Every year the Secret Society of Happy People announces the happiest happenings, moments and events that made us smile and inspired happiness in 2013:
10. Diana Nyad, at 64 made history by swimming from Cuba to Key West without the protection of a shark cage. It was her fifth attempt reminding us to keep chasing our dreams.
9. Charles Ramsey for making the 911 call that freed kidnapped victims, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight and reminding us that we never know when our help can change someone’s life.
8. Malala Yousafzai for being brave and wise beyond her 16 years and reminding us in her UN speech that, “One child, one teacher, one person and one book, can change the world.”
7. Davion Only’s viral heartfelt plea to be adopted opened our hearts to him and others in foster care that are also seeking adoptive families.
6. Angelina Jolie’s bravery for going public about her decision to have a preventable double mastectomy increased awareness about breast cancer and reminded us that healthy is beautiful.
5. Candy Crush has been played over 151 billion times since launching as a mobile app and it’s sweet nature is even called happily addictive by some.
4. Grumpy Cat and Prancercise YouTube videos made virtually everyone grin at some point this year.
3. The arrival of Britain’s Prince George gave the world a reason to celebrate.
2. Pope Francis for being so down-to-earth which has inspired both Catholics and non-Catholics alike to live a better life.
1. The selfie, which is how we share many of our happiest moments, officially makes it into the Oxford dictionary and becomes the number one word in 2013.
What made you happiest in 2013?
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Written by Pamela Gail
Pamela Gail Johnson founded the Society of Happy People in 1998.
The Society is grounded on Pamela’s four key Practical Happiness Principles:
Pamela identified 31 Types of Happiness that are on the SOHP App Happiness Counter to make it easier to recognize moments of happiness.
Pamela also plans and organizes the Society of Happy People's annual happiness celebrations:
She's also a speaker, trainer, and author.
A few of her personal smile starters include her monthly book club, yoga, traveling and meeting new happy people.
My happiness this year has been like a tiny seedling working at becoming a tree. There is no single moment that defines that kind of happiness; it seems to be just sitting there doing nothing at first, but it’s making progress that’s needed in order to become what it’s meant to be.
Some happiness is like rain or sunshine: it just appears and touches everyone.
Some happiness is very personal: you might be the only person in the world who feels it.
Some happiness is like flowers: it springs into life quickly and is beautiful for a short time, then leaves its seed in order to grow again next season.
Some happiness is like a tree: it grows slowly, is very small at first, and gradually becomes the protective shade from the heat, the cover from the pounding rain, and the welcoming shelter for the tired spirit and the restless birds. And sometimes, if the tree is large enough, it can offer a place for large animals, too.
You’re Right…You never know when Happiness will either appear or just down right find you! That’s why you keep your mind AND Heart open to every opportunity that presents itself. I try to live my life Every day with this in mind, it’s quite interesting and sometimes even downright Funny to see what’s in store!! 🙂