I hear people asking what the secret of happiness is

 

and I can't help but try to answer the question.

 

They say happiness is fortune... Isn't the love of money the root of all kinds of evil?

 

They say happiness is fame... Don't people forget? Isn't recognition ephemeral?

 

They say happiness is a successful career. Doesn't its glow fade as time passes?

 

They say happiness is being close to those you love: friends, family...

 

Isn't every human, even the people who care about you most,

 

bound to disappoint you at some point?

 

Yes.

 

Then what is happiness? 

 

Happiness is balance.

 

Happiness is a lifestyle.

 

Happiness is knowing yourself, laughing at yourself, accepting and loving yourself.

 

Happiness is not letting the circumstances define 

 

how your day will be.

 

Happiness is a collection of moments in which

 

you decide to take control of your own destiny.

 

Happiness is a choice.

 

There is no secret to happiness.

 

Happiness is the secret.