Remember those lyrics from 1988?  They were from a song of the same name written and performed a cappella by Bobby McFerrin.  You might remember the song from the movie, Cocktail, which starred Tom Cruise.

I’m thinking of that famous (is it famous?) phrase today, because March 20 is International Day of Happiness - who knew?  I must have read of its existence somewhere because I added it to my list of potential blog topics.  I don’t remember the magazine or website where it was mentioned.  (I really need to start noting from where I get my inspiration snippets so I don’t have to wonder when I come upon the ideas on my list at a later date!)

At any rate, I Googled International Day of Happiness and learned it has been celebrated throughout the world (really?) since it was established by the UN General Assembly in 2012.  I won’t bore you with the entire UN resolution, but basically it recognizes the human pursuit of happiness and wants the day to promote the well-being of people around the world.  Therefore, the UN is inviting people everywhere to observe this special day.

So, how do we find happiness and ease worry?  A worthy endeavor, I think.

Here are some ideas –

Set your cares aside for awhile and go out for ice cream.

The second verse of the Don’t Worry Be Happy song says –

“In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double!”

I think I’ve shared with you somewhere on this blog site that my husband has nominated me (or maybe appointed me) to the all-world worry team.  I admit, I have earned that distinction.  But, I do know that diversions are good to get my mind off of whatever the worry-of-the-day might be; so, I’m all for going out for ice cream!  It makes me happy.

I’ve also written about my love for watching movies – another activity that makes me happy, and which is a great escape.    Last night I found the movie, In Her Shoes, on Direct TV.  Yes, I have watched it before at least a couple of times, but it has been awhile, so I watched it again…a great diversion from balancing my check book which has a way of causing me worry.  (Is there ever enough money?)

The beginning indications of spring arriving here in Minnesota bring happiness to me.  Tulips appearing for sale at the flower stands, snow melting and warmer temps all cause me to smile; hopefully, some of you have that same reaction.  Oh, and more hours of daylight are a huge relief to me!

It really goes back to just recognizing that small, everyday “good” things occurring in life can provide happiness.  (Remember the gratitude journal from my last post?)

Here are some simple activities that are making me happy today –

• enjoying a clean house (sometimes mine is clean)
• getting an “all’s well” check up at the dentist
• watching a very content cat lazing in the sunshine
• spending an evening with book club friends
• anticipating a meal at a restaurant touting authentic New Orleans cuisine
• diving into a new issue of Oprah magazine

I’m sure you get the idea.  Finding happiness is really all about approaching life with a good attitude.  And, surrounding yourself with happy people doesn’t hurt either.

On Wikipedia (who doesn’t love Wikipedia?), I found a list of several organizations supporting the recognition of International Day of Happiness, and offering various activities for celebrating the day.  If you’re interested check it out.

So, celebrate on March 20.

BUT, I think we should CREATE HAPPINESS in our lives every day!  Are you with me?