Today is the first International Day of Happiness as resolved and declared by the United Nations. It is a concerted effort to collectively change our way of thinking and acting so that we may create a happier society (and world) through bringing happiness to others. Check on the website to take the pledge, find out how you can nominate a happy hero, send Cheers or learn Actions for Happiness.
A year or so ago I had the privilege of watching a documentary on happiness called Happy. This incredibly moving film inspired me on many levels as it interviewed and examined peoples’ lives and experiences in different countries and cultures. For 72 hours, they are renting the film for only $2.99!!! I highly recommend you watch it. (click on Happy to go to the website!)
Finally, there is an idea that has been germinating inside of me for a little while. One of my favourite films growing up was Steel Magnolias. In it, is one of my all time favourite quotes:
I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful, than a lifetime full of nothing special.
And so I’m kickstarting my THIRTY MINUTES OF WONDERFUL project!
I am challenging myself (and you) to do something that makes you happy, feel joy, bliss and is wonderful for thirty minutes EACH day! Take pictures of it, write a comment to me about it, encourage your friends and family to join you! And remember variety is the spice of life. Maybe your wonderful will be singing or having a dance party in your kitchen or living room, perhaps it will be trying a new recipe, or picking up the phone and speaking to a friend or loved one. Maybe it will be getting your sweat on – hitting the gym, the yoga or pilates studio or busting out a killer wod! Go down the slide with your kids, make crafts, paint a picture, write a poem, take a picture, snuggle your pet!
The aim is to:
* Set aside quality time for you and for feeling good each day
* Make it a decided and focused task (put away the electronics – at least some of the time)
* Choose things that make your body, mind, and soul grow and shine
* Connect with others and share your happiness and pleasure in what you’re doing
* Slow down and learn to appreciate the incredible things that fill your life
* Expand your horizons by trying new things
* Smile, laugh, love and overflow with bliss!
Please join me on this new adventure! I hope to expand this project to another area of my webpage – but please bear with me (my tech director is currently busy with a big boat race hehe). I would love to hear from you with your comments, ideas, suggestions and of course how YOU spent your Thirty Minutes of Wonderful! Email me at erika@erikahoward.ca
Today I’m going to dance class and will enjoy exploring movement and music with some pretty wonderful people – and then some wine and laughs with good friends! Bring on the bliss!!!
Find your happiness, share it & see it grow…