Ayobami Bolorunde Foundation’s Post

🌟 Celebrate Happiness: Reconnect for Resilient Communities this International Day of Happiness! 🌍 🌟 Today, on the International Day of Happiness, let's embark on a journey of reconnecting for happiness, with the overarching theme: "Building Resilient Communities." In a world where challenges seem to be ever-present, the power of connection stands as a guiding light of hope, resilience, and joy. 🤝 "Building Resilient Communities" underscores the vital importance of fostering connections among individuals, neighborhoods, and societies. It's about coming together, supporting one another, and collectively navigating the highs and lows of life. 💡 Reconnecting for happiness means recognizing the strength in our shared experiences, the beauty in our diversity, and the potential in our unity. It's about reaching out to those around us, lending a helping hand, and embracing the joy that comes from building meaningful relationships. 🌍 As we celebrate this day, let's reflect on the ways we can contribute to the resilience of our communities. Whether it's through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being present for one another, every action has the power to make a difference. 💞 Let's cultivate empathy, compassion, and understanding, knowing that together, we are stronger. Let's prioritize human connection in a world that sometimes feels increasingly disconnected. ✨ Today, and every day, let's reaffirm our commitment to building resilient communities that thrive on the foundation of happiness, togetherness, and solidarity. Because when we reconnect for happiness, we create a world where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. Happy International Day of Happiness! 🌟 #InternationalDayOfHappiness #ReconnectForHappiness #BuildingResilientCommunities #SpreadJoy #GlobalCelebration #linkedin 🌟🤝🌍

Today is international day of happiness 2024. I bet most of you didn’t know it was a thing, I didn’t until I saw it on Samantha Rhodes status this morning. So a little background….. International day of happiness was introduced by the United Nations in 2013, following Bhutan’s lead as a country that recognises happiness more than income and has done since the 1970s. They famously target growth of national happiness over growth of national output. The United Nations wanted to recognise this need and calls for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples. This years theme for international day of happiness is ‘reconnecting for happiness; building resilient communities.’ This years theme emphasises the importance of strengthening social bonds, fostering connections and building resilient communities to promote happiness and well-being in the face of challenges. With all the challenges in the world, the theme of international happiness day focuses on the need for people communities, and every society to come together, support one another, and most importantly, prioritise collective well-being. The days theme also highlights the power of strong bonds, empathy and solidarity in overcoming adversity and finding joy and uncertainty. So happy international happiness day. What can you do today to encourage wellbeing and happiness both in yourself and those around you? Maybe think about that during the day, random acts of kindness go a lot further than you realise. Let’s help people be happier every day and be inspired by today to do that. #leadership #happiness #wellbeing #mentalhealth #kindness

Check out this article from USA TODAY: International Day of Happiness: How the holiday got its start plus the happiest US cities https://lnkd.in/e4ZysZw9

Cultural Sensitivity: A Key to Meaningful Holiday Celebrations As workplaces and communities become more diverse, it’s vital to approach holiday celebrations with cultural sensitivity. Here are practical ways to ensure inclusivity: • Educate Yourself: Learn about the holidays your colleagues, friends, or neighbors celebrate. This shows respect and builds connection. • Use Inclusive Language: Instead of assuming, opt for greetings like “Happy Holidays” to embrace everyone. • Be Mindful of Customs: Tailor events to include a variety of traditions or keep them neutral to avoid exclusion. • Foster Dialogue: Invite others to share their cultural practices and listen with an open mind. Celebrating with respect doesn’t just foster goodwill, it strengthens relationships and enhances understanding, a gift that lasts beyond the holidays. #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalAwareness #HolidayEtiquette

My Unforgettable Leave Day Awakened My Creativity at Work by Abisola Tiyamiyu Hi there! Let me share how maximizing my leave days for an incredible adventure in Canada ignited a creative spark that has transformed my approach to work. In April 2024, I eagerly awaited my family vacation, determined to step outside my comfort zone. Our first stop was the Edmonton World Water Park, where I faced my fear of large bodies of water head-on. As thunderous artificial waves crashed around me, I emerged exhilarated instead of succumbing to fear. Then came the heart-pumping water slides, an adrenaline-fueled test of courage. Despite momentary panic in the enclosed tunnels, I persevered, and the rush of accomplishment was unparalleled. That day, I conquered challenges that once paralyzed me. The memories and lessons gained forever shaped my mindset. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I reignited a creative spark that has profoundly impacted my productivity at Ikeja Electric. My leave experience awakened an ability to approach obstacles with a fresh, fearless perspective. When faced with complex projects or daunting tasks, I now draw from the resilience I discovered on those water slides. I'm able to think more creatively, explore innovative solutions, and tackle challenges with renewed vigor. At Ikeja Electric, we understand the transformative power of recharging through new experiences. By prioritizing personal growth during our leave days, we return to work inspired and primed to approach our roles with heightened creativity and productivity. Share your memorable leave stories. Let's celebrate the incredible potential unlocked when we nurture our minds, bodies, and spirits through uplifting adventures. Together, we can ignite a culture of creativity that propels our workforce to new heights of innovation and success. #LeaveWellSpent #StepOutsideTheBox #ConquerYourFears #RechargedCreativity #InspiringInnovation #IkejaElectricLife #BalanceForBetter #LevelUpYourCreativity #TransformativeVacations #VacationMotivation #CreativeRenewal #WorkplaceInnovation

What can we do differently? Like every year on International Happiness Day, the World Happiness Report was released yesterday (see in the comments). With no surprise, Finland, the country of Kaamos and the midnight sun ranked once again the happiest country in the world. Congratulations #Finland well deserved (as per my Finnish friends). And like every year, rather than trying to understand and learn from other countries, the mainstream media and social media feeds in some countries in North America and Europe were stormed by comments expressing surprise effects and how come they lost points in the ranking in the face of countries to whom they are trying to "teach" the best way of managing and living. While "happiness" can mean different things to different people and I believe that each one of us has the power to define what "being happy" means to ourselves. One may wonder, though, What is the secret of Finland? Is it the "sisu" spirit, a culture that embodies determination, grit, and bravery? Is it the Sauna culture? (It seems there are 3M Saunas for a population of 5.5M) Is it the Wife-Carrying Championship? Yes, it does exist! I didn't spend enough time in Finland to have clear local observation, yet I can confirm from my friends, my former colleagues, and my connections' common traits about the people. (I know it is a generalization.) - A strong sense of family and community - A genuine sense of collaboration and help of others - A strong value for social connections and a sense of belonging - A natural leaning towards kindness and open-mindedness. - A strong value for work-life harmony. - A Strong interest and pride in their education system - An authentic sense of humor (subtle, yet it is there:) What are your thoughts? Share in the comments your definition of "Being Happy" and what you think your country/society/community can do differently? (To my #Finnish friends and connections, share with us your thoughts!.)

🌟 Celebrating World Happiness Day! 🌍🎉 Did you know that behind this globally celebrated day lies a remarkable story of resilience and advocacy? In 2012, Ambassador Hamid al Bayati, the Permanent Representative of Iraq at the time, catalyzed discussions within the United Nations to establish a day dedicated to celebrating happiness. In my upcoming book, I share my interview with Ambassador al Bayati in 2020. He shared poignant insights into his own experiences as a prisoner of war, which ignited his fervent mission to promote genuine happiness. His vision emphasizing happiness as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development rather than a fleeting emotion. It's a powerful reminder that true progress encompasses not only economic metrics but also the well-being and fulfillment of individuals and communities. Thanks to Ambassador al Bayati's impassioned advocacy, backed by the collective support of all 193 member states of the U.N., the world witnessed the birth of the International Day of Happiness on March 20, 2013. Since then, this annual celebration has served as a beacon of hope, inspiring nations to prioritize the pursuit of happiness as a universal goal. Today, as we navigate through unprecedented challenges, from global pandemics to socio-economic disparities, the message of World Happiness Day resonates more deeply than ever. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to foster environments where happiness thrives, where kindness prevails, and where every individual has the opportunity to flourish. As we commemorate this special day, let's recommit ourselves to building a brighter, more compassionate world—one where happiness knows no bounds and where every smile reflects a triumph over adversity. Let's spread joy and positivity together! 🌈😊 PS: you are welcome to repost or download the infographic PDF below 😇 hashtag #WorldHappinessDay #SustainableHappiness #UnitedNations #worldhappinessday2024

