To me, happiness is the old “inside job”. It comes from within and does not depend on the externals.

True, life hands us stuff that some may consider bad. But it is one’s perception of the good and bad that makes it so.

Most times, we do not know whether something that happens is a miracle or a tragedy.

I would suggest that one way to increase your state of happiness is to concentrate on the good things in your life. The things for which you are grateful.

We recently wrote about this issue at Brain Blogger. Recent studies using twins found that happiness and depression are inheritable and there are genetic links to certain personality traits. Those who are extroverted, open, agreeable and conscientious are more likely to be happy. Those with opposing traits — introversion, disagreeability and neuroticism — are more likely to be depressed.

I would like to read your commentary on our article. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Shaheen