When did Happy become a lost treasure? Something we search for and need a map with clues to hint where it might be? Nope, it’s not there (looks at bottom of wine bottle), nor is it here (lifts wad of cash to see if it’s hiding underneath).
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
Happiness is now a studied science. Governments recognise that happy people are healthier and more productive, so they’re upping their happiness policies. Bhutan was the first to put happiness at the heart of government and their development policy is inspired by the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which measures psychological wellbeing, health, education, culture, ecology and community vitality. The United Arab Emirates has recently appointed a Minister of Happiness with a plan to make Dubai a world example of a “smart, happy city”. They even have a Happiness Patrol that hands out gift cards to law-abiding drivers, rather than tickets for drivers who infringe! Ecuador has also created a Minister of Happiness; and Wales has an innovative Future Generations commissioner. Both New Zealand and Andhra Pradesh have embraced happiness as the official goal of government. In South Australia, the State of Wellbeing policy agenda underwrites the delivery of psychosocial policy interventions and research for all of Australia. The UK government recently named the world’s first Minister of Loneliness, who is tasked with creating a national strategy to reduce social isolation for every age group in the country. All these Government initiatives have the goal of helping populations be happier, and therefore healthier and more productive, while reducing the rates of depression and anxiety. Achieving all this may just lead to finding that lost treasure! Happiness is not elusive. It isn’t in a trunk at the bottom of the ocean. It’s within you. Spend time with friends doing what you enjoy. Or visit one of the places showcased in this issue. Getting out of your usual grind helps you to see things more clearly. Kris Abbey Managing Editor 5