The Essence of Purpose: Beyond Actions to the Heart of Being As the world unites to celebrate International Happiness Day 2024, we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness of our actions and the collective joy they can bring. In this moment of global reflection, a deeper understanding emerges: our true purpose transcends the physicality of our deeds. It is not encapsulated in the actions we perform but in the joy and transformation those actions inspire in others. "Your purpose is not the thing you do. It is the thing that happens in others when you do what you do." On this special day, this insight gains even greater significance, urging us to contemplate the waves of happiness we can create in the vast ocean of humanity... Salesforce has been a pioneer in integrating corporate philanthropy with its business model through its 1-1-1 model of giving, allocating 1% of its product, equity, and employees' time to community engagement and social causes. This approach has not only fostered a culture of generosity and purpose among employees but has also made a tangible impact on the communities they serve. Salesforce's initiatives, such as volunteer programs and grants to non-profit organizations, demonstrate how corporations can play a pivotal role in spreading happiness and positive change...Salesforce exemplify how businesses can extend their purpose beyond profitability to foster environments of joy, well-being, and social good, resonating with the spirit of International Happiness Day... Life is an intricate mosaic of moments, each offering the choice to be a conduit of happiness for ourselves and those around us. Let International Happiness Day 2024 inspire us to live with intention, to make choices that contribute to a happier world. It's a call to action to each of us to be architects of joy, to build bridges of happiness that connect us all😊... #internationalhappinessday #spreadjoy #purposefulliving

🌟 Celebrating International Day of Happiness! 🌟 Today, let's reflect on the places that bring joy and pride to residents and visitors alike. 🏡💖 📍On this International Day of Happiness, we are reminded of the incredible impact that the place we live in and our communities have on our well-being. Whether it's a local park, a historic landmark, or a vibrant neighborhood, these places contribute significantly to our happiness and sense of belonging if correctly managed, maintained, and cared for. 🌍 From art projects involving painting buildings in vibrant colors that raises people’ mood whilst strolling through streets (Albanian capital, #Tirana, offers a great exemple! 🧑🏼🎨🌆), to major infrastructure developments (look at what the construction of a cable car did for Medellín, in #Colombia, 🚠 connecting isolated areas and enhancing their socioeconomics levels), public policies and actions that governments implement to enhance these initiatives have a profound impact on the well-being and the social and economic development of populations. ⚖️ Moreover, let's not overlook the crucial role of policies supporting work-life balance, such as parental leave provisions seen prominently in Scandinavian countries. By allowing parents to take extended periods of paid time off to care for their newborns, these policies not only strengthen family bonds but also alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. It's no surprise that countries prioritizing such measures often rank high in global happiness indices. 📈 🔝In fact, when we look at annual rankings for the happiest countries in the world, we consistently find Scandinavian nations like #Denmark, #Norway, and #Finland among the top contenders. This correlation underscores the significance of policies that prioritize not just economic prosperity but also the overall quality of life for citizens. By prioritizing initiatives that foster work-life balance and family support, governments can cultivate happier and more resilient societies for generations to come.

On International Happiness Day, here are some simple suggestions for a layperson to stay happy within the theme of "Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities": 🌟 **Connect with Loved Ones**: Reach out to friends and family through calls, video chats, or in-person meetings to strengthen bonds and find support. 🌱 **Engage in Community Activities**: Join local events, clean-up drives, or volunteer opportunities to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within your community. 😊 **Practice Gratitude**: Reflect on the things you're thankful for, whether through journaling or simply expressing appreciation to others. 🤝 **Help Others**: Volunteer your time, lend a listening ear, or perform acts of kindness to uplift others and boost your own happiness. 🎉 **Celebrate Successes**: Acknowledge and rejoice in your achievements, big or small, to boost confidence and happiness. 🛍️ **Support Local Businesses**: Shop locally and participate in community events to support small businesses and strengthen your local economy. 🌳 **Spend Time in Nature**: Take walks, hike trails, or simply bask in the beauty of nature to reduce stress and improve well-being. 🎨 **Try Something New**: Explore new hobbies, recipes, or activities to bring excitement and fulfillment into your life. #InternationalHappinessDay #ReconnectingForHappiness #BuildingResilientCommunities