International Day of Happiness: Writing Our Way Towards Wellbeing

In our latest blog post, Lapidus Director Peter Emelone looks ahead to International Day of Happiness, which takes place on 20 March 2026.

I was on the train to work on a Monday morning when the ticket inspector came by. Before I let him scan my ticket, I asked if we could take a “smiley morning” photo. He was delighted and said it made his day. You can see that picture in this post! It got me thinking: What does happiness actually mean to you?

For some, it arrives in brief flashes: a shared laugh, a moment of calm, or a sentence that finally says what needed to be said. For others, happiness feels more elusive—something we are encouraged to pursue or perform, rather than experience in our own way.

On this International Day of Happiness, Lapidus invites a quieter, more spacious conversation. One that asks not how we can be happy all the time, but how we might listen more closely to our inner lives—using words to support wellbeing, connection, and meaning.

Happiness Beyond Positivity

In contemporary culture, happiness is often framed as “staying upbeat.” While joy matters, this narrow framing can unintentionally silence other vital human experiences—grief, uncertainty, or longing.

Writing for wellbeing offers a different lens. Rather than insisting on happiness as an outcome, it creates space for honesty. On the page, we are allowed to be complex. Paradoxically, it is often this permission—to tell the truth of our experience—that supports deeper wellbeing.

The Role of Writing in Wellbeing

At Lapidus, writing is a process, not a product. It is a way of saying, “This is where I am,” without needing to tidy it up. Whether through journaling, poetry, or storytelling, the goal is presence and care rather than literary skill.

For many, happiness in writing looks like:

• Relief: Finally naming a silent burden.
• Connection: Recognizing oneself in another’s words.
• Agency: Realizing that your story matters.

An Invitation for Today

Take a few minutes today to write—not to be cheerful or productive, but to be real. Write about what happiness means right now, or what gets in the way. Happiness doesn’t always arrive with fireworks; sometimes it arrives quietly, in the simple act of paying attention.