HAPPINESS HAPPENS MONTH

July 31, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.

Power of Positive Thinking Hardcover – April 1, 2012

by Norman Vincent Peale (Author) — Power of Positive Thinking

by Norman Vincent Peale (Author)

Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. That kind of life doesn’t exist. As the Stoics of Ancient Greece observed, happiness is all about the quality of your thoughts. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Don’t limit yourself to searching for pleasure. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy. Oprah Winfrey said it wasn’t until she learned to be happy that good things started happening to her.

Man's Search for Meaning Kindle Edition

by Viktor E. Frankl (Author), Harold S. Kushner (Foreword), & 1 — Man’s Search for Meaning Kindle Edition

by Viktor E. Frankl (Author), Harold S. Kushner (Foreword)

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Need to get happy? Try out this playlist to lighten your day!

If you struggle with finding happiness, you can learn to be happy. There is plenty of helpful advice available to guide you in the right direction. Reading self-help material is an excellent place to start. Here are a few published works you might want to read to help you in your pursuit of happiness:

Meditations: The Philosophy Classic (Capstone Classics) 1st Edition

by Marcus Aurelius (Author), & 2 more — Meditations: The Philosophy Classic

by Marcus Aurelius (Author), & 2 more

Most of the best “how to be happy” books and videos boil down to variations of the Ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism (not to be confused with the modern use of the word). The essence of stoicism is this: no matter what is wrong with the world in general, and your life in particular, you can choose to be happy if you learn how.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”
-Viktor Frankl

HISTORY
The Secret Society of Happy People started celebrating happiness with “Admit You’re Happy Day,” on August 8, 1999.

HOW TO OBSERVE
Notice more happy moments and share them with others. Use #HappinessHappensMonth on social media.

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International Red Sneakers Day

May 19, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Each year on May 20th, International Red Sneakers Day marks a growing movement with a mission to save the lives of those with food allergies while also sharing the story and memory of a boy who loved red sneakers.

Food allergies come in many forms. While one person’s body will have a deadly reaction to nuts, another’s allergy will be shellfish. The common issue is that both are life-threatening conditions. International Red Sneakers Day promotes improved awareness of all food allergies and support for those who have them.

Energetic and athletic 11-year-old Oakley Debbs inspired the observance. He had a tree nut and peanut allergy, and he loved red sneakers. Sadly, he is also a testament that allergens kill. In November of 2016, Oakley died after eating a slice of cake made with walnut extract.

If you have a food allergy and go into anaphylaxis, give yourself epinephrine immediately and call 911.

The international initiative aims to raise awareness in support of all those with food allergies. Some of the goals include:

Education and Awareness – Speak with your physicians about the proper administration of epinephrine when anaphylaxis occurs and carrying two auto-injectors.
Raise Awareness – Involve your community in campaigns and outreach. Include coaches, teachers, coworkers, and family members.
Advocacy – Improve access to care from diagnosis to treatment. Write to state and federal legislatures for support.
Allergy-conscious Cooking – Make it easier for those with allergies to identify safe foods. Support easy-to-read labels and food protocols in restaurants.

Anaphylaxis is a frightening and deadly condition. Take steps to make a difference in your life or that of a loved one.

INTERNATIONAL RED SNEAKERS DAY HISTORY

Red Sneakers for Oakley™, a nonprofit 501c3, founded International Red Sneakers Day in 2018, after Oakley Debb’s November 2016 fatal reaction to nuts. Oakley’s parents, Merrill and Robert Debbs, launched Red Sneakers for Oakley to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. Central to the organization’s theme are Oakley’s red sneakers, carrying food allergy awareness messages all over the world and in multiple languages.

Visit their website at RedSneakers.org for food allergy resources, read Oakley’s entire story, and of course, wear red sneakers.

HOW TO OBSERVE International Red Sneakers Day

Wear your #RedSneakersForOakley to show your support for those with food allergies! You’ll also be joining a growing movement that has already saved lives. It’s simple. Please take a picture of yourself wearing your red sneakers, tag @redsneakersforoakley or @oakley_red, and post it on social media. You only need to read the testimonials on the Red Sneakers for Oakley website to know how powerful the movement is and how many lives a day like this can save.

Do you have a story to share? You might save a life. Use the hashtags #RedSneakersForOakley #InternationalRedSneakersDay.

Be sure to follow:
Facebook @redsneakersforoakley
Instagram @redsneakersforoakley
Twitter @oakley_red
Pinterest @oakley_red

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International Red Sneakers Day#InternationalRedSneakersDay#RedSneakersForOakley — Obtaom Women’s Play Fashion Sneaker White Color Washed and Leopard Canvas Slip on Shoes

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ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

April 30, 2026April 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

May has been designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Across the nation, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders contribute to a rich and deeply rooted heritage.

