While the scientific process for arriving at the so-called 31 types of happiness may be questionable, the society’s intent is to make people feel good. Members ask people to keep an inventory of when they experience different subsets of happiness such as “cheerful,” “sweet” and “nostalgic.”

When you’re feeling blue, the society asks you to remember events like Michael Phelps’ Olympic wins, the historic 2008 presidential election (unless you’re Republican, of course) and the decrease in gas prices.

Like other organizations, the Secret Society of Happy People sponsors different happiness-related events. In fact, the society’s major event, Hunt for Happiness Week, is coming up on January 20-26.

If the beginning of classes or cold weather have ruined your positive outlook, then you better get ready for Hunt for Happiness Week. The society offers a variety of ways to celebrate this special period devoted to good times.

Start gathering things that make you happy, like newspaper clippings, coins or even old fro-yo cups. Hunting for and collecting these items will give you a pleasant sense of nostalgia as well as feelings of accomplishment.

If you’re not much of a collector, think back to your childhood for some joyful inspiration. Remember drawing with crayons, swinging on play-sets and blowing bubbles? While doing these activities will not magically uncomplicate your life, they will remind you of happier, simpler times and bring a smile to your face.

Simply keeping track of happy times can also make you feel better. The society suggests keeping a daily journal of cheerful events. Much like looking at old yearbooks, glancing over this diary will bring at least 365 smiles at the end of the year.

While the society offers great advice for making yourself happy, it also encourages people to spread happiness to others. The Web site has “Happy I-Spy Coupons” to be given to anyone, even a stranger, who is experiencing a happy moment.

So brace yourself for Hunt for Happiness Week this January 20-26. Sure it’s cheesy, but what holiday isn’t? Use this as an excuse to make yourself happy and to bring joy to others on campus.

Quick Facts: the Secret Society of Happy People

Founded: August 1998

Purpose: The Secret Society of Happy People encourages the expression of happiness and discourages parade-raining. Parade-rainers are those people who don’t want to hear your happy news. And no, we don’t tell people to be happy if they aren’t or how to be happy.

Motto: If you’re happy and you know it … tell somebody!

Source: www.sohp.com