Happiness does not come from the approval of others or doing what you desire. Happiness is not about riches, glamour or your status in life. Happiness is about the simple things in your life. Happiness is something you need to produce from the inside out. If you are not happy with yourself, then you cannot possibly shine happiness to others.

In my younger years, I believed happiness was about making other people happy or seeking for their approval. I thought as long as I did what someone else wanted me to do, I would be happy. I was absolutely wrong. In past relationships, I went along with certain decisions that were both emotionally and mentally unhealthy and damaging just to be accepted. I was not making me happy - I was making them happy. It did take me a while before I realized that my happiness lay in me. There's nothing wrong with making someone else happy, but make sure you are doing things in life because you want to do them.

Here are few suggestions on how to be happy:

Spend time on the things you love

It is extremely important to do the things you love. Do not concern yourself with doing the things other people want you to do. Remember, it is not about them. You need to grab hold of your life and do the things that make you happy. If you want to start your own business, open a soup kitchen, volunteer in your church or help the less fortunate - whatever it is you truly desire - do it. There is no better joy than doing what your heart desires.

Embrace good and bad

Happiness is not only accepting the good; it is also accepting the bad. The bad things you face in life may cause discouragement and loss of faith. But, the bad should not be labeled only as bad. The bad makes you stronger. It makes you fight harder for what you want. Don't you feel happy when you realized how you survived the bad in your life?

Accept the simple things in life

You may not have the most expensive, glamorous things in life. However, you do have one precious gift, which is life. You should embrace the mere fact that you have a roof over your head, true family and friends who love you dearly, your health or the ability to help someone in need. There are so many little things surrounding you every day that bring happiness.

Be receptive to change

Change is always scary. You have no idea what to expect. Nevertheless, change is needed. The changes in your life happen so you can learn about yourself and realize how fortunate you are to have what you do have - even if it's not exactly what you wished for.

Please do not count on another's approval to welcome happiness into your life. Each and every one of us deserves to be happy. Remember, being happy is being yourself.