Pope Francis once beautifully said,
“being happy is to stop feeling a victim and become the author of your own destiny.
Its going through deserts, but being able to find the oasis deep in your soul.
Its to thank God every morning for the miracle of life…
to be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each one of us free, joyful and simple.
Its having the maturity to be able to say: “I made mistakes”.
Having the courage to say “I am sorry” , its having the sensitivity to say:”I need you”.
May your life become a garden of opertunities for happiness…that in spring I can be a lover of joy and in winter a lover of wisdom”.
Sr.Rajia (SdC)
World happiness day is reminder that, Happiness is a universal pursuit that transcends borders and cultures.On March 20th , we celebrate the power of joy, kindness and connection.
Happiness is a complex and subjective experience that can be difficult to define figuratively. Its often described as a feeling of joy, contentment or satisfaction. Happiness can be fleeting like the rush of excitement when we achieve a goal Or it can be long term state of being, like the sense of fulfillment we get from meaningful relationships.
Happiness is truly basal for our well-being and quality of life. When we are happy we are more resilient, creative and productive. Happiness has the power to boost our immune system, improve our relationships and even increases our life span.
As UN’s world happiness report states,
“Happiness is a fundamental human goal and a key indicator of progress and well-being”.
Happiness is something to be cultivated, As the Dalai Lama XIV said,
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions”.
It needs the attitude of practicing gratitude means reflecting on the good around us no matter how small it is. Cultivating happiness means educating laughs and encouraging smiles that really improves our surroundings. It involves nurturing our existing relationships and building new connections. Happiness can also be created by prioritizing our personal physical and mental health. Happiness is not about escaping problems rather its about facing them with authentic and positive approach.
Mahatma Gandhi believed, “Happiness is when, what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony”
Currently the world is facing a lot of uncertainty and tension, especially in the Middle East. There is an ongoing war between Iran and Israel, which has led a major humanitarian emergency, with over 100,000 people displaced and many more affected by the conflict.
The UN has warned of a “major humanitarian emergency” and urged for DE-escalation. Many countries are feeling this heat. Along with that, globally there is a sense of unease with many countries concerned about economy, crime and military conflicts.
So in today’s world where conflict and war persists , happiness can seem like a distant dream. Happiness in a world torn apart by conflict sounds like an oxymoron, but its precisely in these dark times that it becomes a beacon of Hope.
Happiness is really a matter of choice and conviction, a deliberate decision to focus on the good , to cherish moments of peace and to spread kindness. War may rage on, but happiness can thrive in the human spirit.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has left millions displaced and struggling to find hope. However a midst the chaos, there are stories of resilience and joy. As Russians reflect on their New year’s wishes for 2026, they emphasis the importance of love, forgiveness and kindness.
Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to renounce war, emphasizing that true joy an security comes from trust, justice and solidarity.
Christian joy in today’s tragic world is about finding joy in faith, love and connection with God, even a midst pain and uncertainty. As in the gospel according to St.John Jesus says,”In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
So finding strength from it we Christians despite facing violence and hardships we gather to worship, finding solace in community and God’s love.
As 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 St. Paul beautifully advises to, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.
As we navigate the complexities of life let’s remember the words of John Lennon, “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears”
Social media, a staple of modern life, can both unite and isolate us. While it connects us globally, it can also foster comparison and decreased satisfaction. The curated highlight reels of other’s lives can make our own seem dull by comparison. So directly or indirectly the novel technology is effecting our inner peace and happiness but it is also under our own control that how much we personally allow these vibes to penetrate our state of well-being and satisfaction.
Bet sweetland says, Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Its about embracing life’s ups and downs with kindness, compassion and gratitude. By choosing happiness we create a ripple effect of joy and positivism in the present world of chaos and tragedy. As St.Jeanne Antide has always found her happiness by serving the poor, marginalized and vulnerable. She did it by embracing the spirit of humility and simplicity, free from all worldly attachments and trusting in God’s love and providence.
May the lord Jesus who is the ultimate source of our true joy and happiness bless each one us as the Sisters of Charity. So that living in this era of fight and war, through the true spirit and enthusiasm of St.Jeanne Antide, we may become able to spread the flame of love and joy which Christ has brought in to the world. Amen
Wish you all a beautiful and blessed smile!
