During the past few weeks, I've been paying close attention to the people around me. While life has its ups and downs, I've witnessed a whole lot of joy radiating from those closest to me. Being able to witness good things happen to beautiful people who deserve it is a blessing. I thought about how all of these things add up to a state of happiness. These are some of the things that come to mind when I think about happiness.

Happiness is when not a care in the world crosses your mind, when you smile, not because you're supposed to, or because of anything other than joy.

It's when you pass by a stranger and they smile.

It's when you let go, when you laugh until your tummy hurts; it's when you giggle at something or nothing at all.

It's when you dance like no one is watching. It's when you wake up with a smile on your face. It's the birds singing in the morning. It's that feeling you get after having a really nice conversation. It's when you feel understood, or when you understand someone else. It's when you feel peace. It's when you see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's when you accomplish something and give yourself a pat on the back. It's when that person acknowledges you. It's when you're encouraged, or when you encourage others. It's when you feel loved, or when you love others.

That's what happiness means to me.

What does happiness mean to you?