The psychology of being happy

I've been a bit surprised at myself from time to time lately at how happy I really and truly feel. I've had plenty of things that have come up that I feel should have made me unhappy, but other than just being a bump or two in the road, they really haven't affected me.

A collection of studies on the psychology of happiness as reported by USA Today is starting to find out just how people become happy or sustain happiness. Part of it, like our parents or teachers once told us, is about attitude, but that's not all.

Some of it has to do with our genetics, some of it is how we measure our success and some of it is the activities we choose for ourselves.

One of my favorite points about the article is the role gratitude plays. People who count their blessings are happier. I know a number of you have been participating in Grace in Small Things, an effort to remind ourselves that we are all blessed by even the smallest things in life. If you haven't heard of it, do check it out.

And just in case I don't say it enough, I'm very, very, very grateful to have all of you in my life. Whether or not I've met you personally, you've still played a role in my happiness!

(Cheers to GIST)