Don’t Be Fooled: A Simple Reminder to Choose Happiness

Have you ever wondered about the purpose of April Fools’ Day (April 1st)? The origin isn’t clearly tied to a single event, but there are a few widely accepted theories. One common explanation traces it to the 1500s when timekeeping switched from the Julian to Gregorian calendar. Before the change, many people celebrated the New Year around late March–April.  When countries adopted the Gregorian calendar (starting the New Year on January 1), some people either didn’t know about the change or simply resisted it. Those who “didn’t get the memo” continued celebrating in April and were mocked as “April fools” and the target of pranks.

Others believe it’s a carryover from ancient festivals, when people dressed in disguises and played tricks to celebrate merriment and the reversal of norms. Still others attribute it to the unpredictable beginning of Spring weather, often “fooling people”, and the longstanding human love of humor and pranks. 

Regardless of the traditions that have shaped April Fools’ Day, there is an inherent message for our hearts in this celebration.

Take Inventory

How happy are you? Do you laugh much? Are there some areas of your life where you feel stuck? 

Through their work as faculty at Stanford University and in their best-selling book Designing Your Life,  Bill Burnett and Dave Evans have developed a simple approach to assess overall happiness with your current stage in life.  They ask us to think about life in 4 categories: 

• Health - in mind, body, and spirit

• Work - contribution

• Play - joy found in things not work

• Love - flowing to and from you through others 

I have to admit my surprise learning that a couple of talented Stanford design engineers have deep understanding that though we all spend so much of our time in life at work, whether paid contribution or in unpaid service to others, work or contribution is only twenty-five percent of the picture. Our health in mind, body, and spirit, including a belief in something bigger than ourselves (God), is essential to happiness. As is joy through play and love found through connections with people in our lives. These four dimensions are key to a balanced and fulfilling life.

Choose Happiness

We all have problems we are trying to solve for in life and struggles we are trying to overcome. Burnett and Evans remind us that we are not in control of these problems nor their outcomes. They assert we can take action, and then we must choose to be happy with the actions we take. Too many people become frozen in fear of what is to come, and of making wrong choices. Happiness is a choice. “Fail forward fast and have fun doing it” is a mantra for success. Learning to laugh at ourselves and with others is essential for wellness. Letting go of control (surrender) is priceless. 

Don’t Be Fooled

April Fool’s Day is not for the foolish. It is for us all to live, to love, to laugh and play, and to let go of control. A well-designed life requires balance. The old adage, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” is true (for Jill too! 😘). So I urge you, while you spend a moment in gratitude for the health, work, play, and love that are already present in your life, ask for the grace to laugh this April Fools’ Day at yourself or be the love that makes someone else laugh with you. 

Be Well ❤️

Kelly

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