"Happiness. We're tearing our hair out to try to find a definition of it, for heaven's sake."
-- Professor Coreman, "Hector and the Search for Happiness"

I have recently finished reading “Hector and the Search for Happiness,” which has obviously inspired me to write this very article. Happiness is truly an enigmatic quality. Happiness might not be difficult to spot, but it is difficult to explain. What makes happiness so hard to understand and process is the fact that each individual has their own equation or recipe for happiness; their own guide. I recently found a few notes in my phone and pages in my notebook that sum up simple things that make me happy, my own equation.

Locations where I’m happy

In my technicolor hammock on the top of a dune looking out onto Lake Michigan.

In my car with all the windows down and music blasting.

In busy cafes.

Downtown when the streetlights flash on.

In my bed after a long day.

Sitting at the computer desk working on editing and writing.

In libraries and bookstores.

Standing room only at concerts.

Thrift store fitting rooms, wearing ridiculous striped pants or whatever I came across that day.

Sitting on the piano bench with hands poised carefully on the keys.

The couch in my living room with a stack of books next to me.

At the Kalamazoo Institute of Art, standing in front of "By the Sea."

Things that make me happy when I do them

Walking on concrete barefoot.

Meditating.

Finishing projects.

Falling asleep in my hammock.

Re-reading my favorite books.

Drinking the first sip of good coffee.

Listening to vinyls.

Spending time with my friends.

Sending and receiving letters.

Starting a new notebook.

Eating dinner with my family.

Petting my cats.

Developing photos.

Jumping in waves at the lake.

Relating.

Finding new favorites.

So, I have identified a few of the infinite components that make up my happiness. My equation is ever expanding, ever changing, but I have learned to identify what truly gives me joy and will be able to focus on my personal happy. Identify what makes you happy and go chase it!