March 20: The International Day of Happiness

Who’s happy? It’s been a challenging time for happiness. Often we struggle to even define “happiness” at all.

In 2012, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed March 20 the International Day of Happiness. The resolution “identified the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world—and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.” The UN also illuminated the need for a “more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all peoples,” recognizing that, contrary to common aphorisms, happiness requires at least some positive material input. 

These ideas can seem daunting unless you participate in an organization that works towards fulfilling these goals. But if we expand the definition of happiness as not merely something we passively take in, but rather an action that we ourselves take out to the world, we can consider kindness a step in the path towards creating happiness. Kindness as an action that’s exponential.

Often maligned as a passive trait, kindness is not a weakness. It doesn’t take away leadership or control. It’s not an invitation for dissent. Kindness is grace when someone is struggling. It’s respect for the contribution of team members. It’s helping others shine. 

I grew up with a stay-at-home dad. Very much a rarity when I was growing up. His day was filled with seeing after us kids, household projects, perfecting his landscaping game, and cooking dinner.

Our neighborhood was fairly quiet, but our street was a popular shortcut between main thoroughfares. My dad became a friendly fixture because twice daily, he’d drop the tailgate on his pickup truck in the driveway and take a soda break. It was a quiet, contemplative time for him. 

The same familiar commuters passed on their way to and from work. Occasionally there were commuters on bicycle or foot. After seeing the same man walk by for several weeks, my dad asked if he would like to sit and have a soda. He scooted over and made a place for the man on the tailgate. Walking under the Florida sun is an exhausting feat, and my dad thought this man could use a rest and cold drink.

Albert had recently relocated from Nigeria, and was working as a dishwasher at a nearby restaurant. Not long after their first soft drink together, Albert started building “soda break” time with my dad into his commute. When he had saved enough money, Albert bought a bicycle, proudly riding it to the next soda break. This cut his commute time significantly. My dad enthusiastically gave us updates on Albert’s successes. The day Albert pulled into our driveway in his newly purchased car, my father beamed. He was so happy for Albert. A simple act of kindness to a stranger and a cherished bond was born.

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March is also the month we honor the successes and sacrifices of American women, with March 8 designated as International Women’s Day. Back when most of us were working in offices, our team celebrated the International Day of Happiness by delivering Girl Scout Cookies. As the largest entrepreneurial program for girls in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is powering the next century of female leaders. Delivering cookies not only brought happiness to our clients, it also brought joy to the Girl Scouts who were thrilled to record a big sale. Their happiness was our happiness. 

Kindness is a skill like any other—it takes practice. Give it a whirl! And on this Friday’s International Day of Happiness, take a moment to send a note to someone who needs help to shine or buy some Girl Scout Cookies and share them with a stranger.

Read more about our thoughts on happiness.