Like a match made in heaven, this year the International Day of Happiness falls rather perfectly on the first day of Spring. As we prepare to plant our first seeds, ready to nurture them until they grow, it is also a good opportunity for some self reflection and to check in with your own mental health.
This year’s theme is Happier Together, focusing on just how important a sense of community really is. That’s why the Ethical Influencer community has joined together to bring you this collaborative post on what makes us truly happy.
Together, we are all working towards making the world a better place for everyone, and it can sometimes feel tough to be the change you wish to see in the world. We are here to tell you that you are not alone. Read on to find ideas on how to get your happy, and remember if you need someone, reach out. We are all on this journey together!
IT’S IN THE LITTLE THINGS
BY LAUREN OF INSPIRE CREATE EDUCATE
Cooking wholesome vegan food, spending time with friends and family and chilling out in my back garden and listening to the birds. There isn’t much I need in life beyond that!
ACCEPTANCE
BY LUISA OF ONLINE PERSONAL STYLIST
Finding true happiness is a true case of trial and error. I’ve come to the realisation that happiness is about doing what you want to do and not feeding unnecessary thoughts with your precious attention and energy. There are so many activities in our personal and professional lives that can be ditched or delegated if we’re really honest with ourselves.
I think in today’s world we feel under pressure to “do it all”. We’re under pressure to wake up early to meditate, read something motivational and workout before completing a long, tiresome working day as a self-employed person living their dream, after which we head out to a trendy, “Instagrammable” eatery for an aesthetically-pleasing dinner plus cocktails, and finally we conclude the night by bingeing on Netflix series so that we are able to understand 90% of what we see people post on social media. Feeling tired?! I’m not surprised! This is why I believe that pursuing what makes you happy starts by trying to do more of what actually makes you happy and disregarding (where possible) those other things that you don’t enjoy.
As a blogger that means creating content that I love to create. It means skipping or switching a day of exercise if I have wasted too much time procrastinating. Switch off social media when it drives you crazy and go and experience something real. It also means pursuing a hobby that completely consumes you while risking being dreadful at it but not caring all the same. But most importantly, happiness is found when we learn to accept ourselves and the beauty of that is in the attempt!
HAPPINESS ISN’T IN THE BOTTOM OF A SHOPPING BAG
BY LAURA OF THE BETTER PLANET PROJECT
One of my favourite posts that I have written is titled 8 Things To Do That Will Make you Happier than Buying More Stuff. A lot of people find solace in shopping, but there are so many ways to boost happiness that are better for the planet!
ALL ABOUT MINDSET
BY LII OF BYLIIL
Everything can make me happy, it is about the mindset, as many people say. It can be difficult to see the happy things in everyday life though, so I’ve made myself post about the happy things monthly. It forces me to think about the happy moments or things in my life. I notice that I am often happiest at the small things that happen in life. Sometimes, in the moment, things might not feel so happy, but looking at it afterwards there might be aspects that can lead to happiness.
BEING THE CHANGE
BY VANESSA OF MISS COMFYPANTS
What makes me really happy is seeing my fellow Austrians standing up for our future, demanding change. Not just in the form of actual protest but also when it comes to spending money on the right things, like local & organic food. While living abroad I learned that we are not the most vocal people, especially not against authorities but here we were, 30.000 people in Vienna alone, protesting for climate action.
(Read more about Friday 15th March’s Global Climate Strike in our previous post! Members from around the globe reported on this inspirational day.)
