Are You Happy?

I promise this post will not be a downer! In spite of March being a grief-filled month from my point of view, we can all work toward more happiness.But what is happy to you? Consider Pharrell Williams's much-viewed video for the song, "Happy." Go ahead, I'll wait.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtMIt's catchy, yes. You want to watch it again. Pharrell Williams keeps you engaged, that's for sure. Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.But what makes you happy? Wealth? A promotion at work? Your kid getting into the top law school? How do you define happiness for yourself?Good health is way up there, especially as we age. Friends and acquaintances have passed this month (no one over the age of 60).Family? Friends? True love? Where does your wellspring of good feeling come from? David Steindl-Rast, a Catholic Benedictine monk in upstate New York, says this: "We all know people who have lots of misfortune...and they are deeply happy! Why? Because they're grateful. It's gratefulness that makes you happy. Grateful living is the thing. Every moment is a given moment. There is no way of assuring there will be another moment given to you. This moment is a gift. What we're really grateful for is the opportunity. If we avail ourselves of the opportunity, it is the key to happiness."Find your happiness in everyday moments, and in the opportunity each of these given moments presents.