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Don’t worry, be happy

August is National Happiness Happens Month.

The goal of this is to raise awareness of examining your life and figuring out which things make you truly happy. This holiday is based on the idea that happiness is unlimited and contagious and that sharing one’s happiness can bring a lot of joy in other people’s lives. Happiness Happens origins started in 1999.

This was started by The Secret Society of Happy People. In the first year, Happiness Happens was limited to one day. The first Admit You’re Happy Day was on August 8, 1999. The next year the members of this group wanted to let the happy feeling be expressed a little longer. In 2000 the group expanded the celebration to the entire month of August. This is when the month was renamed Happiness Happens Month.

The Secret Society of Happy People helps promote happiness and ways to feel happier. This year The Secret Society of Happy People will be doing “31 Days, 31 Types of Happiness, 31 Ways to Feel Good!” This will include a happiness challenge for you to try that will help you recognize all of the happiness within your life. You can join in on this by going to sohp.com or by texting HHM to (469) 382-5977.

By changing your mindset on what happens in life you can increase your happiness.

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

— Abraham Lincoln

Happiness begins with your thought process. By changing your thought process from “I have to” to “I get to” can help you feel happier about something that you might not want to do, and it feels more like a blessing and brings great joy and happiness to the task at hand.

There are many ways that you can celebrate Happiness Happens Month as well as increase your happiness. Do something nice for yourself and increase your own personal happiness. Do something nice for someone you know, such as a friend, family member, coworker, etc.

Not only will helping a friend increase their happiness but it will also increase yours. Try to share the little things that make you happy each day with others around you. Making someone else happy can be as simple as giving up your seat on a bus to someone else.

Other simple options include buying someone a coffee, holding open a door, or writing someone a card. More intricate options include volunteering for a nonprofit or charity, donating funds to a nonprofit or charity, mowing someone’s lawn, or making a meal for someone. These are just examples of the many ways that you can spread happiness to others.

WRAP (Women’s Rural Advocacy Progams) Staff was asked what things bring them happiness

“My happiness comes from family, camping, a clean house, cooking, and snow.”

“Family, camping, reading, working out, and my kids!”

“I get happiness from my family, my dog, time to relax, making food for others, and feeling like I am helping someone stay positive despite negative situations they may be in.”

“Going to the gym, spending time with my family and friends, and going camping!”

“What makes me happy is my teammates are healthy and safe. My family is healthy and knows that they are loved. For myself, I am achieving my goals one day at a time.”

“Sleep and family”

“Grandbabies and that my family is healthy”

“The health & happiness of my family and friends! Also being kind to others, because it doesn’t cost a thing, but the rewards are priceless!”

“A bag of Peanut Butter M & M’s makes me happy”

This month, take time to focus on what makes you happy and find new ways to fill your life with as much joy as possible. Happiness happens in small moments and it is your job to recognize when these moments happen. Remember that being happy does not mean that you are problem free.

— Becci ten Bensel is executive director for Women’s Rural Advocacy Programs

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