We Are the World Blogfest
It’s time again for the #WATWB and what could be better talking about happiness? First let’s find out what is #WATWB?
Thinking about joining the fun. Here are the guidelines for #WATWB:
1. Keep your post to Below 500 words, as much as possible.
2. Link to a human news story on your blog, one that shows love, humanity, and brotherhood. Paste in an excerpt and tell us why it touched you. The Link is important, because it actually makes us look through news to find the positive ones to post.
3. No story is too big or small, as long as it Goes Beyond religion and politics, into the core of humanity.
4. Place the WE ARE THE WORLD badge or banner on your Post and your Sidebar. Some of you have already done so, this is just a gentle reminder for the others.
5. Spread the word on social media. Feel free to tweet, share using the #WATWB hastag to help us trend!
Want to join. click Here to enter their link and join us! Bigger the #WATWB group each month, more the joy!
Our cohosts for this month are:
Simon Falk, Roshan Radhakrishnan, Inderpreet Uppal, Lynn Hallbrooks, Eric Lahti, and Mary J Giese,Please link to them in your WATWB posts and go say hi!
And now, on to the post!
The United Arabs Emirates (UAE) have appointed a Minister of Happiness.
HER EXCELLENCY OHOUD BINT KHALFAN AL ROUMI
What exactly is a Minister of Happiness? Well, someone who can help make society happier, of course.
The idea didn’t start with the UAE, but in 1972 with the King of the Buddhist country of Bhutan who asked that the country consider starting a “gross national happiness” (GNH) index. Bhutan determined that the nine components of happiness should be: psychological well-being, ecology, health, education, culture, living standards, time use, community vitality and good governance.” The government collected data on each and then used the information in its decision-making for the country.
What a splendid world it would be if we structured society around the concept of happiness. Perhaps we should all give it a try. I’m calling my Congressman tomorrow!
pjlazos 8.25.17
This is great, Pam. To practically structure for such a role is extraordinary leadership. Let’s hope she gets lots of support and co-operation. How did you go with your own congressman? Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE the idea of A Minister Of Happiness! It should be compulsory for every nation/country to appoint one! ❤
Thank you for putting a HUGE smile on my face, PJ!
Writer In Transit
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re welcome!😘
LikeLike
This is wonderful! Every country should have a Minister of Happiness! I like Deborah’s idea of a Department of Peace, too. Well done, UAE. And a woman to boot. Thanks for sharing this, P.J.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree!
LikeLike
The U.S. could certainly use a Minister of Happiness at this point. I think it’s a fabulous idea and I applaud the UAE for not only choosing to have such a minister, but to also appoint a woman. I hope she does something earth-shattering (in a good way) in her position. This is a position that is needed in every country, so that we can stay focused on the positive. Thanks for the post and for participating in #WATWB.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you or reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my belief that every country should have a Minister of Happiness as well as a Department of Peace. Can you imagine how that might shift things if we actively focused on these concepts collectively?! Thanks for sharing this uplifting story, and hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate more and more appointments to similar positions soon.
LikeLiked by 3 people
From your mouth to God’s ears.💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wouldn’t that be a great job to have? You’d get to smile at people and encourage them AND get paid for it. 🙂 That is a seriously great move, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love it!
LikeLike
Wow, imagine if every nation practiced this! Great post, thanks so much for sharing! #WATWB 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Brenda!
LikeLike
And what a wonderful idea xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤️
LikeLike
Every country should have a minister for happiness. We really need one in Kenya right now. Thank you for sharing this, Pam.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Ditto in the U.S.!!😃
LikeLike
Lovely post – thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi PJ – at least the UAE are appointing women and letting them participate in life … not like the Saudis … and she’s well qualified and will channel policies and plans to achieve a happier society … if there are women in the cabinet – there’s hope for the UAE and for setting standards. Great you’ve told us about her … cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 3 people
So agree. Girl power!
LikeLike
Thats a nice blogfest and great news
LikeLiked by 2 people
😘
LikeLike