What is happiness?

Ok, I know it's early on a wet Monday in November but a 23 year old we all know and love bemoaned last night: I just want to be happy. Tall order.
I wondered whether I now, at this vast age, qualify to become a tribal elder full of wisdom to impart and decided, as I take the vitamin tablet to keep the old bones working and hide the hair colour in the bathroom, that yep, now was as good a time as ever, so here goes.
As a 90% -of-the -time -Polyanna, I've always held on jealously to happiness, knowing that life has a way of throwing spokes in our wheels while we're busy making plans, so it's a sort of panic approach to happiness...buy it now before it goes. Happiness is not something on a cloud that floats past you or something that lands on your lap. It sneaks up on you when you are least expecting it. It comes from doing something that you love, something that touches your soul. It comes from suddenly giggling with someone you love and from watching your children grow into strong, capable adults or from looking down from a hill on an autumn day.

Oh, Christmas, this is beginning to sound like Thought for the Day! But maybe, because I am an optimistic person, I guard happiness with a tiger-like defence.

So, I am giving due warning to world leaders ( because they obviously read my blog), mess up this Copenhagen meeting and they'll have me to deal with!

Well, that'll work, Shirley!

Oh, and to the 23 year old: if you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.