“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”, or so starts a popular children’s song. If the lyrics are now stuck in your head, now is the perfect time to keep singing the tune because August is Happiness Happens Month. Let’s take time to celebrate what makes us happy! Joy is contagious, so why not share the little things that make you happy with others? And in case you didn’t know, making someone else smile is a great way to bring yourself cheer too!

 Did you know that there is actually a “Secret Society of Happy People”? We should all join! Pamela Gail Johnson wanted to create more happiness in the world, so in 1989 she created the society with the idea of creating a one-day event, making August 8th “Admit You Are Happy Day”. As membership in the society grew, members felt happiness should be celebrated a little longer, so the whole month of August was dedicated to being happy. August may have only 31 days to celebrate Happiness Happens Month, but there is nothing that says your glee has to stop on August 31st. Keep celebrating life’s wonders and what brings you happiness each and every day of your life.

So what is it that makes you smile? I asked some of our residents, and here are a few of the responses I received:

“pancakes for breakfast” “a beautiful sunny day” “my neighbor Genny” If I could find Murgatroyd” (he’s been found) “dancing” “peace and everyone getting along” “when my family comes to visit” “watching comedy shows” “happy all the time” “listening to music” “sunny days, smiling faces, and beautiful flowers” “seeing the people I love happy” “my family” “saying hello to people” “being with my family” “life in general” “ you make yourself happy” “having my bed made for me”.

No matter what life may throw your way, there are always things to look forward to and reasons to be elated. “So let’s clap our hands, stomp our feet, and shout “hurray”’ to let everyone know just how happy we are here at Sonoma Hills!