I learned from The Hot Goddess’ blog post that today is the International Day of Happiness. Yes, The United Nations in all the days of the year, allocated the 20th of March as the day to celebrate happiness. It recognizes happiness as a human goal and sees this day as a call “for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

And it begs the question, “what is happiness?”

This leads to more questions like: are you happy? what makes you happy? how can you tell that you are happy? are the people around you happy? how do you know? (The World Happiness Report -for some stats on countries and expectations)

And as the United Nations celebrates this day, in four countries in Africa, there will be protests geared towards the need for improved policies, tax reductions and more consideration for the livelihood of citizens by their governments-and the countries are Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia and Nigeria.

So, am I happy? Right now as I write this, no. I am worried about the lives of friends, allies, young and old alike who will be out protesting for we may encounter police and in the city I reside, Kisumu, since 2007, conflicts with the police have resulted in more injuries, bodily harm and death-so no, I am anxious and scared, yet also certain that speaking against the influx in taxation and cost of goods is worth gaining the attention and consideration of the government.

And if you were to ask me the same question, two hours ago, I would have said ‘yes’ because I was reading N.K.Jemisin’s “The Obelisk Gate,” and as I seriously consider happiness, I find it fleeting.

Happiness is neither constant nor a guarantee in life.

So, if there is a sense of elation and content in a moment, place, activity, with or without a person-then that counts as a win and as the days roll by into years, and your memory still serves you, you can say you were happy or have experienced happiness.