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       What comes to mind when you hear happiness? Money, Fame, Family, Friends ,Good health or even Love. Or is it the boring definition that science or Wikipedia gives?Everyone has a fair idea of what happiness is. In my opinion happiness is a priceless feeling- the feeling I get from doing what I love, being myself, fulfilling my dreams, being grateful, connecting with my family and friends and learning from mistakes. The elevation I receive from doing good or seeing people do good.

My mistakes are happiness builders. Growing up, perfection was preached by my parents who were delusional perfectionists; They taught me to strive for 100%. but is anyone perfect?My mistakes motivate me. It gives me a sense to work harder to attain my goals and reminds me to stay focused.When I make mistakes I cry, not because I have fallen but because I have become stronger, enlightened and relieved. This brings me joy; joy that I have a second chance to make things right. My mistakes are catalyst that motivates me to work harder.

Most people are happiest when they spend quality time with friends, family and loved ones. I once learned that a simple strategy for happiness is accepting social invitations or initiating social gathering with family and friends. Spending time with family swells one's happiness; the joy of face to face meet ups ,the warmth of hugs ,The rush of endorphin's from physical touch and the sense of togetherness and belonging that makes us feel we are part of something larger than ourselves.

When people set goals and attain them, they are happier. Setting goals gives one a sense of purpose and thus resulting in ultimate satisfaction. Ambition makes me happy. People who set ambitious goals tend to be more satisfied than those with lower expectation, says a study published in a Journal of Consumer research. To be happier one must stretch oneself and aim higher while still hanging on to reality.

Have you ever loved an activity so much that you cannot live a day without it?Well, I love to listen to music; music from all genres. As I listen to music, my soul dances and my spirit leaps for joy. When I am sad or angry I listen to music and I always feel better, I feel relieved and I forget my worries. I reminisce childhood memories when I listen to old songs, I remember how my mom would sing to me whenever I was sad. I love to listen to music, It makes me happy.

In contrast to the old saying that money cannot buy happiness, I believe that, if one spends money strategically it can put a smile on ones face. If money is spent on experiences such as memories of people, places and activities rather than material things which tend to loose luster after a while it will potentially lead to happiness. When I spend money on helping others, spend money with others or buying what I like, I become happy. I maximize my happiness when I help the needy, contribute to a moral cause or even indulge in social activities with my friends.Whenever I have money I think of making the world a better place, I think of blessing people in need, I think of making people happy by sharing my resources which in the long run makes me happy.

In a nutshell, we can attain happiness from the simplest and commonest things.Happiness comes from within and also our actions. Nobody is responsible for one's happiness hence one must take charge of one's happiness. We must remember that regardless of what happens to us we can be happy if we want to be happy.SMILE AND BE HAPPY.