Whether speaking to first, second, third, or fourth-generation immigrants, their impact is powerful and inspiring. From migrant laborers to inventive trailblazers, the month is a time to acknowledge their hardships, culture, achievements, and beliefs.

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH HISTORY

Congress first passed a joint resolution in 1978 authorizing the President to proclaim a week-long celebration of Asian and Pacific American heritage. President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation took place on March 28, 1979, and the first Asian and Pacific American Heritage week took place the week of May 4, 1979.

In 1990, the proclamations expanded to a month-long observance. In 1992, Congress passed legislation recognizing the previous proclamations and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and annual designation in May.

President Obama’s proclamation in 2009 expanded the observance to include Pacific Islanders.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #AsianAmericanAndPacificIsanderMonth

During the month, attend celebrations and special exhibits taking place at museums, libraries, and universities across the country.
Get reading about Polynesian history and the Aloha State.
Watch a documentary about the transcontinental railroad. Learn about the working conditions for many Asian Americans.
Take a class in Japanese Washi papermaking.
Learn to make Pho.

Use #AsianAmericanAndPacificIslanderMonth to share on social media.

National Couple Appreciation Month

March 31, 2026March 25, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

National Couple Appreciation Month in April reminds us to keep the flames of romance alive all year long. Don’t wait for a specific holiday to keep the spark in your relationship hot.

Let’s face it; relationships take work. Whether they are romantic ones or not, they take effort. When two people are in the early stages of love, the excitement and the hormones make us overlook all the flaws and potential obstacles the world throws at us. Fast forward to life. When we value the people in our lives, we take the time to do the little things to let them know.

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For the significant other in our life, those little things mean so much more. This person is the one we call when we’re going to be late coming home from work. She’s the person we talk to about big decisions. He’s the person who makes your coffee in the morning.

Whether the relationship is becoming long-term or has already endured the long-haul, National Couple Appreciation Month is a time to re-dedicate the little things we do for each other. Little things go a long way to sending the message that we a loved and cared about.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Spend time with your loved one and reconnect.

Little Things

Leave a love note on your mate’s car.
Surprise your love with coffee or tea before they wake.
If your sweetheart is a selfie-loving type and you’re not, give in on occasion and take a couples’ selfie.
Let your significant other overhear you complimenting them. It’s one thing for you to tell them directly, but to know you tell others what you think means so much more.
Invite your love to go on an activity he or she enjoys. It doesn’t need to be expensive. If they are always pestering you to go for a walk or to the library, they will be pleased by the gesture.
Learn something new together. Explore common interests where you both might have an opportunity to learn while spending time together.

Use #NationalCoupleAppreciationMonth to share on social media.

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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

March 31, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

April recognizes all those who give there time and energy during National Volunteer Month. In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. In many parts of the country, it is the cornerstone of summer vacation or woven into after school programs. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties and the largest cities would not function without volunteers. In some families, the baton of volunteerism is handed down generation after generation.

Rural fire and ambulance departments remain staffed due to the efforts of volunteers. The underprivileged receive much needed medical care thanks to volunteers. Long overdue repairs and upgrades are made to a senior women’s home thanks to an organization’s annual call for donations and skilled workers. A woman answers a call on a suicide hotline because she cared enough to give up a few hours to train and listen to someone desperate and alone. A team sets up tables at a soup kitchen every week. Another group delivers meals to men and women who can no longer cook for themselves. Boys and girls sell ice cream sandwiches during a fair to raise money for a homeless shelter.

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. They pick a cause and make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the difference a drop in the bucket. Other times it creates a tidal wave of change. From the anonymous volunteers who donate their resources to those whose efforts are part of larger national organizations like 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, or American Red Cross or a local grassroots group, their missions provide valuable support to communities in times of need.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH HISTORY

President George H.W. Bush launch the 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991 and established April as National Volunteer Month.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVolunteerMonth

Thank a volunteer.
Volunteer! Many volunteers will tell you it is a rewarding experience.
You don’t have to have a ton of time.
Do you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization? Offer your services or ask how you can be of help.
Use #NationalVolunteerMonth to share on social media.

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International Red Sneakers Day

INTERNATIONAL RED SNEAKERS DAY HISTORY

HOW TO OBSERVE International Red Sneakers Day

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ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH HISTORY

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AsianAmericanAndPacificIsanderMonth

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Need to get happy? Try out this playlist to lighten your day!

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INTERNATIONAL RED SNEAKERS DAY HISTORY

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ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH HISTORY

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Little Things

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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH HISTORY

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVolunteerMonth

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