What is happiness?

 This has come up recently and I've been thinking a bit about it. What exactly is happiness? I've come to the conclusion that happiness is not the feeling of elation or overwhelming joy that most people think it is. Those feelings don't last. They come with some specific event and eventually they pass. Or you get used to living that way. So while those feelings are nice, they are not permanent or lasting. 

So, back to the question, what is happiness? I am coming to the opinion that happiness is really the lack of sadness. Seriously. As I was walking Mavy last night I was thinking about it. I have a life many people would give anything to have. I have a decent job that I mostly enjoy. I make a decent amount of money. I have a great husband who may drink some but is generally always around and supportive. I live in a great house that we own in a great neighborhood. I'm healthy, the husband is healthy. I have pets that I love and adore and have the means to take care of. So yeah, there are people who would give anything to have the life I have. So I'm happy. I'm not ecstatic or elated or overjoyed or any of those crazy high feelings. I'm just content and basically happy in my life. I have enough money to decorate my house the way I want to so it's comfortable for all who live here. I'm happy. 

Yet, so many people who live much like I do feel unhappy, depressed, or like they are missing out on something. I think the media has led us to believe that happiness is something it is not and too many people are chasing that. They will never catch it, because it is not sustainable. 

Okay, fairly deep thoughts for an early morning post. I'm off to get ready for work.