I like to start every day with a happy moment by looking in the mirror and saying, "Hey, gorgeous"!  That sets the tone for my mood! Then, no matter what I'm wearing, no matter how bad my hair is, or how much my skin is misbehaving, I remind myself that I am truly gorgeous inside AND out!  That, I know for sure.

La'Toya
Laurel, MD

When I was living  in another town - a hill  station--there was a lot of natural beauty. Just being near the moutains, rivers, water falls, and birds singing made me very happy.  When I go back and visit, I forget all my troubles as I drive around the mountains and absorb the scenery. I am happiest when I'm there in nature, and I miss it when I'm not.

Aisha
London, UK

I have had many happy moments in my life with my great family--parents, brothers, sisters and the most important people in my life right now--my two children. My son was deployed to Iraq this year for the second time. One of my happiest moments was when God brought him home to me last time. I pray that he is safe, and that he will come home again alive.  I am awaiting that happy moment.

Anita,
New York, NY

In the midst of our toils on this universe, we are presented with many doors, on a constant, somewhat mind shattering basis. The seemingly negative nuances of life which join us on our journeys are in fact the positives that we have been waiting for. In the times when I was most unhappy, I should have been most happy. Today, I choose to just be. No matter what state that is, because it is in that state of being where happy moments reside.

Laa'iqah
Johannesburg, South Africa

These are the moments that make me happy: Spending time with my family, getting a message from my lover, listening to my lover's voice on the phone, admiring the beauty of nature, going for a ride in the car with no destination, seeing old friends, and visiting places with fond memories from my childhood.

Aisha
London, England

Being happy and making others feel happy is the most divine thing. That's why I really appreciate The Goddess of Happiness and it's wonderful service to others. I'm most happy when I'm teaching. Every moment is filled with ecstasy. My students are happy to learn from me, and they tell me class is so vibrant--like we are in heaven. This gives me much pleasure. I believe if you make others happy, you are in service to God.

K. V. Mohana Rao (Mohan)
Khammam, AP, India

I always get happy when I am driving in my car and singing one of my favorite songs. The right music can really change your whole mood or day. The right song reminds me that no matter what is going on in my life, I'll be OK because I have family and friends who care about me, and my dad who is always with me in spirit.

Cora,
Popsville, CA

Seeing a sonogram of my first baby as i get ready to turn 40 years of age! What a delight!

Amy
Carpinteria, CA

Simple things always make me happy. Like eating ice cream in the park, playing in the rain and spending time with my family. Those are the things that really matter in life--doing fun things and spending time with the people you love.

Donna
Miami, FL

Whenever I get in a melancholy mood, I write positive letters to myself. I spend a good time working on the letter writing about how to overcome the whole situation. I put it away and the next time I am feeling low, it becomes my "happy moment". It has helped me through tough times and makes me more confident about myself and the obstacles in my life.

Ivonne
Corona, CA

My happy moments are always there when I allow myself to realize that i have accomplished a little each day. Looking for the violet light that shines within all women, learning a lesson, some encouragement, well that makes for a happy moment.

Jocelyn
Hayward, CA

The weeks leading up to the birth of my daughter were a horrendous time for me. I had gained sixty-five pounds on an already plump body. I was uncomfortable and hot (in August's humidity), I felt like I was on the verge of exploding. I couldn't sleep on anything but a recliner chair-if I slept at all. But, the moment I first saw my daughter in my arms, none of that mattered. It was the happiest day of my life! My daughter is now off to college, and she still brings me much joy.

Charlene
Morristown, NJ

The beach is what makes me happy. I love to scrunch my toes in the sand, smell the ocean air, put my hands in the water and feel the current. Anything on or about the beach keeps me grounded. I try to get there once a week, and if I miss my visit, I feel sluggish and down. It's my special place.

Nancy
San Francisco, CA

When I was eighteen, I had to borrow one of my parents' car to get to my part-time job or go anywhere. I finally saved enough money to put a down payment on a used car. I found the perfect car in my price range, and my father came with me to check it out. He also had to co-sign the loan. The day I got into my own car and sat behind the wheel, I felt so free and happy. I had earned it and it was worth it!

Cindy
Menlo Park, CA

It was one of those more than stressful days. I had an impossible work deadline, my computer crashed, my son had to be picked up from school early, my husband was on a business trip. Well, you get the picture! While walking out to the car, my six-year-old son crouched down by a bed of flowers, and said, "Look at these beautiful daisies!" I bent down next to these perfect little yellow daisies, all smiling at us, and in that moment, I was as happy as my son. What a lovely sight they were!

Wendy
Tuscan, Arizona

After a long cold, dark winter, spring had just started to come about. Suddenly everything around me seemed brighter and lighter. I decided to take a long walk. I had no purpose, but to be outside, strolling wherever my feet took me. After about ten minutes, I started feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and arms. That made me so, so happy!

Morgan
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

OK, I admit it. Chocolate (in any form) makes me happy! I once read that chocolate releases something in your brain to give you a euphoric feeling, and I totally believe that. Anytime chocolate enters my mouth, I get into my chocolate "happy zone". One little chocolate kiss can do it!

Marissa
Oakland, CA

I love my girlfriend's reaction when I give her a surprise gift that I know she wants. Last year, I was able to get tickets to Andrea Bocelli, an Italian singer we both love to listen to. We had previously decided not to buy tickets, because of the price as we were saving up to buy a house together. But I came into some extra money with a side job and got them. When she opened the envelope and read the tickets, it made me so happy to see her jumping around in excitement.

Brent
Los Angeles, CA

A few years ago, we had to move my mother into a nursing home. I felt terrible about it, but with my three kids and my mother's special medical needs, I couldn't take care of her, nor could I afford 24-hour help. In the nursing home, she is cared for and safe, and we visit her at least three times a week. The happiest times, however, is when we make special arrangements to take her back home (with a nurse) for the day. It's like she never left. Those are happy days.

Sofina
Larchmont, NY

The last day of graduate school! I finally finished, and with a 3.5 average. That was a happy day.

Keith
Monroe, NY

I'm a nurse and often work the night shift. One week in the middle of winter, there was a bad flu outbreak, which hit many nurses in the hospital. Being short-handed, the healthy ones (that would be me) had to work overtime. By the end of the week, I was bleary eyed and exhausted. I couldn't wait to drop my tired body into my bed, whenever I got home. It made me appreciate how important sleep was. Sleep definitely makes me happy!

Latisha
Mobile, Alabama

Every night, my dog, Max, curls up on my bed with me and stays there all night. In the morning when he's ready to get up, he makes this sweet grunting noise, and then proceeds to kiss my face all over to wake me up. I always wake up smiling and happy, because I know Max is saying, "Good morning, Kelly. Time to start your day."

Kelly
Phoenix, Arizona