Happiness Happens

I recently came across a listing of holidays and observances for the month of August. Hidden between National Catfish Month and Rye Bread Month, I spied Annual Happiness Happens Month. Now this is an observance I can celebrate! In light of all of the recent events that have been sapping my happiness levels, I find myself in search of anything that will bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that happiness is a choice. Whether we want to believe it or not, we can and should assume responsibility for how happy we are.

There is a lot of power in realizing that we are in charge of our own happiness. Although at times we may have to search for happiness, there are ways to cultivate more happiness into our lives.

• Focus on the positive - “Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Karr
• Express Gratitude – "Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward
• Nurture relationships - Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust
• Surround yourself with positive people –“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” Oprah Winfrey
• Meditate - If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath. Amit Ray
• Have Patience – “All things are difficult before they become easy.” Saadi
• Practice mindfulness -“In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being.” Eckhart Tolle
• Focus on helping others –“Through our willingness to help others we can learn to be happy rather than depressed.” Gerald Jampolsky
• Take care of yourself and establish healthy habits -“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” Mahatma Ghandi

Did you know that happiness has even been linked to good health? It’s been reported that happiness protects our hearts, fights off stress, combats illness, disease and even lengthens our lives.

Happiness Happens Month is celebrated on August 8^th this year. As part of the celebration, the organizers want to know what makes people happy. Using the hashtag “#ISeeHappy”, you can follow the celebration across social media.

What could be more fun than looking for happiness all around you? Maybe it’s a bird playing in the sprinkler, or your children splashing in the pool. Whatever brings a smile to your face, capture it in words or snap a photo. You’ll have these memories to look back on and the smiles they can bring have no expiration date. It’s like a “happiness vault” that you can go visit anytime you need a pick-me-up.

You can also share your happiness with others, perhaps giving THEM a smile for the day by participating in the #ISeeHappy movement. Share some happiness today!

Remember:  “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

Happiness Happens Month is hosted by the Secret Society of Happy People. Pamela Gail Johnson founded the Secret Society of Happy People in 1998. She is author of the Secret Society of Happy Peoples Thirty-One Types of Happiness Guide and writes the Life Sparks Blog.