The secret of happiness is t.... I guess someone just doesn't want others to know!!! And how many of us can say we are truly "happy"? I guess it boils down to how we define the word, doesn't it?
Happy Hap"py
1. Favored by hap, luck, or fortune; lucky; fortunate; successful; prosperous; satisfying desire; as, a happy expedient; a happy effort; a happy venture; a happy omen. [1913 Webster]
2. Experiencing the effect of favorable fortune; having the feeling arising from the consciousness of well-being or of enjoyment; enjoying good of any kind, as peace, tranquillity, comfort; contented; joyous; as, happy hours, happy thoughts. [1913 Webster]
And then there is the definition of Jesus....
Matthew, Chapter 5
(Young's Literal Translation)
Mat 5:3 `Happy the poor in spirit--because theirs is the reign of the heavens.
Mat 5:4 `Happy the mourning--because they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 `Happy the meek--because they shall inherit the land.
Mat 5:6 `Happy those hungering and thirsting for righteousness--because they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7 `Happy the kind--because they shall find kindness.
Mat 5:8 `Happy the clean in heart--because they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 `Happy the peacemakers--because they shall be called Sons of God.
Mat 5:10 `Happy those persecuted for righteousness' sake--because theirs is the reign of the heavens.
Mat 5:4 `Happy the mourning--because they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 `Happy the meek--because they shall inherit the land.
Mat 5:6 `Happy those hungering and thirsting for righteousness--because they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7 `Happy the kind--because they shall find kindness.
Mat 5:8 `Happy the clean in heart--because they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 `Happy the peacemakers--because they shall be called Sons of God.
Mat 5:10 `Happy those persecuted for righteousness' sake--because theirs is the reign of the heavens.
Most translations use the word "blessed", but I like Happy better, because I think it conveys the meaning of the original more accurately. If I were to go a bit farther, I would say "Oh, the blessed state" of the one who... and fill in the blanks. So, how can someone be blessed or happy or be in a blessed state if they are: poor in spirit or mourning or persecuted??? The answer that seems to work best for me is that only those whose lives are truly in accord with the will of God can truly be HAPPY!!! I mean, a happiness that transcends health, wealth, possessions and longevity. To some out there, this might sound like foolishness, but look at the LONG PICTURE. In a thousand years, what will matter? Answer: How you have pleased God!!! I know that this is difficult, but just think about it, OK?
In the meantime, here is an additional little something from the 114th Psalm to add to your definition...
Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. --Ps. cxliv. 15. [1913 Webster]