How Do You Definite Happiness?

This question was posed to me today by a friend. It is a question I asked myself many years back while depressed. At that time, I really didn't feel I knew what happiness was...and guess what!?!?! I didn't! I have learned that happiness doesn't come from others feeding it to you, or having a bunch of things, it is not about an euphoric feeling. It is a gift you give yourself as you experience and recognize truths in your life. It is the power that comes from the peace that truth gives you. For instance, if you tell a lie you don't feel good about yourself, thus you can not find happiness in that lie.... It weighs you down. But if you choose to tell the truth then you give yourself freedom from the burden of guilt, shame or bad consequences. 
We tend to tell ourselves lies about happiness. People tend to think that 'if' they find the perfect person they will be happy....expecting the other person to gratify them. Some try to find their happiness in wealth or fame thinking that if they have more they will be happy. Others think that life should be one big vacation or amusement ride with thrills and adventure around every corner...usually at someone else's expense. Then they wonder why when faced with the realities of life they are not happy.
We have all heard the saying, 'The truth will set you free'. Finding and excepting truth brings one peace of mind. When one feels that peace, they discover happiness and that freedom.
When raising my children during their teens, it seemed like everyday was a battle. But every once in a while, I would get  what I use to call my 'paybacks'. Those paybacks were the moments when one of my kids would say or do something special, nice, thoughtful, showed good judgement or was down-right funny. I lived for those moments.....moments of happiness. Truth is an exhibition of goodness, things that work, solid values put into practice, recognizing the blessings..that is where happiness lies.
As a grandmother, I can find great happiness in my sweet grandchildren. The truth about the circle of life, the value of family life, of learning and growing, teaching, loving.....all this can be found and enjoyed while spending time giving my time to them......happiness.
When times are rough, I can reflect on the little blessings along the way that give me the strength to endure and face my challenges with faith and hope..... again, happiness.
As we share our hearts and thoughts with others it releases bottled up anxieties and we are able to breathe more freely...feeling that peace.....happiness.
Happiness is what each of us seeks, but many do not find. They believe they can create their own happiness or someone else can give it to them, but it is something we need to cultivate for ourselves as we discover the truths which have been laid out for us by our Heavenly Father. He has told us how to find happiness, it is simple...we follow the path he laid out for us. Some might say that they feel too confined by God. I say, he loves us enough to tell us what works. He is 'the way', 'the truth' and 'the life'. It is only through His teachings...the values  or 'truths' that He set forth, where we can find the happiness we desire. He does not promise us there won't be bumps in the road....only that if we stay on course we will find those 'paybacks' that will get us through and eventually bring us the happiness we all desire.