According to Merriam-Webster, the literal definition of happiness is:

hap·pi·ness /ˈhapēnəs/: 

a : a state of well-being and contentment : JOY

b : a pleasurable or satisfying experience

In my opinion, the overall feeling of happiness is a total choice, and the way that I have chosen to generally live my life. 

Obviously life is not all sunshine and roses, and it is not realistic to think that you won’t ever get bad news, experience loss (such as death of a close friend or family member), or go through hardships.  As happy of a person that one may try to be, that’s just reality.  

For me, it’s choosing to be grateful for what I have, choosing to appreciate the good things I have, choosing to not let little (relatively inconsequential) things bring you down, and not letting minor (or even major) setbacks color my view of the world. It is choosing to live life that way that helps to create an overall feeling of happiness.  Finding something joyful to focus on instead of getting bogged down with negativity. There’s an expression that I think sums up my personal view of life:

“Every day may not be good.. but there’s something good in every day.” – Alice Morse Earle 

Nadine Haruni is a writer whose work, and books, can be found on her website.