Being alive doesn’t always mean that you are living. And living to me means that you are doing something that makes you happy, at least some of the time.

What does happiness really mean? If you look at it scientifically, it happens when endorphins are released. What are endorphins? They’re hormones that are released when we feel pain or stress and improve our sense of well-being. Some examples are usually when taking a walk, meditating, getting a massage, or having sex. I think we all need to release endorphins more.

How about what it means mentally? It has been defined as a state of well-being and contentment, or joy. I like both definitions. It’s a wonderful thing if someone else can make you happy because we have an innate sense of wanting to share our feelings with others, especially pleasant ones. I specifically enjoy my children and grandchildren, and nothing is better to me than the sound of their laughter. And moments like when my granddaughter told me “Good night, grandma boo-boo” keep me smiling.

Enjoying your own company is a sign that you are basically a person who is content. It doesn’t have to be something luxurious like a trip overseas; it can be bathtime or smiling over pictures. Your happiness can be expressed in a song that comes on the radio that brings back good memories. And it can be remembering the silly or good times spent with someone who is no longer with you.

Whatever the case, it is important to release those endorphins at least sometimes so that you can feel alive.