The emPOWER Breakfast Turns a Year Old On The International Day of Happiness

This is a day for celebration! Not only is it The International Day of Happiness, celebrated annually on March 20th, a marker to remind us that happiness is not just a feel good emotion but a fundamental human goal... but this year's International Day of Happiness coincides with a special milestone—the first birthday of emPOWER. Over the past year, emPOWER has transformed our community by creating spaces where people feel truly seen, heard, and understood. In a world where loneliness and isolation have become increasingly common, emPOWER has nurtured authentic connections that remind us we are not alone in our challenges. Indeed there is a word for that kind of empathy and it’s 'sonder'. A word first brought to our attention by emPOWER speaker and Dark Horses CEO Melissa Robertson. Sonder is the awareness that everyone has a rich inner landscape of challenges, that are each person’s personal journey to master. Walk 10 Moons in another man’s moccasins and all that! What makes emPOWER truly special is how it has redefined networking beyond transactional exchanges to build deeper, more meaningful relationships. By encouraging vulnerability and authentic sharing, emPOWER has fostered genuine empathy among its members—a quality that not only enriches our personal lives but translates into better business practices. When we understand each other's experiences and perspectives, we collaborate more effectively, innovate more creatively, and build work environments where everyone can thrive. These challenges have been illustrated by a series of guest speakers. Leaders who have overcome their challenges to build and sustain impressive careers often because of, and not in spite of, their challenges. Flipping the script and turning difficulty into triumph and offering hope and insight to others in similar situations.

This culture of empathy and support extends beyond formal work settings, influencing how we interact with clients, customers, and partners. As emPOWER celebrates its first year, we recognise that its greatest gift has been showing us how happiness multiplies when shared and how community can be both a source of joy and a catalyst for positive change. True happiness often doesn't come from grand achievements or major life events, but rather from appreciating the small, everyday moments that we might otherwise overlook.

Cake created by the talented Justine Campbell-John, It's Not Just Cake

Micro-moments of joy, when noticed and savoured, can transform our daily experience and build resilience against life's challenges sending messages to our nervous system that we are safe, we are enough and the contentment unfolds. Mindfulness—the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment—serves as the perfect tool for capturing these small joys. By consciously choosing to be fully present, we can escape the constant rumination about the past, or anxiety about the future which often robs us of happiness in the present moment. The beauty of mindfulness is that it requires no special equipment or significant time commitment. By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you create multiple opportunities to notice the good that already exists in your life.

On this International Day of Happiness a year ago, we launched with our first speaker, the incredible, beautiful insightful and self aware Goddess that is Leila Bartlam. Leila’s talk set off a chain of events that still resonate now. Bringing neurodivergence ever more vocally into the business space, laying the foundation for our other speakers to openly share their experiences… and the ripple effect has been incredible.

A year later and emPOWER is going from strength to strength with incredible speakers fully booked for 2025 launching the first of four emPOWERMENt events, the Men’s series, with the first speaker… Barny Wright, co Founder of No.8 who will be talking on the 2nd of April about his journey from addiction to sobriety. Another powerful and important conversation which will be a gift to us all. 

So today, on the International Day Of Happiness 2025 lets all be reminded that happiness isn't found in constantly seeking more, but in fully experiencing what is already in our lives. and the many things that we can be grateful for — and sharing those experiences within a supportive community that empowers us all.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for emPOWER or emPOWERMENt events please email athene@theempowerbreakfast.co.uk

If we could encourage anything it would be

BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF!