The pursuit of happiness is still alive and well according to an article written by Tammy Brodesser-Akner that appeared in a recent issue of Spirit Magazine.  As it turns out, the benefits of happiness are well worth the pursuit.  According to the article, there are at least 225 studies which tell us that once you are a happy person, you’re likely to be healthier, more creative, productive, and have a stronger immune system.  The difficult thing about happiness, however, is defining what it is.  So the article begins by referring to research studies which point out what it isn’t: It isn’t money, youth or the opposite of sadness and it’s not “…a blissed-out state of only buoyant emotions.”  Instead, the article states that happiness is the byproduct of our doing meaningful things—things with purpose or significance that tell us our life stands for something worthwhile.  The easiest way to accomplish this is by engaging in kind acts that benefit others.  This is what makes you feel very good about yourself which is what happiness is all about.  Furthermore, if you want to continue to be happy, you have to keep doing meaningful things.  As the article put it, “What all of us can do to perpetuate our happiness is spread it to others through acts of joy and kindness.”