2021 isn’t even a month old, and hey, I’m willing to give it some more time, but honestly, the year isn’t off to a great start. However, I am an optimist, and that is what prompts me to suggest that the world needs to take a deep breath and count to 10 (or a million if more time is needed). Then we can all celebrate two events happening this month. Did you know that the third week of January is unofficially designated as Hunt for Happiness Week and No Name-Calling Week? I can’t think of anything more appropriate, especially this year and this particular week.
Since everyone could use a timeout (don’t you agree?), I’m recommending books that focus on the pursuit of happiness and the practice of kindness. Two of the titles, “Be Kind” by Naomi Shulman and “Kind” by Alison Green, are intended for children, but if you follow this column, you know that I strongly encourage grown-ups to read children’s books because they can be just as delightful and meaningful to an adult as a child.
Should this column wing its way to far and distant points, I hope the message of kindness and happiness reaches as many readers as possible. With everyone’s help, 2021 can be a kinder, gentler year.
• “The Atlas of Happiness: The Global Secrets of How to Be Happy” by Helen Russell.
