Robert Louis Stevenson said, “There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.” The United Nations recognized happiness as a fundamental human right in 2012, establishing the annual International Day of Happiness on March 20. Acknowledging “the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world,” the U.N. called upon members to celebrate “through education and public awareness-raising activities.” And so we will celebrate this day at Notre Dame as well.

This Friday, the McDonald Center for Student Well-Being encourages you to consider happiness your duty and a factor that contributes to your overall well-being. An explosion of books in the last few years from the field of positive psychology offer guides for the healthy pursuit of genuine happiness, reinforcing the U.N.’s declaration of its fundamental nature. Events scheduled on campus to promote this journey include; gathering for a “Happy” photo with free T-shirts by Rockne Memorial at 12:30 p.m., getting silly with laughter yoga at 3:30 p.m. and watching the award-winning documentary “Happy” with ice cream sundaes at 9 p.m. Take time out of your busy schedule Friday to resolve to be happier, put a smile on your face and keep that resolution. Happiness is best experienced in connection with others, so we hope to see you at one of these events.

Mara Trionfero

assessment counselor

McDonald Center for Student Well-Being

March 18

The views expressed in this Letter to the Editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Tags: International Day of Happiness, positive psychology, United Nations