Happiness

A friend recently said that she was happy this time of last year because she was with somebody she loved. But they are no more together. So how were they happy? What is happiness? Is it to be with someone and not being alone? You can be among people and be with the 'someone' and yet feel lonely. Or distant. Or different. To me happiness is a state of mind. It does not depend on someone, yes it can be influenced by them. Happiness is a place where we can explore and discover each others spaces without troubling each other or being troubled. Happiness could be without somebody, and we don't realize it. Happiness is an orientation felt in a crowded place, a contentment felt amid dissatisfaction, a calm in a storm. Because you are okay with it. With the storm, the dissatisfaction, the crowd. It is not something to be pursued, because it will come to you in your truest and purest form. It is a state of mind. A choice.
P.s. That does not mean that you sit on your butt and don't do anything. Just do the things you love. I mean the usual things of life. Things that add value, not only materially but also emotionally and spiritually.