Pamela Gail Johnson on Happiness Happens Month, A 25-Year Journey with the Secret Society of Happy People

It started with one question—small but powerful: Where are all the happy people?

That single spark lit a fire that became a global celebration.

That question led me to start the Secret Society of Happy People in 1998. I wanted to create a community—a tribe—for those who value happiness and want to celebrate it unapologetically. I also wanted to help people recognize and embrace the times when they actually are happy, which led to a second question: Are you happier than you admit you are?

We had a whirlwind first year that included something groundbreaking: the creation of the first-ever happiness holiday. On August 8, 1999, Happiness Happens Day was born. The following year, we expanded the celebration to include the entire month—giving us Happiness Happens Month every August.

And now—25 years later—we’re celebrating what started as a movement and over the years has evolved into a quiet counterculture. One that is made up of people who believe that happiness isn’t frivolous. It’s fuel. It’s freedom. And it’s still worth celebrating—especially now.

If you search for it online, you’ll find Happiness Happens Month on thousands of calendars, with people from all around the world participating. The celebrations range from personal reflections to group activities at home, work, or in schools. Some share heartfelt stories about smile-worthy moments; others create opportunities for new ones. 

Each year, we select a theme that reflects the emotional tone of the time—something that resonates with what people are collectively feeling. 

This year, happiness feels a bit elusive. There’s so much uncertainty and chaos in the world—much of it beyond our individual control. That’s why our theme reminds us to look inward. Because at its core, happiness is personal.

Sometimes, happiness feels electric—like a laugh that bubbles up out of nowhere, a kiss that catches you off guard, or a spontaneous dance party in your kitchen. Other times, it’s quiet. A sigh of relief. A moment of stillness. The soft warmth of knowing you’re okay, even when life’s messy. And of course, there are dozens of shades in between. The Society of Happy People also identified 31 Types of Happiness to help people expand their definition of it.

Happiness happens when we feel good. It’s a simple emotion, yet often overlooked—either because we expect it to look different, or we’re too distracted by the things that zap it.

That’s why it takes effort to notice our happy moments. When we do, we expand our awareness of them—and that’s when life starts to feel a little brighter. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down to appreciate a kind word, a beautiful sunset, or a small win. Other times, it’s about intentionally creating moments that bring a smile and a warm heart.

On August 1, we kick off our 25th anniversary of Happiness Happens Month—and this year, we’re turning up the volume with a theme designed to ripple through your days: Random Acts of Happiness.

It’s more than a theme. It’s a movement. A daily decision to lite tiny happiness sparks into your own life—and the lives of others.

The beauty of random acts is that they don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Call someone you love. Send a thank-you note. Listen to your favorite dance song. Smile at a stranger. Watch a video that makes you laugh. These small moments of connection to ourselves and others matter more than we realize.

Whether you’re feeling disconnected from happiness, enjoying more of it than expected, or somewhere in between—there’s no such thing as too much happy.

Happiness lifts our spirits—and helps us better manage the things that bring us down. It reminds us that even when life feels uncertain, we still have the power to influence how we feel. Sometimes, happiness is simply about feeling a tiny bit better than we did a moment before. It’s found in the small steps that help balance whatever else is going on in our occasionally overwhelming world.

Need a little inspiration? Sign up for the Random Acts of Happiness Challenge at sohp.com. You can do it solo or with family, friends, or coworkers. Follow our daily suggestions—or create your own.

The world doesn’t need perfect. It needs present. It needs people like you noticing the good, sharing the light, and reminding others (and yourself) that happiness is still here—hiding in plain sight.

Be part of the Random Acts of Happiness movement. Take the challenge. Start a ripple.

Because one smile really can change the world—especially when it's shared.