Happiness-ABC
The Happiness Initiative of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The Happiness Initiative is a national project offering tools and resources to communities and individuals seeking to enhance their well-being. The mission of the Happiness Initiative is to work for a just, healthy, and resilient society where all people have the opportunity to pursue happiness. The Happiness Initiative of Albuquerque & Bernalillo County - Happiness-ABC - is a local happiness initiative that uses the tools and resources developed by The Happiness Initiative of the Happiness Alliance in Seattle, Washington. | CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE ---------------------------------------------- Origins of Gross National Happiness "The time has come for global action to build a new world economic system that is no longer based on the illusion that limitless growth is possible on our precious and finite planet or that endless material gain promotes well-being. Instead, it will be a system that promotes harmony and respect for nature and each other, that respects our ancient wisdom and traditions, that protects our most vulnerable people as our own family, and gives us time to live and enjoy our lives and to appreciate, rather than destroy our world. It will be an economic system, in short, that is fully sustainable and that is rooted in true, abiding well-being and happiness." - Prime Minister Jigme Thinly, Bhutan
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The 10 Key Dimensions of Happiness
The United Nations has called on the world to measure Gross National Happiness, following the example of Bhutan, where they survey citizens in ten key dimensions of happiness to guide policy choices to improve all aspects of well-being, not just material standards of living. These dimensions are:
- Environment and Nature: Quality of water, air, soil, forest cover, biodiversity, etc.
- Good Government: Perception of the government, the media, the judiciary, the electoral system, and the police, in terms of responsibility, honesty and transparency
- Material Well-Being: Income, financial security, level of debt, employment security, and quality of housing
- Psychological Well-Being: Self-esteem, sense of competence, stress, spiritual activities and prevalence of positive and negative emotions
- Physical Health: Effectiveness of health policies, with criteria such as self-rated health, disability, patterns of risk behavior, exercise, sleep, nutrition
- Time Balance: A balanced management of time is evaluated, including time spent in traffic jams, at work, in educational activities, and in recreational activities
- Community Vitality and Social Connection: Sense of belonging, the vitality of affectionate relationships, safety at home and in the community, and the practice of giving and volunteering
- Education: Participation in formal and informal education, development of skills and capabilities, involvement in children’s education, values education and environmental education
- Arts and Culture: Local traditions, festivals, core values, participation in cultural events, opportunities to develop artistic skills
- Work Satisfaction: Employment satisfaction, work-life balance, job conditions, productivity and compensation