Happiness (hap-ee-nis): noun.

1. the quality or state of being happy (thanks, dictionary)

2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

These definitions seem far too trivial to truly encompass the meaning of what it is to be happy. I foolishly opened the dictionary hoping to find instructions, I guess. I wanted to know how to get back to complacency, and I wanted someone- something- to tell me how to do it. But that was precisely my problem.

Happiness, while the perfunctory "quality or state of being happy," is extremely subjective. It lives within, and is completely different, for all of us. I've been trying to remember what it means for me.

Happiness is waking up early, a morning cup of coffee, and a night sky full of stars. It is a random rush of energy and a light summer breeze. Happiness is collecting sea shells on the sand, exploring a lighthouse full of history, making up stories, asking questions, and getting answers. Happiness is in the first and last rain drop that cascades down my cheek. Happiness is allowing myself to be sad when I need to be. It is a brief encounter with fate and serendipity; it is not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Happiness is an old library book, a photo album full of memories, and a terribly trite joke. Happiness is in laughter and making others laugh. Happiness is a delicious breakfast on Saturday morning, and a dinner date spent sharing your soul. It is looking into someone's eyes and knowing you have somehow brought happiness to them.

Happiness is living even though life is not always happy.