Need and Happiness

What is happiness? What does it mean? It is not measurable, profitable, nor tradable. Yet, above all else in the world, it is what people seek. They want to have happiness. But happiness, like air or water, is intangible. So is it just a feeling? And how can one go about achieving that feeling?
Happiness is not measured by material wealth. A new car, a waterskiing boat or a three-level house does not equate to joyful feelings. They do not guarantee a happy life. The phrase, “money can’t buy happiness,” is heard often… because it is true. People who have wealth can be unhappy, just as the poor can be living on cloud nine.
So if it isn't money that achieves happiness, then what can? Well, goals can. Goals can be small things, like taking an extra moment each day to breathe. But having progress in life, a feeling of forward motion, can make people feel happy.
So people can be happy if they have something to strive for and something to laugh about. But is that it? Can people with goals and a sense of humor still be unhappy? Well, yes. After all, the final key to happiness is the decision to actually be happy. Human nature can see negative energy anywhere. People can fixate on problems instead of solutions. As Lincoln said, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Being happy with who you are and what you have, is a decision that has to be consciously made. Goals can help lead to happiness. Finding laughter in life is important. But at the end of the day, a person needs to make a choice about happiness. They need to agree they want it, deserve it, and have it.