Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Experience Southlake Celebrates International Day of Happiness!

It’s another motivational Monday at the Community Services Department as we pause to recognize International Day of Happiness.

March 20 is the UN International Day of Happiness. Parks and Recreation professionals know a thing or two about happiness because it’s our job! This year’s theme is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” While the world seems stressful, finding happiness can be simple if you practice the tenants of this year’s theme.

Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a practiced skill that can help you stay in the moment. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and notice how your body is feeling. Commit to appreciating every moment you experience today!

Our Fitness and Performance Supervisor knows a thing or two about being mindful. Everyone at Champions Club has experienced Jake Coldren’s happy energy. Here’s how he maintains a healthy balance throughout his day by practicing mindfulness.

“I like to practice mindfulness by taking the time to stop and live in the present, also I try to remind myself that life isn’t happening TO me but more so FOR me,” stated Jake.

Be Grateful
Gratitude is essential to increasing our happiness. Instead of stressing about the things you don’t have or haven’t achieved yet, jot down a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. We’re thankful for many things at the Community Services Department, especially spending our days helping our residents create life-long memories.

Here’s what our Deputy Director of Community Relations is grateful for today. “I am most grateful for the time spent with my wife and two stepdaughters. I try very hard to be mindful of how powerful every moment is that we get to share together. Whether it’s a conversation during our weekly Sunday evening dinners as we prepare for the week ahead, or sitting outside watching my youngest ride her bike in the cul de sac, those are small moments of joy that I am very grateful for. I am also very grateful to work for the City of Southlake as we have an opportunity to truly serve others and live out our mission to create world-class experiences every day. I’m grateful for the teamwork and camaraderie that City of Southlake employees share that is truly second to none.”

Be Kind
Kindness is a quintessential trait for happy individuals. When you are kind to others, you enhance your confidence and sense of optimism. The best part? Kindness tends to be contagious! Once you give it to others, they tend to give it back.

Our staff knows that kindness is crucial to our commitment to world-class service. They also incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. Our Senior Center members experience Soheila’s caring nature every day. Here’s how Soheila keeps kindness at the forefront of her customer service approach.

“Happiness is allowing people to express and be themselves. Kindness is bringing joy and a smile to someone’s day by doing the smallest things like acknowledging a new hairdo, a colorful outfit, and letting them know you are happy to see them. It’s letting someone know they matter to you and their joy is your joy. Seniors like to be seen, and letting them know you see them brings them joy and a reason to keep going,” said Soheila.

We love the UN’s theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness! Mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness go hand-in-hand with the Community Services Department’s mission to create world-class experiences.

How will you incorporate this year’s theme into today?

An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse