Happiness is feeling joyful and glad.

For me, that comes from a mix of external circumstances, innate personality, and intentional attitude.

I humbly admit that being born into a supportive family with a reliable community of friends has factored into my ability to feel joy. Even in the times of having few material things, I have always felt an abundance of support and love.

Chemically, my brain tends to think and remember the good that happens and doesn’t dwell on fears or worries, so that also helps me be a happy person (although not always the most studious – I often procrastinated in high school and college because deadlines didn’t scare me enough).

Finally, the thing in my control that contributes to my happiness is choosing to be content, grateful, and kind. In my Christian upbringing, I was always taught to be thankful – counting my blessings – so gratitude is second nature.

Being content allows me to be happy with what I have – a ten year old TV, hand me down toys and clothes for my kids, an old phone. Striving for kindness also keeps my happy level high because that makes people around me happier, and their happy presence then gets spread back to me.