Celebrating ‘Happiness Happens’ Month: 4 Moves That Bring the Happy Like Whoa

August means it’s time to celebrate Happiness Happens Month, a time dedicated to finding joy and sharing it with others.

Founded in 1998, this month is all about recognizing that happiness doesn’t have to wait; it can happen today. It should happen today. As someone who deeply values the importance of positivity in both life and business, I’ve long felt happiness is not only contagious but essential for living a full, authentic life.

“Happiness Happens Month” serves as a powerful reminder that joy isn’t found only in life’s big moments. Often, it’s the small things that bring us the greatest delight. Whether it’s a smile from a stranger, an act of kindness, or the beauty of nature, these moments build up to create a life centered on joy.

What’s more, living a happy life doesn’t happen by chance; it’s an intentional decision we make every single day. Below, I’ll share four ways to make happiness happen this month with suggestions rooted in both personal experience and principles that have guided my own life and career.

1. Sunrise Gratitude: Light the Day Before It Lights You

Happiness begins with gratitude. Incorporating it into your morning routine can set a positive tone for the entire day. Start by taking just five minutes each morning to reflect on the things you’re thankful for.

Research shows that practicing gratitude not only boosts personal happiness but also improves mental health and reduces stress. A gratitude journal that tracks the good in your life is a helpful reminder, even on challenging days.

In All the Right Reasons, I write:

“You build your life on a solid foundation when you define what values are most important to you and make a commitment to live by those values.”

One of my foundational values is gratitude, and I truly believe it opens the door to joy, harmony, and contentment—all the good stuff.

2. Get Your Green On: Mother Nature’s VIP Lounge

Nature has an incredible ability to uplift our spirits. Spending time in green environments—like parks, gardens, or even near a potted plant—can lift moods, reduce stress, and boost creativity. Even when you pause to enjoy a flower or walk barefoot on grass, it contributes to happiness.

At USANA, we encourage taking regular breaks to recharge and appreciate these simple connections with nature. We realize that sometimes it’s the quiet moments that remind us happiness isn’t complicated; rather, it’s about being present and connected.

3. Joy in Stereo: Turn Up the Volume on Your People

The theme of this year’s Happiness Happens Month is a perfect fit for one of the guiding philosophies I live by: relationships matter more than anything else. I’ve found that happy relationships, whether with friends, family, or colleagues, are a key driver of personal happiness.

One principle I’ve introduced in All the Right Reasons is what I call “The Dorothy Principle.” It’s simple but profound—“Nothing is more important than relationships.” Relationships give life meaning, and when we nurture them, we find unparalleled joy. So call a friend. Write a heartfelt note. Share laughs around a dinner table. These connections, though small in effort, can bring a lifetime of happiness.

4. Hands That Help, Hearts That Fly

True happiness often comes from helping others. In my book, the Holland Principle reminds us to find opportunities to serve and act on them, whether it’s volunteering, offering support, or doing small acts of kindness. Service instantly shifts our perspective and connects us deeply with others. As I’ve shared before, “Love and service are inextricably connected,” and giving to others not only lifts them, it lifts us, too.

The cool thing is research shows that acts of kindness trigger a release of serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemical. It’s no wonder that when we give, we receive even more in return.

Happiness, On Tap and Overflowing

So here’s the thing: at its heart, Happiness Happens Month is about awareness. It’s about choosing to see the good already present in your life and sharing it with others. You don’t need a monumental event to feel happy. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments, the thoughtful gestures, and the deliberate focus on well-being that light up our days.

Will you join me in celebrating joy? Start small, take intentional steps, and watch how your actions ripple outward, creating more happiness not just for yourself, but for others, too.

Because when it comes down to it, happiness really does happen…when we make it so.

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics.