I was challenged by my professor once to define happiness. "This will either be really easy or really hard for you." I never asked him why he chose me, out of twenty-three other students, to take on this challenge but I replied "I got you" with confidence and a smile. Within 15 minutes I cultivated this response:

"The official definition of "happy" is feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. For me, happiness is simple. It is smiling. It is love. When you love, share love or feel loved, you create happiness. Happiness feels pure.

Happiness is a spectrum created by you. It can go from content, cheerful, gleeful, carefree, unbothered, radiant, light-hearted, ecstatic to infinity and more. Happiness is completely tangible if you allow it to be. Happiness is not always materialized but it can be. You can share it and you can gift it.

Happiness does not have to be grandiose, but it can be. It should not be faked but it can be. Pure happiness is effortless, but it can also be achieved. Like goal setting and attaining those goals. Happiness can be a place and it can be warm weather or cold. Happiness can be your home.

Happiness can sometimes be frozen into the moments of being completely aware of the smile on your face and someone else's. Happiness is fleeting. It may come and it may go as much as you allow it to or don't want it to. Happiness can be a memory or hope for what is next to come."

Happiness is enhanced by the people around you. Happiness is all these things and much, much, more. Ultimately happiness is defined by YOU. Happiness is in me and it is in you. So, own it and live your best life.

What makes you happy?