My hierarchy

I think all so called "happy" people have, to some extent, chosen to be happy.

Happy is not a continuous state and it certainly is not the same state for everyone.

But more situations than I used to believe, are more tolerable than I thought.

If I can pay the basic bills, rent, utilities, food, doctor, I have learned to be grateful.

If I have some form of social connection with at least one person it really improves my life.

If I have someone I love and for me it is always my children, wherever they are, I can feel what love is.

I try to have some form of creative outlet that leaves me wanting to write, or draw, or DO something.

These are my hierarchy of needs, personalized and honed down just for me.  It took me a long time to come up with them and they can change, but they are mine.

They belong to me and there is something to be said for that.