Apparently, today is International Happiness Day. That may explain the extra spring in your step as you charged into work this morning, or the goofy grin you've been sporting since you rolled out of bed.
What? Your step has no spring, and your grin is no goofier than ususal? Seems you need to get with the Internationally Happy program. Learn more at www.internationalhappinessday.com.
This project bills itself as "a day in which people from all over the world intentionally choose to be happy while inspiring the happiness of others through simple acts of kindness, expressions of joy, gratitude, optimism, and forgiveness." The description also invokes the "Law of Attraction"–of The Secret fame–making me a bit suspicious. But a few credible happiness researchers/authors seem to be on board, including Sonja Lyubomirsky and Tal Ben Shahar.
The event is meant to inspire people to recognize all they can do to intentionally make themselves happy, a concept supported by research, including Lyubomirsky's. Activities for the day include joining (or starting) a Happiness Club and a "teleclass/video webinar" on how to lead a happier life.
Of course, here at the Greater Good Science Center, every day is a Happiness Day.
About The Author
Jason Marsh is the editor in chief of Greater Good.
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