A Guest Blog for International Day of Happiness by Cheryl Rickman

March 20 is International Day of Happiness and this year's theme is “Happier Together”, focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. In The Happiness Bible, wellbeing author Cheryl Rickman explores what we can do to widen and deepen our connection with each other.

Community Matters

Today, with social media becoming all-consuming, we are more connected than we have ever been, in a virtual sense; but in reality, studies have revealed that many people still feel alone. All the more reason to make an effort to increase real-world connections. As well as forging strong bonds with those we are especially fond of, it’s important to build “bridging connections” to unite different groups within a community.

It isn’t always easy to be courageous. Life throws so many things at us on any given day, that it can feel like a brave act just to leave the house.

Feeling courageous can be difficult, but finding ways to develop our courage doesn't have to be. Often, we just need a bit of inspiration.

One inspirational person to look up to is Nelson Mandela, one of the most courageous people in recent history. Nelson Mandela was actively involved in South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement for 20 years, and after being incarcerated as a political prisoner for 27 years, he went on to become his country’s first black president as well as a lifelong human rights activist.

Today the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day, an annual event meant to encourage people around the world to give back the way that Mandela did during his lifetime.