Remember the kids’ song “If you’re happy and you know it…”? National Happiness Day was last week. The whole idea is to take spreading joy to a whole new level. Instead of clapping hands and stomping feet, take your happiness to the social media airwaves and spread joy instead of stress.

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How National Happiness Day Started

In 1999, the Secret Society of Happy People (SSoHP) started the day to celebrate their one year anniversary with the goal of recognizing and expressing happiness. Why? The cultural norm is to focus more on the things that are getting us down, the things that need to be improved, rather than on what makes us happy. So, at least one day a year, SSoHP wanted people to feel free to express their happiness. They’re so passionate about happiness; they even identified 31 types!

Types of Happiness

Happiness can be subtle or bold. Sometimes it’s the small joy of a job well done. Sometimes it’s the pleasure of watching something amusing. Other times it’s something more obvious like a party or night out with friends. Feelings that encompass happiness range from Amused to Valued and everything in between. Of course, happiness is one of many emotions. Happiness is transitory, just like sadness. That’s all the more reason to celebrate happiness when it arrives!

Want to learn more about how to bring happiness into your life? Check out The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben. I started reading it because I’ve been feeling tired and run down. Maybe you can relate to this…the sense that there’s too much to do, too little time to do it, and what does get done isn’t appreciated. It can be really draining day in and day out. Reading this book has helped me shift my mindset and let go of some of that churning.

Make time today to find your happiness!