What does it mean to be happy? It means we are not unhappy. This answer is not just an exercise in semantics, but rather the elucidation of the very essence of happiness, a state of being which seeks to avoid unhappiness. Since we are all born happy, it can be assumed that somewhere along the way, we learned unhappiness. Therefore, in order to return to a happy state, unhappiness must be un-learned.No one can make us happy, and no one can make us unhappy. We may think that others are making us unhappy, but that is only because we are reacting to their unhappiness. This is not to minimize life situations that are truly painful, but in the New Era it is essential to remain an observer and realize that each individual is on their own path. We must allow them to be on that path. We may be able to offer assistance, and we can always send Love.We should be grateful for our life, and everything in it. This is important, because gratitude signifies acceptance, and validates the act of receiving. Once we have acknowledged and given thanks for what we have, we are in the position to receive more, so it is helpful to express genuine gratitude whenever possible. We will feel happy when we are grateful, and grateful that we are happy.We can always look for uplifting aspects in a situation. When we hear doubtful thoughts trying to creep in, telling us that things probably will not work, or it is too good to be true, we can just let them go. They are surfacing from deep within us. Those thoughts are moving from our subconscious into our conscious, so that we may release them. Better out than in, I say. When we begin to examine all our excellent qualities, and then keep our focus on those qualities, we can develop more desirable character traits. The unnecessary ones will fade away when we do not give them our attention. We do not require anyone else’s approval, only our own. We are a reflection of the Divine energy of the Universe, and we can rise to it.