Hi Shangrala

According to the research that is out there on this topic (yes... believe it or not, there are psychologists that study this subject -- the field is known as positive psychology), happiness is influenced partly by genetic factors (the influence of our DNA is approximately 50%), differences in life circumstances (10%) and the rest (40%), is entirely within our control.

The research that has been done on this topic suggests that everyone basically has a happiness set point, sort of like a thermostat that is set at a particular temperature. That set point is determined by our DNA/ancestry.

While our set point is determined by our DNA, we can all move beyond it by the choices we make in our lives.

For example, financial, material and career success will cause our happiness levels to rise, as will doing such things as practicing religion/spirituality, exercising, socializing with friends and family, practicing gratitude, engaging in "flow activities" (e.g. hobbies that we greatly enjoy), entering into marriage, etc, etc.

All these activities will increase our happiness, but the rise is only temporary, because at some point we all will return to our genetically determined happiness set point.

So what is happiness?

Happiness is not a destination, so much as it is an ongoing, lifelong journey.

It is something that has to be worked at continously, much like keeping oneself in good physical shape through regular exercise.

Anyway... there's a very good book on the subject which has been written by one of the leading researchers in the field. I have read it myself and as a person who enjoys researching psychology (and other realms of science for that matter, lol), I highly recommend it.

You might want to purchase a copy or check it out at your local library. See the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Happiness-...6807341&sr=8-1