I don't know whether you'd say I'm pretty or not, but I'm pretty happy, because my husband does the cooking (and the dishes!)  (;-0)

Anyone who has ever been clinically depressed and unable to function will tell you that it's at LEAST 50% chemical.  Positive thinking can only get you so far.

Until science (meaning nutrition more than drugs) figures a way to stem the flow of the "negative" hormones/chemicals through our brain real depression is here to stay.

It's obvious, to me, that empty lives sit around thinking about whether or not they are happy.  There is so much that is not right in this world and SO MANY suffering from the consequences...  if one finds himself with an abundance of happiness, maybe it is time to look outside yourself!  

I agree somewhat with JPValdez26 on points 1. and 2., although mostly on semantics. Instead of "Accept Yourself" at all times I prefer "Accept Yourself where you are and once you have done that focus on how to always improve one step at a time." It also helps to divide your happiness into areas and do one little thing to improve each area at a time. And don't forget that the number one reason that Americans are so much unhappier than other cultures is our materialism and debt, so accepting yourself as materialistic and perpetually debt driven is probably not literally what you should do, is it?

All of the steps are crucial but I might also add an idea from The Art of Living - Avoid attachments to material things, for everything you have now there was once a time when you did not have it. And when you lose things - like money or your job - do not fret, they have simply gone back to where they were before you had them.

Someone once said to me after losing his job "Before I had this job I didn't have a job." What a great attitude? You don't have to dwell a single second on loss, just keep looking forward with a positive attitude.

But then where does debt come into play? Debt is really a poisonous negative arbitrage that exists when loss and gain are separated from each other in an unhealthy way. You can gain something of value along with debt but the value may shrink and the debt almost always increases unless you give up a great amount to end the debt. The entire cycle creates more angst than most people need to struggle with so to really be happy we have to admit that we are not as wealthy as we seem and that we have to wait much longer to have material things in a healthy, happy way instead of through debt.

Finally the really good news is noticing that all of the things that bring us true happiness cost us almost nothing! Especially sunshine and exercise!

I find that I can be happy in almost any set of circumstances.  Drives my wife nuts.  I don't worry about anything.  $50,000 in debt?  No worry.  You make the changes you can and then forget about it.  I'm not saying don't prepare, but once you have done what you can to remedy a situation, what will further though & worry do to make the situation any better?  Nothing.  But it will negatively impact your outlook, mood, happiness level, and ultimately your health.

So I go without worry.  I figured that out as a kid.  Of course I still consider myself a kid, so that doesn't say much.  So lets see, in the Middle School / High School era of my life I figured that out.

Your thought patterns influence your health and the energy around you.  If you expect to find a thing, you most likely will.  Maybe I am just blind to the 'downer' things around me, but I'm more happy because of it.  Course, I could be an airhead too!  This concept goes hand in hand with 'The Secret' and that other movie that goes into you manifesting your reality.  I don't think that either of those cover your entire existance, but they do hold some truth.  My wife cringes when someone mentions it.  But I still see her making statements of the same sort to our 6 yr. ould, "If you think you are going to be picked on at school, then you will."  I agree.  If you feel like a victem, you will be victimized.  Ignore the fools around you and be happy.  I know I do.  

This important idea of happiness is is well documented in a movie called "The Secret" which goes into the scientific, and quantum aspects..oh well happiness is all in your head.

A very good article, I wish more people would believe in it. This world would be a much better place for all.

Thoughts and feelings are energy. You are what you think about, so choose carefully. If you're feeling down, don't expect to immediately feel better, but you can get there. To start, find a better feeling thought. Imagine scenarios that make you happy, remember good experiences. Before you know it, you will feel better, keep at it and you will start manifesting those good thoughts, but it isn't about what you manifest, it is about how you feel. Self-entertainment is everything! Try to suspend disbelief. Imagine good health, imagine world peace. That is why prayer works. Prayer Changes the one who prays.

Someone told me once "If you want to believe in something, believe in yourself, that will make you happy. And - getting more sunshine and taking Mercola‘s advice.

I am happy because I make myself that way.