with each passing year for my relationships. My family, my friendships spanning decades and my newer connections. I have not always been great with maintaining some relationships and I am trying to be better. This was an important take away from a Happiness Habits course I took (and enjoyed immensely) in the fall with Action for Happiness.

It’s a six week course and relationships are one of six topics covered (others are gratitude, self-care, resilience, kindness and meaning.) Having strong relationships is a huge contributor to well-being. A long term study following the same people from teenage years to old age found the most consistent factor making people happier was the strength of their friendships and relationships. It’s not more money (once basic needs are met), fame or power. It’s the people in your life that make you happier. You can watch the video from the course featuring Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School here.

It’s not only emotional well-being that is better but physical health too. Earlier this month I read about a woman celebrating her 117th birthday. Maria Banyas, a Spaniard, became the oldest person in the world. She credits her longevity to “good connection with family and friends.” Spain is set to overtake Japan as the county with the longest longevity. Spaniards make sacrifices to live close to family. Towns are designed to encourage gatherings. The vibrant plazas that feel like community hubs are one reason I love Spain.

Relationships require constant tendering and nurturing. They don’t just take care of themselves. It’s fascinating to think of the thousands of interactions and social activities that Señora Banyas has had over her lifespan. Her “social fitness” would be off the charts!

If you are curious about the Happiness Habits course follow this link for more details and to register. I will be facilitating a course starting May 14 with an insightful woman, Nasreen, I met in my class from the fall. It’s offered via Zoom, based on donations. It’s a great way to connect with other people and explore ways to incorporate small actions into your life. As the title suggests, the idea is to build habits to create happiness for yourself and others around you.

A final thought on the course. If you think (as I did) that working on your own happiness feels kinda selfish, it’s not. If you’re happier, there’s a ripple effect to those around you. If you’re feeling good then you can be there in a positive way for others.

I hope you can take time on this International Day of Happiness to do something that makes you happy. Maybe invite a friend to join you!

Happier Together

https://www.dayofhappiness.net/