Happiness is a tricky thing. Is learning to be happy an emotion or a state of being? When are we truly “happy”?

For some, the key to happiness is people. For others, it’s success (measured in a variety of ways). For the majority of the population, it’s a combination of things.

According to Psychology Today, they found that when asking people what makes them happy there were three common themes:

1. Money (for “sufficient material resources” and less stress)
2. A fulfilling social life, and
3. A “stable environment” (i.e. religion or spirituality of some kind).

   However, even with all of these components, happiness alludes many. Psychology Today explains this by explaining that the most important aspect of happiness is a “positive attitude”.

   Excluding people that suffer from clinical depression, this theory completely makes sense to me.

   It seems to describe why people who are rich, popular and preaching about “the good word” aren’t really happy and why people suffering from life-threatening illnesses and basically live life in pain sometimes seem happier than anyone else.

   We often wonder why people who don’t seem like they should be happy are, in fact, happy and vice versa. So, it completely makes sense that, ultimately, happiness comes down to a good attitude.

   Happiness seems to be a very personal thing. Something that can’t necessarily be measured or imposed on someone else. But regardless of the personal aspects of happiness, there are still some pretty universal truths surrounding it.

   It takes accepting who you are while always striving to be better,  and leading a fulfilling life you’re proud of. Then, of course, surrounding yourself with people you enjoy being around.

   But the ultimate key still seems to be a positive attitude. So, turn that frown upside down and enjoy the 40 best quotes about happiness and what it really takes to be happy.