Did you know that March 20 was proclaimed World Happiness and Wellness Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012?
The idea for the UN was to recognize happiness and well-being as universal aspirations, and especially to ensure that the happiness of the populations of all the countries on the planet be considered as a political objective on the part of decision-makers, in the same way as the economic and environmental health of nations. This index has even been called “Gross National Happiness” or GNH…
In the Larousse dictionary, the definition of happiness is the following: a state of complete satisfaction. Synonyms: beatitude, contentment, euphoria, bliss, joy.
Of course, there can be as many definitions of happiness as there are individuals. One such definition comes from our talented singer Ginette Reno. When asked “What is happiness for you?” she answered: “It is the serene and profound feeling of being in the right place at the right time, and finding the satisfaction and pleasure of doing what you need to do right now, no matter what it is, cooking, cleaning, singing… Let’s face it, that’s a pretty good definition.
According to a very serious study by Harvard University, 50% of people have a genetic predisposition to be happy, and therefore, the happiness of the other half is in their hands. In a nutshell, the study suggests that the happiness of one out of two people depends on the outcome of the choices they make.
At Olympe, but also within all organizations advocating for health and wellness in workplace, we believe that a good part of an individual’s happiness comes from taking charge of his or her overall health, both physical and mental, at work and at home. We believe that physical activity is one of the ways for a person to find balance and serenity. This is our credo and we dedicate ourselves to it with energy and sincerity. Please refer to our previous texts on the psychological benefits of physical activity.
In this, we believe that there is an undeniable truth. There is indeed someone responsible for your own happiness. Find a large mirror, look into it, and you will meet that person. Tell them you love them despite their faults and mistakes of their past. Tell them you forgive them for their faults. Remind her of her strengths and good qualities. Don’t be too hard on them and talk to them gently, the way you would talk to a good friend. That would be a good start.
By Roger Lemay