A #happyday of Happiness! (With Smiley Shortbread)

Isn't it great that there is now an International Day of Happiness to celebrate and spread the spirit of happiness around the world?

Yes, the 20th March is now an official date to take proper action for happiness, people!

Happiness has become huge in recent years, what with movements like the Action for Happiness bringing together people who want to build a happier society, spreading and inspiring ideas for exercising happiness and wellbeing. And now the UN has declared an official day of the year to celebrate all that is happy, encouraging events and activities to be held, so that happiness can be spread to everyone. In a contagious sort of way (the good kind).

Isn't that just lovely?

Yes, I genuinely think so! (Incase that came across sarcastic.) Maybe that's because of the nature of my job, where I get to read lots of personal development books every day, and so perhaps the cheerleader in me is getting constant practice at overshadowing any negativity. Maybe because I've always believed in good karma. Or maybe it's also because this date happens to be my birthday also ;-)

You can of course feel as cynical as you want about it, but I just see it as a perfect excuse to take some kind of action, whether big or small, to bring happiness to others. Yeh, that's right, to others!

Of course, happiness means different things to different people. It seems to be the case though, that going out of your way to make someone else happy can be much easier than consciously trying to make yourself happy.

I don't mean that in a doormat sense or just trying to become a people-pleaser. But just about being more aware of what's happening around you in the moment, and thinking what little thing you can do to make someone's day. Without any agenda - just kindness and generosity for the sake of it! And then when you start to put a smile on other people's faces, you should quite naturally bring happiness to yourself. So it's all win-win really isn't it?

And if none of that stirred anything inside you, then perhaps the silliness of the faces on my Smiley Shortbread will make you chuckle :-)

Smiley Shortbread

Print-friendly recipe

Makes about 36 (2.5" round cutter):

300g plain flour
200g butter, softened
100g sugar
Some ice cold water
Coloured icing pens of your choice!

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl with the sugar.
2. Rub in the butterand then start to bring the mixture together into a dough, using a splash of ice cold water to help bind it together if required. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees C. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface to the thickness of a pound coin.
4. Use a 2.5" round cutter to stamp out as many circles as you can.
5. Transfer to a lined baking tray, then bake for about 30 minutes, until light brown. They may still be a little soft when you take them out, but will continue to firm up as they cool.
6. Once cooled, take an icing pen and turn those shortbread circles into happy faces!

Ah...group hug everyone! Go on, take the pledge to spread the smiles :-) What will you do today to spread happiness?