So do you have an extra spring in your step today? Are you just filled with joy, and do you have an inexplicable smile on your face that just won’t go away? Well maybe your dog died, or your house is in foreclosure, but you’re going to have a fabulous day, darn it, because today is the happiest day of the year. Don’t you feel it? June 20 has been given the title of Happiest Day by a guy named Cliff Arnall, a researcher at the University of Cardiff’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Just how did he choose today, of all days? Well, according to the research, this has been worked out using the equation O + (N xS) + Cpm/T + He. Huh? That’s what I said. Here’s how it breaks down: - O stands for being outdoors and outdoor activity.
- N is connection with nature.
- S is socializing with neighbors and friends.
- Cpm stands for childhood positive memories.
- T is the mean temperature.
- He is holiday expected.
Of course, there’s nothing in there like E for economy (which is dismal), W for weather (which has been horrendous this year for thousands of flood and storm victims), or P for politics (which we’re all kind of tired of hearing about). Now, I agree that having a Friday upon us is always cause for joy. Also, knowing that July Fourth is just around the corner is comforting, for it will bring neighbors and families together for relaxing picnics and parties. I also know that the grass is green, and the weather in my city has been beautiful. So according to my experience, today is a pretty darn good day. Yet I’m not exactly sure if everyone feels the same. I do, however, marvel at the concept that a researcher has been able to calculate this happy day (he does miserable days of the year as well) and somehow get the whole world to listen. If you research the day or his name on the internet, you’ll see countless articles written about Arnall and his theories. Which makes me think that small businesses can learn quite a bit from such marketing scenarios. Maybe there’s a special day that you can name and designate within your company that will gain attention and help promote your business. It’s something to think about. But then again, maybe we all just need to relax on this Friday, go socialize with neighbors outdoors while enjoying the flowers in bloom, remembering sweet childhood memories and anticipating July Fourth! It sounds like a great way to start out the weekend. | 
