International Day of Happiness, 2021

The idea of an International Day of Happiness was introduced to the United Nations back in 2011 by the advisor Jayme Illien, along with the United Nations’ New Economic Paradigm project and “happytalism”, which aim to change the way nations approach economic growth by focusing on “happytalism” over capitalism.

The day was founded in July of 2012 and was first observed in 2013. Its celebration is an acknowledgement of the importance and desirability of happiness in human life, and the need that happiness be incorporated into public policy.

Despite being a challenging concept to define, there is a general consensus that happiness broadly covers two key areas – how people feel in the present moment and how satisfied people are with their lives overall. Consequently, happiness can range from a sudden rush of intense emotion (such as joy or euphoria) to a much calmer and steadier sense of contentment.

For ideas on how to celebrate International Day of Happiness this year, check out the following websites:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/happiness-day
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-day-of-happiness/
https://happinessday.org/
https://www.livehappy.com/practice/happiness-around-world
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Happiness

International Day of People with Disability, 2020

This year, on International Disability Day, I want to leave you with this short video created by Australian motivational speaker Tim from AskTim.com.au, about why we should try to find the ability in disability:

https://www.facebook.com/timreplies/posts/2853123825009010

It reminds me of a quote attributed to Mr. Rogers: “It’s not what you can’t do. It’s what you can do that matters.” (or something along those lines)

International Friendship Day, 2020

Created with the purpose of celebrating the bond of friendship in our lives, Friendship Day (also known as International Friendship Day) is observed every year, in many countries, on the 30th of July. According to Wikipedia, the holiday’s date differs in several countries.

To mark this special day and to highlight its importance in promoting the role that friendship plays across all cultures, the UN encourages community groups, organizations, and governments to hold initiatives, activities, and events that promote reconciliation, mutual understanding, and solidarity.

Learn more about it by clicking the following links:

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-day-of-friendship
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/friendship-day
https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-friendship
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-friendship-day-international-day-of-friendship-2019
https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day

Whether it’s through a virtual message, a phone call, a letter, or any other way that respects the official social distancing rules, tell your friends a happy friendship day and thank them for their friendship. 🙂

Happy International Friendship Day, 2020!

Friendship Day, 2020

International Rock Day, 2020

No, this isn’t about Dwayne Johnson or about the apostle Peter. It’s about rocks. Stones. Those hard things that can be found on the ground. Yes, they have their own international day. July the 13th. Why? Well, International Rock Day has been created so that people all around the world can learn more about rocks and their variety. After all, stones play a big role in the environment, and they have been used by humans for many purposes over the years.

The rock or stone is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids. For example, the common rock granite is a combination of the quartz, feldspar and biotite minerals. The Earth’s outer solid layer, the lithosphere, is made of rock. Rocks have been used by mankind throughout history. From the Stone Age, rocks have been used for tools. The minerals and metals found in rocks have been essential to human civilization.

Read more about how to celebrate International Rock Day and learn more about rocks by visiting the following websites:

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-rock-day/
https://www.uniquenewsonline.com/international-rock-day-history-meaning-significance-and-ways-to-celebrate-it
https://happydays365.org/rock-day/international-rock-day-july-13/

World Book Night, 2020

The idea of World Book Night was conceived by Jamie Byng, MD of Canongate, back in 2011, after discussing it a year before with those present at Book Industry Conference. It created another way for adults to read more and, since then, the holiday has become an international success.

However, because World Book Day existed for children, World Book Night became a day for adults to read more books. In order to coincide with UNESCO’s International Day of the Book, in 2012, the holiday moved from March to April. In 2012 and 2013, the holiday was celebrated in the United States. Over 50,000 people gave books to others on this day.

In late 2013, World Book Night then became part of the Reading Agency, an organization focused on promoting the benefits of reading books. Each year, books are given to people in hospitals, prisons, libraries, colleges, homeless shelters, and their communities.

World Book Night 2020 will be going digital, and the plans have been modified due to Covid-19. According to the official World Book Night website, people are encouraged to share in the pleasure of enjoying a book – in print, in or in audio. Those who want to partake in the celebration are invited to join in the Reading Hour, take time out to read alone or with others, and share a book with family, friends or colleagues, by giving recommendations, encouraging someone to join the library or gifting a book. Find out more about how the plans have been adapted by visiting the website.

Happy International Dog Day, 2019!

Founded in the US in 2004 by pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, International Dog Day has since spread all over the world, giving dog owners a special day to celebrate man’s best friend. And that day is August 26.

International Dog Day encourages dog ownership of all breeds. Whether mixed or purebred, all dogs should have the opportunity to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. They all give humans companionship. Additionally, they keep their owners safe, and they aid those in need. They can even keep us healthy, both physically and mentally.

Here are some ways to observe International Dog Day:

When considering adoption, adopt, don’t shop. If you have your heart set on a purebred companion, consider visiting a website like bestfriends.org or petfinder.com to find one at a shelter. Learn how organizations like these are changing the way we adopt.

Use #NationalDogDay and post photos of your dog on social media.  Take your dog for a walk.  If you do not have a dog, ask to take your neighbor’s dog for a stroll, or volunteer at a shelter.

Happy International Dog Day, 2019!

Happy International Cat Day, 2019!

August 8th is International Cat Day, a day when we celebrate one of mankind’s favorite pet, the cat.

Funny cat videos, cute pictures of cats and cat memes are some of the most viewed content on the internet, which just goes to show how much humans like these furry animals.

Some studies claim that watching funny cat videos online can boost a person’s energy and create positive emotions, and that owning a cat can also be good for your heart.

While I’m still skeptical about this due to personal experience, scientists say that petting a cat is said to reduce stress levels, and with people having such hectic lives, they can be an easier and less demanding choice of pet than owning a dog.

Regardless of whether cats can impact our health in a positive manner or not, they remain an important part of society.

Happy International Cat Day, 2019!

Happy World Book Day 2019!

World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day, or International Day of the Book, is an annual event the organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the aim of promoting reading, publishing, and copyright.

Having been first celebrated on the 23rd of April 1995, World Book Day continues to be recognized on that day every year. A related event in the United Kingdom and Ireland is observed in March.

Happy World Book Day, 2019!