What's Your Key to Happiness

"The Key to Happiness" we hear it a lot. What does it mean to you?

Is happiness money, that new car, your children, your family or maybe your dog? Is it everything wrapped in one big present for you?

The definition of HAPPINESS in Wikipedia is a mental or emotional state of well being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Sounds great, right! But what's the key?

This is the best information I could ever find from Lifetrainings.com when googling the 4 keys to happiness...I believe in absolutely all of them! I agree with my whole heart, we can all live like this if we want too.

1. Friendliness

2. Compassion

3. Cheerfulness

4. Gratitude

If I'd have a lot of money it would probably make me happy. If I'd live in the biggest house on my block.. it would probably make me happy. But I'm not sure it's the things in my life that make me happy. It's what's inside of me, that brings out my happiness. I don't think it's just one "thing".

It's funny I seem to always laugh a little at my fiance' when he goes through the toll booth and he talks to the toll attendant. I say, "You're so nice..he says..I'm being friendly." Guess that's the reason I love him so much. But it's true..a simple "Happy New Year", or a "Hi, have a great day" can go a long way!

Happiness to me, comes in so many feelings and emotions, life, family, friends, job, dogs and I could keep going...it's how I choose to live my life-- happiness is all around me, I couldn't be more thankful. They'll always be the sad with the happy, the disappointment with the happy but I always KEEP the HAPPY BIGGER than all of that! I say to my daughter when a teacher or a friend is asking you what do you want to be when you grow up..say, "I just want to be happy." It's the best thing I could ever teach my child. And with happiness comes those beautiful things, being compassionate, cheerful, full of gratitude and of course be kind and friendly, always!

What's your Key to Happiness?