What is happiness? Happiness is an inner state of well-being and fulfillment, and therefore it must come from within. Each individual has their own emotions and way of thinking and therefore, no one can really say what happiness is and what it is not. However, universally, happiness is the product of a healthy attitude and perspective. Happiness exists in everyone, whether they choose to recognize and believe in it or not. It's not rare, nor is it something that only the elite have: everyone has it, but not everyone recognizes it. Contentment is finding a light at the end of every dark tunnel and to experience it we must ignore the pessimism around us and remember that happiness is not a materialistic object but a choice and a state of spirit. Contrary to popular belief, true happiness is very rarely found at the bottom of a shopping cart or on the leather seats of a new car. We often hear the cliché that “Money can’t buy you happiness,” but it’s actually true. Although the exhilaration and pleasure that comes from finally owning a sought-after item is extraordinary, you must remember that your happiness should not depend on your possession of that item. Being happy isn't something you can buy at a store or car dealership, it's how you experience life. Unfortunately, happiness does not have its own section in stores and never will. Happiness is how something is perceived, as opposed to a physical thing. However, happiness is not only a prospect but also a choice. Success and happiness are often linked to contentment, but happiness should not depend on success. Although I was not successful in my chosen sport, horse riding, the enjoyment it gave me far exceeded any d...... middle of paper ...... minor flaws but now I understand that being happy is simply choosing to be. Obviously, the change in approach to life is not instantaneous and will take time and effort, but that's where my new optimism comes in. I know that life will never be immaculate and unblemished because after everything, that's how life is. It's more a question of point of view. I used to say the glass was half empty, but now it seems more logical to say it's half full. None of these expressions are inaccurate, but one of them makes life slightly more tolerable. I can now understand that happiness is essentially in the mind and it seems to me that if you spend your life in a cynical state of mind, surely everything you do is a waste. The choice to be happy is a choice that everyone can make and it is this choice that ultimately determines how you live your life..